The story of when Rita’s pregnancy was discovered was approximately one and a half years after Latina started going to school.
What Dale said as an ice-breaker as well as words of blessing were,
“If the children are going to increase then…. would it be better for me and Latina to get out of here?”
and were only words because he was concerned about the landlord’s family growing but, landlord couple replied to that with,
“Ah. I don’t mind if you leave but, leave Latina behind”
“True. I do want Latina to stay behind. I don’t care where you go though”
like so, an unanimous reply.
“Haa?”
“Well, you see?”
“Ahh. From here on, with the pregnancy and child-rearing, if Rita’s time in the shop is limited then, this shop won’t run without Latina. Maybe I’ll ask help from my parents as well”
Kenneth says matter-of-factly towards Dale.
“….You guys, are you really going to work Latina so hard?”
“How disrespectful. We even pay her properly?”
“Ha?”
Kenneth’s statement was a first for him. Kenneth mutters, “Speaking of which, I never told you huh”, towards Dale, who was astonished.
“Latina is legitimately employed, she’s 『Dancing Ocelot(Our)』 employee, you know. Since she’s still a child, and since she’s exempt from working late at night, her part of the pay is lower though. She gets an appropriate sum of money”
He says, puffing his chest out.
“Eh? But, I, have never seen, Latina, hold that much money”
Kenneth said carelessly towards what Dale said, despite him shaking slightly.
“Isn’t it because she’s putting it in a savings account?”
Just like that.
–The beginning of that goes back to more than half a year ago.
Latina who was trotting over next to Kenneth, like a habit, was looking slightly troubled.
“What’s wrong? Did something happen?”
Towards Kenneth who was acting like that, Latina started to speak with a troubled looking expression, as if it was hard to say.
“Anone, Anone…. Latina. I have a request. Is that alright?”
“….Whether it’s alright or not, I don’t know if you don’t ask”
Kenneth urges as if perplexed as well.
“Anone…. Latina, wants, money but”
“Money? Is there something you want? Why didn’t you ask Dale?”
At Kenneth’s inquiry, Latina made a troubled face.
“Dale ne, gives Latina lots of various things. If I ask, he’ll also buy me lots of things.
….If I ask that I want money then, I think he’ll give me a lot. ….But, I think he’ll ask me, what I’ll use it on”
“Well. Probably. ….You probably have all the things you want right? What’s happened?”
“Latina, wants my own money”
Going back and forth repeatedly as if she was slightly troubled, Latina wasn’t very used to 『Asking people for help』. This child was a child which had not, until that point, been selfish nor unreasonable.
Kenneth too, if it’s Latina’s request then, as long as it wasn’t too ridiculous wanted to hear it out. However, he also has a some hesitant feelings, whether it’s good to hide matters regarding money from her 『Guardian』. Which is why he didn’t say yes right away.
“Dale, always, gives Latina lots of gifts but. …..Latina, can’t give anything back….”
Just like that, she, gave her reason.
“Nn…. Ahh. Speaking of which…. that Dale’s birthday is coming up soon huh?”
“Un. Latina, wants to prepare a present”
Revealing a small smile, as if she was embarrassed, she looked up at Kenneth.