The Royal Military Academy's Impostor Owns a Dungeon [BL]-Chapter 501: The Perks

TAP, TAP, TAP!

Ideally, people were supposed to be tapping with their fingers.

But somehow, the terminals that were supposed to be silent, sounded like hailstones pelting the floor.

Apparently, as their fingers tapped furiously at the screens, their feet tapped too. Some stomped. Some even kicked. A few nobles were so worked up that they looked ready to flip the table if their connection lagged for even a second.

King Garick found it...astounding. And mortifying.

He and his aide sat there like dignified statues, the only two creatures in the room who weren’t furiously hammering away at their devices as though their lives depended on it.

But somehow, it really did.

Because, as guild guests, they could see the updated shop, but they couldn’t actually buy anything.

"!!!"

The King’s jaw tightened as he watched the numbers dwindle in real time.

Ice cream tubs: 100 to 0

Gone. In seconds.

He hadn’t even managed to touch his terminal before they vanished.

And it didn’t stop there.

Small milk bottles: 100 to 0.

Assorted fruit and vegetable baskets: 200 to 0.

Sourdough loaves: 200 to 0.

Garick’s lips parted slightly as he stared. Sourdough? What even was that? He didn’t know, but the fact that it was gone already made him irrationally upset.

Even the air in the lounge thickened with tension. The heavy, choking pressure only eased once all the limited items had hit zero.

Somehow, this was what finally calmed everyone down.

Because finally, they were only concentrating on the remaining items that all members were entitled to buy, provided they had sponsorship points and were within their limit.

It was Luca’s way of avoiding a monopoly, as the top sponsors and those with extreme skills would likely be able to buy everything if no purchase limits were in place. However, he also considered how it might be possible for some items not to be bought and thought of including those in the next store restock.

But clearly, he was the only person who thought that way, for everyone was sure that they’d be able to sell everything out. If they even decided to sell the dining sets, even those would be bought.

And sure enough, they were right. Because Luca really had underestimated how desperate these nobles were.

Even the kitchen utensils sold out.

"Madness," Garick muttered under his breath.

And it was the perfect word to describe what came next.

First, soft whimpers. Then laughter. Then full-on emotional breakdowns.

One noble clutched their wrists to their chest and sank to their knees, tears streaming down their face. "I DID IT! I GOT A TUB! I CAN FACE MY FAMILY AGAIN!"

Another collapsed into a chair, face pale with despair. "It’s over for me... I didn’t even get a loaf! How can I ever go home...?"

The room dissolved into a chorus of weeping, cheering, and manic laughter.

"I haven’t felt this kind of adrenaline since the frontlines!" cried one older noble, dabbing sweat from his brow.

"My hands are shaking..." another murmured in awe.

Someone else gasped, "And the best part—there’s still stuff everyone can buy! Even the old guys got something!"

Indeed. There were still plenty of staples available for all members, and that alone sparked another round of relieved applause.

But then the questions started.

"What’s a rice cooker?"

"What did I even buy just now?"

"Do you...cook the salad?"

And sure enough, a helpful member began reading aloud: "Each member is entitled to buy two dozen chicken eggs, five kilograms of rice, one order of breadsticks, and a fresh garden salad."

Another voice chimed in: "And don’t forget the condiments, rice cooker, oven, and kitchen utensils. You don’t want to miss those." He said, even though he had no idea how those items would be used.

Interest shot through the roof again.

That’s when Jax, in perfect timing, stepped forward once more with a knowing smile.

"To those who have time to watch the instructional videos," he announced smoothly, "we’ll begin screening them today. And for those who don’t, we can send them to your terminals for viewing at your convenience." 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

"...Now?" someone squeaked, looking around, confused.

"Yes," Jax replied pleasantly, "now."

The aide, still a little dazed, leaned toward Kira and whispered, "...Your Highness. What’s happening now?"

Admittedly, the red headed cadet already showed them a video, but the King and the aide weren’t really privy to the craze regarding the blended drinks. But who would dare admit that they were delayed in terms of the trends?!

No one. But now, it was rather difficult to hide their lack of knowledge when the others looked relatively prepared.

Kira grinned as she crossed her legs and gestured toward the big screen.

"We’re going to learn how to cook."

"Cook?" echoed the King himself, his brow furrowing.

"Yes, Father. Many of the items sold today are fresh. So everyone can cook them at home. But to make it easier, we have instructional cooking videos." King Garick blinked, his gaze sweeping over the frantic nobles still clutching their terminals and their precious receipts like priceless heirlooms.

They are selling ingredients? And people could bring them home...?

The concept stunned him.

But what stunned him even more was that he had just stood there and watched everything disappear—without getting to buy a single thing.

His fists clenched.

Was this...really possible?

He, the King of the Orcs, had just stood there and watched—watched—while everyone else ended up with something?!

King Garick’s massive hands clenched on the armrests of his chair, his jaw tight as his eyes swept the room.

He couldn’t believe it.

The aide, who was far too familiar with this exact expression of looming doom, swallowed hard. He’d seen his King this angry before—and it never spelled well.

Still, the old orc understood completely. How was it possible to miss such a windfall?!

But before Garick could erupt like the volcano everyone knew he was, Princess Kira, who’d been waiting patiently for her chance, finally spoke.

"Father," she said evenly, her hands folded, "if you have the time, I suggest you listen to this next part well so that you can ensure perfect quality."

"...What?" His sharp gaze cut to her, suspicious.

The aide, standing stiffly behind him, leaned forward slightly, his mouth opening as though to beg her to convince the King to leave quietly before things escalated.

Because right now, even he, who usually didn’t mind wars, felt deep in his bones that it would not be wise to pick a fight in a room packed full of humans brimming with spiritual energy.

Even he wasn’t stupid enough to recommend that.

But before he could say anything, the Princess dropped her next line.

"I’ve already bought a few of these," she said calmly, "and a bit more. I thought you would like to have them, too."

"HUH???"

It wasn’t just the King who reacted. The room itself froze, and a collective gasp rose like a wave. Even though the Princess had spoken in a measured tone, every ear in the room was tuned to her words.

"Explain yourself," Garick demanded, his voice a growl.

"Ah, Father," she said smoothly, "as an official guild member, we have access to a different shop. One that takes our contribution points into account. And as a perk..."

Her lips curved faintly, just shy of a smirk.

"...we get to buy before everyone else. So I bought them in advance. In preparation for your visit."

"WHAT?!"

The King nearly leapt to his feet, but Kira was already pulling up her terminal, scrolling through her purchases with infuriating calm.

"Here, Father," she said, holding it out. "You can see for yourself. With these in mind, you can take note of the recipes that interest you."

"!!!"

The King froze, staring down at the neat little list of purchases.

Gotcha, thought Kira, lowering her lashes to hide the glint of quiet triumph in her eyes.

And sure enough, the murmuring began again.

Every VIP in the room turned toward her now, their gazes sharp with envy and desperation.

She could feel it.

And she wanted to thank them all.