Space station 2: Seele - Can you actually eat this stuff?!

Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I'm working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for most novels.

Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff

******

Glancing at the menu's featured dishes—clock pizzas, oak cake rolls, flying saucer burgers...

Su Qing pondered briefly and made his choice: AAAAAAAAA!

He pointed along the menu row, "From here to here, one of each Penacony specialty dish."

[Firefly: !!!]

"Ah, th-this..." Firefly unconsciously opened her wallet and peeked inside. "Ha ha, y-you certainly have a good appetite."

Su Qing studied the menu, seemingly analyzing the preparation methods. "Since we're here, it's worth trying everything."

"That makes sense," Firefly agreed. "I'll take care of the bill then..."

"Mm-hmm," Su Qing nodded.

With slight trembling, Firefly paid the tab.

Now it was her wallet's turn to go hungry.

[Sparkle: Joyful.]

[Seele: Tragic.]

[Sparkle: Sweating profusely yet? You did say let him order freely.]

[Firefly: Huh?]

They sat down at a table near the restaurant entrance.

Accompanied by the catchy jingle from the advertisement board, "SoulGlad, SoulGlad, swiftly bringing joy and dreams~"

Su Qing devoured the food with remarkable speed, pausing only to ask, "Are you not hungry?"

Firefly's expression seemed slightly forced. "It's alright; I'm actually trying to lose weight."

"I see," Su Qing replied with a hint of regret. "I was planning to save this cake for you, but it seems I shouldn't interfere with your diet."

With that, he took a bite of the oak cake roll and momentarily paused, surprised by its taste. However, paired with SoulGlad, he quickly finished it.

Watching from the side, Firefly gazed longingly, her pale neck subtly bobbing as she swallowed hard.

[Seele: No way! How can you stomach that?!]

[Bronya: Absolutely incredible.]

[Stelle: Poor Firefly, she can barely contain her longing.]

Since Firefly still had work as an artist later in the afternoon, after eating, she simply gave Su Qing a brief tour around the area.

Eventually, they parted ways.

Glancing at her now-empty wallet, Firefly felt close to tears.

This was all the secret savings she had accumulated over a long time. Today, even her beloved daily treat, the oak cake roll, would likely be out of reach.

She pulled out the photo once more and pursed her lips, "...What a fantastic shot."

Sighing softly, she reminded herself, just as she had said earlier, to consider the photo as payment.

Later that afternoon, at quitting time:

"Firefly, someone's looking for you."

Just as Firefly finished her work and was about to leave, she heard a colleague call out to her.

She glanced towards the entrance and spotted a familiar figure. "Su Qing?"

[In the afternoon, while exploring on your own again, you realize that navigating Penacony truly requires a guide.]

[After making inquiries, you arrive at the Iris Clan's residence.]

[Waiting outside, upon hearing Firefly call your name, you state your purpose.]

[Over the next two months, you wish to hire her as your personal guide.]

[The wage will be standard, calculated based on time...]

[As you discuss terms, walking and chatting along the way, you soon pass by another restaurant.]

Instinctively, Firefly took a quick look, then touched her wallet. She immediately turned away, hastening her pace. To resist the tempting aroma, she decided to quickly move past the restaurant.

However, Su Qing paused and said, "Right, taking photos might involve more running around than regular sightseeing, consuming extra time and energy."

"As additional compensation, I'll treat you to two desserts each day. Does that sound fair?"

Firefly abruptly stopped walking. "Huh?"

[Firefly: Ah?]

[Both Firefly within and outside the simulation, remarkably synchronized, let out an adorable gasp.]

[Firefly (due to lack of simulation memories): So this is how it unfolds now?]

[Firefly: Wasn't expecting this...]

[Bronya: Nice!]

[March 7th: Impressive!]

[Sparkle: Wow!]

[Seele: Playing your cards well, huh?]

[Stelle: Trying to lure our Firefly with treats, aren't we?]

[Black Swan: No, from her morning memories, Su Qing genuinely seemed hungry...]

[Himeko: Probably also because she wouldn't want to miss out on trying all these foods.]

Firefly halted, momentarily captivated by the offer.

Then she hastily waved her hands, saying, "That's not necessary at all! The regular wage is sufficient; adding extra treats would be too much payment."

Su Qing countered, "Didn't you treat me to food earlier today?"

Firefly shook her head, "That was as payment for the photos."

Su Qing responded, "Since photographs earn you compensation, shouldn't your extra effort as my guide also be rewarded?"

[March 7th: Well said.]

For a moment, Firefly couldn't find a counterargument. "Is that so...?"

