Bad Bonds
Hehe. Another training session wrapped up nicely...
*Stomach gurgles!*
...
Hungry?
It's proof I trained—
*Stomach gurgles!*
...hard.
Did you skip lunch?
Ahem! Ahem!
Actually... I haven't eaten since dinner yesterday.
That's not good. You need proper nutrition.
Let's just say... it couldn't be helped.
Couldn't be helped?
Well...
The Knights cut my personal expense allowance.
Until I repay the borrowed funds, they're only giving me half.
So lately, I've been getting by on one meal a day.
Pretty sure I saw you buying dessert yesterday...
Mm? A dessert isn't a meal, Captain.
There's a quote in a political theory book, "People cannot live on bread alone."
A perfect proverb to emphasize the value of desserts.
I don't think that's what it meant...
Since we're on the topic, I do love the Duchy. But let's be honest, its desserts are terrible.
Especially those things the Deputy Master makes are culinary crimes.
So now that I'm in NOA, skipping dessert would technically be a waste of opportunity cost.
What happened to all your honey candy profits?
Ah, that...
I sent it all as aid to the Duchy. The harvest this season's been rough.
People can't live on bread alone, but they sure can't live without it either.
...That's kind of amazing. You really did a kind thing.
K-kind?!
Don't get the wrong idea. I'm a cold-blooded, cutthroat entrepreneur!
This was... uh...
Yes! It was a reinvestment! That's it!
You could say I was building brand image!
*Stomach gurgles!!!*
A loud growl came from Frey's stomach.
Looks like continuing training like this isn't an option.
Let's take a break and grab something to eat.
Did you not hear a word I said?
I'm broke!
It's all right. I can cook a bit.
...Really?
...Ahem! Ahem! Don't get the wrong idea.
I'm not excited because you're making me food.
I'm just happy to be making progress toward completing the Journey.
*Stomach gurgles!*
A-anyway!
Since it's come to this, I'll be in your care for a little while longer.
In exchange, I'll write you a bond in my name.
Once my business picks up, I'll pay you back with interest!
What's a bond, exactly?
Captain, you may be cultured, but your economic literacy is sorely lacking.
I'll give you a full lecture on modern economics over the meal.
It's all useful information, so be sure to take notes.
Now, let's start with what a bond is...
Watching Frey get so fired up, I listened to her lecture with a smile.
Even if I didn't understand a single word...