Later
"...." Caelus can be seen sitting down on the hospital bed while Zhu Yuan and Qingyi stare at him with a disapproving look. The nurse (who happens to be the same nurse that took care of him last time, and he found out her name is Lucy) can't help but giggle while watching the scene from a distance. Meanwhile, Slyboo can be seen charging at the charging port.
"You know, I was expecting more from you," Qingyi says as Caelus winces a bit. "Why did you decide to go to Hollow?"
"...honestly, I'm a bit scared by what might happen," Caelus admits. "Things could go wrong at any time, and oftentimes, it did. It's a gut feeling, but the last time I ignored that, my parents..."
"...I think this is also part of our negligence to not pay much attention to your mental health, especially after the experience you had." Zhu Yuan says while rubbing the bridge of her nose. "We're gonna recommend you some therapist-!"
"I'm sorry, but can I refuse?" Caelus cuts her off, earning a pair of stares from both female officers. The trio blatantly ignores the loud giggle in the background.
"This is non-negotiable, Caelus. It's for your sake," Zhu Yuan insists.
"I know I have a problem, and I'm thankful you did this much for my sake," Caelus says honestly, causing both officers to blink in surprise. "But, no offense, officers. I would rather not open up my feelings and my issues to some random strangers just because you guys recommended and trust them."
"...That's...fair," Zhu Yuan mutters as Qingyi rolls her eyes.
"You humans and your emotions, always complicating things," Qingyi says as both Zhu Yuan and Caelus give her a deadpan stare.
"I would rather not complain if I were you, Senior Qingyi." Zhu Yuan says. "Out of all Intelligent Constructs that exist in New Eridu, you're the only one easily mistaken for being human, and it was for your complex emotions."
"...Zhu Yuan, it is rather rude to make fun of your senior," Qingyi says blankly.
"I didn't make fun of you, I simply pointed out the facts!" Zhu Yuan exclaims, and Caelus let out a chuckle, before Zhu Yuan shut him up with a stare. "And don't think you're not out of trouble, Caelus!"
"Yes, ma'am..." Caelus squeaks. "So...how long am I in prison?"
"...because this is your first offense as an official New Eridu resident, you have merely gotten off with a warning. The second time you break the law, then you'll get a proper punishment." Zhu Yuan says with a sigh before smiling a bit. "And also, given how your contribution on saving citizens of the Canvas Street and shrinking down the Dead End Hollow, you will be rewarded handsomely."
"...honestly, given that I'm in deep trouble, I wasn't expecting to be rewarded at all," Caelus admits.
"We did consider not rewarding you for all the trouble you caused," Qingyi admits. "But, the citizens wished you, along with the Cunning Hares, to be rewarded for saving their lives."
"...what happened to the Cunning Hares?" Caelus asks in concern.
"We're not arresting them, so don't worry too much," Qingyi says while glancing away. "Although Seth has been complaining about it. We give them a warning as well, but given their records, I doubt it."
"...So, Vision..." Caelus begins.
"They're getting shut down for attempted genocide," Qingyi says bluntly. "Those employees working under Perlman but were kept in the dark about the genocide got scot-free, while those who participated in it will get proper punishment."
"...Perlman got himself into a very deep legal trouble, right?" Caelus asks.
"...what are you thinking, Caelus?" Qingyi asks.
"Well, I come up with a 'killing two birds with a stone' idea," Caelus suggests. "This will keep Perlman from getting scot-free and also keep the Cunning Hares from another illegal trouble."
"...if you're some stranger, we'll outright dismiss you," Zhu Yuan admits before sighing. "But, sure, what idea do you have?"
"Well, given how much trouble Perlman had caused, it's no doubt the Canvas Street will sue him and the Vision Corporation for compensation. Well, my suggestion is to hire Nicole of the Cunning Hare to represent Canvas Street in the court as their lawyer. They're known to accept any type of odd jobs, and an acting lawyer is one of them," Caelus suggests.
"...I know this is a bad idea..." Qingyi groans.
"Come on, this is a great idea," Caelus suggests. "And no offense, I bet Perlman will have a shrewd lawyer who will play with the law's loophole like a puppetmaster. So, who else would be a perfect counter against it? Besides, Nicole is cunning enough to prevent loan sharks from chasing her and her team to the edge of the world."
"...is there a reason why you suggested her?" Qingyi asks.
"...I admit, I may want them to be out of trouble, but it's also a compensation for them," Caelus admits. "I...got her and her teams in trouble with the Dead End Butcher, and they might've lost their lives, and they knew about it, but they still chose to help me. So I...owe them in some way. This will be my way to repay them."
"...I guess hiring them might not be a bad idea," Qingyi mutters. "Not to mention, they gained the trust of the civilians from Canvas Street, so it'll be an easier process to have a...trustworthy person represent them."
