Volume 15 - Back to Business, Chapter 116 - On the Job
Yuisu had her black hair pulled back in a loose ponytail and she was rocking jean shorts and a tank top as she lead the way along the winding mountain path. Her destination was the farthest of the inn's six cabins, which was currently unoccupied.
She unlocked the door with the manager copy of the key and stepped in, then beckoned her two followers in after. The tall and regal tiger-girl Sya stepped in first, with the tiny gremlin Rem skittering in last.
Yuisu gestured around and said, "This cabin's guest checked out earlier today, so we'll have privacy while I teach you. And it's due for cleaning, too."
When the two maids nodded in understanding, Yuisu said, "Let's start with the kitchen first, then we'll work our way to the bathroom and the two bedrooms." Then she started explaining the many details that went into cleaning a cabin kitchen, from the obvious tasks like mopping the floor to the less apparent ones like checking the sink drain for clogs or foul odors.
Yuisu had learned all those chores through necessity, and at first she didn't have a good system for handling them. But now, after six months of business, she had several strategies for hitting all the necessary tasks in an efficient order.
She was halfway through explaining the food and drink offerings, including which snacks were free and which had to be purchased, when Sya raised a wide paw.
"Um, Yuisu? I apologize for the interruption," she started demurely, "but I'm having trouble focusing and taking notes… because I am getting rather hungry."
"Oh!" Yuisu gasped as she noticed the time. According to the clock on the stove, it was past noon already. She had tuned out her own hunger and had lost track of the time. On busy days when she had to manage the entire inn alone, she often put off meals until after the work was done, but that wasn't the right way to be teaching the new employees.
"I'm sorry about that. I should have scheduled a lunch break, but for now we can eat some of these pre-packaged snacks. Have whatever you want, it's on me."
Sya's lip quivered as she tried to remain restrained, but Rem was straight up salivating. The little gremlin climbed right into the pantry and rooted around for a choice snack.
After a moment, everyone had picked out something to eat. Sya settled on a bag of beef jerky, while Rem nibbled her way through a bag of colorful gummy worms. Yuisu was partial to rice snacks, so she unwrapped a package of crackers and dug in.
"Thanks for the food, Boss," Rem said cheerfully, after swallowing a mouthful of green gummy candy.
"No problem. I actually buy all these snacks from the convenience store I used to work at. I kept up a friendly relationship with my old boss, so he gives me a good deal on bulk purchases. He even delivers it for free, once a week." She bit into a crunchy rice cracker, then added, "If the inn runs out of something faster than that, I can pay for delivery, or drive down to town to pick it up myself."
Sya nodded and said, "My mother loves to say that it pays to forge good relationships with others, and she isn't wrong. Though her idea of a good relationship involves more intimidation than I'd like."
Yuisu raised an eyebrow at the unexpected peek into Sya's home life. "Oh, really?"
Sya slouched a bit and chomped into a chunk of meat, her intimidating teeth glistening. After she finished chewing, she said, "Yes, my family does tend to lord their power over others, both physically and financially." Given her sad demeanor and body language, Sya didn't seem to agree with that approach, and it was a tense subject for her.
Yuisu turned to see what Rem was up to, since she had been surprisingly quiet. She found Rem sitting on the kitchen table, eating gummy worms with both hands. Just like at breakfast, she was alert and observant, but not very talkative. Is it because she doesn't want to talk with her mouth full? Or is there some other reason she acts so different when she eats? Yuisu wondered.
Before Yuisu could puzzle out an answer to her questions, Rem leapt to her feet, planting her legs in a wide stance. "Alright! That was great, and I should be all energized up if we need any gremlin magic today."
"Uh, sure," Yuisu said, still unsure what exactly Rem's magic was capable of. "For now, let's record these snacks on the clipboard so we know to replenish them, then move to cleaning the bathroom."
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Fully preparing that cabin for new guests took another hour, and paying visits to the other five cabins used up the rest of the afternoon. Around 5pm, Yuisu announced, "There'll always be more I can show you, but I've decided to call it a day here. I want you two well-rested and bright-eyed tomorrow, since you'll be doing maid training with Lato."
That reasoning was all true, but Yuisu also wanted the evening off for another reason: to spend it with Haru. Their time together had been far too scarce lately, so Yuisu was taking action to keep their relationship healthy. However, Yuisu was torn between going out on a date or staying inside. She thought, Both options have their own appeal. Maybe I'll let Haru decide.
But before that, Haru had to get home from work at the butcher shop. Yuisu waited at the front desk and found herself feeling a bit like a dog waiting for her master to come home. That thought sent her mind wandering in an unusual direction.
I haven't worn those ears I got at ComicMon in a while… she thought, picturing herself in her black dog-like ears. In her imagination, she was kneeling on the floor and peering upward at Haru. Other than her costume ears and tail, Yuisu was naked, while Haru was only wearing some skimpy lingerie.
