Points Lost

"...That long?"

"In theory," Eucali said with a smile, "whether it can really last that long, I'll have to try it to know... Do you want to take them back and try them? You can have both of these."

"Can I?" Hesta took the larger cup and examined it curiously in her hands.

"Of course. In theory, these were bought with your money," Eucali said, shooting Hesta a quick glance. "At the end of every month, I can get reimbursed for all my living expenses with the receipts... Do you need to see the bills? I kept all the receipts after reimbursement too. Other than necessities, I usually don't—"

"Is it enough?"

"It is," Eucali answered at once. "You know, I did the math. If you exclude rent, the cost of living in Orange Town is basically the same as it was when I was at Jiaozhi Mountain. And starting next month, they're implementing free public transportation here, so I'll be able to save on travel too..."

Hesta smiled. "That good?"

"Really good, truly," Eucali said sincerely. "There are convenient public services everywhere, and there are so many things you don't have to pay for yourself—do you remember when we went to City Hall for that event last time? The City Hall staff sent me a package this week. It had a box of butter cookies, along with lots and lots of brochures about Orange Town, teaching you how to use and apply for all kinds of citizen benefits. They were originally going to hand one out to everyone when everyone boarded the tour bus, but we missed it... Do you want to see?"

"...Sure." Hesta nodded. Though she had no interest in that information, her conversation with Eucali was going so smoothly at the moment that she did not