After Su Qing's persuasive words—perhaps swayed by the allure of delicious food—Firefly accepted the offer.

"Alright." Firefly lightly clenched her fists, making up her mind. "Then whenever I have free time, no matter how long you want to explore Penacony, I'll accompany you!"

"I've been waiting for this response." Su Qing smiled. "So, let's get started. What would you like to eat first? Let's treat ourselves today."

Without hesitation, Firefly replied, "I want two oak cake rolls."

Oak... Recalling it, Su Qing clicked her tongue and warned, "Just a reminder, these aren't very tasty; they're quite bitter."

Surprised, Firefly said, "But, this is actually my favorite cake."

"Oh, really?" Su Qing rubbed her chin thoughtfully.

Could it be due to unique taste preferences?

In any case, Su Qing purchased two oak roll cakes and handed them to Firefly.

"Thank you!" Firefly happily accepted the treats.

"Is it okay health-wise with your diet?"

"It's fine, since we're dreaming anyway~"

[Stelle: What flexible standards.]

Firefly no longer mentioned her diet, holding the two oak roll cakes with a sweet smile. Even clusters of joyful flowers seemed to bloom around her. Su Qing also purchased another ice cream cone for himself.

"Let's enjoy these while walking," suggested Firefly.

Is there anything more blissful than eating your favorite cake? Absolutely!

Having one cake after finishing another!

After their afternoon work, indulging in desserts instantly lifted Firefly's mood. She held the small cake and took a delighted bite. "Where would you like to go next? I'll take you there~"

[March 7th: Truly wonderful, just wonderful.]

[March 7th: Seeing your happy expression makes me happy too!]

[Firefly: Hehe.]

[With Firefly as your guide, your efficiency has significantly improved.]

[The hours of the sun, moments amidst hot sands, times at lush oases... Penacony offers countless places to explore.]

[Immersed in this bustling city, time flies by like a dream, and before you know it, a month has passed.]

[Firefly diligently serves as your guide, and during this time, you capture numerous photographs, documenting Penacony through your eyes.]

[Your meetings gradually become a habit.]

[Each time she sees you, Firefly displays an expression of anticipation.]

[You know that what Firefly anticipates isn't just the guiding work but those two small cakes. It strikes you as quite endearing.]

[As you spend more time together, you realize that Firefly is not well-off.]

[The money she used to treat you to dinner might have been saved for a long while.]

[Feeling guilty, the sight of her joyful expression while eating the little cakes each time helps alleviate your guilt.]

[What surprises you even more is discovering that Firefly seems more than just an ordinary girl.]

[Occasionally, she disappears for one or two days, as if there's some task she needs to attend to.]

[She avoids common topics like where she's from, why she came to Penacony, her dreams, or whether she has any friends...]

[You feel puzzled; could these ordinary questions inadvertently be touching sensitive topics?]

[One day, you witness a sudden conflict erupting.]

As Firefly nibbled on a small cake with delight, she calmly analyzed the situation: "The person on the left has loose footwork, and the one on the right lacks precision. No good, their combat efficiency is terribly low."

Su Qing looked at her, perplexed.

Only then did Firefly realize, "Ah! There's a fight happening—how scary—(forced tone) W-we should leave quickly?"

[Seele: Ha ha ha, that sounded so insincere.]

After walking some distance away, Firefly hastily explained, slightly flustered, "Oh right, the knowledge I just shared... I learned it from martial arts movies!"

Su Qing nodded. "No need to explain further, I believe you."

[Your conviction deepened—that Firefly was definitely not ordinary.]

[You refrained from prying further.]

[After all, everyone has their secrets, which is perfectly normal.]

[Yet, you couldn't help but wonder how such a pretty girl like Firefly fights? Could she be a real-life One-Punch Man?]

[Suddenly, you feel somewhat relieved that during your hearty meals in front of her, she didn't knock you flat with a punch.]

[Stelle: (imagining the scene)]

[Stelle: Quite intense, huh?]

[Firefly: I would never do something like that!]

***

[A month quickly passes.]

[Gradually, you become more familiar with each other, but apart from witnessing that one confrontation, everything remains peaceful.]

[Perhaps the remaining month will also pass without any ripples.]

[Afterward...]

[Despite some reluctance and unforgettable moments, just like countless others who meet in this dreamlike city, it's time to bid farewell.]

[Yet, the gears of fate often turn unexpectedly.]

On this day,

Su Qing arrived at the Iris Family's territory as usual.

Just as he spotted Firefly and was about to approach her,

he heard a shrill voice, "Well, well, aren't these our little stowaway and her photographer lover?"