The real and fully clothed Haru landed on the front porch and stepped inside to find Yuisu zoned out at the front desk. Her mouth was open and drooling, and her lewd facial expression made very clear where her mind was.
"Yuri-su? You know you shouldn't 'porn out' like that here. What if a customer saw you like that?"
Yuisu blinked herself back to reality, then started to say, "I guess I'd ask 'em if they—"
Haru stepped forward in a flash and grabbed Yuisu's chin with a fluffy wing. "And don't say you'd invite them to a threesome."
Yuisu trailed off with no more comment. Haru seizing control like that actually played right into the fantasy Yuisu had just been imagining.
Haru chuckled in her low, sweet voice and shook her head. She really loved Yuisu, perversion and all. Then she let go of Yuisu's chin and said, "So how was your day? Got some good maid training in?"
Yuisu nodded and stood from the desk to give Haru a proper hug to welcome her home. "Yeah, it was good. Sya and Rem are getting along pretty well and I think they'll both bring a lot to the Inn."
Haru squeezed Yuisu back with surprising force, then said, "You know, I was a little wary of Sya at first, as a competitor. 'There's only room in this house for one fluffy white predator', and all that."
Yuisu leaned backward in the hug and looked up to meet Haru's eyes. "What about now?"
Haru grinned. "I realized pretty quick that she's just a kid, and a good one at that. I'm not worried about her stealing you away or anything."
With a teasing smile, Yuisu said, "I dunno… You know I've got a thing for girls with furry ears. How are you going to prove you're still the girl for me?"
Haru smiled confidently and said, "Oh, I have my ways," then she swept Yuisu from her feet into a princess carry. Easily holding Yuisu's weight in her wings, Haru started for their bedroom. As she pushed the door open with a shoulder, she whispered, "Let me guess… you want to wear your dog ears tonight?"
Yuisu's green eyes lit up playfully. "Oh, Haru, you really do love me!
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The second day of Sya and Rem's training started at 8am, but Yuisu was nowhere to be found. Lato shrugged it off, saying, "That's fine. Today is just going to be maid training anyway, which Yuisu wouldn't be much help with."
Then the smiling dragonewt leaned forward conspiratorially and said, "Yuisu may have been doing all the maid-work around here, but she's never been a proper maid. That requires special training, like what I'm going to show you today."
Sya nodded knowingly. Thanks to her noble upbringing, Sya had seen maids in action many times. They were living embodiments of grace and humility, working in the background to keep everything running smoothly.
Rem had no such upbringing. She raised an eyebrow at Lato and said, "Like what?"
Lato knelt down, which inadvertently gave Rem an eyeful of black and white lace panties. "Like how to interact with customers while appearing maid-like, to meet their expectations." Then Lato giggled and added, "I've also got some 'secret maid techniques' to teach you today."
Rem averted her eyes from the unanticipated upskirt, then said, "Really? I think you're overselling this a bit, Lato."
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Lato stood and bounded on scaled feet to the kitchen counter. "Alright, maybe this will change your mind." She intentionally splashed some water on the countertop, making sure everyone had seen the mess it made, then did a flourish with her other hand. The elaborate motion ended with a cute curtsey and a broad smile.
"Okay…" Rem said skeptically. "What was all that for?"
Sya was the one to answer. "While we were distracted by her curtsey, she wiped up the spilled water, and even hid the rag she used. I barely even caught it, and I was watching for it."
"Yep!" Lato said, revealing a rag from behind her back. "That technique lets you clean up messes in plain sight, keeping a pristine reputation."
Rem begrudgingly nodded. "Alright, I admit that was impressive. I'd like to learn that."
"Well you came to the right teacher. They don't call me the #1 Maid-Dragonewt for nothing."
Sya had a notepad out and was taking notes, but Rem snarkily muttered, "You're probably the only dragon in all of Japan working as a maid…"
For the next several hours, Lato tutored the new maids, teaching them how to act the part and how to carry themselves gracefully. Sya took to the lessons very well, perhaps due to the etiquette training she'd already received when she was younger.
Rem had a much harder time, and it wasn't just an attention span issue. She was simply no good at putting on an act, even one as simple as a helpful servant. She only knew how to be herself, even when that wasn't what the situation called for.
After Rem's latest roleplaying attempt, Lato closed her eyes and shook her head, sending her long braid swaying. "No, not like that, Rem. Just pretend you're a loyal maid, serving a master."
"But you said that I'm cleaning up after a snot-nosed kid. I can't bring myself to treat a brat like that with respect. You gotta show 'em who's boss, or else they'll fling you around like a toy."
Lato sighed and gave up. "Whatever, maybe you'll pick it up later, or maybe not. In any case, let Sya handle interactions with kids or troublesome adults for now. Rem, you can talk to older people who you actually respect."
