Chapter 41 – New Responsibilities [Part 1]

Honestly, Saturday was pretty great. I woke up early as usual, and here's the wild part: I felt fine. Not just "I guess I'm conscious" fine, but actually, genuinely fine. Drowsy, sure, but not like I'd been hit by a truck and then the truck backed up to make sure it got me good. The Advanced Sleeper perk is doing work. Serious work.

And the best part? Thanks to the Optimized Body enhancement, I felt zero soreness. None. Nada. Zilch. My muscles felt like they'd been given a spa treatment instead of being subjected to my increasingly masochistic workout routine.

The rest of Saturday was pleasantly uneventful. I did my daily routine, went to work at the café, came home, and we had a rematch of Cat Collector.

Last time we played, Selene and Bianca teamed up on me, stealing my resources and cards until I limped into last place with one point less than Bianca.

So yes, I suggested the rematch. Yes, I might be a sore loser. And yes, I won this time and felt absolutely no shame about my victory dance.

We didn't bet anything this time, so all I got was bragging rights and the satisfaction of watching my sisters' faces when I played my last card and completely blew them out of the water.

Worth it.

Sunday was equally normal. After my nightly workout, all my physical attributes increased by 1 again. But what really caught my attention was that my Appearance went up too! From 12 to 13.

But now it's Monday, and I'm standing in front of Mr. Vale in my café uniform. He's looking at me with a warm smile on his face, and somehow that makes me more nervous than if he were frowning.

"You have improved greatly, Adam. Truly." he says, his voice carrying that elegant, measured cadence that makes everything sound profound. "I believe it's high time for you to learn how to interact with customers."

"I'm... yeah, I think I'm ready for that," I say, and I surprise myself because I actually sort of mean it. Yeah, I'm nervous. But also, it feels... exciting, I guess? Like this is a new challenge that I'm being entrusted to handle.

Mr. Vale studies me for a moment, his eyes warm. He nods gently. "Good," he says quietly. "It is a good thing to embrace the unknown, instead of fearing it." He places a hand on my shoulder, and his voice softens. "You are a truly impressive person, Adam."

"Oh... thank you, sir." I'm taken aback by the sincerity in his voice.

"Now, let us begin practicing," he continues smoothly, "we have much to accomplish today."

Well, on my first day working at the café, I realized that walking might not be as easy as it appeared. And now, three weeks in, I'm wondering if talking might be similarly complicated.

Having watched Mr. Vale for so long, I've realized that his manner of speaking is a carefully cultivated skill. There's something about it that's just... mesmerizing. The way he modulates his tone, the precise pauses, the gentle warmth that makes you feel like you're the most important person in the room. I've barely had any time to practice speaking like him, though. I've been too busy with… well everything else I’ve been doing.

"Now Adam, let us act out an interaction between you and a customer," Mr. Vale says, moving with fluid grace to the front of the café. He positions himself before the host stand, hands clasped lightly before him. "How would you start?"

Okay, I've seen Mr. Vale do this tons of times. I can totally do this. Just channel his energy. Be smooth. Be professional. Don't say "uh" or "um" or any variation thereof.

"Good morning, do you, um... have a reservation with us today?"

Damn it.

"No, I'm afraid I don't," Mr. Vale responds warmly. And then something fascinating happens, his entire demeanor shifts. The refined, elegant Mr. Vale transforms into someone completely different. His posture loosens, becoming more animated and open. His expression brightens into an enthusiastic smile, eyes lighting up with excitement. He's very obviously playing someone outgoing and full of energy, the kind of person who probably introduces themselves to strangers at parties.

The transformation is so complete it's kind of unsettling.

"Oh, that's no problem at all! And, uh, how many will be joining you?"

Great, already said "um" and "uh" and "oh." Fantastic start, Adam. Real professional. But hey, I'm just getting into the mindset of being a server, so I'll excuse myself for now.

"Just myself today!" His character practically radiates enthusiasm. "I've heard such wonderful things about this place, I just had to see it for myself!"

I take a moment to calm myself down, mentally channeling Mr. Vale's usual coolness. I can do this. I'm just... acting. This is roleplay.

"We're delighted to have you, sir," I say with a smile that feels almost natural. "If you'll follow me, please."

I reach for a menu from behind the host stand and begin walking, consciously applying everything Mr. Vale taught me about elegant movement. Shoulders back, head level, smooth gliding steps.

I lead Mr. Vale to a window table, a more open spot with a good view of the rest of the café. I'm thinking that with his current "character's" outgoing energy, he probably wouldn't want to be sitting in an isolated corner booth. People-watchers need good sightlines.

I place the menu before him as he settles into his seat. "Please, take your time looking over the menu. I'll bring some water as you peruse."

Oh, look at me sounding professional. Maybe I can do this after all.

I'm in full roleplay mode now, and honestly? It's kind of fun. I step away from the table and head to grab a glass and pitcher. The pitcher is empty, but I mime pouring water with careful attention, placing the glass gently on the table.

