『 Now our contract’s complete. That said, most of my powers are sealed right now. As a contractor, I can’t give you the power of a hero 』
「 No, that’s not the goal 」
『 Kukuku… So be it, my new contractor. All the guys I’ve been in contract so far had been too earnest. Touya, I’m expecting a lot from you 』
I fucked up! I made a contract with this bird I just met and I don’t even know what it is! B-But, I have lewd skills at least, right?
「 Still, what do I do now? 」
『 What? 』
「 It’s Hero points or money. What do I have to do to get people to appreciate me? I don’t have money at all. I had a low salary, to begin with, I have very little savings, and the worst part is I just quit my job yesterday 」
『 Hmm. Come to think of it, I’m new to this world and ignorant. Touya, guide me through this world 』
「 Right… 」
And so I talked to Cui with my phone in hand. Cui listened with great interest.
『 I see. So cars and planes… Seems like I came to a fairly civilized world 』
「 Really? What do other worlds look like? 」
『 There were two worlds I saved with my contracted heroes. In both cases, they have non-human intelligent life forms fighting for supremacy over the world 』
「 I-I see… 」
Seems like it’s a bloody world. Well, it’s a world where heroes have to exist.
「 Well, I’ll be working a part-time job just to be aware of how much people appreciate me 」
I have to find a job anyway. I’m not that enthusiastic about it yet. For now, let’s look for a part-time job.
Thinking about it, I opened a contact on my phone. Then, I called someone.
「 Ah, it’s been a while. Yes, yes. You see… Actually 」
I’m calling a certain barkeeper. I had a part-time job there when I was a college student. I had a good connection with him so I asked if I could work for a while.
「 Realy?! Thanks! Yes! I can start today! It’s good! 」
Great, I ended my call and faced Cui.
「 For now, I can earn money. Also, I’ll be working in the service industry. So I can focus on getting people’s appreciation 」
『 That frame, is that a magic device you use to communicate those far away? 』
「 What magic device? This is a smartphone 」
M-Magic device. It’s kind of the word that shakes the black buzz I had in my heart when I was in eighth grade.
『 Hmm. I need to be prepared for the common sense in this world 』
While we’re talking, it’s now noon. I crushed cornflakes again and offered it to Cui along with some water.
I also ate cornflakes and mil.
『 This again. How can you eat something that looks like animal feed? 』
「 Hey! That’s rude! That’s rude to the people who make these cornflakes! 」
Besides, this is delicious. Geez. What an indulgent bird.
「 Haa. Anyway, we’re living on cornflakes for a while unless we get some serious money 」
『 Meat! What about meat?! 』
「 Shut it! I know! I’ll go buy some pork at a discount when I get paid! 」
I feel like the food expenses will be doubled, or rather, there will be some extra for Cui from now on.
Dammit! If not for the lewd skills, this would be a waste of money.
『 Money talks no matter what world it is. Well, it’s also necessary to unleash my seal. Very well, I’ll think about it too 』
「 Think? About earning money? 」
『 Indeed. In the meantime, I’d like some data about this world. Is there somewhere where I can peek at books or something similar? 』
「 Books? Right, you can go to the library and read as many books as you want 」
『 I see. There are libraries, of course. This is a civilized world after all 』
Cui seems to be in a good mood. After dinner, I took Cui to the library. But.
「 I don’t think I can bring a bird in 」
『 Do something about it 』
「 What a slave-driving bird… 」
And so, I put Cui in my shoulder bag. I got into the car and then drove to the library.
■
「 It’s been a while since I came here… 」
That night. I was in front of Midorizakura, a bar tucked away in a corner of Tokyo. I was in the library earlier, perusing books that Cui picked.
Although, the parts I’ve read were very little.
(Still, Cui was a fast reader)
Cui seems to be a bird who’s good at integrating, organizing, and collecting information. In its golden age, it could pick up quite a bit of personal information just by flying in the air a little.
It had more than the average person’s appetite for knowledge. Seemingly interested in any books, reading in no time at all as if just flipping through them.
Then, Cui’s staying at home tonight. Seems like it wants to sort out the information it gathered.
「 Excuse me 」
And so, I was at my part-time job right away. Morimura-san, the barkeep stands at the counter.
「 Ooh, Kougo! It’s been a while 」
「 Indeed, it’s been a while. I’m sorry for the sudden call 」
「 Don’t worry about it! You see, one of my employees just left. You were just in time as I was thinking of hiring a new part-timer! 」
I don’t know if that’s true or not, but I appreciate his concern for me.
After all, I was asking for a job so suddenly. He knows that I quit my job even if I didn’t tell him.
Morimura-san didn’t ask me the specifics.
「 So, what’s up? Weren’t you a car dealer? Did you quit? 」
Correction. He’s asking it all! No, I don’t mind.
「 You see. You know… I got sick of it 」
「 Hahaha, I see. I get you. If you don’t like it then it can’t be helped! 」
Oh yeah, I haven’t been to the government office yet. I need to do the formalities soon.
「 Morimura-san seems lively 」
「 Well yes! Now go change at the back 」
「 Sure 」
I moved to the staff room and changed clothes. It’s been a while since I had these.
When I finished dressing up and returning to the counter. The door to the bar opens.
「 Good Morning! Huh, master… Who’s this? 」
A cute girl with a twin-tail hairstyle was standing in front of the door. She’s a little short and has modest breasts. What a perfect Tiny body. Besides, her face looks young too.
But her eyes look like a cat, giving the impression that she’s somewhat mischievous.
「 Oh, Minezaki! This is our new part-time worker starting today! 」
「 Oh, is that so? I’m Minekari Kurumi 」
「 Kougo Touya. Pleased to meet you 」
「 Okay. But I never expected a newcomer to come here 」
Strictly speaking, I’m not a newcomer. Morimura-san started explaining
「 Oh, Kougou worked here part-time when he was a college student before. He’s more of a returnee 」
「 Oh, I see. Then you’re a senior? Huh? 」
Kurumi tilts her head cutely, then pokes her cheeks with her finger.
「 Senpai, you’re no longer in college, right? Why are you doing part-time work here? Oh, perhaps a side job? 」
「 No. I just quit my previous company yesterday. But I need the money, so I thought of working here for a while 」
Technically, I’m still an employee at the car dealership for the rest of the month. But hearing that, Kurumi narrowed her eyes and smiled.
「 Ooh? Senpai, you’re a NEET? 」
That cute voice clearly has a hint of mockery.
**** Author’s Note ****
Touya started working part-time, also to release Cui’s lewd skills.
◼️Minezaki Kurumi
Hairstyle; short twintails. Living alone in Tokyo, and working hard at a night job with good income. Due to some troubles, she quit her previous work and came to the bar Midorizakura. Due to certain troubles, she quit her previous part-time job and came to the bar in Midorizakura.
She’s currently attending a voice acting school, but she’s uncertain about the path she’ll take.