Chapter 40
eis2dx1At the mention of the owner of the enormous mansion and the Butlers’ employer, the Cat Butler beamed with delight.JvX4U
PHVshe“Oh! He still hasn’t returned. But we’ve received good news!”1jM
cT6TThe Rabbit Butler also broke into a wide smile.POdZ
HVDIThroughout the entirety of Clean! Clean! Clean!, the owner of the mansion is mentioned constantly.ePkat
uuuWThe Butlers wait for the return of their Master, who departed on a long journey, and devote themselves to keeping the mansion in perfect condition.8NqC
G3iTo accomplish that, they regularly hire cleaners.WtnO
ABcThe reason they went to all that trouble was very simple.Qw1
TS2xsdjThe cleaners were fresh sacrifices offered to the mansion.2OmH
WkQ4l1cWhether it was in the garden, the hallways, the bedrooms, the bathrooms, or the basement.758N
4Gcw7ANo matter where they died, the cleaners’ bodies were completely absorbed, leaving behind neither blood, flesh, nor even fragments of bone.fDrRTk
qYMThey served as fuel to keep the mansion at the height of its splendor.txO0zT
3Yo8NLThat was why the Butlers personally selected which cleaners were allowed to enter.FxbYtye
HDuIYDaHowever, if someone managed to survive for seven days, they were allowed to leave alive.0zgESfA
8sccSince they always recruited many cleaners, they had no need for the lives of those who survived.p7omx
oxeLAnd from time to time, if a cleaner demonstrated exceptional ability, they were officially hired to work at the mansion.3SyY8
8MFfsUAs the player progressed through the game and made a good impression on the Butlers, they would occasionally praise the player and suggest becoming an employee of the mansion.9EeMn
GWDpBut there was one ultimate compliment that only appeared when your affinity with both Butlers reached its maximum.ipj
NR6GOP“Gunbam. I probably shouldn’t say this, but I’m sure the Master would like you as well.”c8H3VmF
esytNu“If it’s you, Gunbam, even the Master would be pleased. I shouldn’t presume to interpret the Master’s will, but with you, I can say it with complete confidence.”IpA
CqlIt was the only compliment that mentioned the Master.3S9bH
TcvmaLAfter hearing it, conversations related to the Master became unlocked, and it became possible to find small pieces of information scattered throughout the mansion.AUcBHgB
6weU2MThe Master, who was said to have departed on a long journey, had actually disappeared without warning.S2NlM9x
tXxCDHe was currently missing.PD3
eQuPHIDHowever, he was an extremely influential figure who held a very high position, so calls and visitors asking about him at the mansion never ceased.UO2
Apse92He was presented as an extremely important character within the game’s world.Ud8A6k
U7vSBut, strangely enough, throughout the entire game, the Master never appeared.NviiWOA
O3O5uNot even once.fItG
n8zLXHaNot even after completing every ending.kqQ
NkZThe Master never returned to the mansion.B69B10
uEvAnd for someone who was supposedly just a MacGuffin, even in the Hidden Ending, where the Butlers held a banquet for the player, they continued waiting for their missing Master’s return.1QKa
eSISWhenever I thought back on CCC after finishing the game, I was always left with the uncomfortable feeling that something had remained unresolved.YQ3
IyfnXcRAnd now they were saying they had good news related to that Master.cSzsSjw
GyDSKI had a feeling this was extremely important information.cY1
2stvs“What happened? Do you already know when he’ll return?”YLquls
U2C1pd“Unfortunately, no.”tp0Xo
U4CThe Cat Butler leaned toward me.ACmD6
H8IWHis metallic head came very close.CM1hU
Jp2rN“But you, Gunbam, I’m going to tell you this in secret.”CWJhJ
hko47He lowered his voice as much as possible and whispered,q6V3C
BUkSsm“We’ve discovered where the Master is!”37Gdz
nXFdzb‘Please don’t let it be Earth…’W76fu
fvGI desperately wanted to ask where he was.Iczu
cs1CcGjBut I held myself back.Ipf9fE
QEKkguI couldn’t act rashly.AegkM3
CHWPatiently, I reacted as though I were simply hearing good news about an old friend.OioY
