Chapter 201

At night, these little ones don't have the right to go to the rest room, so naturally they have no way to find food... Therefore, as long as they get through the shopping period and finalize the menu, everything else can be left to hunger.

I don't know if it's because she's been hanging out with Rosemary for so long, but Amiya, who used to treat everyone with the same sweet smile, has now turned into a child who will scheme to achieve her goals... although Kal'tsit doesn't seem to have any objections to this.

After Amiya had habitually purchased the ingredients for everyone's dinner, Rabbit suddenly remembered that Rosemary had volunteered to be the head chef today... How did she end up taking over her job so naturally?

"Rosemary, have you decided what dish you want to make?"

As Rabbit asked her question, the two fake Little Cat, one red and one green, looked at Rosemary in surprise... Didn't they know 'Little White' couldn't cook?!

Seeing the two little ones' 'we're doomed, we're going to starve today' expressions, Rosemary flashed her cat-like =w= smile... and with a flick of her finger, a bag of low-gluten flour and baking supplies floated to Rosemary's side amidst the bewildered looks of the others: u

"Hmph~ Today I'll show you the essence of my Bruce family's centuries-old pastry tradition! Speaking of which... is this enough?"

While Rosemary and the others couldn't see, Kate whispered among herself about whether the baking tools were complete... Andy, who was essentially a son-in-law of the Bruce family, stroked his chin, which would never grow a beard again, and looked at Cole always seemed to be snorting when he came to see his daughter: [The last part is a fragment and doesn't translate directly.]

"... When did we start having so-called century-old traditional pastries? Does the Bruce family have a hundred-year history?" Bar...

'You're listening to her nonsense? Kate is the best baker in our family... She only worked part-time at the bakery for less than two years... she wasn't even a full-time pastry apprentice...'

"... Don't say that, Kate at least worked hard and got into university, didn't she...? Although dropping out of university now doesn't really matter..."

"Compared to Kate, you should look at Narcissa... You said you could keep an eye on Narcissa, Andy... Our youngest daughter got 60 in all her subjects... and it seems she only passed because of cramming before the exams. Do you have any ideas about this?"

"... Talking to her about studying gives me a kind of Oripathy pain... Cole, you have a higher level of education, so I'll leave the task of raising our daughter to you..." (Qi)

'Hey! You've been dead for years, how could you have Oripathy?!' Pipit

... Clothes

Observing Rosemary, who seemed to be deliberately avoiding looking in a certain direction, I held her hand and felt that 'Little White's' palms were sweating profusely. I knew that my cat sister was carrying the burden of her family and was working hard to make ends meet. I thought about it... It's the New Year, so I shouldn't make things too awkward with Rosemary.

Xiya, having covered her Sarkaz horns with cloth-covered cat ears, leaped out of Rosemary's embrace:

"So, Little White, have you decided what you want to make? If it's all bread, then maybe you should have Amiya cook... To be honest, I'm worried you might not be able to tell the difference between flour and starch..."

At this point, Peach-colored Aili peeked out from the candy and snack counter:

"And we want to eat meat!"

"... Is that all you see me as? Besides, who says baking can't include meat as a staple?! Just look forward to it."

As Rosemary stuffed various expensive mushrooms and truffles into her bag, Amiya glanced at the labels on the items that were usually only considered for purchase by nobles, and her lips twitched.

Even if you say that... the way you select the materials is really worrying, okay?

"Don't panic, everything is going according to plan."

As she spoke, she took out more than thirty bottles of wine, both red and white, from the shelf, and then casually carried five cases of various drinks to the checkout counter... Even the purchasing staff who were familiar with Amiya, their CEO, couldn't help but smile nervously at the things Rosemary had done today.

"... The inventory is complete. As instructed by Minister Kal'tsit, your purchase order for Amiya will be categorized and calculated... The total amount of ingredients, including meat, vegetables, flour, and eggs, is eighty-two Lungmen Dollar."

"The unlimited beverages include Sarsaparilla, Coca-Cola, and beer... In addition, there are luxury items such as red wine and truffles. Are you sure this is okay?"

