The simpler a galaxy appears on the outside, the more complex it is within.
Only through such inner intricacy can it achieve the ability to process everything thoroughly—and thus present a façade of perfect simplicity.
The universe is vast.
By now, Asta can no longer remember how many such galaxies she has observed.
Some still exist; others have already vanished.
Galaxies are merciless like that.
They never change according to the observer's wishes—their coming and going are governed solely by the laws of nature.
However—
If you were to ask Asta when she first saw a galaxy that was truly the same inside and out,
she remembers it clearly.
Asta's family is wealthy.
That wealth is often displayed to the world in the form of generosity.
For example: charity.
A piece of bread, a bowl of porridge, or something even cheaper could earn a "thank you" or a deeply grateful bow.
But Asta knew in her heart—
this gratitude had little to do with her.
They were only thankful for what she distributed, not for her.
Whether she or her mother were "qualified" volunteers didn't matter.
People merely wanted them to be there, nothing more.
It wouldn't matter if the one handing out food was named Nahida or Alice—no one cared.
Until that day—
The bag holding the bread was empty, and the hot water had all been poured out.
Those who received something left happily; those who didn't wore sorrowful expressions.
They left with various emotions, just like any other day.
Asta didn't pay it much mind—it was the same routine, day after day, month after month.
But this time, she felt an unusual gaze on her.
Asta turned around and quickly spotted the source: a young boy.
A boy with white hair and an injury on his right hand.
His gaze wasn't friendly—rather, it was fierce, like that of a wild wolf just descended from the mountains.
Asta wasn't surprised.
Not everyone knows how to be grateful; there are always those who want more.
She had heard remarks like, "That family's so rich, yet they only give out these scraps," before.
It was best to pretend not to hear.
"Do you need to borrow money too?" Asta asked, as she usually did.
It was the simplest way to deal with them—a small sum could send them on their way.
But what she heard in response was:
"I don't want money. I just need to pay for the meal I had—but I don't have any money right now."
Usually, "friends" she barely knew would borrow money from Asta, and she would generously oblige.
After all, those amounts meant little to her—just a flick of her fingers.
But someone like this, who insisted on repaying. This was Asta's first time encountering such a person.
Though the scar on his face made him look a bit like a scored mushroom, it couldn't hide the surprise she felt inside.
"You're just a child, aren't you? What can you do?" Asta asked.
"Fight." He raised his injured right hand.
"I can risk my life for you."
Something stirred within Asta.
"That's not a good job… How about this—
I'll give you a different one."
To this day, Asta still believes that Arlan's debt for that meal was repaid the moment he said those words.
And that night, she saw a river of stars unlike any she had ever seen before.
So there really are people like this…
She gazed at the starry sky, thinking so.
Breaking away from the memory, Asta looked back at Bai Ming before her.
This careless, seemingly unreliable girl had acted almost identically.
No—
The situations should have been completely different.
Arlan's reason had been born of desperation, while Bai Ming's seemed… natural.
As if she had been born believing such things.
Yet at the same time, Bai Ming herself looked a bit puzzled.
A notification had appeared before her eyes.
[Heartwarming Event Completed]
[Evaluation Score: 52/100]
[Reward Obtained: Crystals ×520]
[First Favorability: Additional Reward Crystals ×100]
If she remembered correctly, this was the highest score she'd ever received!
And the one who triggered it was Asta someone she had only just met!
What kind of event was this supposed to be?
Bai Ming secretly checked the corresponding system prompt.
But when she saw it, her brain nearly froze.
[Asta's Fond Memory]
[52/100]
This…If simply saying she would repay money could become a "fond memory," then what kind of life had Asta been living all this time?
Unaware of the truth, Bai Ming couldn't help feeling a little worried.
Just then, Asta spoke again.
"Um, Bai Ming—are you sure you don't want the money? Eight million, I can easily come up with that."
"No, no, no!" Bai Ming waved her hands frantically.
"I can't possibly take eight million! I'd never be able to repay that!"
"I see."
Asta nodded.
"Then eight hundred thousand. Once we return, sign something like an indenture contract with me, and I'll give it to you."
"Oh… an indenture contract, right? I know—"
Halfway through, Bai Ming froze.
"W-wait, really sign an indenture contract? I just wanted to borrow some money for March to spend!"
"Don't worry." Asta smiled gently.
"It's not the kind of indenture contract you're thinking of. It's just a method that uses a part of your body as collateral."
"If you can't repay it by then, you simply leave that part behind.
See? Isn't it convenient?"
Asta said this while smiling, completely calm.
A few drops of cold sweat rolled down Bai Ming's forehead.
"Asta… how can you say something that terrifying with such a straight face?"
"Terrifying? Is it?" Asta tilted her head.
"Uh… well, if you say it's not, then I guess it's not…"
Seeing Bai Ming's expression, Asta suddenly remembered something.
"By the way, earlier you said, '"The truth is always one!"."
"What did you mean by that?"
"Can you tell me?"
"This…" Bai Ming hesitated.
"Do you really want to know?"
"Yes. I want to know."
"Really?"
"Really." Asta nodded seriously.
"Then…"
Bai Ming hesitated for a moment, then placed her hand on Asta's chest.
Imitating Himeko's tone, as if giving an academic report, she declared:
"Asta, I believe it is the fundamental factor affecting similarity."
"Eh—?"
Asta froze.
Having her chest suddenly touched felt strange, but Bai Ming's serious tone somehow made it sound… legitimate.
And just at that moment—
The previously closed door buzzed and slid open.
March 7th's figure appeared in the doorway!
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A/n: While I am a new translator, I have a Patreon! While it may be a bit empty right now both this and the other book on my page has advanced chapters posted on patreon.
patreon.com/deadlygoober