Kays Translations

Chapter 14: Mixing Business and Pleasure

The letter containing the job offer came with a reply letter set. So, I wrote that I'd take the job at the amusement park and dropped it into the mailbox. On Saturday, a man in black suit came to our house to pick us up.

He was going to take us there.

So, Nina-chan and I went to the amusement park with the man in black.

Of course, this was a job.

The place we were headed to was indeed the amusement park, but what would appear there were monsters.

Moreover, it was a place where several children had gone missing.

The rank of the monster that was supposed to appear was the same as the Headless Man we fought in the previous job, Rank 3. So, I thought as long as we didn't let our guard down, we'd be fine.

Well, that's overconfidence. No matter how careful we were, this job could still bring unexpected events.

For example, when I went to the countryside with Irina-san before, the monster we fought had engraved "Time Magic" on a PDF. No one had let their guard down then, but they were still doing crazy things like making sure people in the town didn't notice the numerous disappearances.

So, even if we were cautious, something could still happen. Therefore, I took a deep breath and focused.

However, the last time I went to an amusement park was when I was younger than ten in my previous life. I didn't have friends to play with on days off, and I didn't have the kind of enthusiasm to go to an amusement park alone.

Also, coming to an amusement park with people other than my family was a first for me. Well, Nina-chan and I were here for work, so I wasn't sure if it counted.

As I was contemplating these things, the car pulled into the amusement park's parking lot. The small suburban amusement park seemed relatively busy for a Saturday.

We circled around the parking lot for about five minutes trying to find an empty space.

"Shall we go then?"

"Yeah."

As the older brother got out of the car, we followed suit. The autumn breeze that hinted at the approaching winter swept pleasantly between us.

However, I had to clarify something.

"Nevertheless, I will accompany you inside the park. Still, I won't be able to fight. Please understand."

"It's okay. I understand."

I replied like that, and the older brother handed me the tickets he had bought.

As we entered, the receptionist gave the older brother in black an inquisitive look and asked,"Why are you wearing a suit to an amusement park...?" He didn't seem to mind and led us inside.

Before we entered, the receptionist admonished the man in black.

"We've had an increase in lost children lately. Please make sure to keep an eye on them."

"Yes, I understand."

"Enjoy your time!"

With that farewell from the receptionist, we walked into the park, and the attractions spread out before our eyes.

Large rides like roller coasters, Ferris wheels, and carousels immediately caught our attention.

"The mascot costume is a pink rabbit, right?"

"Yes, that's right. However, in this amusement park, they don't have costumes for pink rabbits, only white ones."

"We'll probably spot it quickly then."

"If that's the case, that would be great."

Nina-chan and the older brother in black exchanged information about the monster's characteristics that we had heard from the amusement park staff in advance.

There weren't any photos of the monster this time. However, there was information about its appearance provided by the park staff. So, we just had to identify it based on that...

"But... I wonder if it will show up."

I muttered quietly, expressing the biggest concern for this job.

That's right, the monster was elusive.

It didn't appear at a specific time or place every day. It came and went whenever it pleased.

That's why, for this job, I was uncertain whether it would actually show up.

However, the brother in black reassured me slowly.

"It should be okay. I heard this monster only appears when children are enjoying the attractions. If I stay back and you and Nina-sama play by yourselves, the chances of encountering it should be high."

"Um..."

So, that's why the receptionist told him not to take his eyes off us at the reception desk earlier.

"Then, Itsuki-sama, please take this."

"A smartphone?"

"It's for communication. If anything happens, please contact the number saved inside."

Saying that, the older brother in black handed me a small smartphone that even a second grader could hold with one hand.

"Well then, I'll take my leave around here."

With those words, he left us and went somewhere.

What remained were just Nina-chan and me.

For a while, I surveyed the amusement park, and then said one word.

"Well then, let's have some fun."

"Yeah, you're right. They said the monster won't come out if we don't play."

Nina-chan muttered with a somewhat dissatisfied expression.

It was understandable to feel unsatisfied when we had come for a job, but the first mission we were given was to "enjoy the amusement park."

However, the condition was that only children should play.

So, I asked Nina-chan, 

"Nina-chan, which one should we go on first?"

"...Um, well, how about that one?"

Nina-chan pointed hesitantly at the carousel.

"Sure, let's go!" 

I agreed, thinking she went for the classic choice.

But considering Nina-chan is from the UK, she might have experience with horseback riding. Well, that might be a prejudice.

So, with our first attraction decided, we changed our direction to head for the carousel when we were suddenly approached.

"Hey, do you guys want balloons?"

In an instant, I turned my gaze to the source of the voice, revealing a person dressed in a rabbit mascot costume. In their left hand, they held a bunch of colorful balloons and were offering one to me.

The mascot costume was white. It wasn't a monster.

Still, I shook my head in response, 

"No, thanks."

"Are you sure? How about the young lady?"

"I don't want one either."

"I see... So, where are your mom and dad?"

"They're in the restroom," 

Nina-chan replied with a prepared excuse.

Hearing that, the rabbit mascot shrugged. 

"Be careful not to get lost, alright?"

Then, the mascot turned away from us and headed towards a family.

"Shall we go?"

"Yeah..."

Though we had our pride slightly crushed, I regained my composure and took Nina-chan's hand.

While heading to the carousel, Nina-chan muttered softly, 

"I almost got startled and thought about using magic earlier."

"Me too."

Sometimes, it's like hiding a tree in a forest.

Maybe this job is going to be more challenging than we thought.

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