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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: FusionX
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“Are you sure it’s okay for me to come? My presence might affect the interviews…”
“Of course. We’re choosing someone to assist you.”
Karina fidgeted with her fingers, seemingly uncomfortable with the idea of observing the interviews. Perhaps due to her prolonged illness, she seemed less confident than her in-game counterpart.
Did she need a confidence-boosting pep talk like Elisa?
Renny, who was accompanying us today, caught my eye. I subtly gestured for her to say something encouraging to Karina.
Whether she understood my gesture or simply thought it was the right thing to do, Renny leaned towards Karina and said,
“Don’t worry too much, Saintess Karina. Johann and I are here. There’s no need to feel pressured.”
“…I’m afraid I’ll make a mistake.”
“It’s alright. Everyone makes mistakes.”
Even I made mistakes from time to time.
Just a few days ago, I had installed a prosthetic arm component backwards and broken it.
Everyone made mistakes, the important thing was to learn from them and move on.
Not that I encouraged making mistakes.
“That’s right. I often misspell words in documents or accidentally submit unapproved documents.”
“Relax. No one will blame you for anything.”
The Saintess was practically treated like an imperial prince. Few would dare to criticize her, even if she made a mistake. Not that the kind-hearted Karina would ever do anything to warrant criticism.
“Thank you, Renny. Johann.”
“It’s my job…”
Renny, easily flustered by compliments, blushed and looked away. I, however, didn’t. I wasn’t unaccustomed to praise.
Lately, I had been receiving enough compliments to fill a notebook. I was confident I wouldn’t be embarrassed, unless Karina suddenly confessed her feelings.
Speaking of confessions, the confession scene in the original story—
“Johann?”
“Sorry, I was lost in thought. Anyway, leave any difficult or dangerous tasks to me.”
I would handle them, whether it required money or muscle.
Karina nodded.
“Thank you, Johann.”
“…We’re here. Let’s go in.”
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“Oh my, the Saintess has come as well?”
“Yes, Bishop Crispy. Since we’re choosing someone to work for me, I thought it was appropriate for me to be present.”
Bishop Crispy’s eyes filled with tears at Karina’s words. He was clearly moved. Why was he being so emotional? He wasn’t usually like this.
“I’m touched by your dedication, Saintess…”
Was this really dedication?
As the head of the Theology department, Bishop Crispy, despite his outward appearance of a strict and seasoned priest, was surprisingly sentimental.
He was still much calmer than the other Theology staff, so Karina managed to maintain a polite smile and deflect his excessive praise.
“Ahem, Bishop. Are the candidates here?”
“Yes, they’re all waiting in the next room. We’ll call them in one by one.”
One-on-one interviews in his office. Karina and Renny would be observing from behind a screen, but it was still a one-on-one interview.
“Who should we call first?”
“Let’s start with the first to arrive.”
“Very well.”
Instead of giving me a list of names, Bishop Crispy left the office to personally escort the candidates. I hadn’t expected that. It made things easier for me, though…
“One moment…”
I pulled out a stack of scrap paper from under the wheelchair. Normally, it would be useless, but with my skill, I could turn it into something useful.
“Crafting.”
The crumpled sheets of paper unfolded and rearranged themselves, forming a makeshift screen. I placed the screen near Bishop Crispy’s desk and called Karina over.
“They won’t realize you’re here if you stay behind this.”
“But any Theology student would be able to sense my presence through my holy energy…”
“Rue will take care of that.”
[Ugh, I feel like I’m being overworked lately—]
Rue, as always, grumbled from its perch on my belt. If it were human, it would be pouting. I placed it on the table.
With Rue present, the candidates wouldn’t be able to lie or focus on Karina. I watched the two ladies move behind the screen.
“It’s amazing that this is made of paper.”
“He’s so talented.”
“Meeting Johann might have been the best thing that ever happened to me…”
They were whispering, but the office was quiet, so I could hear everything. I pretended not to notice and listened to the approaching footsteps.
A knock on the door.
“Come in.”
“H-Hello…”
The first candidate.
“Avril, have a seat.”
“Y-Yes, sir!”
Why was she so nervous? I hadn’t done anything.
I observed Avril, who was sitting stiffly, trembling like a wet puppy.
“Um, w-well… nice to meet you!”
“There’s no need to be so nervous. I’ll just ask you a few questions.”
“O-Okay!”
…This was going to be a difficult interview. I briefly considered disqualifying her right away but decided to hear her out first.
“Miss Avril, why did you apply for this position?”
“Um, well… it’s my dream to serve the Saintess…”
[That’s a lie.]
“Tell me the truth, not the rehearsed answer.”
“Um, well… I need money…”
“Money? Why?”
“I have to send money to my family. My family is struggling financially because I… I borrowed heavily to pay for my tuition…”
…So she wasn’t a sponsored student but an ordinary student who had taken out loans to attend the Theology department.
Well, she must be devout, at least, to have chosen this path.
“Alright. Next question. Working at Yeomyeong-gwan means you’ll be a shield for the Saintess in times of danger. Are you confident in your ability to protect her?”
“W-Well… i-if you give me the chance… I-I’ll do my best!”
A hint of desperation crept into her voice.
Was she that eager to get the job because of the high salary?
Could I trust her?
Those motivated by money were easily swayed by larger sums.
“Next question. Working at Yeomyeong-gwan means assisting the Saintess. You won’t be able to leave easily once you’re hired. Are you still willing to work here?”
“E-Excuse me?”
This was a position that involved assisting the Saintess.
Hiring someone with a weak resolve could lead to information leaks, so I needed someone discreet and trustworthy.
“Are you confident?”
“Um, w-well… I-I’m confident I can…”
Don’t cry. I was just emphasizing the importance of the position.
I sighed, watching Avril’s tears welling up. This was awkward. I leaned back in my chair, waiting for her to calm down.
She quickly wiped her tears with her sleeve, smudging her makeup.
I ignored it and asked,
“Are you alright now?”
“Y-Yes…”
“You understand that working alongside the Saintess can be dangerous?”
“Y-Yes…”
“Good. Are you confident you can handle it?”
“…Yes!”
[Well, she’s not lying.]
Rue’s slightly ambiguous assessment made me pause. I decided to dismiss her for now.
“The interview is over. Wait outside. And send in the next candidate.”
“Y-Yes! Th-Thank you for your time!”
Why was she running away? I stared at the door, feeling a bit uneasy.
Whispers came from behind the screen.
“…handsome man…”
“…glad he’s not…”
What were they talking about? I leaned closer, trying to eavesdrop, but the whispers stopped.
They were quick.
Knock, knock, knock.
“Ted! May I come in?!”
“Come in.”
This one seemed more energetic.
I tapped my fingers on the table and said,
“Have a seat. Let’s begin.”
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“Are you done?”
“No, there’s one more.”
“He’s taking his time.”
…Should I just disqualify him?
I had already chosen a few candidates, so it wouldn’t be a problem to eliminate the latecomer.
But I still wanted to see him.
I fidgeted with Rue’s tentacles while waiting.
[Contractor, that tickles. Stop it!]
“Tickles? You can feel that?”
[I can, so stop it.]
“Johann, it’s been ten minutes. He’s clearly not coming. Anyone who’s late for an interview—”
Just then, hurried footsteps and a loud bang as the door burst open.
“Am I still on time?”
What?
“…Rue, restrain him.”
“What?!”
You drunken fool, you’re definitely going to need a pressure interview.
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