Mr. Vale is absorbed in studying the menu, so I give a subtle, polite bow before stepping away. I return the pitcher and then position myself near the wall, maintaining proper posture while keeping Mr. Vale in my peripheral vision.

After a few moments, Mr. Vale sets the menu aside and glances around the café, his character's expression curious and expectant. Taking this as my cue, I approach from an angle where he can see me coming. Nobody likes being ambushed by their waiter.

"Have you decided, sir? Or would you like a few more minutes?"

"You know, I think I'll try this smoked salmon and avocado croissant," Mr. Vale says, his enthusiasm genuine and infectious. "What would you recommend to drink with it?"

I pull out a notepad from my vest pocket and write down his order. The smoked salmon croissant is actually one of our most popular items. I've bussed enough tables to know what people typically drink with it.

"Excellent choice, sir, that's one of our most popular items. I'd recommend pairing it with a cappuccino. The richness complements the dish beautifully."

"Perfect! I'll trust your judgment on that."

His character's enthusiasm is infectious. I find myself genuinely smiling.

"Wonderful. I'll have that out to you shortly." I pause, glancing at the menu still on the table. "Will you be wanting to keep the menu, or may I take it?"

"Oh no, you can take it. I never eat much in the morning anyway."

"Neither do I, honestly," I say with a slight smile, adding a tiny bit of personal connection. Building rapport, baby.

"Ha! Well, it's good to know I'm not alone in that."

I can't help but chuckle as I collect the menu and give him a polite nod before stepping away.

I head to the kitchen area, where I arrange an empty plate and cup on a serving tray with careful precision. Then I return to Mr. Vale's table, moving with what I hope is graceful efficiency.

"Your smoked salmon and avocado croissant, sir, and your cappuccino," I say, placing the empty dishware on the table with practiced care. "I'll be nearby if you need anything at all. Please, enjoy."

Another polite bow, another small smile, and then I'm heading back to my observation post near the wall. In a real café full of customers, I'd be scanning the room constantly, checking multiple tables, watching for raised hands or searching eyes. So I practice that now, slowly sweeping my gaze across the empty café as if it's packed with people all needing different things simultaneously.

Mr. Vale mimes eating and drinking, making small appreciative sounds that his character would definitely make. I give it what feels like an appropriate amount of time before approaching to check in. Again, from an angle where he can see me coming.

"How is everything, sir?"

Mr. Vale's face lights up with what appears to be genuine delight. "Oh, it's fantastic! Really, truly excellent. Please give my compliments to your chef."

"I certainly will, sir, he'll be pleased to hear it." I smile warmly. "Can I bring you anything else?"

"No, no, I'm perfect here. But thank you! And hey, you've been wonderful. Really professional service."

I feel a small glow of pride at that, even knowing it's roleplay. "Thank you, sir. I appreciate that."

I give him space again, returning to my post. A few moments later, Mr. Vale pushes his empty plate and cup away from himself and leans back in his chair with a satisfied expression.

He doesn't seem in any hurry, content to gaze out the window for a moment, so I don't immediately rush over. Sometimes people need a minute to digest, to exist peacefully in a comfortable space. But then he glances around with that specific "looking for the server" expression, and I make myself visible without being intrusive.

He catches my eye and mimes writing in the air: the universal signal for "check, please."

I nod and approach. "Ready for your bill, sir?"

"I am, thank you. Need to get going soon."

"Of course." I begin collecting his empty dishes. "I hope everything was to your satisfaction?"

Mr. Vale gives an easy laugh. "Absolutely! I'll definitely be back, this was a great experience."

Warmth spreads through my chest. "I'm very glad to hear that, sir. Let me get that bill for you."

I step away with the dishes, heading to the back where the computer sits on a counter near the kitchen entrance. The computer is clean but nondescript, completely overshadowed by the beautiful, modern espresso machine sitting next to it, a gleaming chrome beast covered in mysterious nozzles and buttons that I have no idea how to operate. It looks like it could either make the perfect cappuccino or launch a satellite into orbit.

I pretend to process the bill, then collect a payment terminal and small tray before returning.

"Here we are, sir. Will that be cash or card today?"

"I'll pay cash."

"Wonderful. Please, take all the time you need."

I step back to give him privacy, sweeping my gaze around the café again. After a short while, Mr. Vale mimes placing money on the tray.

I move forward with a genuine smile. "Thank you so much, sir. I hope the rest of your day is wonderful."

Mr. Vale beams at me. "It already is! And hey, left you a good tip there. You've been excellent. I'll definitely be seeing you again!"

And then, like flipping a switch, the enthusiastic customer persona melts away. He straightens, his movements becoming more refined and measured, and he's back to being the gentle, elegant Mr. Vale I know. But the pleased expression remains, even brightening. He places a hand on my shoulder, and his smile is radiant.