VL) Chapter 4 Part 3 (Patreon)

“Right…” The woman seemed to come back to her senses. I am not sure what she was spacing out about.

“My name is Nancy I am a reporter for the Imperial Times. This will only take a few minutes. Just give us a few seconds to setup.” Nancy had composed herself fast. But I guess this was not so bad since I did not want to move anyway. I mean, my stomach still hurts from eating so much. But thinking of the dinner that was to come made me hungry…

“Alicia, you’re drooling.” Elara’s voice came from my side.

“Huh?Slurp! Hehe…” I scratched my head while feeling slightly embarrassed. I couldn’t help it. Even if I am full, I still want to eat more!

“We are ready.” Nancy announced, smiling at me. She seemed to be amused by my actions. Not that I was trying to put on a show or anything. “Now then, Miss Alicia, what made you chase after the data goblin?”

“It knocked my food on the floor.” I answered perfectly! No better answer than this. Straight and to the point!

“That’s it? You risked your life because it knocked your food on the floor? As a new player is that not dangerous?” I couldn’t help but tilt my head. Was she not smart? I mean, wasted food was a cardinal sin! Although, I am not sure if cardinal sin works here. I am just going by what the books I read said. It sounds cool!

“Wasting food is bad and that was my food. It smashed my table knocking the food on the ground. But what really angered me was when it slapped my food out of my hand.”

“I see… that is true. One should not waste food. But that was all it took to make you chase after it and then beat it up?” Nancy had a strange smile on her face. Was she not happy with my answer? Should be be praising me for answering so perfectly? But I had to admit her last question was quite stupid.

“I’d beat you up to if you smashed my table full of food and slapped a burger out of my hand. I was hungry!”

“Alicia! You can’t say that!” Elara yelled at me. Why, I don’t know. I was only answering questions. I mean, it was a fact. Never touch my food!

“Hurmph!” I snorted and turned my head. “I was just answering her question. Am I supposed to lie and say is shit flowers?”

“Pfft!” The cameraman behind Nancy laughed. No idea why. It’s not like I said anything funny.

“Ahem… then Miss Alicia, are you saying you only fought with the data goblins because it touched your food? You would not have fought them if they had not disturbed you?”

“Mmm! I mean. Its not like I am working or anything. If the green thing just left me alone so I could eat I would have ignored it. Just like its friends who watched me beat its companion. Ouch! Why did you pinch me!?” I glared at Elara. Her face was bright red. Did I say something embarrassing?

“So even if the viruses were running by you, as long as they did not disturb you, you would not have attacked them? I am sorry but I am just trying to confirm what you are saying.”

“Yes?” I titled my head once again. Was it so bad to want to eat my yummy food?

“In a way, I guess that would have been the right call. Of course, data goblins would have disturbed you no matter what but may I ask if someone asked you for help to save them would you have?” Nancy asked a good question. Would I have helped? I thought for a moment before nodding my head.

“As long as they did try to snatch my food and were not trying to sell me to a-Ouch! Damn it Elara stop pinching me!”

“Stop saying stupid things! You are live!”

“Of course I am alive! Why else would it hurt if you pinched me!?”

“That’s not what I mean!”

“I am so confused!” I threw up my hands. I can’t win. I have no idea why she is getting all riled up.

“Hehe… you and your friend seem to get along great. I would like to thank you nonetheless for helping keep the data goblins busy until help arrived. I feel we will be seeing a lot of each other in the days to come especially once you graduate from the academy.”

“Next time treat me to something tasty.” I had to make my demands if she wanted to keep trying to ask questions. Give and take!

“I will be sure to do that. Thank you for your time.” Nancy went about talking to the camera once more before they seemed to be done. She then turned back to me and Elara. “Thank you girls for the interview. It will make for a good story later. I wish you both a peaceful future. And thank you for protecting humanity.”

“Thank you for your time, Nancy. And I am sorry for Alicia. She is not very good with commonsense.” I think Elara was saying something mean just now!

“That’s fine. It’s people like her that will garner much attention in the future. You will probably have many headaches. But I am sure you both will be amazing players. Thank you once again! See you next time.”

“Have a safe trip!” Elara waved goodbye to Nancy while I just stared at her. I had to cover my leftover food in case she decided to make a quick turnaround and snatch it. I did plan to eat it for a snack later.

Elara sat down next to me and laid her head on the table, moaning. “I am so glad that is over. Alicia, you really need to watch what you say!”

“I didn’t say anything wrong! She asked questions I answered!”

“But you can’t tell people you will beat them up!”

“But I would! I wouldn’t beat you up though. You are different. Nina too.”

Elara sighed and stared at me while shaking her head. “Thanks, I guess?”

“Hehe! You’re welcome! I am a very generous person!” I was! I would not bite the hand that feeds me since they paid for it all in the first place!

“Let’s go home I am sure my mother is worried.” Elara stood up and stretched before gathering her things. I did the same.

But I do kind of wish I stayed at the food court. Because right now I am kind of stuck kneeling with my hands raised above my head. I was being punished. “Do you understand that you could have gotten yourself killed!? You are not a registered Player yet! You have no formal training!”

“But it smashed my food…”

“I do not care! Alicia, your safety is more important than food that can be replaced! You need to be more careful! Plus you also put Elara in danger as well since she can not just leave you alone and run off on her own!”

“Sorry…” Now I felt really bad. She was right. I did not think about Elara’s well-being… I got made and chased after the green thing. I could only lower my head and try to look as pathetic as possible in hopes that I wouldn’t be kicked out.

“Alright. Go rest for now. I am sure you are tired.” Nina sighed and patted me on the head. I think I just got a get-out-of-jail-free card.