Big ambitions

The four of you sit down to eat, and as usual it’s a delicious meal. Mazzy really is a fantastic cook, and really enjoys cooking in general. At first, conversation is light, with Ellie haltingly sharing her story with Dakota. Dakota listens closely, and Ellie seems to warm to her quickly. You suppose the petite human woman is less threatening than you were to her at first, plus the little goblin is clearly comforted by having both you and Mazzy beside her.

Towards the end of the meal, though, Dakota looks at you more seriously. “Ok, so. Like you were saying, you don’t make a ton of money. I make even less. But what if I told you that I have an idea to fix that?”

You chuckle. “Please don’t pitch me a get rich quick scheme, Dakota.”

Mazzy giggles. “I’m sure she’s smarter than that, Brian! We should hear her out.”

You nod. “Fair enough.”

Dakota smiles. “No, it’s more involved than that, and it would probably be a lot of work, but I think it’s a great idea!”

You lift an eyebrow. “Go ahead, don’t keep us all in suspense.”

She grins. “Well, I was thinking. Mazzy loves cooking, and Ellie is learning, right? What if we were to open a monster girl cafe? We could invite other sponsors and their girls to help! And I bet the AWIO would pitch in, because we would be giving monster girls a place to work and interact with people safely.”

Mazzy claps her hands, her eyes lighting up. “Oh! That sounds great! We could meet so many other sponsors and girls! And girls without sponsors could get out of the facility for a while, too!”

You shake your head. “This seems like a big plan. And where would we get the money for starting up? And it seems a bit dangerous. I wouldn’t want you three in danger.”

Dakota grins. “I thought of that. That’s why we would want the AWIO involved! I bet they could help fund it! And we could hire some of the more…intimidating girls as well!”

You chuckle. “And this has nothing to do with your comments about finding a ‘mommy’, right?”

Dakota giggles. “No comment.”

Ellie tugs on your sleeve. “C-can I say something?”

You smile at her. “You don’t have to ask, Ellie. Go ahead.”

The little goblin pushes some food around on her plate, looking away as she talks. “I l-like the idea. It s-sounds fun.”

Mazzy grins. “Yeah! So you’re outvoted, Brian! We should do it!”

You chuckle. “Tell you what. We’ll make a trip to the AWIO this week and see what they say. We can’t do anything without their support.”

Dakota nods. “Sounds great! Can I come?”

You smile. “Of course. It’s your idea, after all. And…you’re one of us, aren’t you?”

Dakota blushes. “I suppose I am, aren’t I?

Mazzy bounces excitedly.