"You!"
Alto stared at the girl standing before him, momentarily stunned. It took him a moment to figure out who she was. Wasn't she the designer he'd met during the competition?
"I'm here for the job," Helena announced, brushing her hair back as she fixed him with an intense stare. "You've got a hiring sign posted outside, don't you?"
Alto frowned. "You're already a designer. What's someone of your caliber doing applying here?" While he did plan to hire designers eventually, since creating major projects solo was draining, that was a future concern. How had this girl even tracked him down?
"Designers need to eat, too! Not all of us are riding high like you," Helena shot back. "You have no idea how tough it is out there. I'm barely scraping by!"
Bullshit. Alto didn't believe a word of it. Award-winning work guaranteed at least some sales, and judging by her expensive clothes, Helena was clearly from money. She had to have at least some connections. No, he was certain she was here to spy or steal his secrets.
After all, Stardew Valley had exploded over the past few days. The game appealed to everyone and had conquered nearly every player who bought it, with sales reaching terrifying heights.
As a rookie designer, Alto was riding an incredible wave of success; his game was currently crushing Kane's release. After a rocky start, Stardew Valley's reputation had gone nuclear, and the shop's business was booming so hard that Sophia and the others could barely keep up.
He desperately needed more employees, but Helena? She was too suspicious.
"Sorry, but you don't meet the position requirements," he denied her flatly.
Helena's eyes widened in disbelief. "How do I not qualify? This is discrimination! I've got the looks, I've got the figure, what more do you want?" She puffed out her chest for emphasis.
Alto glanced despite himself. Okay, yeah, impressive...
"Ahem... that's not the reason."
"Then what is?"
God, this woman is annoying. He couldn't exactly admit he suspected her of corporate espionage. "Look, you're just not suitable. Miss Helena, please leave."
"You, you stubborn jerk!" Helena bit down hard on her frustration. No one had ever rejected her so bluntly. She rallied internally. Don't give up, Helena. You're the best!
Switching tactics, she gazed at him with pitiful, tear-brimmed eyes. "Please, just give me a chance! I promise I'll be obedient. I'm a fast learner, and I'll work really hard. Please let me stay."
For her dream of learning from this inexplicable genius, she'd swallow her pride. This insufferable basta... I'll charm you eventually.
"Unfortunately," Alto said with exaggerated solemnity, "after careful consideration, I've discovered your status clashes with what my company can offer you. Good day."
"That's complete crap!"
Steam practically shot from Helena's head, her face flushing crimson. This was the last straw. She wanted nothing more than to slap him and storm out, never returning; she'd never begged anyone for anything in her entire life!
And yet... "Please, boss! Have some mercy! I promise I'll work hard."
"Still no."
"I'm talented! My work ethic is incredible! I'll accept overtime, and... And I'll even work without salary..."
Alto froze mid-refusal. "Wait... what did you just say?"
"I said I'm talented, my work ethic-"
"The last part!"
"...I'll work without a salary?"
Alto's eyes lit up like he'd struck gold. "Ahem, well, now that I think about it, you do have quite a few positive qualities after all. Congratulations, Miss Helena, you've passed the interview. Welcome aboard!"
His face split into a radiant grin, though to Helena, he looked like a cunning merchant who'd just pulled off a heist. Her vision darkened as the horrifying realization hit her: she'd just walked into a trap.
Alto whipped out an employment contract before she could reconsider, and they quickly settled on terms: a six-month unpaid probation period with room and board included, followed by a 5,000 Bailey monthly salary if she performed well. She would be his personal assistant, available 24/7, even at home; she'd need to be ready to work at a moment's notice.
The shop staff was adequately covered with Sophia managing things, but Alto desperately needed an assistant. Helena, with her thick skin and clever mind, was perfect. She could handle coordination with the Saint Oros Trading Company and deal with all the random procurement tasks that kept piling up.
Finally, another wage slave secured. He wouldn't be so overwhelmed anymore.
Over the next two days, Alto trained Helena on her responsibilities and taught her the basic workflow before completely ridding himself of all the specifics.
"Making bank... vacation time!... Making bank, vacation time!... Youth is... priceless!..." he hummed cheerfully.
"Boss, what are you singing?"
Alto immediately shut up as his assistant appeared. Helena glared at her slacker boss, steam practically rising from her ears. These past few days had been a brutal introduction to wage slavery, coordinating with Saint Oros, organizing sales data, arranging repairs for broken magical equipment, and conducting market research at various trading companies. Her head was pounding.
"I have news about that thing you asked me to investigate," she said, her expression turning serious.
Alto's playful demeanor vanished. He knew his assistant had connections, which was why he'd asked her to dig into Ranger Corps activities. He hadn't expected results so quickly.
"Lunaria's Ranger Corps has been mobilized," Helena reported. "It might be related to orcs in the north."
"Orcs? Do you know the specific reason?"
"Details are scarce, but apparently, there've been sightings of small orc groups near the northern border. Lunaria's already dispatched rangers to investigate."
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Hey guys,
I just wanted to extend a quick thank you to all of your continued support throughout this week so far. Its been really great, and I hope you'll continue to enjoy it^^
I will also drop an additional chapter later today as a proper expression of my thanks.
And if you can't wait and want to read more, for up to 20 additional chapters, pls check out my profile. I have all of the important info in my bio :)