Chapter 49: Today’s Expenses Are All Covered By Miss Selene
[Pasticceria Manicagni] Pastry Shop.
The display case was filled with cakes that made Uiharu Kazari's eyes sparkle.
Although today's visit to the pastry shop was mainly at Saten Ruiko's request, Uiharu Kazari couldn't resist the temptation of so many delicious cakes.
"Strawberry pie... no, no, the Monte Bianco looks delicious too, and ah... this chocolate pie is irresistible." Considering her budget constraints, Uiharu Kazari found herself struggling to choose.
"Why is this hard to decide? Anyway, today's expenses are on me. Uiharu, Saten, pick whatever you like." Selene waved her hand grandly, like a wealthy benefactor.
"This... isn't right. You're already treating us to dinner, how could I accept these snacks too..."
"Oh, come on, Uiharu, it's a kind gesture from Selene-senpai. You shouldn't refuse." Seeing Uiharu Kazari's hesitation, Saten Ruiko stepped in to persuade her.
"Then... Selene-senpai, I won't hold back!" With a hint of excitement, she proceeded to order over a dozen cakes, leaving everyone dumbfounded.
Uiharu Kazari wore a satisfied expression.
Holding a single cheesecake, Saten Ruiko couldn't help but wonder if she was being too polite.
"By the way, Uiharu, can you eat all that? Aren't you afraid of gaining weight?" Selene was a bit puzzled. Of course, she didn't mind spending the money, but she wondered if Uiharu Kazari wasn't concerned about her figure.
Perhaps Uiharu has a body type that doesn't gain weight easily.
"Hehe... it's okay, it's rare for Selene-senpai to treat us, even if I gain weight, I'll just lose it later!" Uiharu Kazari's response left everyone speechless. Was there really a need to go all out?
"Hey, hey, did you forget about me?" Seeing how happily they chatted without mentioning her, Misaka Mikoto wasn't happy. She helped out today too. Whether or not she wanted anything was one thing, but there should at least be an offer.
Thinking that it's foolish not to take advantage of a good deal, especially since it's on Selene's dime, Misaka Mikoto huffed, "You said it's on you for everything here."
"Huh? When did I say that..." Hearing this, Selene scratched the back of her head, looking "puzzled," and turned towards the counter, pretending to pay.
"That girl!" Watching Selene put on a show, Misaka Mikoto gritted her teeth in frustration. Selene could be so infuriating!
I swear, I, Misaka Mikoto, would rather starve, die outside Tokiwadai, or jump into Tokyo Bay than eat a single bite from you, Selene!
"Huh?" Sensing a wave of resentment behind her, Selene felt a bit awkward. Is she really this easy to tease? With no choice, she returned to offer reassurance: "Okay, okay, of course, you're included. Pick whatever you want."
"Hmph!" Misaka Mikoto appeared quite dismissive, turning her head and puffing her cheeks.
Hissing inwardly at her difficult demeanor, Selene decided to pull out her big move!
Thinking this, Selene pulled out a flyer seemingly from nowhere and waved it in front of Misaka Mikoto.
In an instant, Misaka Mikoto's pupils turned into slits.
Yes, the flyer Selene revealed was for the hot pot set she had booked, which included a promotion where limited quantities came with a large Gekota plush toy.
Initially, Misaka Mikoto was still a bit upset, but upon seeing the Gekota promotion, she couldn't sit still.
"This... I... I don't care, I'll book it myself." Although shaken, Misaka Mikoto still remembered her vow, though her voice trembled a little.
"Oh, really? So even if today is the last day and I booked the last spot, it doesn't matter to you?" Selene casually waved her hand as if it didn't matter, but her words were like the devil's whispers in Misaka Mikoto's ears.
What could Misaka Mikoto do? She could only—succumb to temptation!
It wasn't her lack of willpower; the temptation was simply too great. Just one meal, and she'd never do it again! Misaka Mikoto consoled herself.
"Hahaha..." Seeing Misaka Mikoto's face reddened with embarrassment from her internal struggle, Selene couldn't help but laugh.
Suddenly, a phone rang, drawing attention. It was Uiharu Kazari's phone.
"Yes... what? I understand." Putting down the phone, Uiharu Kazari sighed, "Kuroko, we've been called in again."
"This couldn't come at a worse time." Hearing this, Shirai Kuroko looked to the sky and sighed. Though dissatisfied with being called in at such a moment, she accepted the arrangement obediently.
"Is the Judgment really that busy? Should I speak to someone to give you a break?"
"Selene-senpai, please don't. This is our duty as Judgment officers."
Selene shook her head and didn't press further, "Alright, you do your work. I won't cancel the hot pot reservation, so you can join us after your shift..."
After Shirai Kuroko and Uiharu Kazari left, only three remained, and Selene and the others no longer felt like wandering around.
They found a café to pass the time while waiting for Shirai Kuroko and Uiharu Kazari to finish their duties.
Judgment 177 Branch.
Kiyama Harumi could only reluctantly end her break upon receiving the notification.
A series of attacks had occurred in the School Garden. Since yesterday, six Tokiwadai students had been assaulted there.
"It seems like Kuroko and Uiharu's break will have to end too." It was clear that this incident was beyond what she could handle alone.
Academy City has no military, only Judgment and Anti-Skill.
Anti-Skill serves as Academy City's police and security force. Unlike Judgment, Anti-Skill members are volunteer faculty members. They are not paid, but Academy City provides them with various responsibilities and privileges due to their assistance in different experimental plans.
Anti-Skill usually deals with situations deemed beyond Judgment's capacity, such as confronting terrorists, handling hostage situations, or suppressing dangerous areas.
Judgment, on the other hand, is a student-based disciplinary organization within Academy City. Composed of students from different grades and with varying levels of superpowers, they, alongside Anti-Skill, maintain peace and order within the school system.
For example, in some cases, Judgment is tasked with evacuating civilians or controlling crowds, as well as assisting Anti-Skill by handling students who misuse their abilities.
When Kiyama Harumi informed Shirai Kuroko and Uiharu Kazari that their break was over, she received another message that another Tokiwadai student had been attacked in the School Garden. "Damn it, that's the seventh one."
At this moment, the activity room door opened.
"Honestly, a break on a Saturday is rare."
Hearing Shirai Kuroko's complaint, Kiyama Harumi paused her work and shook her head helplessly, "Don't start complaining right after arriving. Actually, now that you're here, there's something... hmm?"
"Uiharu, what are you doing?"