"Ah, no problem... This is just her planning a New Year's dinner, so just give her the original price."

Seeing that Amiya hadn't realized the seriousness of the situation, the saleswoman stopped stopping her. After quickly scanning all the codes, she said with a smile:

"Understood. Here is a case of Vanilla Sarsaparilla, two cases of Forte Energy Drink, a case of Wasteland Tequila, a case of Water of Life... In addition, there are six bottles of various everyday wines from the local winery in Laisenton, excluding the two bottles of Puliu Ling.

"The truffles used for seasoning cost 200 Lungmen Dollar, the various beverages Lungmen Dollar, the Royal Liqueur cost 20,000 Lungmen Dollar, plus the ingredients from before... The total charge is... 20,324 Lungmen Dollar."

"Since the pre-processed ingredients are all whole numbers, there will be no change. Would you like to pay by phone or by card?"

Blinking, Rabbit stood there for a moment, staring at the ceiling before looking at the cashier with a confused expression. Meanwhile, Elysia, who knew Rosemary's ability to cause trouble, was already secretly observing the situation, preparing to leave if things went wrong.

"Wait... how much?"

"Twenty thousand three hundred and twenty-four Lungmen Dollar."

"That... what kind of wine, how much?"

"Royal Liqueur, from the Dominion Gaul, is no longer produced and is currently a highly sought-after collectible, often with a price but no market... And 20,000 Lungmen Dollar, this is the suggested price given by His Excellency Kal'tsit."

"Give me a refund."

"Okay..."

"Stop!"

Quickly interrupting the conversation between the habitual butler, Rabbit, and the cashier, Rosemary puffed out her cheeks in dissatisfaction and said:

"I was supposed to be preparing for the year-end banquet... It's the kind of banquet where Medic might wake up, so using some expensive wine shouldn't be a problem, right?"

"No problem, of course no problem... Then you can pay the bill."

Seeing Amiya move aside, clearly somewhat annoyed, Rosemary froze.

Seeing this, Rabbit just sneered inwardly. She had known this person for so many years... Even if Cat said it was her arrangement, this was bound to be the outcome.

Forgetting his wallet, mooching meals and drinks, and recently even needing help preparing his own cutlery... Basically, this guy is always a bit absent-minded, acting like he can't function without me, and I'm used to it.

Amiya never expected Rosemary to pay the bill, but this time the silly cat actually planned to buy collectible items for the party... Even if Amiya's expenses were paid through Rhodes Island's public funds, she wouldn't help her buy those things!

"Amiya..."

"Hmm~ So, checkout... Where's your wallet?"

"... I forgot to bring it."

It was a conversation that should have made everyone blush, yet Rosemary spoke with such self-righteousness... But seeing that Amiya's smile had vanished, Rosemary quickly waved her hands and back as if to say something else:

"Don't panic, I'm really serious this time..."

"I understand... but 20,000 Lungmen Dollar... is this kind of collectible wine really necessary?"

Rosemary's expression didn't even change in response to Amiya's question... Clearly, through the Thought Chain Ring, Rabbit could sense that Rosemary did indeed feel that 'there was'.

Having confirmed the Little Cat's intention, Amiya sighed and stopped trying to persuade it.

After swiping her card to buy the groceries and drinks and entrusting the staff to deliver them to the Human Resources Department's break room, Rabbit crossed her arms and waited with Little Cat. She wanted to see... how this spendthrift Kitten would pay off her 20,000 Lungmen Dollar bill.

Amiya didn't have to wait long. Soon after the atmosphere in the supermarket returned to normal... a weak voice came from the entrance:

"Rosemary, I've arrived... Where are you?"

"... We are here..."

Seeing the Little Cat run up to another black-haired girl named Feline and raise its tail as if they were old friends, Amiya quickly found the name of this Feline with pink highlights in her memory.

"... You... you are... Agent Jessica..."

"Ah... um... it's me..."

As she spoke, Jessica, still wearing a uniform marked with BS... that is, the Blacksteel Worldwide logo, shyly pulled out a black card:

"Anyway, I know what happened from the text message. Let's settle the bill first, and then talk on the way."

