New Job Description

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Rolling over I turn off my alarm. Last night had not gone exactly as I had remembered in the game. Doubtful thoughts started to run through my head as I tried to think of what possibly could have prompted for Eisuke's reaction. Granted, I was well aware, I wasn't reacting like that of the main character. Perhaps, I wasn't Japanese looking enough to resemble his long-lost sister. I certainly don't have her body, I thought, regarding myself in the mirror. Eisuke is incredibly smart, he wouldn't have needed to expose my chest to reach that assumption.

With a heavy sigh, I turned to my kitchen, filling up the tea kettle with water and placing it on the burner. As my stomach growled, I opened the refrigerator, to survey what food I would be able to make for breakfast. A carton of eggs and fresh herbs caught my eye, prompting the idea of making an omelet. Whisking a few of the eggs together, I sprinkled in some rosemary, thyme, and oregano. I searched the unfamiliar kitchen for cookware, so I could finally get to eating and satisfy my uncontrollable hunger. I sprinkled some cheese over the omelet, as the tea kettle started to whistle, signaling my water had come to a boil.

Leaning an elbow on the counter, I took a bite of my omelet, with a bit of grape jelly. Mmmm! Delicious! I couldn't believe how incredibly delicious breakfast tasted, but then again, I was starving! It didn't take me long to finish breakfast, as I headed toward the bathroom to shower. Today was going to be different. Something inside me felt rather uneasy about how today was going to go, but I was confident that it would be different and less chaotic than yesterday.

I gave myself one last look in the mirror, before heading out the door. Today was the perfect day to make a great impression on Mr. Ichinomiya. I wore flattering pedal pushers, cuffed at the end, exposing just the perfect amount of leg. I know it's weird, but if there's one part of my body I've never taken a disliking to, it would be my ankles. In my youth, I took up figure skating and absolutely loved it. My coach Dawn was incredibly intimidating, but she helped shape me into the woman I am today. If it weren't for her, I doubt that I would be as competitive, nor would I strive to perform my best at anything I attempted. Similar to the night before, I chose a white off-the-shoulder shirt. The sleeves frilled out at my elbows, meanwhile the seam on the top frilled as well, giving the appearance of country-girl innocence. Minimal makeup really completed the look.

My hair fell at my shoulders. I didn't bother drying it this morning, rather I let it air dry, which enabled it to take its naturally wavy form. To top off the look, I searched throughout my closet to find the cutest accessories. Adorning my head, I had a very feminine straw hat, with a delicate black ribbon tied into a bow. On one wrist I wore my watch, which was a beautiful rose gold. The other wrist was bare. Satisfied, I put on my rose gold sun glasses, that framed my face perfectly.

"Let's roll." I said, with as straight of a face as I could, before bursting out laughing. I threw my purse over my shoulder, grabbed my keys, and locked my apartment door behind me.

Walking out into the summer morning sun felt incredibly good. I felt almost like a new woman. It's incredible how the smallest things, like an outfit change and a pair of sunglasses, could make you feel like the Queen of England. It wasn't long before I was standing before the great Trés Spades. Standing across the street at the stop light, I pondered whether I should go to work today. A little hooky never hurt anyone. I frowned, torm between my dedication to having a perfect work attendance record, and my desire to simply run to the nearest park, to soak up some sun.

"Good Morning," A familiar voice startled me, "Harumi."

I turned in the direction of the voice, to find none other than Baba.

"Good Morning." I said, returning my gaze to the street light, directing the crowds of pedestrians to walk.

"I hope you've had a peaceful night." He continued, walking beside me.

"I did. Slept like a baby." I commented, "Thank you." I added.

There's no reason for me to be completely snarky with him. He has been one of the only bidders to be incredibly nice to me. As we got to the other side of the crosswalk, I turned to him, placing my hand on his arm.

"If you're going to be following me," I started.

At first, he was shocked as my hand gently grabbed his arm. He looked at my hand before returning his stare to me.

"I'm not following you…" He offered, in what appeared to be the most innocent voice he could muster.

"…You should introduce yourself properly." I continued.

His eyes widened, before taking a step back. He removed his hat, with a wide grin, bowing at the waist, much like the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland.

"Pretty lady, I am Mitsunari Baba." He announced, raising his head, taking my hand and bringing it up to his lips. "But you may call me, Baba." He finished placing a gentle kiss on my hand, before standing back up.

I was briefly stunned. Not in a million years had I imagined such an introduction. Then again, I never thought I'd be torn from my own reality and placed in this fictional game. I couldn't help but let a giggle escape my lips as I looked at his stance. Baba was certainly a character!

