Apocalypse Queen: My Space, My Rules Chapter 80: Fuel in the Storm

Mariella didn't hesitate. "I'm already in Jaranda. Send me the location."

She hadn't expected Kieran to work this fast. She thought it would take at least a couple of days.

As soon as she received the coordinates, she stored the small helicopter and pulled out the massive transport helicopter instead.

Time to switch rides and haul aviation fuel.

...

The Jaranda Fuel Depot was located halfway up a mountain, so it hadn't been flooded.

Chandler piloted the transport helicopter down smoothly. Mariella gave Kieran's name and explained that payment had already been made.

At the mention of Kieran, the staff immediately understood.

As they worked, they chatted casually, unable to resist some gossip. "Did you hear? The fuel depot in Jaranda got flooded. That's why the son of the richest family bought twenty tons of aviation fuel here."

Mariella blinked. "Mr. Hancock just bought aviation fuel?"

"10,000,000,000 for 20 tons. Only the Hancocks could throw money around like that."

Mariella understood immediately. Kieran had bought twenty tons and set aside two tons for her.

In the current market, even though fuel prices had skyrocketed to absurd levels, money alone didn't guarantee you could buy any.

She quietly noted the favor.

Once the two tons were loaded into the transport helicopter, Chandler took off smoothly.

"Let's switch back to the small helicopter," Mariella suggested.

This giant burned too much fuel, and aviation fuel was far too precious to waste.

Chandler agreed. He returned to the mountain valley and switched aircraft.

The smaller helicopter lifted off again, heading back toward Liraelith.

...

On the way back, Mariella sent Kieran a message.

Along with thanking him, she added a reminder, "There's no telling when the disaster will end. Prices are rising fast, and currency is losing value. So, converting into essential supplies is the smarter move."

A moment later, Kieran replied, "Got it. Thanks for the reminder."

For once, his tone was unusually serious.

Mariella figured he had already realized how severe things were. Otherwise, he wouldn't have stocked up on fuel himself.

Since her rebirth, Kieran had helped her more than once. Even though their relationship was purely transactional, she had a good impression of him.

If she could help, she would. If something needed saying, she'd say it.

As for whether he listened, that was up to him.

By the time they returned to Liraelith, dusk had fallen.

Chandler landed on the rooftop of the exhibition center. Mariella stored the helicopter, and the two of them descended from it.

Although the rain had stopped, the water level hadn't gone down. Instead, it had risen to the sixth or seventh floor.

It was unusual, but no one seemed to notice.

With the storm over, people were rushing out to search for supplies.

Inflatable boats, kayaks, and even makeshift rafts filled the flooded streets.

As night deepened, flashlights flickered on everywhere, scattered like insects foraging in the dark.

Mariella chose a secluded spot and pulled out the inflatable boat.

The two of them headed back to Celestine Ridge.

...

Near the waterfront of Celestine Ridge, the streetlights were all broken—courtesy of Mariella—and the surveillance cameras had been destroyed by Harvey's people. No one had repaired them yet.

Mariella and Chandler came ashore. Seeing no one around, she stored the boat and took out the pickup truck.

Chandler drove while Mariella rested with her eyes closed in the passenger seat. Soon, they arrived back at No. 98.

After scanning the license plate, the heavy iron gates slowly opened, and the vehicle drove in.

Lucky was the first to rush over, wagging his tail and nuzzling against his owner.

Mariella patted his head gently.

Matthew and Serena came out, along with Number One and the rest of the bodyguard team.

Mariella picked up Serena as she ran into her arms, while Chandler quietly spoke with Number One.

Matthew smiled. "We just finished preparing dinner. How about a drink tonight?"

Mariella raised an eyebrow. "What's the occasion?"

"Try their cooking first, and take a look at the vegetables and bean sprouts they've been growing," Matthew said, clearly confident in his apprentices.

Mariella smiled. "All right. Let's open some champagne tonight. Everyone can have a little."

...

The bodyguards' cooking had improved significantly, and their hydroponic vegetables were growing well. The bean sprouts were thriving too.

It was clear they hadn't wasted time staying behind at the villa. They had been training, cooking, and continuing to learn how to cultivate food.

Mariella had gained a lot today. Every flooded vehicle in her storage space had been repaired, keys had been made, and she had successfully secured two tons of aviation fuel.

At dinner, she drank a little more than usual. Using fatigue as an excuse, she returned to her room early to rest.