Staring dumbfounded at Jessica for swiping her card without hesitation and chatting and laughing with Rosemary, Amiya suddenly began to wonder... if her views on money were a little different from those of normal people.

Amiya only snapped out of her daze when Rosemary called to her.

"Amiya? Hurry... because we don't know if Medic will be back tomorrow or the day after... all the rehearsals have to be finished today."

"Oh? Oh! I'm coming right now!"

PS: Waaaaaaah!

PSS: I've almost finished writing about Nana's situation. After writing about the daily lives of other characters at the end of the year, I estimate I can start preparing to bring the Doctor back.

6th Patriot's Gun: Happy New Year 219?

As the handpicked successor of Theresa, the founder of Rhodes Island, Amiya is decisively different from ordinary company bosses.

Most people would think they're being given empty promises when faced with their boss's "I understand you" words, but Amiya, because of the "Demon King's" Crown, can truly understand everyone she wants to understand.

But sometimes understanding is one thing, and whether or not one forgives after understanding is another matter entirely... As for Rosemary's incorrigible problem of overspending, Amiya has already made up her mind that she will absolutely not help her pay off the debts this time.

In response, Rosemary, who believes that only the best wine is a good match for her beloved Nana, could only make a wronged expression... but she herself has indeed had more than just overspending issues this year.

Because Amiya controls both her wallet and her livelihood, the cat has absolutely no human rights in front of the rabbit... Rosemary can only hope that Amiya will have a change of heart before Medic and her own mother decide to punish her.

Having shed the burden of persuading her friend to do good, Amiya was able to fully immerse herself in her conversation with Jessica.

This was Amiya's first face-to-face conversation with members of the Rhodes Island cooperative squad.

"So that's how it is. Jessica was already conducting fieldwork with Rhodes Island four years ago?!"

"Haha... I'm ashamed to say that even now, I wouldn't dare call myself a qualified field operative. After all, my primary job is just a weapons tester."

"Wouldn't it be even more impressive to participate in a rescue operation of that scale as a weapons tester! Besides, this is the first time I've ever spoken face-to-face with someone other than Huang who experienced the Ticarondo Incident..."

At this point, Amiya seemed to have thought of something, and the girl interlaced her fingers while revealing a slightly shy smile:

"It was after that incident that Dr. Kal'tsit's expression relaxed. Whenever I think that Dr. Kal'tsit has finally started going to bed on time, I feel a sense of relief... But there are still many times when I can't help, and I still need to study harder."

Although Rosemary understood that her friend's words were heartfelt, the Little Cat would still give a look of disbelief every time she saw Amiya curling up around her.

"Amiya is already very strong. If you learn more, my courses will have to increase... Miss CEO, please consider your role as a tutor..."

"Oh, even I don't have the authority to treat Elite Operator as tutors... After all, it was Medic who personally entrusted you to Dr. Kal'tsit's care... So who's been comfortably taking it all for granted all this time?"

"... Okay, it's me."

Rosemary raised her hands in surrender expressionlessly as she spoke, and seeing her friend so resigned, Amiya couldn't help but puff out her cheeks and pinch the soft flesh of the cat's waist... until her friend pretended to howl before she reluctantly let go... only in this way could Amiya slightly alleviate the feeling of disappointment in her friend.

Watching the cat and rabbit interact, Jessica squinted and smiled slightly.

The way the two children were being affectionate reminded her of her interactions with her older siblings at home... even though she was only a few years older than them.

But no matter what, working with Medic made her a senior to these kids. Jessica kept reminding herself that she had to act like a senior.

Taking out an adult's card and spending some snack money without batting an eye to buy alcoholic beverages that she didn't know much about before is also a sign of feigned maturity... After all, Jessica only drinks juice at parties, whether at Blacksteel or Rhodes Island.

Seeing that the cat and rabbit had started giving each other the silent treatment again, Jessica felt she should ease the tension and said in a slightly trembling voice:

"Actually, there's no need to rush... Studying and working both require a steady, step-by-step approach... As for this bill, please don't worry about it."

