William's Job.

It's been a week since I transmigrated to this new world, and to my surprise, my days have been pleasant—I'd even argue they're better than the challenging days I faced back on Earth.

At school, I often felt like an outcast, constantly belittled and bullied by my peers. My life seemed so insignificant in their eyes that I was deemed unworthy of attending such an institution, let alone forming friendships with someone as extraordinary as Sumi.

In this parallel world, I now take leisurely strolls almost every day, absorbing the intricate details of my surroundings. The city is vibrant and alive, with shops dotting every corner—each one with a unique charm. There are quaint flower shops bursting with color, delightful bakeries with the scent of freshly baked bread wafting through the air, and even skilled blacksmiths hammering away at their craft.

Despite having experienced the industrial revolution significantly earlier than Earth, this world still has much to catch up on. For instance, one glaring absence is the lack of refrigerators; to preserve food, people rely on traditional methods such as salting, drying, or storing perishables in ice houses carved into the ground.

Here, my only source of entertainment comes from the world of books—a situation that suits me perfectly, as I have an insatiable love for novels. Out of the extensive collection that William, the man I have transmigrated into, owned, I've managed to devour nearly half of them in just a week, immersing myself in tales of fantasy-adventures, a reminiscent of my earth-days.

The people I encounter daily are overwhelmingly friendly; just yesterday, a kind-hearted woman invited me to her home for a home-cooked meal after she accidentally bumped into me and apologized profusely for causing any "inconvenience." How could I refuse such a warm invitation?

As for my financial situation, William came into this new life with a significant stash of currency. I've been carefully using these funds to purchase food and other essentials each day, making sure I don't deplete his resources too quickly. I'm not surprised by the wealth, considering that the man I've taken the place of—William—seems exceptionally talented. After all, it raises questions as to why the Solarian Empire would choose only him for such a dangerous mission as assassinating the Emperor.

I assume they provided him with adequate funds to blend in as a citizen of the Kingdom of Asylo, allowing him to navigate this unfamiliar life. I certainly hope that's the case because the thought of seeking employment in a world I've only just arrived in is daunting.

With each passing day, I find myself reminded of my sister more and more—her long, dark hair intricately braided to the side, the playful glint in her eyes when she teased me. After the tragic loss of our parents, she became my only family and caretaker, stepping into the role with unwavering determination. I vividly recall one particular moment when she stormed into my school to confront my bullies, her fierce protectiveness shining through. Albeit it resulted in me being called a "Sis-com."

Unfortunately, despite my deep love for my sister and for Sumi, it doesn't seem to be enough. If it were, I would be desperately searching for an escape from this world. Damn, I really am an emotionless bastard, aren't I? I can't shake off the thought as it loops through my mind.

Feeling a surge of frustration and hopelessness, I finally rise from the soft cushion of the bed where I'd been seated for far too long. I grab the trench coat that was draped on the backrest of the chair, its fabric comforting against my skin, and pull it on. I know I need to walk this turmoil off—maybe another stroll will clear my head.

Just as I reach for the cold metal door handle, a loud, authoritative knock echoes from the other side. someone's at the door? At this time? My heartbeat quickens. I crouch down and peek through the keyhole, my stomach twisting with anxiety.

Standing there are two men in sharp, with distinct uniforms—the unmistakable attire of the regional Ebili police.

"Wait, isn't that the regional Ebili police uniform?" I murmur under my breath, panic constricting my throat.

A wave of dread washes over me. What if they've discovered that I, or rather, William Lidford Lias, might be a spy? The thought makes me gulp, feeling my Adam's apple rise and fall like a pendulum. I quickly wipe the sweat that has formed on my brow, forcing myself to adopt a calm façade, hoping to throw the officers off my scent.

With hesitant resolve, I pull open the door and greet the two men standing before me with a simple nod—the customary greeting here. They respond in kind, their expressions unreadable.

"Hello, Mr. Lias, how are you doing today?" the man with the neatly trimmed goatee asks, his voice a mix of sternness and concern.

"I'm fine, thank you for asking," I reply, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace, my heart racing as I struggled to comprehend why two police officers were standing at my door. The weight of their presence sent a chill down my spine.

The man with long dark hair, dressed in a crisp uniform that seems to exude authority, leaned slightly forward. "So, Mr. Lias, you've been skipping work for a week now. Any particular reason?" he probes, his piercing gaze searching my face for a hint of a lie.

Work... Don't tell me...

"Uh-huh... what work are you referring to exactly?" I ask, my throat tightening as dread pools in my stomach.

"Your work as a police officer," the man with the goatee replies bluntly, his expression remaining impassive.

Don't tell me... William has a job?! That's exactly what I didn't want! I had envisioned a leisurely life here, enjoying my days in the body of a 27-year-old man, free from responsibilities. Well, that explains the considerable stash of money William kept; one thing's for sure, he didn't get them from the Solarian kingdom!

"Oh... well, you see... I had a terrible headache for the past week. Would it be okay if I returned to work tomorrow?" I quickly fabricate an excuse, hoping it would be convincing enough.

The dark-haired officer raises an eyebrow but nods thoughtfully. "Mhm. Since you've had a headache, I suppose the head officer will allow it," he says, seemingly reassured by my response.

"Yeah, I'll definitely be there tomorrow," I say, managing to sound more confident than I felt as I slowly close the door. Once it clicks shut, I lean against it and slide to the floor, overwhelmed by the sudden wave of reality crashing down on me.