"Thank you for considering, officers," Caelus says with a smile before pondering. "Also...is there a way to get into Hollow without any legal trouble?"
"And pray tell why?" Zhu Yuan asks, her eyes twitching as she gives him a sweet smile.
"I-I didn't want to get into another trouble like this, and even troubling you," Caelus says while waving his hands. "And...I have a feeling I might get my asses into the Hollow, intentional or not...either saving someone or anything similar..."
"...this isn't your first rodeo, ain't it?" Zhu Yuan deadpans, before pinching the bridge of the nose. "I am reconsidering giving you rewards."
"...sorry," Caelus says apologetically.
"Don't say it if you didn't mean it," Zhu Yuan retorts.
"...HIA might consider accepting you as their member," QIngyi suggests.
"Senior..." Zhu Yuan groans.
"It's better to keep him from legal trouble," Qingyi replies. "Given your Ether Apitude, they will welcome you with open arms. And unlike the Public Security, their test wouldn't be much trouble, especially when you beat the Dead End Butcher."
"So...all the examiners from the PubSec entrance exam moved to HIA?" Caelus asks.
"Yes, and I hope you didn't follow in their footsteps." Zhu Yuan warns.
"...how many of them got into legal troubles?" Caelus asks in concern.
"Yes," Both officers say in a deadpan manner.
"...can you recommend me books to study law?" This made Zhu Yuan sigh in relief before nodding to his question.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Later
"Caelus!" Nicole attempts to tackle Caelus into a hug, but he skillfully dodges her attempt before moving away from her. Caelus had brought the officers to join their celebrations, which made the Cunning Hare wary at first before Zhu Yuan explained why they were there.
Since Nicole had gotten a job that gives her a shit-ton of Denny and it's all thanks to Caelus, her reactions are justifiable. Not only did she get free food for a day and rewards for their involvement, but she also landed a job. It's a triple jackpot in a day. At first, she thought it was a dream, but after confirming that it wasn't, she instantly targeted her unexpected lucky charm, trying not to let him escape from her grasp.
"Nicole, please. You're only scaring him," Anby says with a deadpan manner while grabbing the back of her collar, stopping her boss from getting to Caelus. Meanwhile, Slyboo is with Amillion, talking to each other while ignoring the sapients.
"With this many rewards, we could at least pay all of our debts and even be left with more for ourselves!" Billy exclaims before hugging Caelus happily. "Thank you so much, Manager's twin!"
"...Zhu Yuan, I have reconsidered the lawyer's candidate," Caelus says in a deadpan tone, horrified Billy and Nicole.
"NO!!!" They exclaim before Nicole kicks down Billy and bashes him with her suitcase.
"This is your fault!" Nicole says as she keeps hitting the Intelligent Construct.
"I'm sorry!" Billy comically cries, earning snorts from both officers.
"So, Caelus," Anby calls, getting Caelus's attention. "Do you have a place in mind for the celebration?"
"Well, my idea is your favorite fast food restaurant," Anby froze upon hearing this before drool started to escape her mouth. Then, she grabs Caelus' hands with zero hesitation, sparkles coming out of her eyes like in anime.
"Please join the Cunning Hare," Anby says, earning cheers from Nicole and Billy.
"I would rather avoid another legal trouble," Caelus replies with a sweatdrop before gently putting away Anby's hands, earning a pout from her. "By the way, where's Nekomiya? Didn't she join you?"
"I-I'm here!" Nekomiya rushes towards them with a bunch of stray cats, followed by her, panting in exhaustion. The moment the stray cats get closer, they immediately move towards Caelus and start rubbing their body on Caelus's feet. "E-Eh!?!"
"Um..." Caelus is unsure how to react. He had a suspicion that his new body had a presence that attracted animals, but since it only happened twice, he didn't think too much about it. Now, with the number of cats being overly friendly towards him, the evidence can no longer be denied.
"N-no, my babies..." Nekomiya mutters in dismay as she raises her hand, trying to reach the cats, but they continue to ignore her. "WAAHH!!! DON'T LEAVE ME, MY BABIES!!!"
"A-ah!!" Caelus panicked before glancing at the cats. "U-um, guys, return to your mama?"
The cats let out a mew before following his orders. This stopped Nekomiya from crying, and she hugged every one of the cats. Caelus swears he hears the cats begging for help, but he deliberately ignores them, not wanting any trouble with Nekomiya.
"...well, that was something," Qingyi says with a teasing smile, earning a groan from Caelus.
"Please don't make fun of my Disney princess-esque ability involving animals." Caelus mutters.
"What?" Qingyi says in confusion.
"...nevermind,"
To be Continued