Chapter 627: Dakdemon’s Overdraft and Repayment (5k)
Since the start of school in September this year, Anna and Angie had rarely come to bother Dak.
Especially after the incident in the mathematics class, they actively avoided him.
Of course, they hadn’t settled down quietly.
Dak always managed to learn about various news from Aurora—though they behaved very well in the mathematics class, they became increasingly unrestrained outside of it.
The first-year students were still causing chaos.
It was somewhat rare for the two of them to come forward today.
“Wait a moment.”
Dak let the Imp Beast handle the hospitality while he continued to organize.
After ten minutes, he placed the last bottles and jars in order and then washed his hands before heading towards his desk.
Anna and Angie were sipping on “apple juice,” curiously looking around the room.
“Did you encounter any trouble?” Dak asked straightforwardly.
Anna and Angie almost simultaneously rolled their eyes at him and said, “Can we not come if there’s no trouble?”
Dak pulled out a chair and sat down, countering, “Then did you come here before?”
“I came!” Anna immediately raised her hand and glanced sideways at Princess Angie.
Angie immediately exposed her, “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to!”
Anna stuck out her tongue, “Nyeh nyeh nyeh.”
Dak shook his head with a smile, “Alright, so what’s the matter?”
The two little princesses stopped their playful banter.
Anna’s eyes spun as she said, “This is it, Angie found a ‘Changing Card’ in Traveler’s Street, but she doesn’t have enough credits.”
“Didn’t you find it?” Angie blurted out immediately.
Anna was surprised, “No way, sister, I was kind enough to help you borrow credits, and you’re blaming me?”
“You’re the one who’s the sister!” Angie retorted, “It was clearly you who wanted that ‘Changing Card’!”
Anna: “Was you!”
Angie: “Was you!”
Seeing the two little princesses about to argue again, Dak couldn’t help covering his forehead and said, “Wait, the price of the ‘Changing Card’ isn’t expensive, right? I remember it’s either 33, 66, or 88 credits. Although more people are selling ‘Changing Cards’ this year…”
As he spoke, he suddenly stopped, noticing the embarrassed looks on the two princesses, clearly showing signs of guilt.
His heart sank, hesitating, “Even double-digit credits can’t be mustered?”
The little princesses, who had been boasting just now, immediately looked away, saying nothing.
“Hehehe!” The Imp Beast suddenly laughed, especially harshly.
All the golems who happened to be in the dormitory also showed curious expressions.
Even their Selection Card credits were not just double digits!
What was wrong with these two humans?
They were so poor!
…
Suddenly revealing their impoverished state, Anna and Angie lost their initial haughty demeanor.
After a long silence, Anna pouted, “Normally, attending one class only earns you 10 credits, even if you answer questions correctly, you only get an additional 5 credits.
The consumer goods in Traveler’s Street might not be expensive, but if you want to conduct alchemy experiments, you need to buy materials and tools yourself, and the academy doesn’t allow the use of Sacred Coins… How could it possibly be enough!”
“Yeah, yeah!” Angie immediately agreed.
The sisters had never been so in sync as they were today.
Dak rolled his eyes, “This isn’t a reason for you to not afford a ‘Changing Card.’ So, what do you actually want to buy?”
Anna and Angie’s tone stuttered.
The two quickly exchanged glances, feeling that Dak had become increasingly unpleasant as he grew older!
Anna was somewhat angry, “Just say whether you’ll lend or not!”
Dak looked at her with a look of feigned anger and suddenly felt like laughing, but he managed to hold it back and asked, “How many credits do you want to borrow, when will you return them, and how many points of interest?”
Anna widened her eyes, incredulously stating, “Interest? You’re asking us for interest? Dak, you’ve changed!”
Dak looked serious, “This is the academy’s rule; every transaction between students must be equivalent. If I lend you credits, you need to pay interest or provide something of equal value.”
Angie immediately interrupted, “I’ve read the school rules, they don’t prohibit giving gifts!”
Dak calmly replied, “Giving gifts also requires a reason.”
Angie immediately said, “Halloween gift!”
Dak shook his head, “Halloween hasn’t arrived yet.”
Angie immediately pouted angrily, “What’s wrong with giving it a bit early! Dak, why have you become so rigid?”
But after saying that, she seemed to realize something and calmed down.
Immediately after, she suddenly changed her expression, lifting the corner of her mouth and said, “Then pay the interest. As long as you lend me enough credits, I can give you the chance to dance the first dance with me at the final ball of Halloween. Think carefully, the opportunity to dance with me is priceless.”
“Hey, Angie!” But after Angie finished speaking, Anna looked at her in shock, as if she were seeing some indescribable creature.
“Why are you looking at me?” Angie turned and glared, “Don’t you see I’m selling my beauty? Want to take over?”
“I’ll do it, I’ll do it!” Anna immediately puffed out her chest.
Dak’s lips twitched as he said, “Forget it. If you can return it within a week, it won’t be considered interest. However, I can’t lend too much.”
Today was October 26th, and a week later would be November 2nd.
