Volume 1, Chapter 18 – Let’s Think About the Next Job

For two weeks, I desperately ran all over the Royal Capital providing treatment.

The total amount I earned was a whopping one gold coin and three silver coins.

That’s roughly 65,000 yen. Working nonstop without a single day off for that?

This goes beyond black company levels of exploitation. ¹ In Japan, a “black company” (burakku kigyō) is a term for a predatory, highly exploitative business that routinely abuses its workers.

By the way, I went through 145 MP Recovery Medicines, costing me 29 gold coins.

Oh, come on already! Why am I doing a job with absolutely no chance of turning a profit?!

And the total EXP I earned was a measly 10. There were even days where I didn’t earn even 1.

“Ugh… two whole weeks of nonstop work for only 10 EXP? And I worked so hard while drinking all those awful MP Recovery Medicines too…”

“Fiene-sama. You shouldn’t act like that.”

As I flopped onto the sofa and let out pathetic groans, Chris-san scolded me.

The sheer sense of futility was starting to destroy my whole “cool character” persona.

“Chris-san, when exactly am I going to Level Up?”

Reаԁ оn КatRеαԁіոɡСafе

“A human reaches Level 2 after gaining 40 EXP. However, in your case, Fiene-sama, you’re apparently a throwback to your High Elf ancestry, so I can’t say for certain. I have heard rumors that High Elves are a race that lives for a very long time, and thus their growth is slow.”

“I’m not a High Elf, though.”

“Ah, that’s right, you were a Vampire. Come to think of it, you haven’t been drinking any blood lately, have you?”

“Huh? Now that you mention it…”

Chris-san was muttering something like, “Fiene-sama’s symptoms are improving a bit,” while giving a tiny fist pump. I can totally hear you, you know?

Honestly, Vampires have excellent hearing.

Come to think of it, ever since arriving in the Royal Capital, I hadn’t been hit by bloodlust even once. What was up with that?

I have a vague sensation of being “thirsty,” but it’s not enough to really bother me.

Well, if the urge isn’t there, then I guess I don’t need to drink for now.

Pushing the question to the back of my mind, I focused on the problem at hand.

“Isn’t there some way to earn a ton of EXP faster?”

Rеαⅾ on KαtRеаdіոɡСаfe

“If such a method existed, everyone would be doing it.”

“I guess so…”

“Is it not best to continue your steady healing activities after all?”

“No more of that! Do you have any idea how deep in the red I am? At the very least, I need to reach the point where I can get by without using MP Potions, or I’m going bankrupt.”

Paying 1.4 million yen after working nonstop for two straight weeks… that’s completely insane.

Getting a part-time job somewhere else would be way better.

“Yeah, monster hunting really is the way to go. That Mushr—ah, no, the Viscount-sama did mention something called a Hunter Guild. How about I post a request there for someone to help me Level Up?”

“You won’t gain EXP if you are merely being protected, you know? Besides, you should probably stay away from the Hunter Guild. It’s basically a gathering place for people down on their luck, so their behavior isn’t exactly the best.”

“Eww. Then what am I supposed to do?”

“As I said, there are no easy paths in training. Growth only comes after overcoming hardships. Difficult times are opportunities for growth! Effort never betrays you! Slow and steady wins the race!”

Right. The Knights really were one giant meathead athletics club.

Rеаⅾ oո КаtRеadіոɡCafе

Back in my old world, even sports had entered an age where people said “rest is part of training,” but it seemed the muscle-brained mindset still ruled here.

“Alright then. How about exorcising a haunted mansion?”

“Eh?”

Chris-san’s expression froze.

“Look, I can use Holy Magic, and I have a track record of purifying Schwarz, so I think I’m suited for it. A Ghostbuster.”

“N-n-n-n-n-no! G-g-g-g-ghosts are…”

Oh? Chris-san’s face was turning pale.

“Why not? Defeating a Vampire and exorcising a Ghost aren’t that different, are they?”

“I-I-I-It’s no good! They’re… t-t-t-they’re invisible!”

“That’s your problem with them?!”

“A-a-a-anyway, g-g-g-g-ghosts are n-n-n-not happening!”

Reаⅾ οn ΚаtRеаԁіnɡСαfе

Ah, this reaction. Could it be?

“By any chance, Chris-san, are you afraid of Ghosts?”

She twitched violently and froze.

“O-o-o-o-of course not! Th-th-th-there’s no way that’s true! I-I-I’m a Holy Knight, you know!? G-g-g-ghosts are nothing! I’d slice them in half with a single strike of my H-H-Holy Sword!”

She was so easy to read. One of Chris-san’s best traits was how honest she was.

“Then there’s no problem. Let’s go exorcise one of the haunted mansions causing trouble in the capital. First, let’s head to the Temple and ask if there are any haunted houses they haven’t had the manpower to deal with.”

“Ah, w-w-wait—”

Yes! I finally Managed to take the lead!

Excellent. At this rate, I might finally make some real progress with leveling.

And so, in high spirits, I headed for the Temple.