Rem nodded energetically. "I can do that. I really do like to help people, I'm just no good with jerks, since they don't seem to like to be called that to their face."
Sya rolled her big blue eyes but kept her tongue still. Unlike Rem, Sya had a great deal of self-restraint.
Suddenly, Lato clapped her cyan-scaled hands together and announced, "I think that's good for today. You've both come a long way and learned all the basics you'll need to begin working for real, which is where the real learning occurs. Keep striving to improve and you'll be excellent maids soon!"
Rem and Sya bowed and thanked Lato for her instruction. Then the two junior maids decided to round out their day with a dip in the hot spring while the dragonewt scampered off to tell Yuisu about the day's results.
Yuisu was at the front desk, poring over paperwork involving the new hires. She paused to receive Lato's report, which was delivered quickly and concisely. As soon as Lato was done recapping the day, the white-haired beauty vanished from sight.
"Huh," Yuisu mumbled as she returned to the forms, "She must have somewhere to be. It is her vacation, after all."
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The next morning, Lato checked out of her room and got ready to head home to the Zoic Inn. She stood by the front door with her strikingly black and white luggage, waiting to say goodbye to Yuisu.
Yuisu pulled her into a hug and said, "Thank you so much for the help with the maids."
Lato shook her head. "No, thank you. I really needed some tail, after all."
Yuisu blinked in confusion, trying to piece together what Lato had said.
Lato elaborated, "Remember my original phone call, how I was asking about lesbian liminals? I came here to hook up!" A dreamy look settled on her face and she added, "That Aluru, she's no Iormu, but she was great in bed every single night. I've successfully burned off all the stress that built up from being head maid."
Yuisu hadn't noticed that Lato and Aluru had been sleeping together, apparently every night of Lato's stay. I guess it makes sense that an experienced maid would be so discreet, she thought. Then Yuisu tried really hard to not imagine Lato and Aluru getting it on. She failed spectacularly.
Shortly after Lato's cab left, a modest silver car pulled into the driveway. A familiar striped-fur leg emerged from the passenger side, but Sya was prevented from fully exiting the vehicle by a sudden hug.
"Be safe today, Sya. Don't go licking your paws while working with cleaning chemicals, okay?" said a motherly voice.
Sya groaned and tried to pull away from the brown-haired older woman. "Ugh, I know that. I'll be fine, Miss Amano. Let me go to work. I don't want to be late."
With that, Sya pulled away from her coddling host and stomped up to the the inn's front door. She smoothed her clothes and adjusted her thin-framed glasses, then pushed the door open and stepped inside.
Yuisu was at the front desk, lost in a wild daydream, but the bell over the door pulled her back to reality. "Oh, good morning, Sya," she said, trying to hide her flushed cheeks and drool-slick lips.
"Good morning, Yuisu," Sya said respectfully. "I assume Rem is already here?"
Yuisu nodded. "Yeah, though she and Mara were up late building a little apartment in the boiler room. There were a bunch of unused shelves in there, and it seems she likes the dim stuffiness of it."
"I prefer words like 'cozy' and 'snug', but you've got the gist of it," came a small voice. Rem had rounded the corner and stood in the hallway from the kitchen, fully dressed and ready for work.
"Good morning, Rem," Yuisu said with a smile. Something about the little cat-eared woman always lightened the mood.
"Morning, Boss! Thanks again for letting me have that boiler room. Mara and I aren't even done yet and it's already the best house I've ever lived in."
Yuisu shook her head. "No problem."
Then she looked from Rem to Sya and said, "Now if you're both ready, you can start your first official day as maids. I've got a task list here, and you're free to split up the work however you want. Time sensitive stuff is at the top." With that, she handed Sya a piece of paper with about 30 notes on it, including both specific tasks and reactionary things like 'respond to any guest issues'.
"Come to me if you run into any trouble, but I think you two will be fine."
Sya bowed slightly and Rem snapped an exaggerated salute, then the two fledgling maids set off on their first real day of work.
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As Yuisu had said, the two made a good team. Sya was highly meticulous and organized while Rem was eager and quick to take action in response to problems. Sya could be a bit of a perfectionist, but Rem wanted timely results and kept Sya from getting too lost in the details.
A tiny pair of pink ears stuck out from a bundle of plastic packages that was slowly making its way along the stone-lined trail. Rem was somewhere inside, carrying a hefty load of snacks from the main house to one of the cabins. Her slow pace seemed to be caused by a lack of vision rather than too much weight.
Sya saw the strange sight and shook her head in disbelief. She caught up in a few long strides, then said, "What are you doing, Rem?"
The ball of potato chips and candy responded, "The kids in cabin four nearly depleted their snacks. I wanted to get 'em refilled ASAP, so they can buy even more. I only have three more trips to go."
