Though Belle was speaking to Zane, it was like she didn't even acknowledge his personal space.
"Um, you probably don't know this, but there's huge demand for you on the Hollows forum…"
"Earlier, I set up an official merchandise shop on Nicole's recommendation. Sales and demand have been through the roof, but the problem is, I just don't have the capacity to handle it."
"Even with help, we barely managed to put together some basic info bundles. We're short on both manpower and resources…"
Belle spoke seriously, her tone all business.
"This could be a major income stream. I can figure out the staffing issue, but the resources…"
Zane listened with a creeping sense of unease.
"So what exactly are you planning?"
"Zane, could you transform and let me take a few photo sets? They'd be a huge hit. And I want to gather image references to produce some figures…"
Seeing Zane's face darken, Belle quickly added,
"Don't worry, I'll handle the stylists and photographers. You just need to cooperate. I'll tell everyone you're wearing a full-body suit…"
"Right, right! There are tons of outfit—wait, I mean paint job—designs already posted on the forum. All that's left is to make them real!"
The more she spoke, the more excited she got, completely ignoring Wise's silent, frantic signaling.
"See? With a proper paint job, you're not even technically naked anymore. No need to be shy—just show yourself with confidence..."
The moment Belle finished, a sharp flash of light streaked through the room, followed by the piercing cry of a hawk.
...
"You sure you're okay with this?"
Wise chuckled and said,
"Haha, don't worry. Dennies are meant to be spent—and honestly, that electric bill was money well spent."
"Besides, Fairy's forecasts have never been wrong. She says the future bills, while still a bit high, won't be a real burden."
"Good to hear."
Zane nodded slightly, seated on the sofa.
The room fell into a momentary silence. Just as Zane was about to shift to business, Wise suddenly spoke again.
"By the way, Zane—what do you think of Belle's personality?"
Zane turned to look at him, raising an eyebrow.
"What's this about?"
Wise smiled, shaking his head.
"She's not actually carefree. She just has a clear sense of priorities, so it seems that way sometimes…"
Hearing this, Zane nodded with a sigh.
"So you're worried I might misunderstand her? Don't be. I can see what you mean."
"In fact, I think she's got a pretty great personality."
Zane gave a small smile.
"She's smart—she understands what kind of relationships work best for herself and others. I'd guess she was probably really well-liked before?"
Wise relaxed slightly and thought for a moment.
"In the past, huh…"
Memories flickered in his mind. He paused for a second or two before shaking his head and smiling.
"Yeah, she was. Belle could always get along with others, no matter where she went."
"Hmm? (Where's Belle?)"
Just then, Eous walked in from the shop and looked up at them.
"Hmm, hmm. (There's a customer. The 18 and the purple-haired lady can't handle it.)"
Zane glanced at Wise—he was the only one who could step in right now.
After all, Belle was sound asleep.
Well… deliberately so.
"Alright, I'll go handle it."
Wise nodded and stood up. He knew why Zane was here today—after all, it was something they'd agreed on. But there was still some time before the meeting.
As Zane watched him leave, he looked down to find Panta had plopped down beside him, the little black cat that had followed him from Hollow Zero now lounging on Panta's head.
"You two really do get along…"
...
Time passed.
Somewhere in the Janus District of New Eridu.
"You're sure this is the place?"
Zane leaned against a vending machine, scanning the ordinary surroundings with a soft voice.
He wasn't wearing a mask this time—after all, he was here pretending to be the legendary Proxy "Phaethon."
"Yup. It has to be someplace normal like this. If you meet somewhere sketchy and act suspicious, everyone will know something's up…"
As she spoke, Belle frowned at the vending machine in front of her. Why did it look exactly like the one on Sixth Street?
Typical. Takes money, gives nothing back.
She kicked it twice.
Bang! Bang!
Two bottles dropped into the tray.
Belle nodded in satisfaction.
Some things never fail.
She picked up one bottle, tossed it to Zane, then opened the other and started drinking.
Zane caught his, but didn't open it right away. He looked at her curiously.
"Aren't you broke?"
"You don't look the slightest bit affected…"
Belle set down her bottle and waved him off, snickering.
"My brother always claims he doesn't have a secret stash. So this time, I used my own funds."
"But actually, I know exactly where he hides his money."
"And now, my brother's emergency fund has been officially confiscated!"
She crossed her arms with a proud little smirk.
Good thing she'd waited to reveal that bit—saved it for just the right moment…
By the time her brother figured it out, it'd be too late. He'd have no one to complain to and nothing to do about it.
"Huh? And you think that's okay?"
"Hmph! What's wrong with it? What's mine is mine, and what's his is also mine. Any problems? Nope!"
Zane took a sip and offered a quiet prayer for Wise.
Earlier, the guy had said he was going to stock up on new documentaries during this trip. He didn't have much cash, but his secret stash could cover it.
Well… not anymore.
"Hm? A Thiren with white wings? That's rare. I remember seeing something about that on the wiki…"
Suddenly, a pink-haired woman caught Belle's eye.
She stopped at a spot nearby, and Belle's eyes widened in surprise.
"Huh? She's the mystery contact?"
Zane's gaze was also fixed on Xin. Hearing Belle's whisper, he silently put a hand to his forehead.
Tch. He really should've guessed sooner.
Military. High rank. Strong interest in the Fire Pickers… Yeah, Xin was always a prime suspect.
But seriously…
Small world.
After a bit of thought, Zane made his decision.
He was going to stand her up.
One clue was enough. Give her a second, and the risk of exposure shot up.
Especially with someone as sharp as her…