4wxKMZr“What a relief. Then he’ll be returning soon.”N66
8tnHowever, the Butlers didn’t answer.8n0y
pRoma8They simply looked at one another.5zroIZ
8nouThen the Cat Butler said something strange.Eue1i
rf9yG9R“Perhaps. Now that you’ve returned, Gunbam.”hIKK
nuCzThe conversation went no further.iQmqL
dMnNBMThey simply changed the subject.IOOBj
GytvPyThe Rabbit Butler tapped the air a few times.Fgver2
t2BGdV“Gunbam. Give me your code.”Bf7BiW
Ah4BA translucent blue screen, very similar to a system window, appeared before him.BvRl4
qsc3lCAs he scrolled through the list, the Rabbit Butler muttered in annoyance,fAn
wib“Yours is the only one I’m missing, Gunbam.”fog3Sq
dtqeoCWith a slight movement of his long fingers, he pushed the screen.mhmoqy
uCmvIt slid across until it stopped in front of me.tuIo
3n7On it was a list of unfamiliar characters that, judging by their appearance, had to be codes.OGl6yJ
yKte43In the universe of CCC, there was a concept called a “code,” similar to a telephone number.iZl8
PoQIt was used for interstellar communications.OcI
nvXCNaturally, I didn’t have one.JOfHji
v28sI frowned slightly and put on the most apologetic expression I could manage.UpUUXC
KwvwjRB“I don’t have a code. I’m sorry.”1chc
brhGjC“Good heavens!”0GyhBl
1tWVYThe Cat Butler jolted in surprise.Fci0Tn8
OS96Even the Rabbit Butler’s ears twitched in surprise.sgmURFU
lskGqStill stunned, the Cat Butler asked with perfect courtesy,znOio
qJW“If it isn’t too presumptuous would you allow me to create a code for you?”x1ao3A
vllD4I smiled somewhat awkwardly.DyRv
GOi6BvF“You have to pay to maintain it. Besides, on the planet where I live, hardly anyone uses one.”WcBmc
00F“I see…”kNPr
I9a7The Cat Butler let out a sigh.4Ic
8NaDAfter clearing his throat lightly, he spoke in a more serious tone.rX5
yHl5“Gunbam. Sometimes, you must also learn to accept the help of those around you.”UEBw
v1gacqMeanwhile, I clenched my fist to hide my hand, which was soaked in cold sweat.cJxxX
UjeIn CCC, the player signed up with the temporary cleaning company because they were poor.YNqq50a
4fKenriWithout realizing it, they ended up applying to a company with a terrible reputation and were forcibly taken to the mansion that every cleaner feared.RGt
5qj6vLLSo using money as an excuse in this conversation wasn’t unusual.o9a
0UYU0“Did you come to work as a cleaner because of financial difficulties?”fj1
h5YrN“In part.”LJE8BO6
SCpi“I see…”PWfkoP
gZ2FThe Cat Butler nodded with a serious expression.D6iCVwQ
Wa5He also naturally interpreted the fact that I had arrived through a temporary employment agency as the result of financial hardship.ZsEWMCs
cXRThen the Rabbit Butler spoke up.nWA6r6
2WV22“Gunbam. Don’t work as a cleaner.”R7dic4
AobuQMt“Huh?”KrxJ
gaSjb“Gunbam should work as a Butler.”2KUV
9iql“You’re absolutely right! Gunbam, how would you like to work as a Butler?”9bwL
6dbOiThe Cat Butler reacted with great enthusiasm, as though it were an excellent idea.j3Xo
6wzwlU7I tried to decline the offer carefully.vxZZXQ
QMGHX6“I appreciate the offer, but…”FqW2WV
cRg“Listen to me, Gunbam. I know the idea of permanent employment may feel burdensome to you. We won’t insist on that. But what would you think about working only during these seven days, until the temporary employment company returns, as the mansion’s apprentice Butler?”06van
8LS9The Cat Butler’s voice became much more serious.b016c
Go5“How could we possibly treat you as nothing more than an ordinary cleaner? If you truly consider us your friends, don’t force us to do something so cruel.”c4vJzJ
3NFXThere was no convincing excuse to refuse the offer.N7Kj
aONJIn any case, it had already been decided that I would have to remain in CCC for seven days.aJt
REo6tAnd being an apprentice Butler seemed far more convenient than being an ordinary cleaner, both for gathering information and for helping the Lieutenant Colonel and the Captains.2wR9Xa5
9U1C“Then I accept. Thank you very much.”MW87eqp
