“Can I really go? If I go, the interview might not go well…”
“Of course you can! In the end, we’re picking someone to assist you.”
Karina was fidgeting her fingers, maybe too nervous even to watch my interview. I was worried; perhaps her self-esteem had dropped during her long hospital stay compared to the original story.
Should I pull off the big operation like Elisa?
While I was thinking about this, Renny, who had come to protect me today, locked eyes with me. I subtly gestured for her to say something that would boost Karina’s confidence.
Whether Renny understood my signal or thought she needed to do the same, she tilted her head and spoke to Karina.
“Don’t worry too much, Karina. I’m here, and Johann is too, right? Don’t stress yourself out.”
“…I’m scared I might make a mistake.”
“It’s okay. Where in this world is there someone who doesn’t make mistakes?”
Even I make one or two slip-ups every now and then. Just a few days ago, I attached a prosthetic arm component upside down and broke one.
Mistakes can happen anytime, so it’s more important to dust yourself off than dwell on them.
Not that I’m saying to keep making mistakes, but…
“Exactly! I often misspell words during paperwork or accidentally submit unapproved documents.”
“Just keep your mind at ease. No one can stop you from doing what you want.”
To put it bluntly, being a Saint gives you a status almost equivalent to the Emperor. Only a few would dare to say anything to her, even if she were a bit reckless. But Karina, being the kind-hearted person she is, wouldn’t act that way.
“Thank you, Renny. Johann.”
“It’s just part of my job…”
Renny, who was weak to compliments, scratched her cheek and avoided eye contact. Of course, I didn’t shy away. I wasn’t someone who lived a life without being complimented to the point of feeling flustered.
Lately, my life had been filled with compliments that could fill both sides of an A4 sheet. Honestly, unless Karina made an unexpected confession, I didn’t expect to feel embarrassed.
Speaking of confessions, that reminded me of the confession scene from the original story—
“Johann?”
“Sorry! I got distracted for a moment. Anyway, leave any dangerous or tough jobs to me.”
I’d solve things either using money or my body, if necessary. Karina nodded at my words.
“Thank you, Johann.”
“…We’ve arrived. I’ll go in now.”
——————–
“What? The Saint is here with you?”
“Yes, Bishop Crispy. Since it’s about picking someone for my team, I think it’s fitting for me to observe.”
Bishop Crispy’s eyes misted over at Karina’s words, clearly moved. It was apparent he was touched. Isn’t he usually not like this?
“I’m so moved by Karina’s initiative, this old man…”
Is this really considered initiative?
True to his position as the head of the Theology Department, the crispy-on-the-outside, moist-on-the-inside bishop was making a somewhat smaller fuss than usual.
In fact, even with that, he was much calmer than others, allowing Karina to succeed in brushing it off with a deadpan smile.
“Ahem. Bishop, have all the candidates arrived?”
“Oh, yes, they’ve all arrived. They’re waiting in the adjacent classroom, so we can call them in one by one for the interview.”
A one-on-one interview in the office. Of course, Karina and Renny would be watching from a hidden spot, but still, it was a one-on-one interview.
“Who will you call in first?”
“I’ll call them in the order they arrived.”
“Got it.”
Instead of telling me the order, Bishop Crispy personally left the classroom. I didn’t expect him to bring them in himself. Well, I guess it’s fine for me since it’s easier…
“Wait a moment…”
I pulled out a stack of scrap paper from under the wheelchair. Normally, it would be useless, but by utilizing my skill, I could turn it into something quite handy.
“Crafting.”
The tattered scrap papers began to spread out, taking a shape resembling a cover. Soon, those papers transformed into an excellent barrier and revealed themselves on the table.
I set up the barrier near Bishop Crispy’s office desk and called for Karina.
“Standing here, they won’t realize you’re present.”
“Uh, but the students will recognize me because of the Sacred Power…”
“Rue will take care of that.”
[Ugh. I feel like I’m being overworked lately—]
Rue, as always, grumbled while hanging at my waist. If she were human, her mouth would probably be all over the place. I accidentally thought that as I placed Rue on the table.
As long as Rue is watching, the incoming student won’t lie or pay attention to Karina. I watched the two beauties moving behind the barrier with a relaxed heart.
“It’s amazing that this is made of paper.”
“It’s quite versatile.”
