Pragmatist and the Scientist

CHAPTER 11

"Because I have no choice," she retorted before her expression turned thoughtful. "But I do have a solution."

Senku and Chrome exchanged glances as she leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table.

"We revive Francois."

Silence followed. Even Gen, who had been eavesdropping nearby, seemed intrigued.

"Francis?" Chrome scratched his head.

Ryusui butted in. "It's FRANCOIS...Fran-su-wah! Don't you know French—oh, right." he stopped when Rika eyed her. "I mean he is the only person I've ever met who can turn the simplest ingredients into masterpieces,"

Senku leaned back, crossing his arms. "You're saying this Francois is some kind of food prodigy?"

Rika smirked. "More like a perfect employee. Francois is good at everything."

Ukyo, who had just entered the room, lit up at the name. "Oho? Now that's an idea worthy." His gentle voice drew the attention of others around them as well as the already beaming Ryusui in the corner. "I was already planning to revive Francois, but hearing Rika of all people vouching for it? Its not even gonna be a fact show."

"Don't get the wrong idea," Rika muttered, rubbing her temples. "It's just that they're the only ones I tolerate from our childhood."

Ryusui smirked and leaned toward her with a knowing glint in his eyes. "Oh, but I remember a time when you more than tolerated Francois."

Rika stiffened. "What are you talking about?"

"Oh, don't play coy," he teased, crossing his arms. "Back in the day, you used to follow Francois around like a lost puppy. Quite adorable, really."

"That was 3700 plus years ago," Rika's face twitched. "...and I was a kid, Ryusui."

"A kid with a very obvious crush," Ryusui mused dramatically. "How tragic, though. My butler, forever out of your reach."

Gen let out a whistle, looking funny at Rika. "Oho, this just got interesting."

"Shut up, all of you," Rika grumbled, turning away as Chrome and Ukyo exchanged amused glances.

"Call it whatever you want." Rika pushed her empty plate away. "All I know is that if we keep eating this, I'll lose my mind. We need food that fuels not just our bodies, but our spirits too."

Senku rested his chin on his hand, eyes gleaming with interest. "Alright, you've got my attention. If this Francois was really skilled as you say, reviving them wouldn't just improve morale, it would optimize nutrition and efficiency. A proper cook would be a game-changer for the Kingdom of Science."

Rika grinned, being in cahoots with Senku. "Exactly."