Uh huh. Don't worry, I'm upholding your good reputation as the guy who recommended me for the job.
[ Sure, maybe he's still lacking in the service with a smile area, but quiet and efficient's a good thing for a waiter to be too, right?
But it's true he is...grateful Akashi went out of his way and did that, even if it was also kind of a hassle for the guy to be sticking his nose into things at the time. Sometimes it seems like upsides and downsides are inextricably linked when it comes to this guy.
But maybe it all balances out with upsides ahead, ultimately... ]
[ Mayuzumi does take over in handling the tea since it's more of a one person job anyway, setting the teapot out and placing cups on the table for both of them.
Yes, he notices that he's essentially still doing what he does at the cafe right now, but he ignores that. ]
I do have pride, you know. It's not my dream job but of course I take it seriously.
[ He didn't have much choice but to develop a work ethic thanks to having to feed himself at university, after all; he's already a responsible adult, kind of! ]
[ Said in the most deadpan manner possible, but Akashi's used to that by now, probably; Mayuzumi might be sounding sarcastic about it, but at the same time he does kind of mean it.
...Although he can do without Akashi watching him as if this is some kind of workplace evaluation...
Mayuzumi did mean what he said about taking his job seriously, though; he often covers the afternoon tea service shift, so he's had a little practice in making tea tableside for customers.
Once the kettle's whistling he takes it off the heat and goes through the motions he's gotten used to doing at work, pouring a bit of the water into the teapot and swirling it around to warm the ceramic vessel, dumping it out and adding the tea and water to steep.
Maybe he isn't perfect or as refined at it as the highly trained servants or fancy waitstaff Akashi's used to observing, but his efforts are serviceable at least.
He gets out a couple of small plates for the pastries while he's at it. ]
What about you, though? Settled in to that new job of yours yet?
No, not yet. I was told that I would start towards the end of the winter season. It seems the owner of the business isn't in Verens at the moment.
[ Which is all well and good. The head librarian keeps asking him to stay longer and he doesn't have it in him to say no because she's been so nice to him. ]
[ Mayuzumi's getting irritated that Akashi's observing him in a way that reminds him way too much of his manager's scrutiny, but he doesn't say anything about it. Really, this guy's just lucky that it's his birthday...
He's also not on the clock, so there's no reason for him to stick to work etiquette either; he sits down across from Akashi while they wait for the tea. ]
Well, I'm sure you'll do fine.
[ He smirks. ]
...Although if you wanna practice being deferential to prepare yourself I suppose I wouldn't mind volunteering as a stand-in.
[ Even if he doesn't hold a serious grudge or anything, Akashi bowing and scraping really would be some quality entertainment that Mayuzumi wants to see with his own eyes. ]
I'm not talking about the actual work part. I already know you're a talented guy. I mean being able to project the right attitude for a rich guy's subordinate.
Well, it's just that being an assistant is kind of like a service job. Having to bend over backwards to cater to the whims of someone who's probably used to being surrounded by yes men.
I just was thinking that kind of thing probably doesn't really come naturally to you.
[ Look who's talking, the least congenial waiter in Verens. ]
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Let's just stick with peppermint.
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[ It's Akashi's birthday, so Mayuzumi doesn't mind deferring to what Akashi would like.
Once the kettle's filled Mayuzumi takes it over to the stove to heat up. ]
Besides, you're kind of a connoisseur or something about stuff like this, aren't you? I get the feeling you don't need me to help you choose.
[ By virtue of being a rich guy who's been raised around that kind of fancy gourmet stuff, probably. ]
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[ Akashi is ever so modest. ]
But this is your work. I am merely keeping you on your toes.
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[ Sure, maybe he's still lacking in the service with a smile area, but quiet and efficient's a good thing for a waiter to be too, right?
But it's true he is...grateful Akashi went out of his way and did that, even if it was also kind of a hassle for the guy to be sticking his nose into things at the time. Sometimes it seems like upsides and downsides are inextricably linked when it comes to this guy.
But maybe it all balances out with upsides ahead, ultimately... ]
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[ Mayuzumi, please. Do you think reputation is all Akashi is good for?
And he thinks Mayuzumi's going to take care of the tea in full, so he takes a seat and just waits. ]
Wouldn't you like to be the best at your work?
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Yes, he notices that he's essentially still doing what he does at the cafe right now, but he ignores that. ]
I do have pride, you know. It's not my dream job but of course I take it seriously.
[ He didn't have much choice but to develop a work ethic thanks to having to feed himself at university, after all; he's already a responsible adult, kind of! ]
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[ So... do your best, senpai!
He crosses his legs as he waits, observing Mayuzumi like a specimen. There's some criticism he's saving for later. ]
I'll be cheering you on.
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[ Said in the most deadpan manner possible, but Akashi's used to that by now, probably; Mayuzumi might be sounding sarcastic about it, but at the same time he does kind of mean it.
...Although he can do without Akashi watching him as if this is some kind of workplace evaluation...
Mayuzumi did mean what he said about taking his job seriously, though; he often covers the afternoon tea service shift, so he's had a little practice in making tea tableside for customers.
Once the kettle's whistling he takes it off the heat and goes through the motions he's gotten used to doing at work, pouring a bit of the water into the teapot and swirling it around to warm the ceramic vessel, dumping it out and adding the tea and water to steep.
Maybe he isn't perfect or as refined at it as the highly trained servants or fancy waitstaff Akashi's used to observing, but his efforts are serviceable at least.
He gets out a couple of small plates for the pastries while he's at it. ]
What about you, though? Settled in to that new job of yours yet?
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No, not yet. I was told that I would start towards the end of the winter season. It seems the owner of the business isn't in Verens at the moment.
[ Which is all well and good. The head librarian keeps asking him to stay longer and he doesn't have it in him to say no because she's been so nice to him. ]
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He's also not on the clock, so there's no reason for him to stick to work etiquette either; he sits down across from Akashi while they wait for the tea. ]
Well, I'm sure you'll do fine.
[ He smirks. ]
...Although if you wanna practice being deferential to prepare yourself I suppose I wouldn't mind volunteering as a stand-in.
[ Even if he doesn't hold a serious grudge or anything, Akashi bowing and scraping really would be some quality entertainment that Mayuzumi wants to see with his own eyes. ]
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What is there to practice? I'm capable of performing tasks of an associate without having to rehearse anything.
[ This is probably bullshit!!!! ]
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You know, knowing your place and all that.
[ Yes, Mayuzumi is messing with him. ]
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[ He can be plenty submissive and obedient! Just take a look at how he's with his father...
Wait, that's probably a bad example. ]
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I just was thinking that kind of thing probably doesn't really come naturally to you.
[ Look who's talking, the least congenial waiter in Verens. ]
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[ And he has no intention of being a yes man! ]
I plan on voicing my opinions if I believe it will benefit the business.
[ So no, it doesn't come naturally. Mayuzumi is right about that. ]
They know this, after interviewing me.