Chapter 19
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 19
Chapter Title: 9: Pink Bubbles in My Heart - 2
-----------------------------------------------------------------
A bizarre companionship had begun.
The lineup consisted of one villain, one possessor, and an alligator as a pet.
Two out of the three were shrouded in robes, making for a highly suspicious trio. It was only natural that eyes were drawn to them.
'Why are they wandering around like this?'
Villains were what breathed life into the game.
In this game's case, that would be those black curtains.
Though she did wonder why a healing game needed villains in the first place.
"So? How are you going to make the pearls?"
"There are ways. As the saying goes, if you don't have teeth, use your gums."
Pearls were originally made from starch extracted from cassava roots—that starch being tapioca. Tapioca pearls were created by mixing that starch with various ingredients.
Cassava wasn't implemented in this game.
But alternative methods for making tapioca were.
"More importantly, it's surprising."
"Hm?"
"Back in the dungeon, and now in the market too. You look like the type who'd make others do the work, yet you handle everything yourself?"
"Of course."
"Of course?"
"I'm in debt."
The Director shook her head.
"Even our script can't fix debt."
"I'm not asking you to fix it."
Why did it sound like she assumed he'd ask for help?
Of course.
"Still, I won't stop you from coming quietly and buying something."
As customers, it would be different.
Customers were saviors who helped fill the cafe owner's wallet, after all.
There was no reason not to welcome them.
As long as they weren't troublemakers.
"Shame. If this body weren't carnivorous."
"Maybe I'll add meat dishes later."
"I'll drop by then."
She hoped her cafe wouldn't turn into a hangout for villains.
'Why do they even act like this?'
Now that things felt safe, the thought arose.
Chatting with them, they weren't unreasonable or outright bad people.
More like mischievous brats than villains.
"By the way."
"Yeah?"
"Why do you guys act like this?"
"You mean the theater troupe?"
"Yeah. You could just live quietly at the academy. You don't seem like major villains."
"It's a secret."
With that, the Director pressed her index finger to her lips.
She hadn't expected them to spill anyway.
"Alright. Let's get back to what we each need to do."
They resumed walking.
As they ventured deeper, rougher types started appearing.
"Still far?"
"Hold on. The stall moves around."
What she sought was [Dark Merchant - Sis].
The guy sold all sorts of rare items and materials.
The issue was he changed locations every time.
'No problem for me.'
Sis existed in Healing Academy 2 too.
Precisely, the second-generation Sis.
Fortunately, he followed the same pattern as the first-gen, setting up shop predictably.
Today was the day he changed spots for the third time.
'There he is.'
As expected, in the farthest corner of the fourth aisle, he had set up.
A freckle-faced guy flashing a "ke ke ke..." grin.
He looked shady, but wasn't actually that dangerous.
Doing business openly in this underground market meant he wasn't a total loose cannon—those types hid their faces.
Like the ones behind her.
More than that, "hic!"?
'Second-gen is second-gen, huh.'
This wasn't the reaction she'd expect from the Sis she knew.
'Gotta approach carefully.'
Plan change.
She'd intended a casual "hey brother~" vibe.
But second-gen seemed timid.
"Pardon the intrusion."
"Ke... Hoo. Aigoo~ Hello, sir."
"I'm looking for Sis. Isn't she here?"
"The predecessor retired! Leave it to me, second-gen Sis!"
"Second-gen?"
Pretending ignorance despite knowing full well, she played along with flair.
Flattering him lightly too.
"The first-gen was an excellent merchant. As her successor, high expectations."
"Ehem! You have good eyes, sir. Take a look around."
Sis grinned amiably, unpacking his wares.
The bundle held various items.
Hallucination mushrooms.
Scale dragon powder.
Troll liver chunks.
But what she wanted was...
"I'll take this."
"Excellent choice, sir."
"Do you have black starch powder too?"
"Yes, right here."
Nothing too fancy.
Taking the two pouches of powder, the Director tapped her shoulder.
"What's that? Not suspicious powder, right?"
"Less suspicious than you guys, at least."
"Fair point."
Mix these right, and you'd get bubble tea's key ingredient: pearls. The small quantity meant trekking here, though.
"So, sir. How will you pay...?"
"Can I trade this?"
"This?"
"Red Honey Fruit seed."
Showing the Red Honey Fruit seed, Sis's eyes widened.
"You want to trade this?"
"Can't I?"
"Of course you can!"
She had extras anyway, so no loss.
Good opportunity for him too—could breed it if grown right.
"Here you go! Take it!"
"Thanks."
Transaction done, she stowed the powder in her bag.
"Head to my cafe. I'll make bubble tea there."
"For real?"
"Yeah. But you have to keep your promise too."
"Don't worry. We will."
Right.