I thought I would have a carefree existence, atleast in this world!... but of course—William had to get a job! And not just any job—a police officer! The most flashy job available! Wasn't he supposed to be some sort of discreet spy? My mind spun, frustration coiling tighter within me.

"Whatever... I just hope the police force has some magical abilities that I, or rather William, possess. It would certainly add some excitement to this mundane situation," I murmur to myself, my irritation still bubbling just beneath the surface.

But then, as I sit here.. contemplating my predicament, another thought crosses my mind: should I surrender the idea of being a spy? After all, I'm not William; I'm just a teenager trapped in his body! I question myself. But deciding whether to resign from this role weighs heavily on my thoughts. What if the Solarian Empire decides to hunt me down if I walk away!?

Ruffling my hair in exasperation, I tousle it further, feeling the weight of my circumstances grow heavier.

"Aghh!! I was having such a wonderful time, only to see it all ruined by... a job!" I exclaim, my voice echoing in the room.

"I should definitely wash away all my frustrations with a simple stroll... and perhaps buy a novel on the way," I sigh, feeling the weight of the day settle heavily on my shoulders.

After running my fingers through my hair, I attempt to smooth down the strands and tame the tousled mess. I make my way to my desk, opening the second drawer, where I find William's stash of currency bills. I carefully take out exactly ten bills, feeling the crisp texture in my hands, and shove them into my leather wallet.

As I approach the door, I pull it open and step outside. The sun is just dipping below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the neighborhood. The lanterns hanging on the façades of the homes begin to light up one by one with the gentle pull of a string, illuminating the pathway with a soft, inviting glow.

I can't help but smile at the picturesque scene; the friendliness of the community shines through in these small details. Thoughts flicker in my mind, reminding me of an Isekai novel I read, where the main character is cruelly mistreated by the whole kingdom—eek! I shudder at the thought and wonder how I would have managed in such a dire situation.

With each step I take, the smell of kerosene from the newly lit lanterns permeates the evening air, mingling with the scent of blooming flowers nearby. A swarm of tiny bugs flits around the lights, creating a mesmerizing dance of silhouettes against the twilight. It feels peaceful—too peaceful for a parallel world where anything could happen.

Yet, my thoughts drift back to the job awaiting me tomorrow. What a bother it seems to be! I can't shake the feeling of missing Sumi and my sister more than anything—it always feels like a void in my heart when I think of them, but whining won't change anything.

I continue walking, my feet growing tired as I traverse the familiar streets, but I push on, determined to reach my destination. Eventually, I arrive at the cozy little novel store nestled between a bakery and a flower shop, its sign swinging slightly in the evening breeze. Eagerly, I enter, the familiar scent of paper and ink wrapping around me like a comforting blanket, and I take a seat just beside the counter.

This place (or world) doesn't boast fully established libraries—just intimate bookstores that cater to a range of literary tastes. They offer everything from fantasy to adventure and mystery titles, each book promising an escape into another world. The sweet and slightly dusty scent of stacked books in this shop reminds me of my favourite bookstore back on Earth that, unfortunately, closed its doors for good—and the owner, the reason behind my transmigration.

The elderly lady behind the counter greets me with a warm smile, her eyes twinkling with recognition.

"Ah, it's you again! Back so soon?" she says, clearly happy to see me after a few days.

I had recently picked up a few novels just a couple of days ago, which I have yet to finish. There's something about the thrill of a never-ending TBR (to-be-read) pile that excites me—it's like a treasure waiting to be uncovered.

One thing I've noticed, however, is the absence of Isekai novels in this place. I can't help but wonder: has that genre not been invented yet? Is there even a place like Japan in this world? The thought lingers as I ponder the cultural intricacies of my surroundings.

After a few moments of thought, I rise from my seat and push it aside gently. The shelves overflowing with novels beckon me over, and I start analyzing them carefully. After some deliberation, I randomly select a book, feeling a sense of serendipity wash over me; this must be the right choice.

Blowing off the dust that has settled on the cover, I bring the book to the lady at the counter.

"Excuse me, miss. I'd like to buy this," I say in a gentle tone, my excitement bubbling beneath the surface.

"Ahh... of course, Liam! Since you come here so often, I'll give you a 10% discount," she beams, and the friendly nickname catches me off guard. Just a few days ago, she had referred to me as "William."

Grateful, I smile and nod, paying her the discounted price with a sense of satisfaction. Just as I'm about to exit the store, she suddenly calls out to me.

"Listen, Liam... I'd like to invite you to a tea party," she says, the warmth in her voice inviting and genuine.

I turn around hastily, surprised but intrigued. "When, exactly?" I ask, curiosity piquing.

She nods, her expression bright. "Tomorrow at eight o'clock. Will you be free then?"

I instinctively look up, contemplating my schedule for a moment. "Sure, I'll be there," I assure her, returning her smile.

Her invitation reminds me that I have go to work tomorrow—eek! I can't help but groan internally at the thought of facing the demands of the day ahead.

I look back at her, then ask, "By the way, what's your name?"

"Orise La Chen," she replies, her tone warm and inviting.

Her name strikes me as unique, especially in a place that resembles the Victorian era. Well, I suppose "Lidford Lias" is unconventional too.

I smile at her before taking a final glance at the store's cozy interior, filled with the promise of countless stories yet to be told. Finally, I step outside, the cool evening air greeting me as I embrace the quiet of the night.