Chapter 100: First Job

Part-time work.
A place where students get a taste of society, blend in, and learn both its logic and absurdity—or at least that’s what my sister from my previous life used to say.

But honestly, that doesn’t matter right now. What’s important is working and earning money. I did that in Arius too, but this time I’ll be getting proper, legitimate yen. That’s the top priority.

"Alright then, let’s do our best today, Shiona-san."

"Yes! I’ll do my best!"

That said, I’m still a wanted criminal across all of Kivotos. It’s not like I can just stroll into public and work a part-time job without a care in the world.

Using a secondhand smartphone I bought from a local electronics shop, I leisurely searched for jobs around Millennium—and finally found the perfect one.

"Man, you’re a lifesaver! The regular girl’s off today, and while she’s great with kids, she’s super shy around adults… well, that’s not really relevant, huh. Anyway, thanks a ton for stepping in on short notice!"

"Oh, not at all, thank you…"

The setting was an amusement park. My costume: Kimo and… Peroro. Even under the chilly sky, the suit was hot—though slightly better than in summer heat.

"Alright, I’m heading out!"

"Okay, be careful! Those mascot suits can be dangerous, so if you feel even a little off, come right back here."

"Got it!"

The part-time job I’d chosen was playing Peroro at an amusement park—in other words, being a mascot performer.

---

"Ah! It’s Peroro!"

"Peroro, give me a balloon!"

"Okay okay, form a line, Pero! Hey, no pushing the kid in front of you, Pero!"

Surrounded by a crowd of excited kids, I did my best to hand out balloons with my limited range of motion. Some had halos, others looked beast-like, and a few even resembled robots… How does a robot-looking kid even grow up, anyway?

"Thank you, Peroro!"

"Don’t mention it, Peropero! Make sure not to get separated, Peropero!"

"Okaay!"

I finally finished handing out the balloons. Hot and surprisingly heavy for a mascot suit—but nothing I couldn’t handle. After all, I am the White Devil of Arius!

…Alright, jokes aside, visibility in here was terrible, and I couldn’t even take off the costume by myself. There was an assistant keeping watch from a distance, but still—moving around in this was a pain.

"Still, it’s nice finally having a job like this…"

Compared to everyone else, I started working pretty late. Partly because of my health, but mostly because I needed a job where my face wouldn’t be seen. Finding one like that wasn’t easy.

I heard Azusa already started working through Hifumi and Hanako’s introductions, and Saori’s at Angel 24. I’ll have to visit her later in uniform.

In that sense, finding this job was pure luck. I’ve got the stamina from training, and my short height makes it easier to fit into mascot suits. It really is the perfect job for me.

"Peroo!"

I flapped the suit’s wings twice—my signal to move. The assistant who’d been watching from afar came over to guide me to the next spot.

"Shiona-san, you’re quite good at this already."

She whispered so the nearby kids couldn’t hear. “Shiona”—the fake name I came up with for this job. I borrowed the family name “Hakari.” I’m technically Royal Blood too, so… not exactly a lie.

"Have you done this kind of job before?"

"This is my first time, Peropero."

"…Excuse me?"

Well, it’s probably thanks to all those times I acted as the “Sister” back then. Turns out that experience really pays off here.

"Still, not many people around here, Pero."

"This part of the park’s near the edge, far from the entrance. Let’s move closer to the center."

"Okay, Pero."

I’ve even gotten used to that speech quirk. So Peroro talks like this, huh… I mean, I kind of knew that. Probably a leftover memory from my previous life.

Still, hearing that voice come from this face is… unsettling. No, no, can’t think that way. Today, I am Peroro. No matter who looks, I’m Peroro through and through.

It’s just a part-time job, but I don’t do things halfway. I’ll become the perfect Peroro.

"Now then! Time to bring smiles to all the kids, Peropero!"

"…Was Peroro always that kind of character?"

"I don’t know, Peropero."

Hey, I barely even knew what Peroro was until recently, cut me some slack! They said this level was fine, so it should be okay. Unless some die-hard Peroro fanatic shows up, no one’s gonna complain.

