Profiteering From Magical Girls: Chapter 1

Opportunity Cost

Standing there with my eyes locked on the Magical Girl in her civilian disguises, I found myself frozen in fear as my heart hammered away at my chest. I knew I asked for a magical girl but that didn't mean that I needed one now! Gritting my teeth, my hands inched for my inventor while my eyes were locked on her.

Utena Hiiragi
Magia Baiser​

How much did she see? Did she know? Of all the places she could have landed, why did it have to be the rooftop! Sure it was a normally secluded place but didn't she know people sometimes hang out here? Then again, how would she know? From up in the sky, she would have only seen an empty lot. Cursing my rotten luck, I took stock of my situation.

Calm down Mizuki, this isn't the end of the world. As much of a menace Utena was to Tres Magia, she's really not that dangerous. Her choice of prey were magical girls and I was as far removed from those as could possibly be. She wasn't just going to hurt someone innocent just because they saw her transformation right?

Considering that she was shying away, it was a pretty safe bet. I could see it in her eyes, how they trailed looked at me with fear and how she looked like she was ready to bolt at a moment's notice. She was alone and terrified, probably separated from Kiwi thanks to the battle. I would have been long dead if it wasn't. Maybe… Maybe I could do something with this.

Quest: Your First Friend
Recruit A Friend and Explore the Dungeons Together.
Bonus Quest: Recruit a Local Magical Girl.​

Despite the danger I found myself in, I smelt an opportunity. I now know her greatest secret. Leveraging it would be easy. All I have to do is tell the right people and perhaps, I could have enough of a leash to have her under control.

Narrowing my eyes, I snapped back, "Oh really," I wasn't exactly sure how her transformation worked, how long it could last, but she should probably be exhausted right? "I'm pretty sure I didn't just see Magia Baiser just land, right?"

It was a dangerous game but one I was all too willing to play. Having the head villainess under my employ sounds too good to pass up. Overly ambitious? Yes, but you can't expect to hit the jackpot by being overly cautious. I had to take the chance.

Taking a step back, she pointed at him as she fired back, "A-and I'm pretty sure pretty boys don't just pop out of thin air!" It seems that she did see me step out of the [ID] but not when I made it. Not good, but not as bad as I once feared.

Feeling the weight on my stomach lighten, I took a step forward as a smirk slowly stretched across my face, "But we both know that if either our secret's get out," I argued and she froze, fear plastered across her face, "You're the one that'll get in trouble, not me~" I pressed on, keeping her off balance.

As she took another step back, I kept on the offensive, seeing her crack under the pressure, "After all, I'm just a boy with some weird abilities," I gestured to myself before pointing back at her, "While you're Magia Baiser, the wicked villainess that had been terrorizing Nerima!"

I almost felt bad for her as she let out the tiniest of squeaks but I had to remind myself that she was still an "Evil Magical" Girl; One pressed into service by an evil mascot, but one nonetheless. I was definitely helping her by getting away from the streets… I wasn't totally doing this out of my own selfish needs.
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Faced with the consequences of her choices, the girl started begging him, "P-please don't tell anyone," while tears started to brim at the corner of her eyes, "I can't let them know!" She told him, desperation seeping into her voice.

Struggling to not grin at her words, I replied, "I don't know, you are a menace to society after all. A villainess out to torment the innocent," teasing the girl as she let out the most adorable of cries before threatening her, "I feel like I should really tell, I don't know, Tres Magia about you? I'm sure they'll love to know how you're masquerading as a student here at Yume Middle School," but not quite fully committing to it just yet, leaving just a sliver of hope for her to hang on to.

Forcing my condition on her could only turn the situation sour. I might have her by the proverbial balls but she was still a Magical Girl. When push comes to shove, she'll fold me in half over her pinkie. Not even my [Fire Bombs] could put a dent on her given the punishment she could take in the manga. I needed her to be the one that would offer a price to keep my silence.

WIth the threat of Tres Magia discovering her dirty little secret, she finally folded, "Anything but them!" On the verge of tears, she begged him, "I-I'll do anything!" as desperation filled her tone. She was now fully backed into a corner, her fate now resting on the palm of my hands.

Unable to hold myself any longer, I grinned from ear to ear as I asked, "Anything?" and the girl paled, realizing her choice of words but it was far too late. She already showed her hands and I now know what ends she'll take to keep this under wraps.

