Before long, Rina descended gracefully from the upper floor, trailing a cloud of glimmering Ether particles behind her.
"Mission accomplished, Lord Lycaon."
She looked toward Lycaon and gave a polite bow.
"There's no need for formality among our own people, Rina," Lycaon reminded gently. Then he turned his gaze toward Eous, crouching down slightly. "My apologies, Miss Proxy. Because of our oversight, we ended up wasting far too much time on the way here."
Eous immediately waved both hands frantically. "No, no, no! It's not your fault we were suddenly attacked by that army of dolls. In fact, if it had been any other civilian organization, it might have turned out even worse."
"Failing to anticipate the presence of a strong enemy and allowing our operation to deviate from plan—that's a professional failure on the part of Victoria Housekeeping, Miss Proxy."
To Eous's surprise, Lycaon didn't argue or shift the blame. Instead, he calmly accepted responsibility.
Even so, Eous felt it was far too much. Pinning the blame on Victoria Housekeeping for something even a Legendary Proxy like herself hadn't predicted seemed unfair. She opened her mouth to protest—
—but Lycaon spoke again. "As an apology, if Miss Proxy wishes to commission Victoria Housekeeping again, we'll offer a fifty percent discount on your next request."
"Fifty… percent?"
Eous's eyes lit up immediately.
But remembering she was surrounded by Victoria Housekeeping's composed gentlemen and ladies, she forced herself to hide her excitement. Even though her heart was pounding wildly, Belle—linked to her through the interface—barely managed to suppress the smile tugging at her lips.
"Oh my, that's far too generous… Ahem! Well then, we should focus on the task at hand. To the, uh… central room—ah, no! The control room!"
"I'll lead the way!"
With that, Eous marched forward energetically, all trace of fear gone.
Lycaon and Rina exchanged a brief, knowing smile, called for Corin, and followed after her. As they walked, Lycaon calmly reattached the saw blade to Corin's weapon.
Eous took the lead, Victoria Housekeeping members flanking her on both sides.
As they approached the control room door, Lycaon remarked approvingly, "We haven't encountered a single Ethereal on the way. Truly worthy of a Legendary Proxy—you've managed to avoid every danger."
Rina nodded and added, "Indeed. Avoiding unnecessary combat is best. It minimizes risk and helps preserve our master's property. Miss Proxy, our master will certainly appreciate that."
Hearing this, Eous rubbed her ear shyly. "Hehe, I'm not as amazing as you make me sound!"
"Mm~"
Corin shook her head and gently lifted Eous into her arms, cradling her close. "No, Miss Proxy, you really are amazing. I remember Mr. Phaga and Sister Ellen saying they once met a Proxy who deliberately led people toward the Ethereal."
She smiled sweetly. "We didn't encounter a single one on our way here. That's all thanks to you, Miss Proxy!"
Hehe, keep going~~
More praise~~
Eous melted in Corin's arms, limp and content. The linked Belle, back in the real world, lounged comfortably in her chair with eyes closed, a satisfied grin curling across her face like a cat basking in sunlight.
Wise returned from the restroom, glanced at Belle, and frowned. "Fairy, what's with her?"
[Fairy: Assistant No. 2 rarely compliments her. Even Victoria Housekeeping, who barely just met her, managed to charm the master away.]
[Fairy: But I advise Assistant No. 2 not to interfere. This is the master's own choice.]
Wise rolled his eyes. "Fairy, you figured out that Victoria Housekeeping's pay can cover your electric bill, didn't you?"
[Fairy: Ehehe~!]
"Tch… unbelievable."
Wise sighed, rubbed his forehead, and sat down. "Alright then, how far has this gone? Has the situation with Phaga been resolved yet?"
According to the intel Corin had shared, there were five dolls in total. Victoria Housekeeping had already handled four of them—but the last one still hadn't appeared.
Chances were, that final doll was the one Phaga and Ellen were about to face.
[Fairy: For the record, I don't know what Victoria Housekeeping is planning—but it seems the master has completely forgotten that problem in the midst of all the flattery.]
Wise glanced over at his sister, who was still completely absorbed in the atmosphere Victoria Housekeeping had created. She was smiling like a fool, swaying happily in her chair as if she were floating.
He sighed again. "Fine. Let the kid enjoy herself."
He pulled Belle's chair aside and dragged another over for himself. "Fairy, transfer Eous's voice permissions to me."
[Fairy: Transferring...]
[Fairy: Transfer complete!]
"Members of Victoria Housekeeping," Wise's voice came calmly through Eous's body, "allow me to introduce myself. I'm Wise—the elder brother of the Proxy who just guided you here."
Aside from Lycaon, who was adjusting the circuits, both Rina and Corin turned to look.
Corin blinked in surprise. "Mr. Proxy, did you knock Miss Proxy out or something?"
"Belle's a bit dazed, yes—but that's not my doing."
Wise's tone was steady. "I only forced access to remind you all—it seems you've forgotten about Phaga and Ellen."
"From what I understand, they might be in danger. Don't you think it's time you—"
"Mr. Proxy, it's not that we don't care about Mr. Phaga and the others, it's just—just—"
Before Corin could finish, she felt a gentle hand rest on her shoulder.
Turning, she saw Rina smiling softly. "Let me handle this."
"Oh." Corin nodded and stepped aside.
Rina pulled Eous a little closer, her tone smooth and warm. "Tell me, Mr. Proxy—what do you think of the atmosphere within Victoria Housekeeping?"
"The atmosphere?" Wise paused thoughtfully. "I know a grassroots organization called the Cunning Hares. Their strength might be limited, but they're family. They argue, tease, and fight daily—but when it matters, they face hardship together, sharing both debts and burdens."
"I see Victoria Housekeeping as a family too. But compared to the Cunning Hares, yours feels warmer—guided by experienced elders and supported by dependable younger members."
Rina smiled faintly. "If that's the case, then why worry that we might forget about Phaga and Ellen?"
"Just because we haven't mentioned them?"
Wise fell silent for a moment. "Yes."
"Then there's no need to worry, Mr. Proxy."
Rina clasped her hands beneath her chin and continued, her tone serene but firm.
"Our care for family runs deeper than most could ever imagine."
"We know exactly where each member's limits lie."
"It's just the final doll. I'm confident Phaga and Ellen will handle it with ease."
"And besides," she added with a gentle smile, "we've already sent them all the intelligence on the last doll through their earpieces."