"Nice to meet you, Baba!" I exclaimed through the giggles extending a hand.

He looked at me quizzically before taking my hand and giving it a good shake. I wouldn't doubt it if he contemplated whether I needed psychiatric help at this stage of the game, but then again, I'm not so convinced that I don't need psychiatric help myself.

"Aw, will you look at the time," I said, glancing at my watch, "I'm sorry Baba, but I need to head to work before I'm late." I ascended the stairs to the entrance of Trés Spades, before turning around to him. "It's been a pleasure." I offered, as I smiled gently at him, lifting my hand to give a slight wave. "See you around!" I finished before entering the hotel.

In the employee changing area I found Sakiko.

"Don't you look absolutely gorgeous this morning!" Sakiko exclaimed looking at me as I sat next to her on the bench.

"Thank you!" I smiled back.

"Have you finally come to terms, accepting my theory of finding a wealthy man to woo at the I.V.C.?" She asked, toying with the seam of my shirt.

"Oh Sakiko, I believe Chisato is right about this." I sighed, "True love and happiness is more powerful than wealth."

"What am I right about?" Chisato said laughing as she approached me.

"I was just explaining to dear Sakiko, that I'm with you. I'd rather find true love and happiness, than base my relationship on power and wealth." I offered tying my apron around my waist.

"We will just have to agree to disagree!" Sakiko defended defiantly.

"We ought to get to the meeting before we get in trouble." Chisato offered, taking a glance at her watch.

Barely making it to the meeting, we stood by the doors, as all the other conference room seats were taken.

"Good Morning Ladies!" Kenzaki, the general manager of the Trés Spades started. "As you know, yesterday marked the first day of the annual International VIP Convention. Thanks to all of you for your outstanding efforts, the first day was an immense success."

Everyone in the room clapped along with the praise offered by Kenzaki.

"Today, I implore you to continue with your efforts to make Trés Spades the most renowned for its continued exceptional customer service. With that being said, I have a few changes to the schedule, and will need to speak personally to the following employees." He continued, "Erika Matsuda, Rina and Kana Tinhara, and Harumi Yutari."

"Good luck." Sakiko offers as she exits with Chisato, "Don't forget lunch today!"

Nervously, I approach Kenzaki. I never enjoyed being called to the principal's office in school. I always had anxiety, even though I knew I did nothing wrong. I felt no different at this point in time either.

"Good morning," I said, bowing my head and announcing myself to Kenzaki.

"Good Morning Harumi." He said, smiling. "I have a new assignment for you."

Lifting my head, I graciously take the envelope he has extended to me. I open it up to find a key card and a pager. Questioningly I look at Kenzaki.

"Your new assignment will be to clean the VIP Penthouse." He said with a smile. "As requested by Mr. Ichinomiya, you have a key card and a personal pager. You will still be responsible for cleaning both the 41st and 42nd floor, but your job will now include ensuring the VIP Penthouse is maintained."

Speechless, I take the keycard and pager out of the envelope, placing them in my apron just as Erika and the twins approach.

"You're dismissed." Kenzaki offers before turning his attention to Erika and the twins.

Appreciative of his generosity, I bow my head, retreating from the conference room, but not before I hear Erika and the twins protesting. I hurriedly head to the storage closet, to obtain cleaning supplies, in hopes that I will be able to avoid Erika, Rina, and Kana. Unfortunately, as I'm ready to leave, my cart suddenly comes to a complete halt. Certain of who it is, I let out a defeated sigh.

"You think you can simply walk in here, and erase everything I've worked so hard to accomplish!" Erika shrieks.

"Yeah!" The twins add in unison.

"Erika, I did not have a choice in this matter." I stated, taking a deep breath. "Perhaps you're not doing as great of a job as you initially thought."

I pushed my cart past her, headed toward the elevators, without looking back. I extend my finger, nervously pushing the up button. Although I had stood up to Erika and her minions, I didn't feel like I found any additional confidence. Instead, I had a deep desire to apologize. I know she had been here since the hotel had opened up. She had to have worked hard to get to the position she as currently in. There's validity behind her anger. I would be upset too, if I had worked so hard to reach a certain level and someone, a novice, came out of the blue and stole it out from under my nose.

"I didn't ask for this though." I muttered to myself, as the elevator doors opened before me, granting me entrance.

Turning the cart around, I contemplated which floor to go to first. Still unsure of myself, I pressed the 41st floor's button. I may have additional responsibilities, but my primary responsibilities are the still 41st and 42nd floor. I sigh, reaching into my apron pocket. Pulling out my phone and headphones, I turn to the one thing that can eradicate any overwhelming feelings. As the Ballade in C Minor begins, the elevator opens on the 41st floor. I push my cart out, and immediately hear two arguing voices.

