Franka and Exusiai had known each other for a long time, even longer than she had known Liskarm. It's just that the memories she had with Exusiai weren't exactly pleasant..
That year, she was twenty.
A few years after joining Blacksteel Worldwide, during a large-scale escort mission, she met Exusiai from Penguin Logistics for the first time.
At the time.
In her eyes, Exusiai was a sweet-looking girl who seemed lively but a bit airheaded and easy to fool, until the mission took an unexpected turn. All the other mercenaries with them died, and she and Exusiai were trapped in a cave for a full week.
And that week...
Exusiai's mouth chattered non-stop.
From why she left Laterano to what kind of albums she liked, she talked about everything under the sun.
For a full seven days.
Franka was completely numb from listening.
Her perfectly crafted mask of composure finally broke at that moment.
Later, after they finally escaped.
Franka thought she would finally never have to see this girl again in her life.
Six months later, during a cooperative commission, she met her again. And this Miss Exusiai was always very lively with acquaintances, her mouth chattering away again. And whenever Franka used her specialty of sarcasm and snide remarks, this naturally airheaded chatterbox would always diffuse it with a dazed expression, making Franka feel like she was punching cotton, leaving her only with helpless rage, nearly giving her high blood pressure.
After that, she would basically run into this red-haired lightbulb demon every six months or so.
Sure enough...
She ran into her again on this mission to Lungmen!!
Damn it!
"Miss Franka~"
Exusiai brought her cute head close to Franka's, the fixed 'lightbulb' on her head seeming exceptionally glaring to Franka.
"Want to come over to Sora's place for hot pot tonight? We haven't seen each other in so long, I have so much to talk about...."
"I don't want to hear it...."
"Why, why don't you want to hear it? Don't you miss me? Miss Franka."
"I don't."
"Why not? You don't hate me."
"I do."
"That can't be right, we're so close."
"Get lost!!!"
*Thwack!!*
At the same time.
As the word "lost" left Franka's mouth, Texas's head-flick had already descended upon Exusiai's skull. She dragged Exusiai away like a dead dog.
"I'm very sorry, Miss Franka. Exusiai really does have something wrong with her head, please forgive her."
Franka knew everyone from Penguin Logistics except Sora, having partnered with them on a cooperative commission once. In Franka's impression, the only normal person in all of Penguin Logistics was Texas.
"Would you like to have dinner together tonight? Don't worry, I'll keep Exusiai in line and won't let her say a word. Besides, thanks to you all, Sora is fine. Penguin Logistics can join you on your mission without asking for any payment. After all, in Lungmen, there are no secrets or intel that Penguin Logistics can't uncover."
Texas was speaking the truth.
Although protecting Sora was part of their commission, a commission was a commission, and thanks were still due. After all, there were only four people and one penguin in all of Penguin Logistics now. Losing even one would be unacceptable to them. The gratitude in Texas's words was very sincere.
Liskarm was tempted.
She tugged at Franka's arm.
Although they had information from the L.G.D., it was only basic intel. They were unfamiliar with the place, and investigating would likely take some time. Having a free and good guide would be for the best. The key was that it was free, and it could build a closer relationship with them. Although Penguin Logistics wasn't a large organization, they had considerable influence.
Franka hesitated for a moment before finally, with great difficulty, nodding. She didn't hate Penguin Logistics; she just instinctively didn't want to be around Exusiai.
As soon as Franka agreed.
Exusiai was about to cheer when Texas clamped a hand over her mouth and put her in a chokehold.
"Mmmph! Gak gak gak (I'm suffocating)!!"
As for the other side.
Sora and Jessica, the two cuties, were standing together. Seeing Jessica again, the smile on Sora's face never faded. She asked shyly.
"Jessica-chan, what else would you like to eat tonight? We can go buy ingredients together this afternoon, and I'll cook for you."
Jessica was extremely nervous in her heart, not daring to look into Sora's eyes. Although she had already chatted with Sora for a long time this morning... oh, it was Lucas who did the chatting, it had nothing to do with Jessica. Never mind then.
"Mr. Reeve, what do you want to eat?"
Lucas: "Anything... home-cooked food is fine. Speaking of which, an idol who can cook? That's quite rare."
When Jessica heard this, she proudly puffed out her slightly flat chest and muttered to herself in a small voice.
"I can cook too!!"
Her proud expression seemed to say, praise me! praise me! praise me!
"I can't."
"Hmph hmph~"
Hearing that there was finally something Lucas couldn't do that she could, Jessica felt a little proud, then shyly said.
"Next time we're back in Columbia, how about... I cook for you, Mr. Reeve?"
Lucas: "Theoretically... a soul doesn't need to eat."
"..."
"But it's nice to taste food once in a while."
"Hee hee~"
Jessica smiled again.
On the other hand, Sora, who was just talking to Jessica, saw her muttering to herself again and couldn't help but feel curious, a strange guess forming in her mind.
At night.
Franka and Liskarm both went to Sora's place as guests. With two more people, Sora's small one-person apartment of a few dozen square meters became a bit crowded. Although it was crowded, it was much livelier. And throughout the entire meal.
Jessica became the center of attention.
Sora served her food, Exusiai served her food, and Franka served her food.
And Jessica...
was serving food to Lucas...
The method of serving was a bit special. She would put the food in her own mouth and then soul-swap with Lucas, letting him chew and taste it.
And many of the people present were combat personnel with keen senses. So, in their eyes, the aura Jessica exuded while eating kept changing, like a flickering light bulb with a bad connection.