As I walked, the crowd started thickening.

"This area gets busy, so please be careful not to bump into the kids. And make sure to stay hydrated—you can’t drink whenever you want, so do it whenever there’s a chance."

"No problem, Peropero! Humans can go a week without water, Peropero!"

"Absolutely not! And Peroro would never say that!"

Don’t worry, I’ll drink properly.

"Alright then… Kids! Who wants a balloon, Pero?"

I raised my voice slightly—higher, clearer, more cheerful—and started handing out balloons again. Come to think of it, Peroro’s a Momofriends character, right? So why is it the mascot of this park… Oh, wait, the flags say it’s a Momo-owned amusement park. That explains it.

"Peroro! Peroro! Let’s take a picture!"

"Of course, Peropero!"

"Peroro! Make an IED!"

"There’s no way I can do that, Pero!?"

"This costume’s so squishy!"

"Cos…tume? Peroro doesn’t know what that means, Pero~"

I kept up the act with light jokes and lively gestures—friendly enough to draw attention but not too over-the-top.

This job’s… actually fun. Most people might find it exhausting, but I don’t mind the heat or thirst. More than that, being able to interact with kids like this—it kind of feels like my calling.

"There sure are a lot of people now, Pero…"

Before I knew it, a small crowd had gathered around me. The assistant looked busy making more balloons, and there were still kids waiting. I’d have to stay here for a while.

"Peroro’s so happy to be this popular, Peropero!"

Still, with this many people, there’s a risk of lost kids—or worse, someone getting hurt. I should stay alert.

『…Hey, isn’t there a crowd forming over there?』

I focused my hearing using mysticism, catching a familiar voice.

『Oh, you’re right. I wonder what’s going on?』

Another familiar voice. Not from this world—but from my previous life.

『"Should we go see?"』

『Uuuh… I-I’ll wait here… I’m bad with crowds…』

And then two voices I hadn’t heard in this world before.

『…Huh? Isn’t that Peroro-sama?』

And on top of that, the unmistakable voice of the Peroro superfan—Ajitani Hifumi. Judging from that lineup, that means…

『Really? Then I wanna go too.』

"Y-yeah, I knew Azusa would be here, Peropero…"

Wait, hold up—no one told me this! My Sister didn’t mention Azusa would be at this park today. She did say she was hanging out with Hifumi and the others, but—no one said Sensei was coming too!

『Peroro-sama… Oh, that hippo thing? I’ll pass. What about you, Hanako?』

『I think I’ll sit this one out.』

『"Then I’ll go with them."』

Azusa, Hifumi the Peroro fanatic, and Sensei… all heading this way. Hold on, I’m not mentally prepared for this—!

"Peroro! Give me a balloon!"

"Of course, peropero!"

Still, I couldn’t bring myself to step away... Fine, I’ll just accept it. I’m wearing a mascot suit anyway—if I change my voice, no one will know it’s me.

"Wow! It’s Lord Peroro!"

The first one to pop her head out was Hifumi. Her eyes slowly wandered up and down my body—twice, maybe three times—studying me as if tracing every inch.

"This body… judging by the proportions, is it Lord Peroro from Season 3? No, wait—the tone is different... I see! You’re reenacting the rare Lord Peroro who appeared only in Season 4, Part 5!"

"Pe-Peroro…?"

What is this girl even saying? Seriously, what language is she speaking? None of that was human speech as far as I know!

"Hold on, Hifumi. We can’t rule out the possibility of a Peroro Imitation."

"You’re right… but if you consider the tail feather angle…"

"Hifumi, think back carefully. The tail feather angle changed drastically between scenes. If we assume it’s from one particular shot, it’s not that strange."

And Azusa? Why are you going along with that conversation? Big Sister can’t keep up with this madness.

"Peroro, are you okay? You look kind of pale."

"Uh—y-yes! I’m fine, peropero!"

Oh no. I totally messed up the tone and voice. At this rate, Hifumi and the others will realize it’s me inside…!

