Gainful Employment [Backdate, Open]

[nomorecowbell]

Who: Nanami, OPEN
Where: Locations Over Aquares Ixen
When: Pre- visit to the Sage
What: Nanami looks for spending money and something to do.
Warnings: None.

Nanami had done some thinking after the trip home. So, she couldn't get out of this, and she couldn't do anything about being a Hero and in charge of making sure her world didn't get consumed. She knew how to fight, but fighting was risky, and there were Jobs that let her do other things, from the back.

But she also wanted some spending money, and something to do besides worry about how the hell they were going to win against an ancient devourer of worlds, so she decided to try something normal: look for a part-time job.

Then again, Nanami had never actually worked, or had to worry about money before Crystallis. She was rich, and her family made sure that their children never lacked for the status symbols of wealth. Living as a student was a bit of an education. So was trying to find a position as a teenager with a set of skills none too useful for many jobs.

"Excuse me, are you hiring?"

Comments

[has_been_faking]

Ed might have been working the counter of his alchemy shop, but he was writing diligently in a journal when Nanami approached. He seems surprised by the question, and blinks at her for a moment.

"Um, well, actually, I might be. I could get a lot more done in the lab with a part-timer helping in the store. Admittedly there's probably a learning curve to this place that might be a little steep compared to other shops, though. Do you know anything about alchemy? Or maybe have any sales experience?"

[nomorecowbell]

"No, not really," Nanami said. "I was just a student back home. I was good at talking to people, though."

And manipulating fellow students, but you don't say that to adults.

[has_been_faking]

This particular adult would consider that a plus for this job.

"Ah, I see. So this would be your first job ever? Hmmm..."

He might have to think that over.

"People usually come in here with something specific in mind, or are totally clueless. Usually not too many in between. Your job is to find out what they want and sell them as much of it as you can. Keep 'em happy, so they come back and tell other people about this place too. Sounds easy, but in this line of work, it can be tricky. The key is knowing the merchandise forwards and backwards, which will take some study. If you're willing to do all of that..."

He shrugs. He knows it sounds a little intimidating.

"Then I can give you a shot."

[nomorecowbell]

"But how do they know what they want?" Nanami said.

[has_been_faking]

Ed grinned slyly. "If they don't know what they want, use some context clues to figure out what they might like. Do they look tired? Try something to boost energy. Dry-looking skin? Some moisturizers. A warrior? Try some strength potions. A real puzzler? Try something more magical, like an invisibility serum or levitation potion. Start small, get their attention, and work your way up. If you push something too expensive up front, you're more likely to scare 'em off."

He leans back in his chair, looking happy to share decades of grifting salesmanship experience.

"What do you think? Any interest?"

[nomorecowbell]

"It does sound interesting. Do you mind if I try it out?"

[has_been_faking]

"Sure! Hmm, it's been quiet today, so..."

He looks around, tapping his chin in thought. What would be a good test?

"How about this: go read some labels on the items on the shelves. Get acquainted. Then tell me what you'd try to sell me if I walked into the store, but didn't know what I wanted. How does that sound?"

[nomorecowbell]

"All right! Give me a minute then!"