While Ellen returned to Victoria Housekeeping for a commission, Ruby and her two friends were discussing things on the other side. They were curious about why Ellen had been so exhausted over the past few days.
The video store job seemed fairly relaxed, especially since Wise was very capable. It shouldn't have been enough to leave her this exhausted.
Besides, knowing his personality, he wouldn't let Ellen attend class while she was exhausted, right?
Moreover, Ellen had already been working part-time before her relationship with Wise was confirmed, making the situation even more suspicious.
After all, even without any additional physical labor, Ellen would still work late into the night. Now, it seemed obvious that she wasn't simply acting as a receptionist at the video store.
The three of them unanimously decided to investigate the matter.
However, this decision would also put Ellen in a difficult position.
Afterward, Koleda, who had been informed beforehand, arrived as promised.
"Wise, are you hungry? I just bought some tonics."
"Huh? Tonics?"
Wise was about to ask why Koleda would suddenly consider this when she quickly continued.
"Yes, because a project was recently completed, and everyone worked very hard. So I bought some tonics to reward everyone. Of course, I also bought some for you and Belle."
As she spoke, Koleda took out a bottle of high-calcium, high-protein Captain Cow milk and a can of Spey Cola from her bag.
'So this is what she meant by tonics? Well, it actually looks pretty good...'
<<>>
Two days later, before the video store opened, someone knocked on the door.
'Who could be calling at this hour?' Wise wondered as he walked toward the entrance.
"It's you, Mr. Lycaon."
"Hello, Master Wise. Thank you both for your assistance with the commission Ellen carried out earlier."
Lycaon politely expressed his gratitude, and Wise quickly waved his hand.
"No need to be so polite. It's what we should do. But, Mr. Lycaon, are you here regarding the follow-up to the commission?"
Wise asked this with some curiosity.
"Yes. We have verified the documents and materials recovered from the previous commission. After comparing them with the client's records, we discovered that the only missing item was a private video belonging to the client."
"The video's contents were stored inside a Bangboo. During the Hollow disaster that year, that Bangboo disappeared in the chaos."
Lycaon paused before continuing.
"However, since the Bangboo was not destroyed or recovered, it may still be following its original instructions. After discussing it with the client, they still wish for it to be retrieved. I will send you the Bangboo's information shortly, so you can locate it after entering the Hollow."
Wise, of course, had no reason to refuse. However, after explaining the commission details, Lycaon did not leave immediately.
Taking this opportunity, Wise decided to ask about Ellen.
"Um, Mr. Lycaon, I wonder if you've noticed that Ellen has been a little down lately?"
At this point, Lycaon no longer concealed his worries and explained honestly.
"Hmm, it seems you have noticed. Ellen's condition appears to be related to school matters, but she's reluctant to tell us the specific reason."
"So, I would like to entrust this matter to you, as you are closer to Ellen. Compared to us, she would certainly be more willing to confide in you about school-related matters."
"I understand. Please leave it to me."
After Wise agreed, Lycaon nodded, unsurprised.
"Hmm, then I'm relieved. Also, please tell her that she has her own choices in life, and all we can do is support her."
Ellen's visits to the store had indeed decreased recently, and she had been in low spirits.
Could it be because the finals were approaching?
Wise pondered this, and soon after, he met Ellen inside the designated Hollow.
While Fairy confirmed the location of the Bangboo they needed to recover, Wise turned to Ellen beside him.
"Speaking of which, Ellen, have you finalized your topic for your final project?"
"Not yet."
"Then after this commission, will you go and continue discussing it with them?"
"They..."
Ellen's expression immediately became a little downcast when she mentioned her good friends.
"The final project doesn't necessarily have to be a group project. It can be done independently without needing any discussion. And even if I fail, it won't really matter."
"Ellen, is that really all there is to it?"
Wise looked at her seriously.
"I still hope you won't carry everything alone. If you're unhappy, I'll be unhappy too..."
Ellen's lips pouted slightly, making her look a little wronged.
It was the same expression she had shown over the past few days whenever she came to the video store and threw herself into Wise's arms.
Eventually, Ellen revealed the reason behind her low spirits.
Ruby and the others had seemingly been deliberately avoiding her for some unknown reason.
She had initially thought it was because she now had a boyfriend and had been spending less time with them, causing them to feel neglected.
"So you reduced the time you came to see me?"
"I tried my best to make up for the reduced time... Uh, I'm sorry..."
Ellen pressed her face against Wise's chest, apologizing in a muffled voice.
Wise reached out and gently stroked her head.
"Next time you have worries like this, consider discussing them with me. That's my duty as your boyfriend, isn't it?"
"Mm..."
Ellen's emotions seemed to have been building up throughout this time.
However, this tender moment didn't last long before Fairy's voice suddenly interrupted them.
[|I apologize, Master. I know I shouldn't interrupt you, but I have already located the Bangboo's area. There are also unknown individuals nearby.|]
[|I cannot determine their intentions. To avoid unexpected trouble, I recommend shaking them off as soon as possible.|]
"Wise, let's go."
Ellen quickly composed herself, though her face remained slightly flushed.
Seeing this, Wise couldn't help but feel a little regretful. After all, seeing Ellen act so spoiled was quite rare.
[|Alert. Approaching unknown individuals. They are moving around like headless flies, which may attract Ethereals. Investigation is recommended.|]
Along with Fairy's warning, a scream immediately followed.
[|Warning. A high-risk Ethereal has destroyed the mechanical door and is rapidly approaching the Bangboo recovery target and three unknown individuals.|]
"So scary! Ahhh!"
"It's Ruby!"
After getting closer, Ellen immediately recognized their identities.
However, her surprise quickly turned into worry.
"Why are they in the Hollow? These idiots!"
"Wise, please find the quickest route. Even if there are obstacles, let's hurry over!"
"But that would expose your identity. Aren't you worried?" Wise asked, already knowing what her answer would be.
He could use his ability to conceal her presence, but hiding this secret forever would be impossible. Also, Wise was already aware that the girls had begun to grow suspicious.
"Those things... aren't as important as their safety."
"Okay, let's go."
Hearing the answer he had expected, Wise nodded.
The two quickly cleared the obstacles blocking their path, and Ellen reached Ruby and the others before the Ethereal arrived.
"I'll listen to your explanation later. You guys watch over that Bangboo. Hide well, don't get close, and if you're scared, close your eyes."
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