With a pained look, she nodded as she sank to her knees in despair. Chuckling, I walked over before kneeling before her, "I think we can work with that~" Now that I have her hooked, it was time to reel her in. Fishing for the notepad I have in my pockets, I hastily wrote down an address, "Tell you what. I'll keep your little secret… if you come to this address later tonight,"

Tearing the page from my pad, I then handed it over. Gingerly, she reached up with shaky hands and took a look. While I would have preferred to discuss our future arrangements here, there really wasn't much time for that. Kiwi might not be with her but she could still mess things up. She'll soon be here if my guess was right.

Of course, given my current financial status, I couldn't choose the best location, "E-eh!?" She cried out, her face burning as she choked out a reply, "B-but this a Motel!" Yes it was a motel, but it wasn't a love motel… I think? I only pass it from time to time but that's not important right now.

"I mean, we can't do that in my apartment," I shrugged back. What was important was it was as far away from where I live without being too inconvenient. Letting her anywhere near my place was simply a step too far even if it was ultimately cheaper. I might have some hooks on her but she's not fully under my grasp.

She could easily tell this to Kiwi and bring her along. I'm just banking on the off chance that she's too afraid and shocked right now to say no, "Unless you're ok with doing it in your home?" I then asked, offering to just drop by.

Turning a funny shade of red, the girl shook her head as she stuttered out, "N-no, T-the motel is good!" I snorted, chuckling at how adorable she was. She was too cute for her own good. Reaching out, I gave her a pat on the head and she let out an adorable squeak. She deserves all the headpats.

"I'm glad we came to an understanding Magia Baiser-chan~!" I then told her as I pulled away. She already had enough teasing for the day, anymore and I might just have to deal with her passing out from all the excitement. Holding out my hands, I helped her get back to her feet, "Now this will be our little secret."

It was quite fortunate that I managed to wrap it all up as I soon heard a familiar cry coming from the stairwell, "Utena-chan~" Skipping up the steps, the blonde bombshell of a girl came running up to Utena, "There you are! I've been looking all over for you!" before pulling the brunette in a tight hug.

Kiwi Araga
Leopard​

Giving the possessive girl and her prey some space, I watched in amusement as Utena struggled to get some air. Thankfully for her, Kiwi's grip loosened but now her attention was no on me. I felt my legs feel like jelly as she glared at me, "Who's this boy I see you talking to? You know cheating is not allowed!" She hissed out as she eyed me warily.

Swallowing thickly, I turned over to Utena. Right now, my fate hangs on Utena's choice and thankfully, she wasn't about to throw me under the bus, "N-nothing happened!" She gasped out as she freed herself from the blonde's smothering love.

"You know I hate lying, Utena-chan," Kiwi whispered all too sweetly but Utena had my back as she shook her head. The blonde was still quite suspicious but I soon felt her glare lighten. Glancing over to Utena, all I saw was worry behind those eyes. Perhaps I treated Utena a bit too harshly.

Still, I wasn't quite out of the water just yet. Giving me a once over, Kiwi then questioned me, "Also, what's with the uniform? You're not from, are you?" With Utena indisposed, it was now my turn to cover for her.

I nodded back before I answered her, "Now, now, Utena just so happens to come by the door while I was eating lunch," doing my best to appease the jealous girl. I really don't want to test out how my potions would work on bullet wounds right now, "And not really. Would you believe that I came all the way from Okinawa?" I then answered as I quickly changed the topic at hand.

Kiwi's brow rose up in intrigue as she pulled away from Utena and took a closer look at me. "A transfer student?" She asked as she circled around me, "I haven't seen this type of uniform…" She whispered, far more interested in my origins now.

Smiling back at her, I nodded, "That's right and I should probably introduce myself," before giving her a courteous bow as I introduced myself, "The name's Mizuki Kaneshiro by the way, nice to meet you…?" trailing off as I looked up at her.

She crossed her arms as she greeted back, "Kiwi, Kiwi Araga, Future wife of Utena-chan and don't you forget about that!" She really does love her little waifu, huh?

"I'll keep that in mind," I chuckled as I gave Utena an amused look. I wonder if she knows just how lucky she was that she had someone like Kiwi with her? With that confused look, maybe she's still quite a bit clueless but she's getting there.

