NOVEL NEXT Chapter 4 - Episode 4: Boss' Favor.
Episode 4: Boss’ Favor.
“Tch, useless… You’re Frim, right? You did well.”
“Y-Yes…”
Just managing to respond was better than nothing. The boss began scrubbing the bottle vigorously with a towel against the window.
“Damn, it’s no good.”
“Um, shall I pour the water out?”
“Huh? Wait a minute, pour the water once I’m done washing.”
The boss started washing the bottle himself once the guards left. It left me idle since I couldn’t lift such a big bottle.
“Here… Do you need water to wash it?”
“Do you have enough time?”
“Yes, and, I’m sorry.”
“What are you apologizing for?”
After placing the bottle on the floor, the boss squatted down, looking at my face. He had scars, making him truly intimidating.
“Um, well, about that…”
“What are you apologizing for? Just say it.”
“Yes, well, the money you gave me last time to buy meals, I couldn’t use it.”
“What happened to the money?”
“The guys here… took it.”
I bit my lip hard. If I fail now, I might get beaten to death. But if I do nothing… either way, it’s malnutrition or getting beaten by Pakis and dying, right?
“…I see. Alright, pour the water.”
“Yes, .”
The bottle was surprisingly dirty, so I washed it a few times before pouring the water. Fortunately, the boss didn’t seem angry.
It felt like he was just an ordinary father figure when he wasn’t angry, but I couldn’t tell where his anger switch was.
“Hey, eat this.”
“I-Is it okay?!”
“Yeah.”
He handed me some meat on the desk, and I devoured it on the spot. Despite the tough texture and lack of flavor compared to Japanese meat, it filled my stomach without causing any pain. It was clear that I hadn’t been getting enough nutrition.
“Sorry.”
“No, don’t worry about it.”
The boss sat at his desk, resting his chin on his hand and gazing at me.
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Before I knew it, I managed to return alive.
“Hey, the money.”
“I didn’t get it. They gave me meat and I ate it on the spot.”
“…Tch, useless.”
Improving my treatment was out of the question, but I might have been able to earn some favor with the boss. It might seem like I’m siding with the yakuza or the mafia, but right now, all I can do is survive, and that’s the only option I have.
After that, I was called to the boss’ place every two days instead of every four. While I felt like I was being watched, nobody said anything to me. Although it was scary every day, the violence from Pakis and the other guys decreased significantly.
“I’m done.”
“Yeah, have this. Eat it here.”
“Thank you.”
Each time I came, I was given some food. While there were meat, vegetables, and fruits in the room, I was always handed something slightly spoiled. Nevertheless, compared to the genetically modified fruits and vegetables from Japan, they weren’t delicious, but they were edible without causing stomachaches.
“And from today, pour water into the gambling den.”
“Yes.”
In this world, or rather, in this country, there doesn’t seem to be much emphasis on hygiene… Since my job is related to water, I inevitably notice these things. It’s unimaginable from a Japanese perspective, where even cutting boards for meat and vegetables are separate and well-maintained.
I pour water into five large bottles for the gambling den behind the scenes. I could have done it all at once, but the more efficient I am, the more work I get. Pakis, my crap boss, keeps saying, “Do it until you die, do it for me until you die.” He really goes beyond the concept of working oneself to death. Once I finish, it’s back to selling water under Pakis’ surveillance. I wonder if Pakis can’t go without hitting someone all the time?
“Can’t the innkeeper use magic?”
“I can only produce small flames.”
“That’s convenient!”
“Indeed!”
I couldn’t help but wish that someone would come and help me right away, but it’s not that simple. With the risk of losing my life if I fail, I have to be careful even if I have modern knowledge.
――― Little by little, I need to gather information and increase my own value.
Just as I once said something to the boss, I might have to risk my life again.