Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Arkle had yet to dive deep into the research project and had no idea what made this particular piece of equipment stand out. However, seeing the look of awe on Carlson's face made him take a few extra glances. "...Dude, is it expensive?"

Carlson nodded, "Yeah, super expensive."

"How much are we talking?"

"Around a million or so."

"Whoa!"

It wasn't just the price tag that was shocking.

It was the fact that Roseanne and her crew could just decide to make such a pricey purchase.

Three people, a million bucks...

Arkle thought of his own parents, hardworking farmers, who, in their best year, could barely save up a few thousand dollars.

And here they were, talking about a piece of equipment worth millions...

Arkle was stunned.

Just then, Mamie's voice echoed down the hallway, signaling their return!

Carlson and Arkle slipped out the back door.

Before leaving, Carlson couldn't help but look back. In the sunlight, Roseanne, Mamie, and Scales were walking in, laughing and chatting. Roseanne was holding a bottle of Voss water, pricey stuff.

Mamie had her arms full of snacks, mostly with packaging in English - imported and definitely not cheap.

Scales was sipping on a sports drink in packaging Carlson had never seen before, let alone tasted. "Dude, what's on your mind?"

the bottom of the stairs,

a sigh, "...It's

reflective, "Yeah, the new equipment

Carlson just smiled.

talking

argue,

It was really something.

back in

"Here, have some water,

added, "And

...

after the arrival of the

lady was shaking

How could she

you all, something this big happens, and nobody bothers to tell

isn't

ones, I'm old, and

belongs to en.kikistori

even

so worked up and spending your own money on a

wasn't just

We tested

a.nee

the old ones the academy used to have. It's

money was

new equipment really is more

was at a loss

I say? You have an

with that, the matter was