Sya simply said, "Your heart's in the right place, but that is the most inefficient thing I've ever seen. How about I do this and you go clean the hot spring changing room instead? You're awesome at that."
The snack-blob moved in a way that looked like a nod, so Sya carefully grabbed the packages. They amounted to barely more than a handful for her large paws.
Free of her cumbersome load, Rem said, "Thanks. The rest of the snacks are already in a pile in the storage room."
Sya nodded and smiled as the hyperactive gremlin sped off toward the hot spring. "Perfect. Thank you, Rem."
Rem arrived at the hot spring to find the changing room already occupied. She apologized and started to back out of the room, but a voice stopped her.
"No, it's fine, dear. I don't mind being seen." It was Aluru, already fully undressed and just stowing the skimpy things she called clothes in a cubby. Her massive purple flower was in full bloom, with her humanoid curves on full display above it.
Rem stepped back into the changing room, pulling the rough wood door closed behind her. Rem knew of Aluru, and all the other permanent residents, but she had never really talked to the alraune before. "Alright. Once you're done in here, I'm going to clean up a bit."
A bright green vine darted forward along the ground, then gently lifted Rem's chin so Aluru could get a better look at her face. "You're a cutie. It's a pity you're working or I'd invite you bathe with me," Aluru said in a breathy whisper. Then the vine withdrew and Aluru waved a viridescent hand as she slipped out the other door into the hot spring area.
Rem stood there for several more seconds, still processing the blatant way she'd just been hit on, and by a woman, no less. Due mostly to her tiny size, people didn't usually treat her as an adult, much less a potential romantic partner. As she tried to get back to work, she thought, Even he never came onto me like that…
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Not long after Rem finished her cleaning and left the changing room, another liminal clumsily opened the door and entered. She had flowing pink hair with two dark horns arching backwards. She wore a short yellow skirt, a blue tube-top, and a cute purple ribbon around her waist. But more noticeable than all of that, she had plum-colored wings for arms, talon-like feet, and a scaly tail that ended in a spade shape.
[https://i.imgur.com/Pfvo8u1.png]
She was a wyvern, a dragon-like liminal species capable of flight. She was a guest of the inn, staying alone in one of the cabin rooms. In fact, she had carried a bottle of sake from her cabin to the hot spring, tucked under one wing.
She undressed and exited the changing room then quickly noticed a very green woman in the water.
"Hello there," the new arrival called out. She was a very friendly person who hit it off with most of the people she met on her travels.
Aluru smiled back. "Hello! You're welcome to join me, miss. My name's Aluru."
"I'm Fere," the wyvern replied as she stepped into the steaming spring. Her skin barely registered the heat and she quickly settled in. Then she awkwardly held up a bottle with her claws. "Would you like some of my sake? I bought it after I heard that drinking sake in hot springs is a Japanese tradition."
"I'd love some," Aluru said with a grin as she slid closer to the cute tourist. She had noticed Fere's difficulty handling the large bottle, so she cleverly added, "It's also Japanese tradition to pour another's drink. May I pour yours?"
Fere blushed and accepted the suave proposal, until she realized a problem. She lightly bopped herself on the head with one wing and said, "Oops, I didn't get any of those little wooden cups!"
Aluru was ready with a solution. "I don't mind sharing straight from the bottle if you don't."
Fere agreed and it wasn't long before both women were beyond tipsy. They drank and talked for hours about everything from Aluru's wild past to Fere's travels around the world. At some point they wandered out of the hot spring to a grassy clearing Aluru liked.
That was where they woke up the next morning, surrounded by additional sake bottles that had been retrieved from Fere's cabin. Fere's clothes were also scattered about on the grass, but she couldn't remember doing anything sexual.
[https://i.imgur.com/0Ladjgg.jpg]
She covered her voluptuous chest with a wing and nudged her plant companion awake. "Hey. Hey, Aluru. Did we do anything, uh, sexy, last night?"
Aluru rolled over and groggily said, "Nah, even when you were drunk, you insisted you were straight." The alraune was also topless, but she didn't bother to cover up.
Fere's golden-yellow eyes sparkled. "Good. I was worried that I had forgotten part of last night, and it made me sad. I had so much fun hanging out with you, and I don't want to forget any of it."
Aluru nodded emphatically, then stopped abruptly when the motion triggered a headache. She tried to ignore her hangover and said, "I had a blast too. Your stories were great, and you're so easy to talk to, Fere." To herself, Aluru continued, It was really nice just talking to someone for once, not trying to get anything from them…
As Fere painstakingly fastened her blue tube top, she asked, "Same time tonight?"
"Hell yeah, " Aluru replied without a second of hesitation. She had been with dozens of girls, and called a few of them her girlfriend, but she couldn't remember the last time she'd had an honest to goodness friend.