"I see… it really does seem like an Imitation Peroro! You’re amazing as always, Azusa-chan!"

"I just rewatched it recently, so I noticed right away."

Never mind. They were just going off on some weird theory again. Sensei was smiling awkwardly in the back… Maybe he couldn’t follow the conversation either.

"Still, this actor is incredible… This particular Peroro suit is notoriously hard to move in, yet there’s no awkwardness at all. Those movements are so close to the real Lord Peroro!"

"Really?"

"Yes. Plus, there’s a strict height restriction… Only someone about Azusa-chan’s height can fit inside. That’s why the casting notice was so limited."

Oh yeah, I remember reading that in the recruitment notice—“Applicants must be under 150 centimeters in height and have a certain level of stamina.” It even said students were preferred.

"Now that you mention it, I think it did say that."

"Sensei, you knew?"

"Just from before, a little."

I tried to clear my mind as much as possible and handed out balloons to the kids with cheerful energy. Before I knew it, Hifumi and the others had stuck around nearby. I really wished they’d leave soon—if they stayed any longer, I might slip up. But if I told them to go, they’d instantly realize it’s me. What a cruel dilemma.

"Y-you’re the last one, peropero! Here you go, pero!"

Exhausted, I somehow finished giving out balloons to all the kids. As if waiting for the right moment, Hifumi and the others approached.

Ah, I get it. They waited until the children were gone… How kind of Hifumi. Even when Peroro’s involved, her thoughtfulness doesn’t change. Or—maybe it does?

"U-um! Lord Peroro! I have a favor to ask!"

"W-what is it, peropero? I’ll do anything, peropero! Balloons are only for kids, so I can’t give you one, pero, but…"

She suddenly leaned in close, making me tense up. Looking closely, she was wearing that Peroro hoodie Azusa bought recently. They seemed to get along well—Big Sister is relieved.

"Could I… hug you, please!?"

"A hug?"

A hug, huh… The kids asked for a few too, and I’m pretty sure it’s allowed under the rules. Still…

"Of course you can, peropero!"

"Did your voice just change…?"

"Your imagination, pero!"

Now I really can’t let Azusa and the others find out. If Azusa thought her big sister was some pervert using her position to hug her friends, I’d never be able to face the next day!

"A-anyway… always welcome, peropero!"

I spread my arms—no, my wings—wide open, ready for her. After trembling with emotion for a few seconds, Hifumi suddenly launched herself at me with surprising force.

"S-sorry! I got too emotional and—!"

"No problem, peropero! I’m tough, pero!"

…Still, as expected of a Kivotos student—Hifumi’s tackle was pretty solid. With some training, she might have real potential… not that she’d like to hear that. Maybe I’ll suggest it to Azusa later.

"Amazing… so soft and squishy… Wait—this texture, could it be… I thought this was the Peroro suit model made five years ago, but maybe it’s actually a different—no, that can’t be right…"

Meanwhile, Hifumi had started muttering to herself while still hugging me. And honestly, it was kind of terrifying. She’s a high school girl in full bloom—and yet, somehow, she’s scary. Nicely done, Hifumi.

"Hifumi, you’re making Peroro uncomfortable."

"Waah!? S-sorry! I didn’t mean to!"

"Don’t worry, peropero!"

Good. Hifumi’s back to her usual self. Now then, most of the kids around here have gone home, so maybe I should start moving before someone realizes who’s inside the suit…

"Azusa-chan, would you like to try too?"

"…!"

Or maybe that can wait. There might still be kids nearby I haven’t noticed yet. Yeah. That’s right. It can wait.

"I-I’m fine…"

"Please, go ahead, peropero!"

"Yes, Azusa-chan! This Peroro has such a mysterious texture—you have to try it!"

"Hifumi aside, why is even Peroro pushing me now…?"

Hehehe… I never expected something like this to fall right into my lap. A legitimate opportunity to be hugged by my little sister. Sure, I’ve hugged her plenty of times before—I love that feeling—but it’s almost never the other way around.

