When I had just been promoted to Supervisor at Daydream Inc.
I got caught up in that serial killer lodge ghost story because of a certain roommate of mine, but I barely managed to clear it without having anyone killed.
As a reward, I ‘inherited’ this tattoo from the lodge owner.
Later, I upgraded it at Moonlight Tattoo Shop, so now I use part of the lodge like an inventory subspace, but in truth, that’s not the real nature of this tattoo.
The lodge keeper’s employment authority.
It was a contract for commanding the servants who ran the serial killer lodge.
But I couldn’t use it.
– There must be inherent, existential nobility.
That didn’t matter to me. I only tried to take over the employment contract to stop the lodge ghost story.
A person of inherent, existential nobility.
The employment contract says so.
That I meet that standard.
Somehow, standing across from me, holding the employment contract, was a man in shabby clothes.
In his hand, the red wax seal he used for his original contract was still intact.
The mountain lodge keeper.
Wearing a worn-out garment that covered his head, he nevertheless looked at me quietly, exuding a certain dignity and decorum befitting an attendant.
“As you have met the qualifications of my employer, I stand before you to serve and follow your orders under the authority of the contract.”
I hurriedly summoned my black smoke to move.
Perhaps because this ability was deemed unsuited for a ‘Flower Golden Resort’ employee, it was even harder to use than before.
And even though the black smoke turned golden midway, I still managed to write out the words successfully.
Where did that judgment come from?
“I too have some doubts, but that’s not for me to decide.”
But the criteria for nobility are
What you think they are
Like a true servant, the mountain lodge keeper immediately spoke.
“A promised inheritance and power. The existence of those who beg for fear and mercy from them.”
“The ruthless and powerful authority as a landlord exercised over the parasites, visitors, intruders, and challengers in one’s domain.”
…Why do these explanations sound like something out of a disaster god’s job description? Wasn’t nobility supposed to be about good and virtuous values?
Well, come to think of it, the lodge keeper’s master was a madman who lured people with inheritance just to have them kill and be killed in the lodge.
The more I listened, the more I realized these conditions were never meant for humans.
But apparently, everything I’ve done so far, being reborn as a mascot in a ghost story, fit those requirements.
‘Did the Yellow Zone of the theme park get judged as my domain…?’
But there’s one thing I don’t understand.
A promised inheritance and power?
“That’s right. You’ve had it since the first time we met.”
The lodge keeper bowed his head again.
But do I really have something like that?
Sensing my confusion, the lodge keeper respectfully pointed to something.
“It’s proven by a mark even more powerful than the seal of my employment contract.”
Reflexively, I looked down at my left arm, hidden under my Security Team uniform.
The mark given to me by the Blue Mascot.
I turned toward the gate. The Blue Mascot, looking rather proud, said something.
So this tattoo… didn’t ‘socius’ mean something like ‘companion, member, kin’ in Latin?
I’d always thought it was just a VIP annual pass for the theme park since it burned onto my wrist as the annual membership ticket was destroyed.
But in truth, it was something even stronger…
‘They’re saying… They’re guarding me? Claiming me as family?’
I met the gaze of the cutely deformed blue dragon.
A mix of gratitude and chills passed through me.
Surely, it was an act of goodwill, and thanks to it, I had definitely benefited and escaped danger a few times.
But ultimately, it was because of this mascot’s goodwill that I ended up trapped in Cheerful Theme Park.
Today, ever since dawn, it feels like I can hear the blue dragon’s words even more clearly…
Stiffly, I stared at the Blue Mascot, and both the mascot and the nearby staff seemed to grow restless.
Just then, the lodge keeper’s voice rang out.
“Will you assign me to manage your domain?”
“Of course. Would you like to instruct me to manage this territory called ‘Flower Golden Resort’?”
He maintained perfect politeness, but there was a hint of impatience or anticipation behind the question.
Suddenly, I remembered how those who were completely bound to an employee contract in this resort had worked with real joy.
Even me, when I was fully immersed in management as a mascot.
Are you someone who wants to work?
“That’s not important. Only the will of my employer matters.”
“…I exist to manage my employer’s domain on behalf of them.”
The lodge keeper explained.
“I have faithfully cared for the manor of a noble master, but if you entrust me with a greater post, I can serve you with even stronger servants to match…”
A desire to become something greater flickered briefly, then vanished.
So if he’s assigned to manage this resort, which is larger than the lodge, he’ll be able to exercise greater abilities.
You said you’d act on my behalf?
The resort can still be run?
“Yes. I am a servant hired for that very purpose.”