Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work

[Come over here. That was splendid! Your choices in themes and guest selection are truly fascinating. Every time, you pick the most fitting candidates…]

Hmm. That’s a bit embarrassing.

Though, honestly—

‘It’s just thanks to the <Dark Exploration Records>.’

This talk show, ‘Braun’s Late-Night Talk Show,’ feels almost like an entertaining rundown of Dark Exploration Records to me.

The only difference is—it’s far more immersive and thrilling.

After all, we actually bring in residents of urban legends and ghost stories for interviews.

We brief the audience on recent supernatural events, spin humor from them, and experiment with bizarre concepts in front of a live crowd.

Sometimes, a guest, still believing they’re in a dream, will recklessly attempt something dangerous.

And the thrill of watching it all unfold from the sidelines, balancing on that knife’s edge between terror and comedy, is exactly what makes this show work.

Plus, the audience seems to be arriving through more than just postcards these days.

All things considered… I only bring up a few interesting ghost stories once or twice a week, yet every time, they rave about how incredible my insight is.

‘…This job is surprisingly easy.’

I don’t think I’ve ever had work that felt this effortless and fun.

[Ah, this past month has been an absolute delight! And I’m thrilled to share some wonderful news with you…]

The TV face flickers with a smiling, watery-eyed expression.

[Our show has broken another viewership record.]

“…!”

[The growth curve is downright terrifying! And so, let me ask— Mr. Soleum, do you find this fun and enjoyable?]

His tone is filled with absolute confidence, yet there’s the slightest hint of nervous anticipation.

Seriously.

With a smile, I nodded.

“It’s fun.”

[Isn’t it?]

[Ah, but of course. This legendary host already knew. That this would be the most fulfilling workplace for you, Mr. Soleum.]

The TV head beams.

And I, feeling at ease, let out a small smile as well.

I am not afraid.

There is nothing here that threatens me.

I create content—I don’t have to live through it!

So then, working here means I’ll never have to live in constant fear again… Well, it’s only natural that there’s some pressure to perform well, but that’s just the normal kind of stress people need to function in their daily lives, right?

This is fine.

[However, there is one thing that stands out to me. Just a moment…]

Braun rests a hand on my shoulder, leaning in.

[We’re hitting a plateau. The segments are starting to feel a bit… repetitive.]

Ah.

[Don’t you think it’s time for something more provocative? Something bolder, Mr. Soleum? Here, in this independent, investor-free production, there are no limits. We can do whatever we want… And.]

Griiip.

…The host’s grip on my shoulder tightens.

[This past month, your dedication has been astonishing. Your adaptation was swift. Your achievements were spectacular.]

[You are more than capable.]

…I should work harder.

I tried to nod, feeling slightly nervous.

But at that moment—

The host said something completely unexpected.

[So… I believe the time has come.]

[For you to stand beside me—not as crew, but as a guest.]

“…!”

[I speak with complete sincerity—you are already qualified. Oh, Mr. Soleum. My friend. Let us share stories together and bring joy to our audience.]

[A fresh face will serve as an excellent stimulant for the viewers as well.]

“…No, it’s fine. I don’t really enjoy standing in front of an audience—”

[Oh, now, now! Dismissing the idea so quickly wounds this Braun’s heart! Let’s think it over, shall we?]

His grip on my shoulder tightened once more.

[In this Braun’s eyes, you have an undeniable gift for showmanship. This is the realm of natural talent.]

[Do you remember? The way you played both prophet and cult leader aboard that train over the sea? That is something only the truly gifted can do. Yes, indeed.]

[But, my very dear friend, if you’re too anxious, we can start small. Just a few minutes—no, just a few seconds on stage.]

[Why not consider it more casually?]

……

That doesn’t seem so bad, does it?

Now that I think about it, I never really thought I couldn’t do it.

‘If you work, you should aim for results.’

In the end, feeling a little self-conscious, I nodded.

“…Alright. If it’s just a small role.”

[That’s the spirit! Excellent.]

The TV head beamed.

[And so humble, too—just as expected from my show’s MVP. Isn’t that right?]

[Since you joined our talk show, there hasn’t been a single dull day!]

Come to think of it, has it really been a month already?

Time had passed without me even realizing it.

Busy, fun, fulfilling.

‘Even the staff are surprisingly kind.’

I gave a small nod of thanks to a coordinator who handed me a bottle of water before disappearing, then—without much thought—asked Braun a question.

“By the way, why do all the staff here have no faces?”

[Ah, that’s a sign of their deep consideration for the show. They chose it themselves to prevent unexpected sounds—sneezes, coughs, or any unintended noises—from disrupting a live broadcast.]

“…That’s some serious professionalism. Um, then, do I… need to lose my face, too—”

[What nonsense, Mr. Soleum?!]

Whoa.

[For those who step onto the stage, expression and presence are essential! Expressiveness is the heart of entertainment!]

[Ah, of course, if you truly insist… there is an alternative. Just a moment.]

Tak.

The host grabbed my chin.

And examined me, as if calculating something…

[Hmm. Removing your face is an option. Instead— I shall craft you a truly exquisite… mask.]

That’s…

……

“I’ll think about it some other time.”

[Right? Hah! It would be a shame to lose such a fine face.]

The host let go.

As I watched Braun’s beaming smile, I found myself smiling as well.

[Ah, I must prepare for the next broadcast. Let’s see… Oh, today’s audience is… office workers! We must bring them some well-earned joy.]

[So… Mr. Soleum, will you be stepping onto the stage tonight?]

“I’ll do my best.”

[Splendid. Absolutely splendid…. It shall be a magnificent debut, Mr. Soleum!]

Mm-hmm. That would be great.

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