There’s no way I’m letting this chance slip by… absolutely not.

"Hey, Hifumi, are you done yet? If not, I’ll go grab lunch first. Do you want anything—"

"Now, you there!! Come on, peropero! Big hugs! Super tight! Peropero!"

"…Death penalty!!"

Out of nowhere, a piercing voice roared in my ears like a gavel striking down. That shrill tone and dramatic sentencing method—it could only be Koharu.

"W-what are you talking about, peropero!? Peroro didn’t do anything, peropero!"

"You were clearly breathing heavily! And you kept saying peropero!!"

"T-that’s Peroro’s catchphrase, peropero! Don’t twist it, peropero!!"

"Peroro’s word has officially lost all meaning…"

So in Koharu’s eyes, that “death penalty” meant she thought I was about to do something perverted. How rude! As if I’d ever do that to my sister.

"W-wait, Shiona-san…! You can’t start trouble with guests!"

"S-sorry, peropero!"

Right. I’m technically just a hired performer right now. Even if it’s for the sake of acting like Peroro, picking a fight with Koharu is absolutely not okay.

"M-my apologies, peropero! If I caused a misunderstanding, I’m sorry, pero!"

"Ah, no—it’s fine… I’m sorry too. You’re just doing your job, after all…"

Good. I’m glad she understood. Yes, I’m a mascot staff member. Even if I hug my sister, it’s part of the job—I can’t be blamed for that.

"Azusa-chan, what will you do…?"

So, Azusa, don’t worry. Come jump into your big sister’s arms. Everything’s fine, I promise.

"…Well, since you insist that much."

Maybe my desperate wish and mental shouting reached her, because Azusa hesitantly stepped closer. I opened my wings wide again, ready to accept her.

"Anytime, any way, peropero!"

"O-okay then… excuse me…"

Carefully, Azusa wrapped her arms around me. Through the costume, her scent and presence felt muted, but that gentle pressure was… strangely comforting.

The thick soles of the costume made me slightly taller than Azusa. I wanted to reach out and pat her head, but with this suit, I couldn’t move that way.

"This really is an amazing texture… I can’t even guess how it’s made. What do you think, Koharu?"

"I-I’m fine… Anyway, the restaurants will start getting crowded soon, so maybe we should—"

"Wait. I want to try too."

"…Huh?"

Wait—what? What did he just say?

"E-even you, Sensei…? Well, fine, but make it quick, okay?"

"Got it."

Wait, Sensei—why are you slowly edging this way? No, seriously, wait, I’m not ready for this—!

"H-hold on, peropero! Please, just give me a second, peropero!"

"Shiona-san, is something wrong…?"

"A-assistant-san…! Help me…!"

"It might be tough, but hang in there! That’s an important part of the job too!"

Sure, maybe that’s true, but still! Damn it—so this is how karma works, huh!?

"Could it be… am I making you uncomfortable?"

"N-no, not uncomfortable, pero, just…!"

My brain wasn’t working. Whether it was from the heat or the nerves, my heart was pounding painfully hard. My ears throbbed with every beat. I couldn’t even think of an excuse to get out of this.

"S-so, um… please be gentle, peropero…"

In the end, I gave up and spread my wings again—for the third time.

"Thank you. Let’s see then…"

Step by step, Sensei drew closer. Bit by bit, my entire field of view filled with him.

"U-uh…"

Every time he moved, my body tensed. My blood boiled upward, dizzying me. My mind froze completely. My chest and throat felt tight—almost suffocating. It tickled and confused me all at once.

"…!"

And then Sensei reached me. His arms wrapped around my whole body. He wasn’t exactly “muscular,” but he was still much larger than me. For a moment, it felt like I was completely enveloped.

That sensation brought back a memory—the moment when Sensei saved me.

"Uu…!!"

The heat in my body multiplied again and again—so much that I couldn’t see an end to it. My head felt completely boiled.

"That’s... such a strange sensation…"

"!?"

A whisper brushed against my ear. A deep voice that resonated down to my stomach. Even the vibration in my eardrums felt strangely pleasant.