“Meeting Johann might be the greatest luck of my life…”
What are they whispering about? Just as I leaned in trying to eavesdrop, I heard a knock on the door.
I silently signaled for Karina and Renny to be quiet and then spoke.
“Come in.”
“Um, hi…”
Is this the first one?
“Avril. Please sit over here.”
“Yes… yes!”
Why is she so nervous? What did I do?
I size up Avril, who sat straight up and shivered like a wet puppy.
“I, um, uh… Nice to meet you!”
“No need to overthink it. I’ll only be asking a few questions.”
“Ah, yes, yes!”
…Looks like this interview is starting off on a bumpy road. Should I just send her home immediately? I pondered for a second if I had to send her packing right from the start, deciding to give it a shot before making a decision.
“Avril, what made you apply for the administrative position at Yeomyeong-gwan?”
“Well, it’s my dream to assist the Saint…”
[That’s a lie, right?]
“I said you should speak honestly, not just interview talk.”
“Um, well… I really need the money…”
“Money? Why’s that?”
“I have to send living expenses to my family. I’ve had to cover my school fees by stretching my finances, and now my family is struggling…”
…It seems like she’s an ordinary student who entered the Theology Department using her personal funds rather than being supported by the Kalon Church. But surely her faith must be stronger than that of an average person since she made it into the Theology Department.
“Got it. Now onto the next question. Having a job at Yeomyeong-gwan means being a shield to protect the Saint in emergencies. Do you have the confidence to do that?”
“I, um… if you give me the chance… I’ll try my best!”
There was a sense of desperation creeping into Avril’s hesitant voice. Was it the solid pay I offered that made her clench her teeth to pass?
Can I trust her?
Those who seek money easily waver for a bigger sum.
“Next question. Getting a job at Yeomyeong-gwan means you’ll be assisting the Saint’s work. This also means that once you’re in, it won’t be easy to leave. Are you confident to work there?”
“Yes, yes?”
You’ll be an employee assisting the Saint!
If we pick someone with a weak mindset, there’s a risk of information leaking in case something happens later, so it’s important to choose someone who can keep their mouth shut enough not to release information.
“Do you have confidence?”
“Um, I, uh… I-I…”
No, don’t cry. I just emphasized the point!
Sighing at Avril’s watery eyes, I leaned back in my chair. I decided to wait until she calmed down.
Luckily, Avril quickly stopped crying and wiped her face with her sleeves. Her makeup smudged a bit, but I tried to ignore it and spoke.
“Have you calmed down?”
“Yes, yes…”
“You understand that working next to the Saint is more dangerous than you imagined, right?”
“Yes, yes…”
“Right. Are you confident?”
“…Yes!”
[Hmm, she’s not lying.]
As I pondered over Rue’s somewhat ambiguous comment, I decided to deliver the final verdict.
“The interview is over. Please wait outside, and bring in the next student.”
“Yes, yes! Thank you for your hard work!”
What? Why is she rushing out like that? I couldn’t hide my discomfort as I stared blankly at the door when I heard some whispers from behind.
“…He’s a handsome guy…”
“…It’s a relief he’s not…”
What are they talking about? Just as I leaned in, trying to eavesdrop on their secret murmurings, the voices stopped.
They’re quick on the uptake.
Knock knock knock.
“It’s Ted! May I come in?”
“Come in.”
This guy seems a bit more sprightly. I drummed my palms on the table and said,
“Take a seat. Let’s start the interview.”
————-
“Is it over?”
“No, there’s still one person left.”
“Then why haven’t they shown up?”
…Should I just disqualify them?
After the interviews continued, I had already decided on some candidates, and cutting out the tardy one wouldn’t be a problem.
But still, I wanted to at least confirm.
I twiddled with Rue’s sensory tendrils as I waited for that last student who seemed in no hurry to show up.
[Contractor, are you ticklish? Stop touching me!]
“Ticklish? You’ve got feeling, huh?”
[Not to mention the others, but I do feel it, so stop.]
“Johann, it’s been 10 minutes. How about ending it? If they’re late for an interview, it’s pretty clear—”
Just then, a flurry of footsteps interrupted Renny’s words, and the door swung open.
“Am I too late?”
What?
“…Rue. Tie them down.”
“What?!”
This drunken idiot might really need some pressure during the interview.
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