A Stay-at-home Dad’s Restaurant In An Alternate World

All Mag could do was not to curse as he looked at the four upgrading choices in his head.

He suddenly realized why the system put the “Gokuraku Jodo” in the playlist. It was after his money.

And it was very smooth about it. It was an elaborate way to get money.

“System, how can you sleep at night?” Mag said, fighting to crush out his anger.

“I don’t need to sleep,” the system answered calmly, trying to keep smugness out of its voice.

“Yes, that figures,” Mag said scornfully. “What’s the fifth one?”

“Only four upgrading choices are available.”

“What if this holographic projection device isn’t good enough for me?”

“How much are you willing to pay?” the system asked tentatively.

“That depends on your product,” Mag said, giving a faint smile.

“The fourth one is the best you can get for now.”

“I made over 1,500 gold coins yesterday.”

“Tell me your requirements, and I’ll make the rest happen as long as they don’t violate the three rules,” the system said cheerfully.

“Good. I’m happy with your service.”

“That’s why I’m here,” the system said. “To provide you with great service.”

“Wonderful. I want you to install artificial intelligence in this music box. I want it to be even more intelligent than you,” Mag said.

The system fell silent. At last it said, “Do not question my intelligence. I know almost everything about anything, and I’m still learning. I’m like a god in this world. I can—”

“How much is a system like you gonna cost?” Mag interrupted.

“More than 100 million gold coins, I think,” the system said uncertainly after thinking for a moment.

“Can I sell you?” asked Mag.

“…”

Its silence was longer than the one before. “How dare you talk to me like that?!” the system roared. “Who could afford to buy me? Even if they could, half the earnings must go to me!”

“I knew you wanted to sell yourself too!”

The system fell silent again.

Its silence spoke volumes. It was a system without any honor.

“I’ve said it before, but I feel the need to say it again,” the system said solemnly. “I’m a respectable system. God created me to appease those cooks and supervise you. You should try your best to unlock all the dishes and make them popular in this world. Become a God of Cookery so that all those experiences from countless cooks would not go in vain.”

Mag didn’t want to listen to its complaints. He frowned. “I’d like the fourth one, but 200 gold coins is too expensive.”

“That’s where you’re wrong,” the system said. “This holographic projection device is very advanced. The projected 3-D image looks almost real. It would cost you 500 gold coins if it were not a prototype.”

Mag took a look at Amy and Yabemiya, who were gazing at the little elf doing its weird dance. “190, and you can take back your first upgrade,” he said without hesitation.

“I’m afraid I can’t take back the first upgrade, since you have had it for over three days.”

“I don’t care,” Mag said calmly. “They never knew how to dance to this song. They like the dance as it is.”

“190 gold coins has been deducted. The upgrade will take 20 minutes. When do you want me to do it?”

“30 minutes later,” Mag answered. Amy and Yabemiya were dancing weirdly and adorably.

Even the Ugly Duckling was kicking its legs to the beat on the chair.

Amy was very absorbed in her dance, her little white hands waving, her short legs dancing to the beat. Her cuteness brought a smile to Mag’s face.

200 gold coins was too much for a music box.

But if the music box was for Amy, it was a different story.

It was even a bargain if it could make Amy happy.

Mag expected to earn more today. He had saved 5,000 gold coins, and he would be able to buy his first 0.5 strength in a few days. He might also finish his mission of getting 1,000 customers by then.

Mag didn’t want to waste another breath on the system after the deal was done. He went off to clean the restaurant as he saw the young waitress was lost in her dancing.

Yabemiya noticed her lapse when the dance was over. “I’m sorry, Boss,” she said, abashed, hurriedly walking over to Mag.

“It’s okay. Go dance some more,” Mag said, smiling.

Yabemiya shook her head. “No. I can dance after working hours.” She took the rag from Mag, and started clearing tables.

“Father, dance with me! It’s so interesting!” Amy said merrily, dragging Mag by the hand towards the counter.