Chapter 311: To be Edible [2/2]
I pointed outside to the production reapers who seemed to have left their stalls to eavesdrop. While I initially thought these people would die to Eva\'s {Blight}, that shouldn\'t be the case, otherwise she couldn\'t even mingle with other folks.
\'Besides, I didn\'t think that poisons could kill a reaper. They might be enough to incapacitate one, but since reapers are already dead, as long as they have souls, they wouldn\'t die. However, it might be a good idea to use it as a form of torture.\'
As my thoughts started to go in a dark direction, I failed to notice Eva walking towards the peanut gallery and hiring them on the spot.
"You bastards don\'t have enough souls to pay the tax for this month, right? I will hire everyone here for 500 souls each for three hours of work. We are going to cater a meal and I need hands, who wants to join?"
Like a frenzied mob, the entire mob of about 40 people all shouted to be included. 500 for 40 people would be 20,000 souls.
"Eva, I will take care of the expenses, send me the bill," I offered, but instead she shook her head and countered.
"No need, I told you I\'ll take care of it. Get going, the food will be ready in less than an hour. These people are production reapers, so they are good with their hands."
"Okay, thank you. See you there."
With those words I left the shop to let Eva discuss the details with her group. On my way out, Phillip joined me just as he finished a call.
"Got it, please proceed with this approach. LLG would pay the fees. Well done."
Curious, I asked. "Anything I should be aware of?"
"That was Wilfred, he and Tildi hired the former adventurer parties they were responsible for. Since the Sirens intend to keep hunting, the Adventurers will make sure no one steals the materials while the dismantling teams have a quick meal."
"Oh? That is indeed a good solution. Then they will serve as a temporary defense for the already reclaimed zones? I\'m surprised they agreed? How much are they charging?"
Phillip smiled disgustedly as he explained like a con man.
"They agreed to give us a 75% discount for the chance to join the 2nd Amendment. I will discuss the matter with Minerva and Squad Captain Joshua."
\'This fucking scammer. So that was why Phillip, despite being a penny pincher, was willing to pay for seven Adventurer parties! They were only charging a quarter of their original rates.\'
Probably seeing my disgust and annoyance, Phillip chuckled as he continued.
"Don\'t look at me like that. I just jumped on an offer that worked in our favor."
"Yeah, yeah," I replied contemptuously.
As we walked out of the production building, I noticed the excitement of the people. Many Reapers were running around in a hurry. Some of the merchants were starting to close up shop and head towards where we had just come from.
Before I could figure out what was going on, Phillip explained.
"Most of the production reapers here on the 2nd floor would barely make 500 souls in a month. They usually get loans just to supplement their income for the tax. With such a huge salary for a few hours of work, Mrs. Baker would naturally have an army of people ready to help her."
"I see."
As we walked back to the dispatch office, I noticed that the girls were all resting on a picnic table. Around them were Vela\'s wolves. About half of the dismantling teams were beginning to gather around, making the place look rather cramped.
As if sensing my presence, the girls all looked at me at the same time. Although at different speeds, they all stood up and made their way towards me. Jo and Robyn barreled into me like trains.
Fortunately, {Limitless} allowed me to not only withstand their impact, but to support them both without any problem. Without waiting for them to say anything, I hugged them both and praised them.
"Well done, Darling, Kitten. I am so glad both of you are okay."
Much like children, the Italian and the Aussie made goofy faces as they relished my compliments.
"I\'ll do even better in the next round, Possum."
"Hehe, Darling is so warm to hug. Like a toasty blanket in the middle of winter."
The rest of the girls arrived and I praised them as well. After I told them about my new {Kismet}, I got quite adorable responses.
"Honey, are you aware that you are single-handedly fucking up the Battlefront economy?"
"Oh hush Bella, pouring money into the community will allow it to grow. You have done very well, dear."
"Thanks Lilly, Bella, please make changes as you see fit. I just did it to keep Cynthia from quitting."
"Well, I did notice their lack of man power, but they seem to not want it bad enough if they just up and quit like this," Bella chastised.
"I agree with Bella dear, unlike the wolves the LLG seem weak willed."
Jasmine then changed the topic abruptly. "Husband, {Comfort Food} may help, but we need more long-term solutions. I think we should renegotiate with the original production building."
"Hmm, Wifey, would you mind doing it for me?"
"Of course not, Husband, supporting you is both my duty and my pleasure. I will get the other Sirens to help."
"Master, I am glad that {Eat} was useful. Please don\'t worry about sharing, everything I have is yours, including my {Fate}," Aki said with a beautiful smile.
I performed affection maintenance on the Sirens while we all ate a few of my burgers as we waited. After about half an hour, the Bakers arrived with a long procession of what looked like suckling pigs.
Seeing the ridiculous amount of food, I saw Liv looking quite sad.
" Love, what\'s wrong?" I couldn\'t help but ask.
"Nothing my love, I was just wondering what joy the North would experience if such a thing appeared in our lands. We may not be dying of hunger, but many are slowly losing their minds from starving for so long."
I pulled the Northerner close as I whispered in her ear.
"My love, this group is actually something I want to take with me to the North. If all goes well, it won\'t be long before we can bring food to your countrymen. For you, I promise I will find a way to make it work."
Liv then buried her face in my suit as she murmured in bliss.
"How fortunate am I to be among those loved by you, John Smith."
"Not so fortunate to be loved by the Seven Sirens," I countered.
As Eva began to have her people set up tables and a buffet, I called to my girls and told them my plans.
"Everyone, please help me, we are going to go around and invoke {Comfort Food} on each suckling pig, once that is done, we can do a final wave of Dirge Sirens if you all wish."
"Yes!" my harem affirmed.