Emo87“You’ve made a wise decision! In addition to the salary you’ll receive from the temporary employment company, we’ll also pay you a generous amount. Of course, we should pay you in advance first. Let me make the transfer right now…”6Jw
JbrZRCLike the Rabbit Butler, the Cat Butler summoned a translucent window.Em0
Ne0yjHis fingers moved rapidly, but suddenly he froze.Lcu2AAp
DlshHe opened his mouth slightly when he saw me sitting there without doing anything.ZUJ1Gk
loLO2IaRealizing that such a reaction was not very refined, he closed it again, though he continued staring at me.tp5O
uC1nO“Don’t you have anywhere to receive a transfer?”W6l2F
gLzHis voice was filled with compassion.sLmELA
5XaUAHe seemed to be looking at someone who lived on a barbaric planet, completely isolated from civilization and sunk in extreme poverty.Zgfh
JpEB5‘I do have a bank account… just not an interstellar bank account.’Jq5
fmfWI still wasn’t sure whether this place was simply the Trial or an entirely separate realm.y8I2Ya6
T6IJJAlthough it was unlikely, there was still the possibility that it was connected to the real world.e24ij4N
P1LfAnd I fully understood that I shouldn’t reveal my personal information to NPCs in a situation like this.IILStN
U2LjbBesides.T0gFG5h
py3I had the feeling that if I gave them the wrong information, they’d actually come looking for me in a spaceship.34d
kX7“Give it to him in cash.”FIYEhpK
rajiaX6“I suppose that’s for the best.”cQ0
1xIyPXhAccepting the Rabbit Butler’s suggestion, the Cat Butler produced something out of thin air.yauPk7s
dFLaoSi“This is the currency created by our Master. It can be used anywhere in the universe!”k3sj
ZCKa49lIn a voice full of pride, he handed me a transparent coin.gEga
Lb7It was about the size of the palm of my hand.rvw2HmV
NBXI had no idea how much it was worth, but I doubted the Butlers would give me such a trivial amount.1kY
W20ZI reacted in surprise.DMnt
AEoF“This is too much…”9WTJAr
Ff50“Gunbam! Keep it. It’s a favor we’re asking of you.”6hoRD4k
UIHCogZThe Rabbit Butler brought his face close to mine.dosT
l7JJMy field of vision was filled with black.iwB1hz
tPJ“Gunbam. Accept it. It’s a gift.”jTHuJ1n
gu6FiInside his mouth, those sharp fangs were clearly visible.WsbsGJr
fgCXE“We never gave gifts to Gunbam. We were always the ones receiving them.”EZcr
k1O“…Thank you very much.”pXKj
BeKDcyI definitely didn’t accept it because I was scared.fU3mUm
sTduI put the coin away and quickly checked its item description.CzYO
XQsCQxGDark Star Fragment: A coin minted from the core of an extinguished star. It can be used throughout the universe. In His glorious name!U8b7P
jB5pSAfter reading the description, the coin suddenly felt rather unsettling.EP1IF4
jUEwBut the Butlers were watching me from very close by, so I had no choice but to store it in my inventory.DzD
ILKB‘If the system window were still functioning, it definitely would’ve had something to say about this coin.’WQhOfv
KDJU9DNow that I needed every bit of information I could get, I actually missed the system.5RG4oT
Mtr4When it had been available, I’d found it annoying.upkHcGD
ber7‘So this is what they mean by a chicken rib.’kN08
WnDThe two Butlers led me to a guest room on the third floor of the east wing.sqS
qFcfThe Butlers’ own rooms were on the ground floor of the main building.11FPIb
YDtzZIt seemed far too luxurious for a mere apprentice Butler, but I felt that if I asked about it, I’d only receive a lecture, so I accepted it without saying anything.XerT
BO7YDThe guest room wasn’t designed for the size of a human either.MictBP
jJsZCbXThe doorknob was roughly at the level of my face.uqeEQ
tKhDtThe Cat Butler placed a small step stool beside the door for me.hRzfcU
ZUbtI could have opened it without using it, but I appreciated the gesture and used it anyway.bG5rJU1
2JNo6V“Don’t forget tonight’s banquet! See you later, Gunbam!”Clrky
JvXL9Since neither Butler could leave on the same day the new cleaners arrived, the Cat Butler departed first.9KWj6xg
d4pbNThe Rabbit Butler stayed behind to teach me the duties of a Butler.Zz3k
5YKyUC3“Gunbam. Here. Butler uniform.”Nb6kba