Even if Anna and Angie didn’t mention it, he could guess that the reason they were borrowing credits was likely related to the activities on the night before Halloween.
And as long as one participated properly in activities and harvested a thousand or eight hundred credits within them, it would be a piece of cake.
Therefore, as long as the loaned credits were not too many, there was no issue of not being able to pay back.
…
When he said this, Anna and Angie immediately stopped their argument.
The two of them almost simultaneously patted their chests and said, “Rest assured, we will definitely pay back within a week! If we can’t, I’ll give you Anna (Angie) as a pillow!”
Dark thought for a moment and said, “There’s no need. If it isn’t paid back within a week, then pay three points of interest. After two weeks, I will use my teacher’s authority to forcibly collect it. So don’t think you can get away with it.”
Anna and Angie didn’t have any intention of defaulting on the debt; they nodded without hesitation. “It’s fine.”
“Alright,” Dark said, “How much do you want to borrow?”
Both of them raised one finger at the same time.
Dark estimated, “A thousand?”
Anna boldly said, “Ten thousand!”
Dark shook his head, “A thousand.”
“Ugh.” Anna puffed her cheeks, “A thousand it is. Adding up the accumulated credits, it should be enough…”
“Hold on,” Angie suddenly interjected, “One thousand each!”
Dark thought for a moment and said, “Okay.”
One thousand each made it two thousand.
Two thousand credits was already a huge sum for first-year students who had only been in school for two months.
Dark chose to lend them out because he also wanted to see what kind of trouble these two could stir up.
After all, a Halloween without any mischief wasn’t really Halloween, right?
…
Then the three of them took out their Selection Cards and drafted two borrowing contracts using them.
After signing the contracts, Dark transferred one thousand credits to each of them.
As soon as they got the credits, the two princesses couldn’t help but grin.
Then they gulped down their apple juice and excitedly said, “We’ll be off now!”
With credits in hand, naturally, they wanted to go spend them.
Before it got dark, they had to hurry.
Dark shook his head and watched them leave.
But after Angie closed the door behind her, she suddenly opened it again, poking her head through the crack and asking with a bent eye, “Are you really not considering the interest I mentioned?”
Dark smiled, “If you don’t leave, it will get dark.”
“Hehe,” Angie giggled, pulled her head back, and closed the door.
Then the footsteps behind the door gradually faded away.
…
After Anna and Angie left, Dark couldn’t help but think about another first-year student, Victoria and Phoenix.
Since October began, he rarely paid attention to Victoria and Phoenix.
Apart from not wanting them to feel restrained due to having parents around, he was simply too busy.
Even before and after first-year mathematics class, he barely had time.
This led to him basically getting information about the two golems from Aurora.
“It just so happens that the research on ‘Item Cards’ is almost complete. Let’s grab dinner tomorrow,” Dark thought to himself.
…
That night, when Aurora delivered the night meal as usual, Dark decided to ask her to pass on a message.
Victoria and Phoenix were students at Fool’s Academy and Mana Academy respectively. Dark found it inconvenient to visit, and entering the girls’ dormitory area was inappropriate.
Following Dark’s advice, Aurora tried making wheat pancakes tonight.
The filling made with shrimp skin, scallion flowers, meat, dried tofu, and eggs was wrapped inside the pancake, exuding fragrance with every bite.
Each golem present ate one, savoring the rich flavor.
Dark savored the familiar taste of the wheat pancake and couldn’t help but sigh.
Aurora always managed to create perfect dishes on her first try, her culinary talent was truly remarkable.
After distributing the pancakes, Aurora added, “I actually made quite a lot more, but I put them in the dormitory to keep warm. I’ll bring them over in the morning, and we can share them with other golems in the clubroom.”
“How considerate,” Dark remarked.
Aurora continued, “By the way, I’ve already delivered a portion to Victoria and Phoenix. They both said it was delicious.”
Dark nodded and then suggested, “Let’s invite them tomorrow and have dinner together.”
“There’s no problem with notifying them,” Aurora asked curiously, “Why suddenly think of inviting them for dinner?”
Dark smiled, “Just felt like I haven’t been paying enough attention to them recently. Too bad Aunt Claire has already left school; otherwise, I’d invite her too.”
“Aunt Claire has already left?” Aurora was surprised.
Dark nodded, “Last Sunday night. Irina left with her too.”
Aurora realized, “No wonder I only saw one person when I passed by the duel shop.”
Dark nodded, “Yes, it’s just Eve for now. But we’re hiring staff, planning to recruit one or two part-time from the lower grades. If you know anyone who needs credits badly, you can recommend them.”
Aurora immediately said, “Can I do that?”
Dark was taken aback, then laughed, “If you need credits badly, you can directly ask me. I’ve eaten your night meals for two months without paying, according to school rules, I can fully compensate you with credits.”
Aurora bit her lip slightly, clearly conflicted.
Dark waved the wheat pancake in his hand, “Don’t be shy, it’s a fair exchange.”
Aurora pondered for a while and softly said, “Then… I need two hundred… No, one hundred fifty credits!”
