When Ryoko nervously asked whether he intended to pay, Izumi couldn't help but smile.
"Erina still owes me 400,000 points."
He rested his chin on one hand, eyes half-lidded with amusement.
"With interest, that's already 430,000."
"Why don't you go ask her if she really wants to charge me?"
Ryoko's lips twitched.
…There was no need to ask.
Of course she wouldn't dare.
The real "boss" here was sitting right in front of her.
Originally, that debt could've been cleared long ago—but Erina had chosen to invest in upgrades, strengthening her team and facilities.
And now?
They were stuck in an endless spiral of debt.
Ryoko said nothing more.
With a lifeless expression, she returned to the kitchen.
"Erina-sama…"
She spoke weakly.
"Izumi-sama ordered another full course."
"…And Yuyuko-san is here too."
"He said he's treating."
Silence.
Then—
Erina nearly collapsed on the spot.
"…ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!"
The entire kitchen froze.
Someone almost dropped a knife.
Another nearly sank to their knees.
Erina slammed her frying pan aside and jumped up in frustration.
"I QUIT! I'M DONE!!"
Her voice echoed through the kitchen.
"If he's treating, that means I'M the one paying!!"
"When will I ever finish paying off this debt?!"
"When can I finally stand on my own?!"
Her body trembled.
This was injustice.
Pure injustice.
Ryoko watched helplessly from the side.
She really is pitiful…
Thankfully, the debt wasn't hers.
For the staff, things weren't so bad—no salary, sure, but they gained real benefits:
Enhanced physical abilities Advanced cooking knowledge Resources provided even to their families through Tōtsuki
They were thriving.
Only Erina—
Was suffering.
At that moment, a cheerful voice cut through the despair.
"Hey, hey~ Erina."
It was Nakiri Alice, her cousin.
"If you want to clear that debt…"
"I've got a solution~"
She smiled—far too mischievously.
Erina frowned.
"…What kind of solution?"
"Don't tell me you can magically create points or make him forgive the debt."
Alice nodded.
Everyone froze.
Interest sparked instantly.
Erina narrowed her eyes.
"…Talk."
Alice leaned closer, whispering with a devilish grin—
"Why don't you just sell yourself to Izumi-sama?"
"Become his wife, and poof~"
"No more debt."
She giggled.
"Want me to help? I can sneak you into his room tonight~"
THWACK!
A carrot flew across the kitchen.
"SHUT UP!!"
Erina's face turned bright red as she exploded.
"Who would become Izumi's wife?!"
"Don't say such ridiculous things!"
"Get back to cooking!"
The entire kitchen flinched.
Alice rubbed her head, unfazed.
"Hehe~"
It didn't even hurt anymore—her enhanced body saw to that.
Still, she wisely stopped teasing.
Pushing Erina too far now?
That would only end with her getting beaten up—especially since Erina now had supernatural abilities.
"…Still," Alice thought to herself,
"I'm kind of jealous."
Erina was stronger than her now.
And had powers.
Meanwhile—
Alice's thoughts drifted.
This world has monsters now, right?
Leveling up… getting equipment… earning points…
Her eyes sparkled.
"…Maybe I should try it."
Unaware of the chaos he had caused, Izumi was casually chatting with Yuyuko Saigyouji
She seemed to enjoy his company quite a bit.
Her questions were random, whimsical—
And Izumi answered them all patiently.
Before long, the distance between them had vanished.
Watching from the side, Youmu Konpaku was stunned.
This is bad…
If Yukari-sama sees this…
She shivered.
She didn't dare imagine the consequences.
...
Meanwhile—
Kanna continued devouring everything in sight.
Dish after dish vanished instantly.
Then—
Yuyuko's orders began arriving.
And just like that—
Two legendary eaters met.
Within minutes, they had become fast friends.
Watching them, Izumi could only blink.
"…That was quick."
Just as the feast continued—
The restaurant doors opened.
A towering figure stepped inside.
In his hand—
He carried a massive, bizarre-looking creature.
"Is the owner here?"
His deep voice echoed through the room.
"Do you buy ingredients like this?"
Everyone turned.
Izumi included.
The moment he saw the man—
His expression twitched.
"…You've got to be kidding."
It was—
Edward Newgate
"…Did he seriously become a fish vendor?"
...
Erina stepped out from the kitchen, still recovering from emotional damage.
But the moment she saw Whitebeard—
She froze.
"…He's huge…"
Then her gaze shifted to the creature he carried.
"…What is that?"
"Is it… edible?"
Whitebeard laughed heartily.
"Gurararara!"
"A specialty from my world!"
"Interested?"
"If you are, I can supply more."
"Of course—"
"You'll need to pay in points."
He placed the massive Sea King on the ground.
"This one's a gift."
"If you like it, come find me at the marketplace."
Erina swallowed.
Despite its strange appearance—
Her instincts as a chef screamed:
This is premium.
"…Understood, sir."
"If it tastes good, we'll definitely contact you."
Whitebeard nodded, satisfied.
These days—
He wasn't a pirate anymore.
He had switched careers.
Sea King Supplier.
With a burst of Conqueror's Haki, he could knock out dozens at once.
Then bring them here—
And turn them into points.
A pretty good business, all things considered.