fvyHThe clothes he handed me were identical to those worn by the Butlers themselves.sD5
EiDXle2I wondered whether they would fit me.0WGW9g
yjSSBut since they were classified as an item, the moment I equipped them, they adjusted perfectly to my body.uO72
mmxThe Rabbit Butler looked me up and down and immediately began clapping.b8be2
BNvYo“Gunbam. Good. Perfect Butler.”W1nJT
uPBAfterward, he took me to the main building.WHyK4w
P0Ps8When we arrived, another Footman was assigning cleaning areas to the new cleaners.Jn34LE
x94LusU“Zeta.”kQ8k
i8q5KM“Yes, Butler.”2yU81I
61iRos“You do something else.”qGbzwp
z67The Rabbit Butler moved Zeta aside and put me in his place.i6A
0648jPb“Gunbam will do it.”EJ3l
VLjn6XI looked somewhat awkwardly at the cleaners waiting in front of me.eWTnNu
WiadnThey looked just as bewildered.WhjHfwt
ukjAThe same guy who had traveled with them aboard the spaceship was now standing there dressed as a Butler.Rn8Ud
jWyvEven though I felt a little uncomfortable, I began performing my first job as a Butler.kLY
8bL2It seemed that becoming a temporary Butler had granted me some kind of authority.6dlCU17
jyb1The strange thing was that just by looking at each cleaner’s face, I automatically knew their name.86gQH
xpNm7wAnd I spoke fluently in a language I had never seen in my life.WK5nAx
ao10i“■■■■■ will go to the west wing garden. ■ will go to the first floor of the east wing.”mUB8
IM4XBI assigned some to pull weeds.QzpbjOj
zGQkOthers to clean the chandeliers.CdQbvy
ajojThose who looked like they had the worst tempers I sent straight to the basement.THxz1tP
aY91MSince I knew exactly what work belonged to each area, assigning them was fairly easy.4oOxV
oTd7GThe Rabbit Butler remained one step behind me, watching while continuously praising me.1qO
nq6G0“Gunbam. Good. Perfect Butler.”ngf5
GU931ZGAs I continued assigning tasks amid all those compliments, the Captains finally appeared.9cyme
8QtI0lZ‘Captain Mo! Captain Kwak!’bghYH
UyHHP0The moment they saw me, both of them froze completely.lR5DuPe
49MMo Haein’s expression was especially grim.xIkF0Y
77EShe seemed deeply shaken by the shock.674ap
dGmIV7XI was incredibly happy to see them as well, but I kept my face completely expressionless.SfyZ
tFUAnd I assigned them to the areas I had specifically reserved for them.VrrtX
17psVC“Sand will go to the second floor of the west wing. Cheongroe will go to the second floor of the east wing.”1yJUj9E
DmJBoth were the safest areas in the entire mansion.QNT
ZSlMOn top of that, I assigned them the easiest task—cleaning the hallway floors.hrzjx7w
gZRdqThe hallways were strategic locations.GgsNl
aUzQVNIIf anything happened, they could take shelter in a room or jump through a window into the garden.EpUv
DoqTlThey were also the best places for me to find an opportunity to contact them.9OhN
p9897I separated them because they needed to search for Lieutenant Colonel Je Hyuno’s location.khXXP5g
8PU0tI couldn’t ask the Butlers or the Footmen where he had been assigned.35F
Ska5lLe‘It would be strange for a Butler to take an interest in the assignment of an ordinary cleaner.’2Ar
CHqbryIn any case, I had done everything I could under the circumstances.hbgHk
ClkXS8WI was about to call the next cleaner when something unexpected happened.P0tPSPJ
12Bca92Mo Haein suddenly covered her mouth and staggered.TVoA
rBhfqRealizing something was wrong, Kwak Hanmuk immediately caught her.kKoY1
Wh9CFTBut it was already too late.MCANWG
rDyMo Haein’s body bent forward.B1wE
Sz7X“Ugh…!”UAOopl4
2D7Mb7XThe sound of vomit splattering onto the marble floor echoed clearly throughout the hall.D7FF
kQCr3Then I heard a voice behind me.yUIC
hBu5“A defective product has entered.”jXudiNy
dBUThe Rabbit Butler raised a hand.9ZOalF
16ERT“Gunbam. Don’t worry.”9qDJ4LG
UFYtPtUHis arm passed over my shoulder.78Sqa
8kNRo3NThe tip of his fingers pointed directly at Mo Haein.RuRw
qtAThez“I’ll take care of it.”rdNqlC
CifMO9Fwoosh!CFIwLf
i0fELA sharp humming sound rang beside my ears.nHaZXLJ
36oHe had fired a beam.pCw
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