Dark couldn’t help but laugh, “Selection Card carrying
“Alright then.”
When Aurora thought he was rounding up to two hundred, Dark spun it up to a thousand in one go.
Without waiting for her to refuse, Dark said, “About ten points per night meal, so a thousand points means a hundred meals. The extra fifty can be considered as an advance.”
Aurora then held the Selection Card and whispered, “Whether it’s fifty times or five hundred times… it’s fine.”
“Work hard,” Dark encouraged her seeing her bashful, “Even if there might be changes to this year’s Halloween event, the Crimson Star award won’t be canceled. I hope you can strive to become this year’s Crimson Star!”
Aurora nodded vigorously, “I will work hard!”
Dark immediately showed a satisfied smile.
This year’s first-year students were no worse than theirs. Although a thousand points couldn’t change much, it could make up for some of the time Aurora wasted researching recipes.
He was also very curious about who would ultimately ascend the stage for the awards.
As for the second-year Gold Orange Star, he was determined to win it.
…
After finishing his pancake, Dark talked about the dinner tomorrow: “It’s a shame Eve needs to watch the shop. Otherwise, it would be good to invite her too. Do you have any favorite restaurants on Traveler’s Street?”
Aurora shook her head, “I haven’t been to any restaurants on Traveler’s Street. Who else is coming for the dinner tomorrow?”
“Let me see,” Dark said, “You, me, Victoria, and Phoenix. If we go to Traveler’s Street, that would be four people.”
“Is that so?” Aurora blushed slightly but then added, “Won’t we invite Diana? And Joie and Jon…”
Dark laughed, “No need, just us will do. I mainly want to personally inquire about Victoria and Phoenix’s studies and social life.”
Aurora nodded, “In that case, we could actually cook ourselves… My dorm has all the equipment.”
“Cook ourselves?” Dark frowned slightly.
He had occasionally cooked during his first year.
But since returning from the break until now, he hadn’t touched cooking utensils again.
And in front of Aurora, his skills weren’t impressive.
However, sometimes the taste of food wasn’t crucial.
After thinking for a moment, he nodded, “That’s a good idea. Do you have equipment to remove smoke in your dorm?”
“Of course,” Aurora replied, “Not only that, I even summoned a ‘Smoke Beast’. As long as it’s out when I’m cooking, it guarantees no smoke will escape.”
Dark’s eyes lit up, “It’s a ‘Smoke Beast’? Then perhaps we could dine in the clubroom since it’s not suitable in the dorms.”
Aurora felt a slight regret, “True. But moving the kitchenware isn’t easy.”
“No problem,” Dark said, “How about hotpot tonight? We only need to prepare the broth and ingredients in advance, not many utensils are needed. If we dine in the clubroom, we may need to bring more tableware.”
Aurora smiled, “Diana and Rose?”
Dark laughed, “Still couldn’t shake them off.”
Aurora said, “Then we can prepare the broth and ingredients in my dorm. For hotpot, some ingredients need to be prepared in advance. I’ll try to get everything ready.”
Dark said, “No worries, I’ll help. You go buy what you need in the morning, I’ll prepare all the ingredients and come to your place around three in the afternoon.”
Aurora immediately agreed, “Mm-hmm.”
…
While this world doesn’t have a dish called “hotpot”, similar cooking methods aren’t rare.
Adventurers often use such methods when they camp out in the wild to eat something warm.
However, Dark had mentioned to Aurora early on, and she had even tried it herself.
The soul of hotpot lies in the broth and condiments.
These weren’t difficult for Aurora.
After sending Aurora away, Dark planned the quantity of ingredients he needed to buy for tomorrow.
Since they were dining in the clubroom, he would definitely bring all the golems, meaning he needed to prepare a large amount of ingredients.
Moreover, maybe Catalysta and Broni would join…
Thinking of these two seniors, Dark couldn’t help but think of another senior.
He pondered for a moment, deciding he could try inviting her too, considering he had received her help two weeks ago.
He couldn’t remain silent.
But this way, the gathering seemed to be getting bigger.
“What’s going on? Didn’t I plan to have a small family gathering?” Dark couldn’t help but ask himself.
Of course, no one answered.
…
The next morning.
After breakfast and reading the newspaper, Dark watered the “Magic Potion” for the cat grass and worm tree, then left with a book.
…
St. Maryan Library.
Pandora Dragon arrived at the library very early.
They say the morning is the beginning of the day.
She felt that reading in the morning made her mind clearer.
Moreover, few people came to the library so early on Sundays, allowing her some peace and quiet.
Just after reading a dozen pages, she noticed Dark appear at the library entrance.
When Dark approached the counter, Pandora moved the registration form and said, “Good morning, here to look up information?”
“Good morning, senior.” Dark didn’t pick up the pen but got straight to the point, “Can I invite you for dinner tonight?”
Pandora narrowed her eyes and asked, “Two people?”
Dark replied, “Not exactly, it’s more like a family-style gathering.”
“Really?” Pandora thought to herself but still asked, “Who else is coming?”
