Money Can Buy Everything

033: How About a Kiss?

Argo couldn't help but marvel at Momo's appearance. Momo's looks, not quite a full ten, were at least a solid 9.5.

Momo's appearance in his previous life was average, but after experiencing a full hundred years of adventure and rejuvenating in this world, this blend of youthful vigor and mature composure exuded an aura that demanded attention.

Even more importantly, as a Servant, despite not having any enhanced power compared to mortals, Momo had transcended the realm of mortals in essence. Infused with a divine aura from within, it naturally evoked a sincere sense of closeness.

Especially now, with Momo's charming smile and an aura exuding confidence and vitality, it was like sunlight breaking through the winter's cold for players still gripped by fear.

Argo was no exception. Although on the surface she, as an alpha tester, had already taken action, she knew deep down that she could only curl up in bed in fear to fall asleep.

Why is this boy so cheerful?

"Well, even if you really were some kind of star, I wouldn't pay! Hmph, thinking you can pry open the wallet of a member of the information trade like me, wishful thinking!"

"Information trade?"

Momo blinked, instantly recognizing the girl before him. She was Argo, the information dealer from Sword Art Online who made money by selling information. However, she didn't have the rat-like whiskers from the original story on her face. It seemed she hadn't acquired the makeup items yet.

During the closed beta, due to failing a quest, Argo hadn't completed her body art skill practice, resulting in a penalty of growing rat-like whiskers. This characteristic had been remembered by people in the closed beta, leading to her nickname, "Rat Argo."

In the official release, Argo used makeup items to add whiskers to herself in order to carry on her nickname. At this moment, she hadn't applied the whiskers yet, so Momo hadn't immediately recognized her.

"True, I haven't officially opened for business, but you can remember my nickname. If you want to buy or sell information in the future, just find me!"

"Not opened yet? That's a shame. I was actually planning to buy some information."

"Ding ding!"

Argo made a sound mimicking the clinking of coins and said, "Hey hey hey, Rat Argo's information services are now officially open for business. Respected first client, may I inquire if you have any information you'd like to gather? You can enjoy a 10% discount!"

"Oh, that's great! 100 col, tell me about your measurements."

Argo's lips curled into a bright smile, then she kicked Momo's knee with her foot.

...

"Alright, can you tell me why you really wanted to meet me? Since you're an information dealer, you can't just be here without a reason. Is there something I can do?"

With Argo in tow, Momo brought her to a small tavern and ordered her a glass of lemonade. Although it was only a 10 col lemonade, Argo was left dumbfounded. She felt uneasy under the spotlight.

Maybe 10 col wouldn't be much in the future, but for now, Argo had just over 50 col left. Faced with this glass of juice, she could well imagine the pressure she was under.

"What, having second thoughts about not making a deal with me earlier, now that you've seen the financial might of Momo? The deal still stands, 100 col... Ow!"

Argo blushed and kicked Momo's leg, then glared at him, saying, "Clearly, you have such a nice face, why do you have to act so lecherous? Do you not have any girls interested in you in real life?"

"Alright, my apologies. I just couldn't help but tease you because you're cute. You see, our relationship has become much closer now, hasn't it?"

"Hmph, I came here just for the juice's sake!"

Putting up a front, Argo still picked up the glass of juice. Its pleasantly tangy taste brought a kind of happiness to her face.

"What are you looking at?"

"I paid the admission fee. Can't I take a good look?"

"Shameless scoundrel, I'm starting to regret coming to you!"

Momo wasn't upset, saying, "Alright, can we get down to business now? What's the matter?"

Argo sighed and said, "Actually, it's not really meaningful to talk about it now. I wanted to hire you to complete a task for me and was planning to pay you 20 or 30 col as a reward. But it seems like that amount of money is of no significance to you right now."

Argo looked at the juice in her hand. With each of them holding a glass of juice, it was nearly equivalent to the payment she was going to give Momo. If Momo could easily throw out 20 col to buy someone a drink, then his worth must be beyond caring about such a reward.

"I originally thought that the rumors about someone with incredible luck who obtained a full set of equipment, discovered hidden quests, and bought a large amount of wild boar meat were surely fake, or at least a mix of exaggerated stories."

