The salary that just landed in my hands hasn't even warmed up, and I have to fork out two-thirds to pay the rent.
Discretionary balance is only 40,000 J.
The President borrowed 150,000 J from Rhode last month.
The remuneration for having Hibiki teach him the common tongue was 80,000 J, not to mention the medical fees for Lady Porlyusica's treatment.
The President never asked Rhode to cover these two expenses, but Rhode couldn't pretend he didn't know.
"This month I'll repay 20,000 J, leave 20,000 J for living expenses; at this rate, it will probably take over a year to pay it off.
But two months from now it'll be time to change seasons again, and many things will need to be purchased, it's better to save a bit more to repay all at once."
Rhode considered his debts and earning speed, and the pressure immediately surged up again.
"Judging from Stone Beetle and Three Wolves' combat power, once we have Toad and Six Birds, it'll be enough to handle low-difficulty subjugation tasks.
Considering the possibility of unexpected situations, play it safe, wait for a red or blue buff before taking on a task...
It's best to team up with others."
Motivated by his salary, Rhode made himself an urgent yet stable short-term plan.
Actually, after the President's certification, Rhode can now take on many tasks, but he doesn't feel too secure, contemplating training for another month or two.
In the tavern, Macao drank several glasses of ice-cold beer to stay cool, his voice becoming a bit loud:
"Wakaba, you didn't secretly get divorced, did you?"
"How could that be?" Wakaba said puzzled, "Why would you say that?"
"Because I haven't heard you complain about your wife for several days now." Macao felt justified and rational.
Speaking of this, Wakaba felt even more puzzled:
"I don't know why but my wife has been particularly kind to me recently, as if we've returned to the time shortly after we got married...
Except her dressing is a bit tacky, body a bit plumper, really nothing much to complain about."
Macao hiccupped, took a few more gulps:
"Damn, I thought your marriage was as unhappy as mine. Why have you suddenly become so happy!"
"Where does your unhappy marriage come from?" Kana chimed in,
"Your wife divorced you because you were only focused on work all day, not caring about home at all, right?"
"I'm a man, earning more money is for supporting the family!" Macao retorted with a flushed face, then his tone fell again,
"And I changed, didn't I? Now I not only focus on work but also take good care of Romeo... Damn, I want a happy marriage too!"
Kana saw Macao's drunk demeanor and decided not to argue with him.
She held her small glass, reluctantly gazing at the large barrel in the corner...
Hm, drinking all day like that, yet telling me to drink less.
A drunken Macao kept pressing Wakaba: "Tell me quickly, how did you do it?!"
"I said I don't know!"
Rhode looked at Mira, signaling with his eyes, your effort.
Mira smiled and remained silent.
Kana saw Macao not letting go, seemingly ready to start a drunken tantrum, reminded him: "Have you encountered anything special recently?"
"Something special... More than a week ago, I encountered a robbery, maybe it scared her?"
Wakaba said, "You guys know, right? The robber was caught by Rhode and Mira."
In gratitude, Wakaba tutored Rhode for several days... The rich experience of this old guild member was immensely beneficial to Rhode.
He even willingly told Rhode which issues of "Sosala" were the best.
Worthless information!
Rhode decided on the spot to remember this and later sell the intel to other pervs.
Macao still relentlessly pursued.
Wakaba was so vexed that in the end, he had to solve the problem by force.
...
After work, Rhode took a stroll around the convenience store.
He originally planned to buy a bottle of mosquito repellent, but ended up buying a mosquito net.
Repellent runs out and needs to be repurchased, but a mosquito net can be used for a long time — a money-saving tip from Rhode.
Just as he was about to head home, Rhode remembered Mira had just reminded him that tomorrow is the opening day of Hani Dessert House and to remember to bring the tasting coupon.
Therefore, Rhode turned his steps toward a clothing store.
The money still didn't get saved.
After leaving the clothing store, he walked only a few steps before turning around again to enter a hair salon.
Not only did he not save money today, but also had to spend a bit extra.
The snipping sound of scissors echoed above his head, clusters of hair floated down.
Rhode stared at himself in the mirror, calmly pondering if he was moved or just out of his mind.
This doesn't seem hard to determine.
The issue is what he appears like in Mira's eyes, labeling himself from her perspective might be:
Newcomer, teammate, occasionally needs care, a bit calmer than Natsu and the others, quite diligent in training… etc.
Thinking for a while, Rhode realized he's probably like other companions, only having basic affection in Mira's eyes.
Mostly because they work together daily, chat often, and are slightly familiar.
Rhode sighed, a long way to go.
Incidentally, he gained a bit more motivation to diligently train.
...
Early the next morning, he stretched, punched a sandbag to loosen up, got ready by looking in the mirror, prepared to leave.
He told himself not to think too much at this stage, just interact normally as usual.
Yet his body very honestly changed into new clothes and spent some time tidying his hair in front of the mirror.
After servicing the tavern's routine work in the morning, the two of them left together.
Fortunately, the President was present today, Sally and Iz came to work part-time, so Mira and Rhode could leave without issue.
Except for feeling a bit uneasy under Laki's heated gaze eyeing them, everything was fine.
From her gaze Rhode could see, Mira who gossips about others all day, today is being gossiped about.
Today Mira wore a beige dress, the hem just managed to cover her knees.
Due to the unfriendly sunlight since morning, she also wore a sunhat, tied with a big pink bow, exuding youthfulness.
Rhode hadn't paid much attention earlier, now he realized Mira's head was barely higher than his shoulder.
The height matches well, ahem ahem ahem.
As they walked side by side, a faint fragrance wafted over.
Before crossing over, Rhode would think it's the scent of shampoo, cosmetics, or perfume.
But he read in a magazine that there are quite a few magical products for women on the market — magic that can change clothes colors anytime, magic that can emit various floral scents.
Rhode wasn't sure if Mira used these, but… this outfit looks nice, this scent smells pleasant.
Mira seemed in good spirits: "Did you get a haircut?"
"Yeah, been almost a month, hadn't trimmed it."
Saying it was intentional would feel embarrassing, so found a reasonable excuse.
Incidentally wanted her opinion, seemed to ask casually: "How's the trim?"
Mira turned her head to look for a few seconds: "It suits you, feels like you've become more handsome."
"Is that so?" Rhode smiled, "Thanks."
Finished, knowing full well the compliment is likely just routine, yet the joy rising from the heart is uncontrollable...
Finished, finished...