Photograph

After spending money like pouring water onto the sink, we're back to the apartment again. Meanwhile, Ethan seemed to be in a very good mood this time as he was walking as though he had some springs under his soles all while humming an upbeat tune.

"Oy! You said you can't be active in the social circle due to your so-called circumstances but that doesn't seem to be the case earlier. If anything, it's the opposite."

"Mr. Jack, if I may enlighten you. Not being active does not equal to being a recluse. Also, don't "oy" me, call me Ethan. And other things aside, make haste! You've got a lot of things to learn. How to act like a gentleman. How to greet nobles and so on. And let me remind you, don't you dare slack off on this. If you can't get the job tomorrow, it means no salary for you. No salary for you means no money for me."

And with that, we began practicing till night.

***

9:00 a.m., 18th July 1521.

Sitting on a fancy ivory-covered divan waiting for the ones who are going to interview me, alone. If you're wondering where the heck is that white-haired young man who loves himself way too much, well… After he bought me here, he then said, "You'll have to forgive me, Mr. Jack. For I cannot accompany you inside. I am wishing you luck so you have to do your best. Again, forgive me and I will have to excuse myself. I will be waiting for the good news."

With that, he turned his back and disappeared into the corner. And here I am, doing a mental simulation of everything I painstakingly learned yesterday.

The young man who welcomed me earlier went to fetch his "boss" and minutes had passed and he's yet to return.

After maybe a minute or so, I heard someone knocking on the door the young man disappeared to. I turned my head to see who it was and I found out a man may be in his mid 30's. Tall and slim with raven hair, with deep, brown eyes. His bangs parted to the right, and he has a rather neat, rather spiky hair that ends in a ponytail wearing rectangular framed glasses.

I stood from where I was seated, about to do the greeting like a "proper gentleman" if I were to borrow Ethan's words. But before I can even do just that, he already strode towards me and extended his right hand at me, and said, "I'm Alec Ward, the owner of this agency. Nice to meet you, mister."

"To you as well, Mr. Alec. I'm Jack Miller."

"I heard from my assistant that you're here to apply. Did you bring your resume with you?" I see that he doesn't like to stand on ceremonies.

"Yes, Mr. Alec," I answered as I handed the brown envelope containing my resume. He took it and read it with his eyes. The only thing I can hear was the ticking of the grandfather clock as I nervously waited till he finished.

"Okay, Mr. Jack. You're qualified, congratulations! Now, let us talk about what you will be doing here in the agency. After the explanation, you decide whether you still want to work with us." I nodded and seeing this, he continued.

"Here in the bloodhound agency, we provide services to the clients depending on their request. You will be paid based on your performance. You're free to decline if you don't want the requested job. Of course, in here, no work no pay." It's exactly as what Ethan had told me. But I see. Performance-based huh. If I don't accept any of the jobs in a month, it means I won't be getting anything as well. Not as stable as I thought it would be but still better than nothing. Earning money is my priority for now.

"What are the most commonly requested jobs?" I finally asked the question that had been bugging me since yesterday.

"To be honest with you, they're very random. Sometimes, a client will request for someone to accompany them to the other side of the kingdom. At times, requests assistance. Basically speaking, they're paying you for your time and service. In short, renting you. Of course, the harder the job and the longer it had to be done, the higher the pay." Somehow it reminds me of the rent-a-person job back in my original world. If I think about it, this job is very flexible.

"I understand, Mr. Alec. I'd like to take the job."

"Okay, congratulations! Now, you'll have to sign the terms of agreement contract and after that, you'll have to come with me so I could take your photo." Wait!! They already have cameras here?! Aren't they advancing way too fast?

"After signing the terms of agreement contract, which was basically more on confidentiality and secrecy, I was taken to a room underground.

"When you start working here, I have to remind you that no one is allowed to come here without my permission."

Inside was an already assembled gigantic vintage wooden camera on a tripod. The ones I only see in history books! Its metallic lens has a brassy color and was aimed at the gradient gray backdrop.

"Sit there," he ordered as he pointed to the wooden high stool.

I watched him do his thing as I wait. After wetting the rectangular plate, he inserted it into the camera and went under the black cloth. After a while, he motioned me to adjust my position which I did. After adjusting the lightings and all, he then counted, "Three, two, one,"

Click!!

He took the plate again and soaked it in the liquid chemical I don't know what is called because I don't listen to my chemistry teacher back in the day. Not long after, a black and white image slowly appeared on the rectangular plate. It was none other than me in a victorian suit.

With the last few days of me being here, I am slowly loving the aesthetics of basically everything here. You see, I am a sucker for vintage stuff and antiques. I was just so poor in my original world to even afford it. Not that I am any different now.

"You're all set, Mr. Jack. You can start working tomorrow."

"Thank you, Mr. Alec. What about my clothes, what should I wear?"

"What you're wearing now is fine."

***

11:00 a.m., at the apartment.

"Tell me! What's the result?" An excited Ethan was what greeted me the moment I opened the door. Did he wait here all this time?

And seriously though, why do you sound like you're about to become a father?

"I got in."

"Sweet! You're lucky you have me. It calls for a celebration. And as per our agreement, let's get some food, shall we?"

"Well… You'll have to forgive me Mr. Informant. I can't afford some meat at this moment because I had to buy this overly expensive suit."

"Goodness, Mr. Jack! I'm a herbivore!"