Fortunately for me, I didn't have to deal with Kiwi for too long as I soon heard Saya calling for me, 'Mizuki-san?" Turning towards the stairwell, I found a slightly ruffled, but unhurt Saya sighing out in relief, "Oh thank god, there you are. I thought I lost you," before she walked over joining them. Given the way she limped at how Utena couldn't meet her gaze, I take back what I said; Utena needs to be punished.

"Sorry Sayo-san," I apologized before gazing out at Nerima, "I just can't resist going up to see the skyline… and maybe to catch a glimpse of the local magical girls," I told her. Turning over to Utena, I then added, "Thankfully, Utena was here to keep me company, right Utena?" covering for the other girl. A show of kindness could go a long way in getting her to be more pliable.

Jumping up in surprise, her brief momentary confusion quickly gave way to a hasty nod, "Y-yeah!"

Kiwi for her part only let out an annoyed mutter, "Unfortunately," as she once gave me a hostile glare. I smiled back innocently at the girl, annoying her.

Stuttering, Utena then added, "I-It was a bit scary but watching Tres Magia was amazing!" before I gave her a quick look. Too much info often makes for an unbelievable lie. Best to keep it short and simple to avoid slip ups.

Saya took it at face value as she replied, "That's good to hear," before taking on a more serious look. Leveling a light glare at both Utena and I, she then lectured us, "But you two have to be careful, especially you, Mizuki," shaking her head, she warned me, "Magical Girl fights are still dangerous even if you're far away, especially with that villainess around!"

Nodding back, I really couldn't fault her for worrying. This wasn't some show where Civilians were magically safe, this was real life. A stray magical blast can just be as deadly as any bullet, "I'll try to keep that in mind, Saya."

"You better!" She replied as she let out a huff.

Glancing over to the stairwell, I then asked, "So, do you think we still have time to continue that tour?" Pulling out my phone, I could see that it was nearing the hour mark. I really did want to see what this school had to offer. A second shot at highschool seems like it'll be a fun experience especially with these magical girls around.

Beaming, Saya nodded enthusiastically, "Of course!" before she pulled out a neatly folded letter stamped by the principal, "The Principal did give me an excuse letter so it shouldn't be a problem."

With that excuse on hand, I gave my goodbyes to the two, "Well, it was nice meeting you two," Giving them a bow, Saya guided me back inside the school. Just as we were about to go down, I called out, "I hope two lovebirds have a wonderful lunch!"

I simply couldn't resist with how Kiwi got all excited and Utena was left to deal with her lover's attention, "I'm sure we'll get to know more about each other later~" I chuckled as we headed down. It seems my time here in Middle School was going to be an interesting one.

-x-x-x-

Sitting by my lonesome beside a vending machine at the edge of a parking lot, I nursed my steam can of coffee. It was cold out tonight, forcing me to take out a jacket just for the occasion because my uniform simply wasn't going to cut it. Maybe I should have changed into something more comfortable… and something that attracted less attention.

Giving a drunk office lady a hard glare, I shook my head as I watched them stumble away. It was weird being on the receiving end of strange looks. I wasn't oblivious to the female attention but perhaps it could be toned down. Was this how girls feel back in my world? That they're always on edge in places that aren't close to the main road or not well lit? It was definitely quite the experience.

Turning my attention back on the road, my depressing musing would be cut short as I saw the ridiculous sight of Utena, the most ridiculous of outfits. With her trench coat and dark glasses to match, she looks like she came straight out of a movie.

Downing my drink and tossing the empty can in the trash can, I greeted the young teen, "Glad you can make it Utena-chan~" Jumping in fright, the girl whirled around before calming down as saw me. Shaking my head, I then lectured her, "If you're trying to be conspicuous Utena-chan, maybe you should try ditching the trench coat and glasses."

The girl's cheek burned as she replied, "I-I don't want people to recognize me Kaneshiro…" it was still a pretty horrible disguise in my opinion. Yes, you obscure your identity but now you stand out like a sore thumb. It'll definitely catch more attention than anyone would want.

"Still going to give you an A for initiative," her effort was still admirable and a good show for her.; Giving her another pat for her trouble, I then said, "Also, Kaneshiro sounds too stuffy. Just call me Mizuki!" She was far too tense right now with how she held the hem of her coat tightly against herself.