With hesitation, I push my cart to one side of the hall, removing one side of my headphones.

"I don't understand why we even decided to come here," the female voice shouted, "what's the point of a honeymoon, if you're going to be working the entire time!" She sneered, exiting the room, slamming the door behind her.

"Are you alright Miss?" I offer, hesitantly.

Shocked she looks at me, taking a handkerchief out of her pocket and dabbing her eyes.

"I suggest you mind your own business, Maid" she spat.

"My sincerest apologies," I lower my head, apologetically.

Without another word, she storms past me, exiting the hall into the elevator. Shrugging, I replace the headphone and continue my daily cleaning responsibilities.

I brush a strand of hair out of my eyes, with the back of my hand as I unplug the vacuum cord and begin coiling it up around my arm. Glancing at my watch, I realized I finished the floor in record time, as it is only 11:30 in the morning. I reach into my cart and pull out a water I had previously stocked, knowing I would be thirsty. I push my cart over to the elevator and push the button for entrance. As I'm about to enter, I suddenly feel my apron buzz. Consumed with work, I had completely forgotten about the pager. I reach in my apron and pull out the source of the disruption.

"Four missed pages!?" I shriek. How on earth was I unaware of the previous pages? I questioned myself horrified.

I rush into the elevator, frantically pushing the penthouse suite's button. I pace nervously back and forth in the elevator, praying that no one else gets on, further delaying my trip to the penthouse. I know in the game, the Mr. Ichinomiya was always calling up the main character to make coffee or for other remedial things, but I couldn't help but feel like I had yet again potentially ruined something.

Reaching the penthouse floor, the elevator doors open, granting me entrance. I timidly exit the elevator, and enter the lounge. The lounge was empty, unlike last night, when all five bidders were present. I push my cart further into the lounge, making note of my surroundings. It doesn't appear as though cleaning is needed; the lounge looks exceptionally clean.

"H-Housekeeping." I offered, in attempt to announce my presence.

Waiting a minute, I thought I'd hear a response, but I didn't. Instead the lounge was eerily quiet. I pushed my cleaning cart off to the side, parking it against the wall of the lounge. I straighten out my apron, and place a shaky hand on the railing of the spiral staircase. As I ascend, I can barely hear the sound of someone talking. It must be Mr. Ichinomiya. Reaching the top of the stairs, I reach the private lounge area, but much to my disappointment, it's still empty.

"H-Housekeeping." I offered again, a bit louder than before, waiting for a response.

I can still hear Mr. Ichinomiya talking quietly in the distance, but it appeared he still had no recognition of my presence. Timidly, I proceed down the hall, fiddling with my hands. My anxiety grew in my chest as I approached the familiar door from last night. Half opened, I could see the natural sun light beaming through into the hall.

Reaching the door, I give a faint knock on the door as a last attempt to announce my presence. Yet again, I seemed not to have had an impact. I grew frustrated with my current predicament. How could you call someone to you, and then ignore them? I remember my own frustration from the game. Every time Eisuke was engrossed in work, he virtually ignored the main character. I almost forgot that I'm living a game. Eisuke will be the same with me as he was with the main character, regardless of who I was or how I acted. That's what drew me to him in the first place. He was consistent, never truly changing regardless of anyone else that entered or left his life. He was true to himself and original. He was extremely smart, acting deliberately with reason behind each action.

I enter the room cautiously. My eyes regard the bed. I'm shocked to see that the bed looks as if he hasn't slept in it for days. The only difference from last night, is the single crystal Dorset double old-fashioned drinking glass, placed atop a wooden coaster on the coffee table.

"Do what is necessary to make it happen." I hear frustration in the tone of his voice. "I won't take no for an answer."

As I approach the sliding office doors, I can't help but stifle a giggle. Of course, you won't take no for an answer. I thought to myself, You're The King, who dare say no to you! I gather my wits as I knock on the doors. I take a second to wait for his approval, but he doesn't even bother saying a word. Frustrated, I pull the door open, walking over to stand in front of his desk.

"You paged, sir." I say.

"I paged you several times." He says without looking up from his paperwork.

"I apologize, sir" I offer, "I was tending to other guests." I bow my head.

"When I page, you are to be in the penthouse within five minutes." He says, "Do you understand?"

"I do, sir."

There was a brief moment where nothing was said. Keeping my head down, all I could hear was the shuffling of papers. Confident there was nothing else to be said, I bowed silently, and headed toward the doors.

"Coffee." He stated, without looking up from his papers.