Faced with Symboli Rudolf's scolding, Platinum awkwardly scratched her cheek.
She was somewhat self-aware about this, at least... after all, in her previous life, she'd spent most of her time in the hospital. She'd rarely even been to school, let alone participated in society.
She was probably a socially disconnected person with no common sense.
Back when she was sick in her past life, Soul Dissolution Syndrome had been ravaging the planet for nearly a decade.
As treatment methods gradually improved, the medical costs hadn't decreased; instead, they'd become even more expensive to ensure patients' longevity.
Platinum had practically lived at the hospital in her previous life, burning through money every single day. That alone spoke volumes about how well-off her family had been.
After all, it wasn't like the early days of the syndrome when the whole world's attention was focused on those first few patients.
Platinum vaguely remembered that there had even been fundraisers for them back then.
When she was still healthy enough to attend school normally, her school had participated in donations too. Young and without any income of her own, she'd only donated a single bill.
She just never expected the boomerang to swing back and hit her years later, landing her in the hospital with the same illness.
Even though after the first stage of treatment with suppressants she was no longer contagious and could theoretically live a normal life, the rumors and public panic made returning to any semblance of a normal life impossible.
That was exactly why Platinum was so desperate to hide her Soul Dissolution Syndrome—she didn't want to be that outsider treated with cold stares and fear again.
Being disconnected from society, having no concept of money, never having lived alone, plus being thoroughly spoiled by her parents—all these factors combined to create her current situation.
"Putting aside the school rules against students privately modifying the dorms," Symboli Rudolf sighed, "even if you managed to buy all these appliances, the dorm's power grid has limits. You'd just be waiting for the whole building to short circuit."
"Never mind modifying your room, the school doesn't even allow pets. Where did you get the confidence?"
As she said this, Rudolf kept scrolling through the purchase history. One more scroll nearly gave her a heart attack.
"You actually bought... a pet? Can this thing even be called a pet?"
[Brazilian Salmon Pink Bird-Eating Tarantula]
The picture below showed a large, hairy spider. Compared to the hand placed next to it for scale, its massive size became apparent—the name was definitely not just for show.
As far as Symboli Rudolf was concerned, the longer she looked at it, the more terrifying it seemed.
Platinum blinked. "Don't you think this kind of spider is kinda cute, President?"
Staring at it did make it weirdly endearing in a gross way... Wait, no, what's wrong with this kid's sense of aesthetics?! Symboli Rudolf shook her head sharply.
"How is that cute?! Pets are forbidden, period!"
What about El Condor Pasa then? What's the story with her? I heard she keeps a literal hawk in her dorm!
Is it really just 'run fast in races, get special privileges in dorm life'?
Platinum really wanted to look up and sassily ask, but she held back. Not only was Rudolf currently furious, but if she brought it up and reminded her, and Rudolf then went and 'released' Condor Pasa's hawk for some good karma points, Condor Pasa would probably come and strangle her herself.
"Sometimes... I really want to crack your head open and see what's going on in there."
Platinum obediently lowered her head. She lacked common sense, not intelligence.
"I'm sorry."
Seeing Platinum like this, Symboli Rudolf didn't press further. She believed this was enough for her.
"Should I say it's lucky you bought this stuff relatively late... or that you just bought everything too quickly..." Rudolf felt like she'd sighed a month's worth in one day. "You can probably still return most of it."
"You know, with such a large transaction, I'm surprised the bank didn't call you."
Platinum's head drooped even lower, the ears on her head drooping as well.
Looking at her, Symboli Rudolf suddenly felt a little amused and patted her head. "Alright, I'm not blaming you. You came clean in time, isn't that what matters?"
"I haven't been paying enough attention to you, and I'm sorry for that. From now on, if you have any troubles, you don't need to keep them to yourself. You can come and discuss them with me."
"Mmm..."
Symboli Rudolf thought for a moment, feeling the current situation still wasn't secure enough, and made a suggestion.
"Or... how about this."
"To stop you from spending money recklessly, you could leave your bank card with me. I'll transfer you a set allowance every month."
"If you're not comfortable with that, you could give me the card but keep the PIN yourself. I could go with you to the bank to withdraw funds at the start of each month."
"That would also make it easier for you to keep your own accounts."
Without thinking too much about it, Platinum took out her bank card and slid it over to Symboli Rudolf. "The PIN is..."
Looking at the card placed before her, Symboli Rudolf was caught between laughter and tears. "You agreed just like that?"
"Aren't you afraid I'll run off with your money?"
"Because it's you, President," Platinum said, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "Besides, what would you need my money for?"
She wasn't someone who didn't understand gratitude. Symboli Rudolf had helped her so much; Platinum trusted her completely.
Well now.
Well, well, well.
Symboli Rudolf's mood instantly brightened.
The important part wasn't getting Platinum's bank card, but this sense of trust towards her. It even made Rudolf feel a little flattered.
She suddenly felt... that no matter how she looked at Platinum, she seemed just right.
Air Groove, who had walked out from the back after hearing the voices and watching the whole scene, couldn't help but make a strained expression and muttered, "Rudolf... don't you think you've been promoted a generation?"
One more 'Mom' from Platinum and it'd be perfect.
What's Tokai Teio going to do about this? Air Groove thought silently.
"Huh? Promoted what?" Just then, the butler café's door swung open again with a 'click'.
Hearing the customer's arrival, Symboli Rudolf gave Platinum's hair and ears a final pat, stood up, and went to greet them. "Hello, welcome to— Teio?"
"The great Teio has arrived!" Silky hair tied into a ponytail, sapphire blue eyes, a voice sweet as flowing honey, long slender legs and delicate ankles—none other than Tokai Teio herself, gracing them with her presence!
"I came to see the most handsome President in a butler uniform!" Tokai Teio raised her hand, flashing a peace sign. "Yeah!"
Air Groove facepalmed. Speak of the devil—or Tokai Teio, and she shall appear.
Good thing she hadn't said her thoughts out loud, that would've been awkward.
"Ehhh— So Platinum's here too." Tokai Teio peeked in and spotted Platinum sitting to the side. "Seriously, we've been looking for you everywhere, and here you are, hiding out with the President all secretively."
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.