"Thank you."

Just when I was about to hit my limit, all the sensations disappeared in an instant. I was free from everything—yet somehow, it still felt like I couldn’t breathe.

"Well then, shall we head out now? Thank you very much, Peroro-sama!"

Hifumi waved goodbye. Barely holding myself together, I managed to lift my right wing and wave it back wildly. Soon after, everyone except the assistant had left the area.

"Haa… haa…!"

Finally, I could breathe again. Literally—my suffocation was gone.

"Wh-what’s wrong...? Ah—was it my smell or something?"

"No, that’s not it."

For Sensei’s dignity, I had to deny that properly.

"I’m just… not very used to adults—especially men. So I got nervous. Ah, Peroro-pero."

I’d spent nearly ten years around my younger sisters and other girls my age. Hugging someone wasn’t anything unusual in that kind of relationship. But Sensei was different. Adults were different. The only adults I’d ever really dealt with were teachers... and, annoyingly enough, Beatrice.

I never thought I’d end up like this.

"I see... Do you think you can keep working at this job?"

"No…"

Still, putting that aside—

"I think I’ll actually ask for more shifts."

"Why?"

An opportunity to get hugged by a little sister figure... I can’t waste that. I’ll make sure to tell Saori and the others about this amusement park later—casually, of course.

---

I received my daily pay in cash and headed home.

"I’m so tired... I’m really tired…"

Mostly from the part where Sensei hugged me. The ending was tougher than I expected.

…Still, the company president was a kind person. So was the assistant. I used to think all adults in this world were hopeless—like Kaiser, or the people from Gehenna. But maybe... besides Sensei, there are adults I can actually trust.

"I’m home!"

"Welcome back, Suou! Here, I got you a souvenir."

Back in the room, Azusa handed me a plushie. It was the same Peroro costume I’d been wearing earlier today. Perfect timing.

"Oh, it’s adorably weird… thank you. But where did you even find a Peroro plushie?"

"There’s an amusement park inside Millennium. It’s run by one of the Momo group companies, so Peroro is their mascot."

"So that’s why…"

Saori, wearing her rare Peroro cap, joined the conversation with interest.

"Welcome back, Suou. How was your part-time job?"

"It was pretty exhausting… I’ll rest a bit."

"I see. Misaki, could you scoot over a little?"

"Ah, no need. I’ll take a shower first."

My whole body felt sticky—I’d been sweating so much. In this condition, I didn’t even want to sit down, let alone crawl into bed.

"So, Suou, what kind of job was it?"

"I worked at an event! I wore a mascot costume and walked around greeting people!"

The trick to lying well—keep it mostly truthful. As long as I didn’t mention that amusement park, everything would sound perfectly legal…

"Oh yeah? What kind of mascot?"

"Uh... let’s see... a twin-tailed girl with light blue hair! About two or three heads tall!"

I think Hatsune Miku exists in this world too, so this should pass.

"I see. Sorry for keeping you up."

"It’s fine, pero-pero! I’ll go take that shower now."

Seriously though, I’m exhausted. Honestly, this was rougher than Arius training. Hopefully, I’ll sleep well tonight.

"Wait."

Just as I grabbed my towel, clean underwear, and pajamas, Azusa called out to me.

"What’s with that way of talking?"

"Eh…? Ah—!"

Oh no. I just said 'pero-pero' out loud… The fatigue completely loosened my guard.

"Suou. There was a strange Peroro at the amusement park today. About my height, had impressive physical abilities—could withstand Hifumi’s tackle, and kept trying to hug me."

"I-is that so? What a mysterious person that must’ve been."

Not yet… I can still bluff this. There’s no proof. If I play dumb, I can still make it!

"I see. If that’s how you want to play… Sensei seems to have liked that Peroro’s hugs. I’ll be taking him to that amusement park every day from now on."

"I—I’m sorry! Please forgive me! It was my fault!!"

After that, I took a shower and spent quite a while sitting formally in front of Azusa as punishment.