"But as it turns out, all three of those rumors are not only true, but they're all caused by you alone. I mean, just look at your leather armor, your lavish spending, and your work in the blacksmith shop. Are all three of these rumors really true? How far does your good luck go?"

Momo observed Argo carefully. Argo, despite complaining, showed no signs of envy.

"Since you've discovered that these are all true and not just rumors, why didn't you ask me for information about these quests? Aren't you an information dealer?"

"Can you provide that information?"

"I can't."

Argo shrugged and said, "Isn't that simple? Even though I call myself an information dealer, I won't have much business coming in at the start. Didn't I mention before that I haven't officially opened for business yet?"

"Alright, since we can't make a deal, let's just become friends. I appreciate the juice. If you ever want to buy information from me in the future, I'll give you a little discount, say 98%!"

"That's so little!"

"Be content. You're one lucky guy!"

Argo downed the juice in one gulp and turned to leave, but Momo's words stopped her in her tracks.

"Don't rush to leave. What if I'm willing to help?"

"I can't afford to pay you, and I need to save this money for my expenses. I don't want to be squeezed on the street like other players."

"Don't think of me as someone so mercenary. Look into my innocent eyes. Why do we need to keep talking about money? Besides money, aren't there other valuable things we could trade?"

Argo turned back abruptly, crossed her arms, and eyed Momo warily, saying, "Don't make me change my good impression of you. If you dare make any H-related requests, I'll treat you as a playboy!"

"It's not that serious. I just wanted to ask, how about becoming my exclusive information source? You can use col as you please."

"Oh, is that so? Sorry, I decline."

"Transaction failed!" Reimu responded weakly, saying, "What, did you take a liking to this little girl? Weren't you pursuing Asuna? Well, I guess this little girl isn't bad either."

"I'm just more interested in her information-gathering abilities. I wanted to see if I could get her on my side. But it looks like that's not possible."

Seeing Momo remain silent, Argo said, "Don't be mad! I know you're capable, and you could even support me. But given the current game situation, I think I can be more effective as a freelance information dealer. If you really want information, I'll put a price on it. Clear and simple."

"That works too. About your measurements..."

"End of discussion!"

Argo's face had turned slightly red due to Momo's continuous teasing. She said, "You playboy! Don't think you can win my favor like this. Hmph, I'm not an easily fooled girl! Alright, I'm leaving!"

"If I don't ask for any col and just want a kiss from you to help you complete a task, would you agree?"

"Sigh..." Reimu lengthened her tone, saying, "Playboy Momo, didn't you say you weren't interested?"

"I just wanted to help her out. She really seems to need it now."

"Then just don't ask for col. This is hitting someone when they're down."

"With her strong-willed personality, do you think she would accept a gift from me?"

"Good point."

Argo looked at Momo again, her eyes widened, and she said, "I'm really getting annoyed now! Even if a playboy like you is feeling lonely, there are plenty of girls on the street. Why are you so fixated on me? I won't sell my charm so easily."

“Not really, it's because you're Argo, the Rat. I kinda like you."

Momo spoke the truth. Among all players in Sword Art Online, Argo was definitely one of the top when it came to striving for everyone's success. She wasn't a main character and had minimal screen time, but her role was indispensable.

Argo fell into an eerie silence, as if she was wrestling with her thoughts for a while. Then, blushing, she turned her head and patted Momo's outstretched hand.

"Deal."

"Transaction completed." Reimu reported the caption and skillfully started pulling Momo's hair.

"Don't misunderstand. This is just a workaround because I don't have money. Even if it comes to that... it's just a way of showing gratitude, a formality."

"Alright, alright! I'll follow your lead. When do we start?"

"Now!"

With that, Argo left the tavern without looking back, and Momo followed her into the wilderness. The sun was about to set, and Momo frowned slightly.

"With a new interest, did you forget your old love? Asuna is waiting for you, you know! If you don't go back, how do you think Asuna will react?"

Momo thought for a few seconds, then Argo's urging voice came from ahead. "Regretting it now? If you regret it now, I won't spare you!"

"Hey, I'm coming, I'm coming."

Momo stopped hesitating, turned around, and followed, saying, "Timing is about right. Maybe this is also a chance for Asuna to come out. Don't disappoint me, Asuna."