She hoped that promise was sincere.
Nodding, she turned to head back to the surface.
A pretty smooth trip. Minor interruption midway, but still easy enough.
But in that smooth journey...
"Freeze! Disciplinary Committee routine patrol!"
Storm clouds rolled in.
Of all times! Right now!
"Routine patrol commencing now. Anyone with prohibited items, surrender yourselves!"
Disciplinary Committee members swarmed in.
Uniformed figures packed the round plaza tight.
Nothing to fear.
These powders looked dubious but were permitted. The problem was...
"This is tricky."
"Yeah, anyone but her."
The alligator and Director eyed one person while conferring.
She glanced at the face making them uneasy.
Familiar face.
"Cooperate with the investigation. Rest assured, nothing dangerous means no issue."
"...Ophelia?"
It was Ophelia.
Leading the Disciplinary Committee from the front lines.
"I'm fine, but you guys are in trouble."
"Yeah, of all people."
"Problematic. With her and that many Committee members, escape's impossible."
"If we could just handle the white one, maybe?"
"That's the biggest issue."
It did look that way.
The alligator's bulk made slipping away tough.
"Still, maybe it's okay?"
"Hm? What do you mean?"
"According to the script, we have much to do ahead. Even if caught, we'll be out quick."
"..."
That script again?
"Is that real?"
"Yeah. But if caught here, we can't keep the promise."
Subtle blackmail.
Nothing major would happen anyway, so become accomplices and profit.
"...No choice. You two escape, meet at my cafe."
"Got it. So? What's the plan?"
"I have one. I'll distract Ophelia—you escape."
They nodded.
Pulling robes low, they moved slowly.
To draw Ophelia's attention, she approached. Slowly, closing in...
"...Ophelia."
"Senior? Why are you here?"
"Ophelia."
Grabbing both her hands tightly, she pressed close. Bodies fully pressed together.
Ophelia's flustered face was vivid.
'Sorry, Ophelia.'
But no other way to grab her focus.
Causing a scene would get her subdued instantly.
"Ophelia."
"Senior. Too close. I'm working now—"
"Work or me—which is more important?"
"...Pardon?"
A voice so cheesy she'd cringe herself.
But it seemed to hit Ophelia directly.
Maybe because it was so out of character.
"Ophelia~."
"Yes?"
"You trust Senior, right?"
Closing the distance further.
Now their faces were inches apart.
"S-Senior. Too close."
"Tell me. Do you trust me or not?"
"S-Suddenly like this..."
Ophelia averted her gaze playfully.
No good. If she looked away now, the others hadn't escaped yet.
'No choice.'
Grip!
Her hands seized Ophelia's shoulders.
The small shoulders fit perfectly in both hands.
"Se...nior?"
"Don't look away. Look at me, Ophelia."
"Ah... Um..."
"Ophelia!"
A shout brimming with passion.
Disciplinary Committee eyes began turning their way.
Escape would be easier for them, but her embarrassment doubled—seen like this mid-operation.
'Hurry up and go.'
"Senior...?"
"Ophelia. Trust me."
"I-I do. But what...?"
"Just trust me! Trust the me who trusts you."
Nonsensical words devoid of meaning.
Yet Ophelia's face kept reddening.
"S-Senior...."
Then, at some point...
Thud.
Ophelia collapsed to the ground.
Her face beet red.
Unintentionally knocked her out.
'They escaped... Gone!'
No time to check fallen Ophelia; she scanned around. The two had slipped away long ago.
Her turn to escape.
To seal the deal, she activated a skill on Ophelia.
[Would you like to use Senior's Hands are Healing Hands?]
'Yes.'
Slowly approaching Ophelia, she knelt down.
Meeting her reddened gaze, extending a hand...
"Keep up the good work. My junior, Ophelia."
"...Yes, Senior."
"Your hardworking self is so cool and beautiful."
"Senior...!"
Gently stroking Ophelia's head.
[Effect activated! Target's tension is relieved.]
[Plus – Target's favorability increases.]
Leaving dazed Ophelia, she called over a Committee member.
"Check my stuff?"
"...Yes. One moment."
Committee member rummaged through the bag.
Naturally, cleared without issue.
Though she had to flee like the other two.
"Incredible... Making Ophelia like that..."
"..."
"What a guy. How do you say that stuff straight-faced?"
"..."
"My stomach's churning..."
...Ugh, seriously!
[Title acquired: A Man Like Corny Cheese Butter. Equip?]
'No.'
[Title – Do you like debtors that much? Wouldn't a corny guy be better?]
'Shut up.'
[lol]
'This punk...?'
The man mocked even by his status window, Ethan Woodgate.
'So embarrassing!'
That corny man covered his face and fled the underground.
Feeling intense shame over his actions.
'Never again!'