"Huh?! You're not an investigator!"
Corin's voice grew loud with disbelief, clearly shaken by the revelation.
Wise, meanwhile, wanted to clarify that he was indeed a Hollow investigator, just not one operating in this region.
At that moment, Lycaon calmly spoke up once more.
"There's no need for such caution. Victoria Housekeeping answers only to its employers. We do not discriminate against unofficial personnel working within the Hollow, and more importantly, you are Corin's benefactors. If you are willing to speak honestly, we will extend our hospitality and offer whatever assistance we can."
With the other side already laying their cards on the table, Wise saw no point in continuing the pretense.
"Well, look at it this way. I can finally tell Corin and Ellen the truth. To be clear, everyone, I'm actually a Proxy."
He then went on to explain why he had come to the Ballet Twins, carefully omitting Rain's true role.
"I never expected you to be the legendary Proxy Phaethon, nor that your visit here was to search for a missing friend."
After understanding Wise's identity and purpose, Lycaon's tone softened considerably, while Ellen and Corin beside him were still visibly surprised.
Ellen was quietly thinking, 'So he's really Phaethon… that explains how he stopped my tail so easily.'
What she didn't know was that Wise was the only one capable of doing it. If Belle had taken that blow, she would have undoubtedly suffered serious harm.
"Lycaon, are there any noteworthy clues in the building?"
Wise had planned to ask if anyone else had been spotted, but Lycaon stated that the Carrot data supplied by the officials was extremely old. Because of that, even they were unable to properly assess the conditions within the building.
"Brother! We've got a serious problem! Nicole just contacted me. She said that when she reached the helipad, she found out that everyone registered there belongs to Cunning Hares, and the Judiciary is demanding Anby and the others show up!"
Just then, Belle suddenly interjected into the conversation, her voice tense and hurried, instantly complicating the situation.
After all, once Anby and the others left, how were they supposed to continue searching for Rain? Would Wise have to enter the Hollow himself?
"Please excuse my intrusion, but I'd like to offer a suggestion. Why not have the Proxy move together with us? The Proxy is looking for someone, and we're being restricted by outdated Hollow data. Cooperation might allow both sides to achieve their goals."
Wise considered Lycaon's words and chose not to decline. Aside from everything else, the other party's team included two familiar faces and demonstrated reliable combat capability.
Lycaon made this suggestion for two main reasons. On one hand, his companions were acquainted with Wise, and on the other, because of the reputation carried by the legendary Proxy.
It turned out that having some fame carried real advantages, particularly during cooperation, as it prevented others from underestimating him.
Still, Wise had no choice but to send Anby and the others out of the Hollow first, forcing the investigation of the building to be put on hold.
Once they exited the Hollow, the three members of Cunning Hares quickly made their way toward an airship.
Coincidentally, the airship bound for the Supreme Tribunal would also pass by the Ballet Twins.
At the time, Belle even joked about whether there was an option to board halfway, never expecting that such a casual remark would later come true.
"Phew, thank goodness we encountered the Victoria Housekeeping team today. If we hadn't, Brother, you would've been forced to search the Hollow for Rain."
Even if it was a bit selfish, Belle still hoped her brother wouldn't take on risks he didn't need to, no matter how capable she knew he was.
"Also, I had Fairy look up Victoria Housekeeping online. Their service fees are insanely high. Just like they said, their clients are probably all high-net-worth individuals."
As Belle said that, she recalled how Ellen and Corin had once provided maid service to Wise together.
It was practically a firsthand experience of services meant for high-net-worth individuals, and fortunately, it hadn't cost them anything. Otherwise, the expenses would have been overwhelming.
"Hmm, if we establish a stable cooperative relationship with them, our information channels could expand as well. So, before heading into the Hollow, I'll go to the Ballet Twins to greet them," Wise said, pushing the door open before leaving.
By the time he arrived at his destination and got out of the car, Lycaon was already standing nearby. As Wise approached, intending to greet him, Lycaon spoke first.
"You must be Proxy Phaethon. Corin and Ellen already mentioned you to me."
That introduction, however, had only included his name and appearance, more than enough for recognition at first glance.
When Lycaon had asked about his looks, the answer he received was that he was extremely handsome. Seeing him now, Lycaon found the description perfectly accurate.
"Yes, that's me. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Lycaon."
"You flatter me. It is an honor for Victoria Housekeeping to meet you."
After a brief exchange of greetings, Lycaon mentioned that Eous was not feeling well due to the humidity and was currently under Rina's care.
Wise, upon hearing this, was about to head over directly when Lycaon called him back.
"Although I know this may be impolite, out of concern for my colleague, I still need to ask, what is your relationship with Ellen?"
The question itself wasn't unexpected. The members of Victoria Housekeeping were more like a family than coworkers.
Lycaon especially filled the role of a parent, so it was only natural for him to worry about Ellen, a child who had lost her parents at a young age.
"More than friends, less than lovers."
Wise didn't shy away from the question. If they truly ended up together, this was something he would have to face sooner or later.
Lycaon wasn't surprised by the answer. From how Ellen behaved and how she reacted whenever Wise was mentioned, it was obvious their relationship wasn't a simple one.
"I understand. In that case, please take good care of her and don't let her down. Ellen didn't have many friends growing up, and things have only begun to change in recent years."
Lycaon didn't say much, but nearly every word carried the same message, a quiet reminder for Wise to cherish Ellen.
He chose not to use threats. Such methods often pushed people away.
Still, if Wise ever did anything to hurt Ellen, then Lycaon, along with the rest of Victoria Housekeeping, wouldn't hesitate to act in ways that were far from polite.
With that, the conversation came to an end. When Wise finally arrived, the only thing he saw was Rina standing there with two small floating robots beside her, gently massaging Eous head.
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