Reaching for my pockets, I pulled some coins before inserting them in the vendo. A few pushes of a button and some clanking later, I was now the proud owner of a hot can of tea. Offering it to the girl, I asked, "Tea?"

She looked at the can in confusion to which I simply shrugged, "Hey, it's not like we're in a rush," As cold as it was outside, it was pleasant out here, "And it looked like you could use a drink," I added with a soft smile. With the warm light of the lamp post and the silence in this part of town, the atmosphere was just perfect for hot drinks

The girl blushed as she slowly reached for the can and held it close to her, "I-I suppose?" She whispered as both of us just sat there, chilling while the world went by.

Cupping my hands and blowing into them to warm them up, I then commented, "Huh, I'm surprised you actually came alone," I half expected that Kiwi would get her to squeal but as I glanced around, it became clear soon enough that it was just the two of us out here.

The girl gagged, choking on her drink. Coughing and pounding at her chest, she cleared her throat before she gazed up at him scandalized and teary eyed, "Y-you want Kiwi as well!?" She sputtered out as she wheezed.

I merely shrugged as I admitted, "Another Magical Girl would have been nice but I'm more than happy to have you along," While Kiwi would give me quite the bad time, I was pretty confident that Utena wouldn't just let her break me in half. Having her along would be a bonus actually. Having more Magical Girls to talk to and convince could help me out but as I've said, Utena was more than enough for what I need.

Getting up, I gestured towards the hotel, "Anyway, how about we get inside?" before asking her. Unlike the warmth of Okinawa, Tokyo was proving to be colder than I'd wanted. "It's getting a little chilly out here," I added, shivering as I pulled my jacket closely.

Utena turned red as she hastily nodded. Smiling back, I walked ahead, leading her inside. It was surprisingly decent inside. The white washed walls were free of grime, the tiled floor was spotless, and the decorations weren't so tacky but still interesting. Boring, but in a good way.

Walking up to the bored looking male receptionist who jolted into attention, "Good Evening," before greeting us courteously, "Is there anything I can help you with?" They did give us some weird looks but whatever their thoughts were, they kept it to themselves.

"A room for two please," I replied casually. No need to make it weird for either of us.

Nodding, the man typed it down on his computer before he offered, "We're currently running a couple's promo right now," giving us a knowing smile as he then added, "For just a small fee, we can upgrade your suite to a more luxurious experience."

Shaking my head, I immediately replied, "Oh there's no need. We're just for some business," He really didn't need the room for anything else. He just wanted the privacy that public spaces couldn't provide. He really didn't trust the playgrounds now…

The teen stared at us for a bit before nodding. Giving us our keys, we headed inside and we soon found ourselves in a relatively clean room. Resisting the urge to throw myself at the soft bed, I sat down on the nearby chair instead. Sitting on the edge, I gestured for her to join me.

The girl gulped as she slowly pulled her jacket away and laid it down on the bed. I quirked a brow at the nice dress she wore, a nice yellow top and some khaki shorts to pair with them, but I didn't comment on it as she sat next to me, "So, M-mizuki, She whispered, tugging at her collar nervously, "Should we start?"

Taking a deep breath, I sighed as I leaned forward and rested my elbows against my thighs. Steppling my fingers, I then asked, "Now, you're probably wondering why I brought you here?"

The girl nodded stiffly as she stuttered, "Y-yes," with her blush creeping down to her collar, she then asked, "Are you sure we should do this? I-Isn't usually us girls that do this sort of thing…" as she kicked off her shoes.

Giving her a confused look, I asked, "What does gender have to do with this?" before shaking my head, "I was going to ask your help clearing a dungeon," I planned on a spiel to get them in but it looks like I had to throw it all out.

The girl froze just as she reached for shoulder straps before she asked back, "A-A what?"

"Yeah, it's a bit but trust me it's a bit weird but trust me, It'll make sense once I show you," I answered as I eyed her hands… Come to think of it, why did she dress nicely? Taking a sniff, I quickly realized she was also wearing some perfume.

The girl let out a mortified, "Oh…", before she glanced down on her lap.

Wait, she dressed up and groomed herself… Why the hell did I miss that? Groaning, I reached up for the bridge of my nose and pinched them, "Your… you're totally thinking of something else, weren't you," I then muttered, underestimating just how horny teens could get. Hell, I should know as the tightness in my pants reminded me.

