Sixth Street, inside the Video Store
It was already nearing evening.
The members of the Cunning Hares arrived here, their bodies laden with exhaustion.
"Rin, Wise, this commission might require the Dumb Fox to come along."
"Twiggy's situation is a bit troublesome."
"She was bought by people from New Eridu's largest organ trafficking company."
"What's worse is that when those black-hearted bastards found Twiggy, she was already severely eroded by Etheric Corruption."
"So they cut off Twiggy's limbs..."
Belle said, her face showing signs of fatigue.
She had been busy running around these past few days, only to end up with such tragic news.
The only good news was that Twiggy was still alive; once she was rescued, they could fit her with prosthetic limbs, and she could live like a normal person again.
Although the cost of purchasing prosthetics might be a bit expensive, her Cunning Hares was a large and successful establishment—they could afford this much.
"What?!"
"How could this happen?!"
"Belle, if there's anywhere we can be of use, just say the word."
"We will definitely do everything in our power to help you."
Rin listened to Belle's words, frowning as she spoke seriously.
"That's right, Belle."
"Whatever you need, just say it. We'll help however we can."
"Saving the person is the priority right now."
Wise added, equally concerned.
"I've already contacted the people at the Public Security Bureau."
"When dealing with this kind of underworld organization, it's best to bring in people from the authorities."
"We want to save the person, and they want to dismantle this criminal organization. Plus, this gang is quite large, and I'm afraid of the risks. That's why I need the Dumb Fox's strength."
"This way, we can also avoid many accidents."
"However, the specific plan needs to be discussed in person. I've arranged to meet them tomorrow morning at Light Reflection Square. Rin, bring the Dumb Fox with you then."
Belle laid out her plan, though the details still required a face-to-face meeting.
Rin nodded upon hearing this. Seeing this, Belle prepared to call her people back to get some proper rest, only to find that Nekomata and Anby had already fallen asleep back-to-back.
"Billy, you're strong, you carry Anby."
As she spoke, Belle picked up the lighter Nekomata on her back.
Seeing this, Billy carried Anby and followed her out of the Video Store.
"Rin, Aya, get some rest early."
"I'm going to give Eous a check-up so he doesn't drop the ball at a critical moment."
Wise said quietly. Although he didn't know Twiggy, he still felt pity after hearing Belle's description.
...
Early the next morning.
Hoshimi Miyabi arrived at the entrance of the Video Store early with her father.
Just as Hoshimi Miyabi was about to knock, she was stopped by her father.
"Um, Mi-chan."
"Wait a moment, let your father build up the right mood first, alright?!"
Soichiro said, wiping non-existent sweat from his forehead.
Hoshimi Miyabi nodded in response; to be honest, she was also a bit nervous.
But in order not to show it, she could only practice maintaining a calm exterior while being nervous inside to relieve the pressure.
Fortunately, with her father taking the lead, she didn't have to be quite that anxious.
Meanwhile, inside the Video Store.
"Master, there seem to be two guests outside the door."
"It looks like they want to come in to rent a videotape, but they don't dare to knock."
Fairy spoke up to remind them.
"Guests?!"
"Why would someone come so early in the morning?"
Rin asked, puzzled.
"I'll go open the door."
"Coming this early, they must have a videotape they really want to rent."
"There's still some time before our appointment, let's open up for business first."
With that, Hoshimi Aya got up, left the secret room, and went to the entrance.
But after opening the door, Hoshimi Aya stared blankly at the two people standing there for a moment before immediately slamming the door shut!
Hoshimi Aya hid behind the door, her eyes filled with disbelief.
WTF!!!
She must be hallucinating!!
How did she see Hoshimi Miyabi blocking the door with someone who looked just like her father from the TV!!!
Refusing to believe her eyes, Hoshimi Aya opened the door a crack to take another look.
Then, she silently closed the door again and locked it.
Hoshimi Aya:...
No!!
How did they find this place?!
She hadn't exposed her whereabouts at all!!
How was her location compromised?!
Inside the secret room, Rin and Wise heard the door open and close twice and came out.
"What's wrong, Aya?!"
"Didn't Fairy say there were guests in a hurry?"
"Aya, why aren't you letting them in?"
Rin looked at Hoshimi Aya's bitter face in confusion, not knowing what was going on.
"...Rin, I think I'm being cornered!"
"The ones at the door are Hoshimi Miyabi and her father!"
"Why didn't Fairy say clearly who was coming?!"
"If I'd known it was them, I would have gone upstairs to hide."
"They already saw me when I opened the door just now."
Hoshimi Aya pointed toward the door.
Her current mood was incredibly complicated; she didn't know what to do!
They were already at the front door—where else could she run?!
...
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