Weeds Don't Grow Alone 5

...

...Mmm. I didn't think we'd be here again.

Kufufu. The hotel wanted to thank us. Accepting was the right thing to do.

Y-You don't think...this is all a trap to make us pay for the repairs, right?

We should be okay.

I learned during my investigation that the Rigatoni Family had been giving this hotel grief for a while now.

We got rid of a thorn in their side. So they probably genuinely do want to thank us.

And if they're trying to trick us... I'll wipe them out.

There's nothing to worry about, Aru.

*gulp*

Wh-Who said I was worried?! I was just saying we should be on guard.

Heehee... As expected of Aru... You're cautious and think ahead in everything you do...

Ah, you're here! Welcome!

I'll show you your seats! Follow me!

If they try anything funny... I'll shoot them.

I-I said that it's fine!

Please sit wherever you would like.

Huh...? It's totally empty...

Today's dinner is a special invitation, just for you.

...Along with a custom menu.

Our best chefs are all gathered in the hotel today, so please look forward to it.

Now, here's the menu. I hope you enjoy.

Th-This is...!

Huh? What is it? Is something weird on the menu?

Wow.

...What is it?

Oh my...

Wh-What's going on? Was it really a trap?!

Haruka, look. Do you know what any of this is?

"Osetra Golden Imperial Caviar Blini"...?

Wh-What is that...? I can read the names of stuff, but I don't know what they mean...

Th-These are the dish names, right? Not some kind of code?

Kufufu, if we don't know, let's order it!

This, and this, and this too!

Shouldn't we order at least one thing we can sort of recognize?

For example, something like...the truffle cream risotto.

I-I don't really know what that is either...but I trust you...!

All right. Then I'll order.

Waiter!

Yes. What can I get for you?

Everything from here...to here.

And the truffle cream risotto!

I see. What do you want for drinks?

D-Drinks?

(Ugh, I haven't thought of that...)

(We'd totally lose face if we ordered normal drinks from somewhere like this!)

Fufu, take your time.

This restaurant is yours for tonight.

Ahh, I'm so full. And happy. So, so happy.

That one dish right before dessert was the best.

What was the name? Aru, do you remember?

M-Must be steak, since it was a grilled beef-type thing.

It was different from any steak I've tasted, though.

I-It was delicious, and that's what matters. Right, Haruka?

...

Haruka?

Ah... Yes! Aru. I was happy too. Heehee...

What were you looking at, zoning out like that?

Ah, well, uh... I saw a familiar alley that way...

That alley...

...Ah.

Kufufu. Shall we head over there? I think it'll be fun.

But...

It'll be fine. Let's go, let's go!

Yes. If an employee has a concern, we need to address it.

It's important to face the past.

...Yes.

If you...say so...

...It's been a while.

This is the alley where...I first met all of you.

It's still exactly the same.

But not Haruka! You've changed a lot, haven't you?

I-Is that so? I don't really know...

You definitely have.

You were just a sad, weak girl then, but now you're a reliable employee of Problem Solver 68.

Heehee... I'm really grateful...for those words...

...

I think it's over here. Where Aru appeared out of nowhere and saved me.

At the time... I tried to protect the child I was taking care of...

...

B-But it's fine! Thanks to you...!

...Huh? Wait, Haruka.

Look, where you're standing. Isn't that the same weed as last time?

...Huh? What are you...?

Ah...! Aah...!

I-It's alive...! This child...lived...!!

And it bloomed... A-All alone...

That's not true. It wasn't alone at all.

You came and took care of it every day, didn't you?

If not for that, it wouldn't have had enough nutrients to heal and bloom again.

Th-That's...

Ah! I've got a good idea.

Let's take that plant and take it to office! We can put it in a planter and take care of it together! Won't that be fun?

Hm, that's really cool. Very hardboiled.

You heard it, Haruka.

...

Th-Thank you.

Thank you for taking me in.

Everyone hated me since I was little... Until I met you all.

I'll keep on repaying this debt until I DIE!!

I already told you to quit saying that nonsense.

Kufufu. Stop talking about dying too. What would we do without you?

Yes. Without all of us together, it wouldn't be Problem Solver 68.

So, I look forward to the rest of our days together, Haruka.