Online Game: Starting With SSS-Ranked Summons

Chapter 76 Extravagant Lunch Is Too Expensive!

After finishing the meal, Arthur leaned back in his chair, rubbing his slightly protruding belly with a satisfied sigh.

"That was a good meal," he admitted, his voice carrying a hint of relaxation. "Oh, by the way, how much did it cost?"

Jasmine's expression faltered slightly. She averted her gaze, scratching her cheek with a sheepish grin.

Arthur narrowed his eyes. Seeing that grin, an uneasy feeling settled in his chest.

"Don't tell me—"

"It was... one silver coin," she said, her voice trailing off as if hoping he hadn't heard her.

Arthur froze, his face immediately falling into his hands. "One silver coin?" His tone was filled with exasperation as he dragged his hands down his face.

"I just gave you two silver coins so you'd stop leeching off me for the next week! And now you're telling me you already spent half of it... on one meal?"

Jasmine puffed up her cheeks in mock indignation. "Hey! Don't act like I went and blew it on something frivolous like a shiny dress or sparkly shoes. I bought food! Food for you, I might add!"

Arthur shot her an incredulous look. "Screw that! If I'd known it cost one full silver coin, you think I would've let you buy it? Do you have any idea how broke I am right now? I'm practically counting bronze coins to survive!"

He gestured dramatically at the empty plates in front of them. "And besides, let's not forget—who ate most of this food? It wasn't me! I barely got a portion while you inhaled the rest like some bottomless pit."

Jasmine crossed her arms, a look of feigned offence on her face. "Bottomless pit? That's so rude! I am not some glutton."

Arthur stared at her flatly. "Really? Then explain to me how you managed to eat all the bread, all the meat, and somehow all the soup before I even got a second helping."

She opened her mouth to retort but closed it again, clearly having no defense. Instead, she muttered under her breath, "I'm a growing girl, okay? I need energy..."

Jasmine gasped, clutching her chest as if he'd just insulted her honour. "Arthur! How could you think so little of me? I'd never just sit back. I'd be cheering you on from the sidelines, but you aren't taking me with you."

Arthur rolled his eyes, but the corners of his mouth twitched upward. "Oh, how generous of you. Your moral support is so valuable."

"It is!" Jasmine said, her tone completely sincere. "I'm your good luck charm, remember? Without me, you'd be... well, less lucky." Read new chapters at empire

Arthur shook his head, his laughter bubbling up despite himself. But as he leaned back in his chair, his expression softened, and a faint whisper escaped his lips. "You're not Neko."

Jasmine blinked, tilting her head like a confused puppy. "What did you say?" She leaned closer, her elbows resting on the table as she squinted at him, trying to catch his muttered words.

Arthur quickly waved his hand dismissively. "I said whatever! Just—just leave me alone for a few minutes while I figure out whether to stop being your sugar daddy or gamble on the slim chance you're actually royalty and not some kind of master scammer."

Jasmine's lips curled into a triumphant grin. "Oh, so you're betting on me being royalty then? That's a smart move, Arthur. I'm definitely worth the risk."

Arthur groaned, rubbing his temples. "See? This is what I mean. You're shameless. Do you even hear yourself? You've officially promoted me from unwilling sponsor to a full-on gambling addict."

"Addict?" Jasmine placed a hand dramatically over her heart, feigning hurt. "Please, I'm a sure bet. You'll thank me when you're sitting pretty in some extravagant palace, sipping tea served by butlers because of me."

"Right," Arthur deadpanned.

Jasmine reached for the last crumbs on the plate, popping them into her mouth with a contented hum.

"Mmm, so good..."

Arthur folded his arms, his glare half-serious. "You know, for someone who's supposedly royalty, you sure don't act like it."

"Pfft, who needs stiff royal manners when you've got charm like mine?" Jasmine shot back, flashing him a playful smile. "Besides, shouldn't I be rewarded for my impeccable taste in food?"