For Growth [1]

Tak. Tak. Tak—! 

'...Is this enough? Or should I add more?' 

It was a situation that left me stumped as I added more and more chocolate bars to the counter. It was slowly starting to pile up into a small mountain. 

"C-cadet." 

My actions seemed to have startled the cashier who looked at me with a flustered look. 

I ignored it and placed another chocolate bar on the counter. 

Tak. 

This was an investment. 

An investment for the future. Putting another chocolate bar on the counter, I met Kiera's gaze. Judging from her widened eyes, she too appeared to be at a loss for what I was doing. 

I didn't feel like explaining everything, so I just said a few words. 

"Bribe. I'm getting bribes." 

It wasn't exactly a lie. 

These were indeed bribes. Or perhaps a means to build up favor? 

'Well, whatever... It's not like they're expensive anyways.'