"I-I'm not!" Her denial only made it worse. I should have expected this given how thirsty Utena could get. If anyone was going to mix signals, it was her.

"Then tell me what you think we're going to do," I fired back as she gave her a sour look. Thinking about it, it was my fault for not making it clear enough. I just wanted to talk! Wait, did I just lead her on? I couldn't help but drag my hands across my face.

"... I thought you were going to blackmail me by doing that," She then replied as my face started to burn as well. Finding myself in such a ridiculous situation, I found myself laughing. This was simply too silly.

Grinning back at the girl, I teased her, "I mean, we can do that~" and she let out a squeal as she buried her face. Shaking my head, I shook my head and then said, "Hah, yeah, no. I might be an asshole but I'm not that type of asshole," Yes, I had some plans for her but they involved money! It simply felt wrong exploiting a girl like that.

Giving her some time to gather her thoughts, she then asked, "W-what does being a magical girl and dungeon have to do with money?" She still looked a bit disappointed but I ignored it for now. There was money to be had!

"I'm glad you asked!" I replied, glad that we're finally back on track, "But first," Flicking through my menu much to her confusion, I then sent her an invite, making a pixelated screen appear in front of her. Given the wide eyed shock she sported, I think he saw it pretty clearly.

Join Party
[Y/N?]​

"Huh, how!?" Waving at the edge of the tab, she jerked back as the notice fizzled out before reforming. I probably looked just as ridiculous when I first had a taste of this but I couldn't help but laugh. Seeing her struggle to wrap her head around the simple request was all too amusing.

"It's just a party request," I waved off her concern as she eyed the notice warily, "Treat it like how'd you treat an invite from an MMORPG," I then told her as I made a pressing motion.

"Like this?" She asked as she pressed [Y] before the Game System chimed. I felt a jolt as Utena's name appeared on the corner of my eyes, her health bar just below mine. Utena had just become my first party member.

"Pretty cool huh?" I asked as I pulled out a [Tiny Health Potion] from my inventory before tossing it in the air, catching it as it fell back down, "As you can see, I'm gifted with a power that makes my life into a game. I don't know how, I don't know why but I'm not complaining," It took a bit to adjust but it was quite the boon especially in this deceptively peaceful world.

"S-so if your life's a video game," The girl cautioned as she slowly pieced my plans together, "Then you're asking me to join you in a dungeon raid so I can clear it?"

"Exactly!" I do love it when things just work as I'd hope it would. Now, it was time to make my pitch. "When I got this power, I was kinda in a tough spot," I explained, giving her some context on my situation, "Money was tough and I thought, hey, an Alchemist would be pretty nifty with making potions and such which I could sell. The problem is that I'm more utility than power so power clearing is not my forte…"

The promise of potions was simply too much to resist, "And that's where you come in," not when I have manpower which I could recruit, "With your power, clearing any dungeon would be a breeze. I can already imagine the loot!" I then told her. Why risk myself in the dungeons when I could have people helping me along?

"I-I can understand why you want to recruit me now… B-but isn't this a bit risky?" They asked back as they fidgeted in their seats. With a look of discomfort, they forced out their words, "Cause you know… I'm an E-evil Magical Girl?"

I nodded back, knowing full well the reputation of the magical girl's evil counterpart. Some describe them as anarchist, or villains would be the more appropriate words but not Utena, "I'd be lying if I say I wasn't scared when you found me out on the rooftop," I admitted as I looked back at her, "I'm still pretty scared as well right now in fact!"

"I-I'll never hurt someone innocent!" They blurted out, looking distressed at the mere mention of it.

"I know," I replied, feeling relieved at her. words. Despite her bluster in the manga, she really was just a sweet little girl, "It was pretty clear up on the rooftop that you wouldn't really harm a fly. You actually kinda sound like a nice girl, so I took the risk,"

"I-I," Stammered as a soft smile stretched across her lips, "Thank you,"

A blush soon found its way back on my cheeks as I stared back at that precious smile. Utena was simply too pure for this world. Glancing away, I then cleared my throat before continuing, "Despite how bad things could have gotten for me, I simply couldn't ignore the opportunity cost," I then said, "Which brings me back to our current topic.