"After all, Senior Medic has taken great care of me both at work and in life, not to mention that many of the weapons and equipment she personally gifted me are priceless treasures. And all I did was buy a bottle of wine while helping Little Cat set up the New Year's banquet..."

For some reason, Jessica seemed to lose confidence as she spoke. By the time the five of them returned to the Human Resources Department's break room, Jessica's eyes had turned into a ball of yarn, and she even took out her wallet and tried to stuff cash into Rosemary.

"Well... I guess a bottle of wine alone isn't enough to show my sincerity... How about... I give you some more pocket money? Let's try to get Rhodes Island to change course and go to a big city, and book a proper the Hotel to celebrate the New Year... I've been to a few nice places in Trimounts..."

Faced with a thick wad of Lungmen Dollar usually reserved for large-scale commercial transactions—that had suddenly appeared in her hand, Amiya, even startled and frightened by Rosemary's sudden appearance, quickly pushed the money back into Jessica's arms.

"Operator Jessica! The Landship won't change course so easily!"

"No... it's alright, I'll cover the fuel cost..."

"Rhodes Island's fuel is actually... no! It shouldn't be that problem..."

Amiya rubbed her drooping rabbit ears, feeling a headache coming on. She suddenly realized that this Jessica sister was just as powerful as Rosemary when she went berserk.

Just as Rosemary was silently contemplating whether to accept the money, the man with the alluring voice of Vulpo sat up from the beanbag chair, stretching and letting out a seductive moan. "Five..."

"Jessica?~ You're back... Oh, isn't this Little Peach Little Green, and 'Shiroko'? Playing in the lounge again? Speaking of which, this little bunny girl looks familiar... Where have we met before...?"

As soon as Franka finished speaking, Liskarm had risen almost simultaneously behind her, lightly patted the fat fox on the head, making a 'smack' sound: Fin.

"Wake up, that's our CEO, Medic's boss..."

"Huh? What's the CEO doing in our foreign players' lounge?"

"Never mind what they're here for, but judging from your reaction, you probably don't want to stay at Rhodes Island anymore..." Ling

Caught off guard, the two, whose name was so well-known even in the central Crosstalk Duo, suddenly began their performance right in front of them.

Even Amiya, who thought she had learned from Aili, Xiya, and Rosemary what it meant to remain calm even when faced with a collapsing mountain, could only manage a "hahaha" laugh to break the awkward silence.

Seeing Amiya, who was being carefully cared for by the Elite Operator, encounter someone who didn't treat her like a child for the first time, and the fat fox immediately trying to put his arm around her shoulder, Rosemary felt as if she could instantly see the scene of a group of Rhodes Island Elite Operator who had followed the ship since the Babel era and raised Amiya like a daughter storming into the Human Resources Department.

After all, it's Franka... This girl, who even dared to lay hands on Medic, lacks any sense of boundaries in interpersonal relationships, something everyone in the Human Resources Department knows... But to attempt such physical contact on their very first meeting with Rhodes Island's CEO is simply too much for twelve-year-old Amiya.

So when Franka's second hand almost touched Amiya, Little Cat and Liskarm exchanged a glance, and the latter immediately nodded, picked up the fox who said she was taking a nap but ended up sleeping until night and seemed to have fallen into a daze, and carried her into the bathroom.

The sound of the water hissing as the showerhead was turned on drowned out Franka's babbling, accompanied by Liskarm's merciless, furious rebuke:

"Wake up..."

Hearing Franka's scream before the bathroom door closed, Amiya blinked... The CEO had a shocking feeling that she had witnessed the dark side of Rhodes Island.

Rosemary, along with Aili and Xiya, were quite familiar with the Human Resources Department. The memories of Liskarm and Franka's love-hate relationship could be traced back to four years ago, so today's situation was just routine.

As Rosemary silently approached the kitchen counter, the two little ones, dressed in Rhodes Island's unique red and green uniforms, began to select drinks and utensils and place them on the lounge table.