Gathering my courage, I then asked the Magical Girl, "Utena, I need your help in getting stronger," Before bowing low to her, "As of right now, I'm just barely scratching at the surface of what my power offers," It really wasn't a topic I would have shared but I couldn't have her saying no. I need her to know that this request wasn't of malice but of desperation.

Fishing several bottles from my Inventory, I laid them before her as I explained, "All I can make right now are a couple random potions as well as health potions," I told her, tugging at her heart strings. Grabbing her hands, I then told her, "But with your help, I can make much more powerful stuff. Stuff which I could see and turn a pretty profit."

"A panacea to any disease, power in a bottle, hell, I'm pretty sure I can make liquid luck given enough experience," promising her the stars, "All of that I could give if you just help me," As she stammered, I let her go as I looked away, heart pounding as I wanted her sweet yes.

"Do understand, I'm not forcing you on this matter as you can walk out here anytime," I assured her, letting her have an out and make sure she doesn't feel pressured, "All I want is for you to consider my offer."

Having shot my shot, I waited with bated breath, hoping that she listened. I could try again but I preferred Utena. She wasn't only a terrifying force of nature when she's actually motivated but she'd be more likely to agree with my plans. Trying to get Tres Magia inside a dungeon would be a far harder prospect when they have a city to protect.

My hopes however would be nearly dashed as she replied, "I'm not sure…" Holding up her hands, she blurted out, "Not that I'm saying no! It's just I'm a bit overwhelmed here," she told me as she rubbed her shoulder, her eyes filled with indecision.

"I understand," Please say yes, please say yes!

"Like being a m-magical girl is already quite hard," She whispered as a brief manic look was quickly replaced with that of shame, "I-I'm not sure I have the time to do anything else," as she then added.

I could only sigh in relief at her reasoning, "Oh, I don't actually need hours of your time," I told her waving off her concerns, "I actually just need a half an hour at best," I then said as I started to explain, "Time in the dungeon is way slower than here and monsters don't really appear unless you head in deeper."

"T-that's actually useful," She replied. If only she knew just how good it was to have something almost akin to time stop.

"If you join in, you can abuse it anytime! Believe me, I do it so often," I then offered, letting another benefit dangle before her, "I've used it several times to do some assignments I missed as well study for an exam," I smiled as memories of playing with [ID Create] came to mind, "Fun times," Sure I basically wink out of existence but it can be really good for getting more "time. Maybe I should try to test out if time actually passes inside that place… I never get sleepy in that place.

"Aside from potions, I'll also be paying you as well as help you in any academic matters if you need so," I then said, letting her in on the venture. I wasn't a slave owner, I employed people! That means benefits without the taxman getting involved along with the usual needs of a teenage girl, "Math, Science, English, so long as it's not Japanese, I can teach you,"

Getting to tutor her opened up a whole new possible source of income as well as sharpen my knowledge. It's been years since I last stepped in school and I can't say no to more money. I had to leverage my education as much as I could.

"I-I could use some help in school…" Utena whispered, intrigue filling her tone, "But you said you're going to pay me…" before she asked, "How much e-exactly?"

I nodded in approval. This girl knows how to speak my language. She might be a mess but she was a mess he could work with! Reaching inside my jacket, I pulled out an envelope before sliding it over. Flashing her a smirk, I answered, "By this match," It was painful letting that much cash go but I needed money to make money, "Consider it a gift," Even if it fails, I could still get some favors from her at the very least.

Lifting up the seal, Utena took a peek inside before letting out a strangled choke. Given that it was enough money to buy several high end Figma's and magical girl merch, it wasn't a surprise, Shakily, she took the envelope and placed it on her lap.

"Y-you said I can step away anytime right?" She then asked, licking her lips. Good girl, see just how much profit you'll earn once you join me in my venture.

"Yeah," I nodded, doing my best not to jump in excitement, "I'm not telling anyone your secret unless you tell someone mine," I then told her. No need to antagonize the girl. Best to make sure that I was on her side, not against her.

With a slow nod, she finally relented, "Then I guess I could try?" Her words were like honey to his ears.

Smiling from ear to ear, I extended my hand to her, "It's good to have on board Utena," before giving her a firm shake, sealing the deal, "So, ready for a test run?" I then asked, eager to see what my newest employee could do.