"This is something we just learned about, so we don't know much either."
"It seems like someone took photos of you and Miss Ya when you went out together and spread them around."
"Coupled with the support from the Hoshimi Family, most of the upper-class society should basically know about your existence now."
"Moreover, someone spread the rumor that you possess Void Hunter Level strength, which vaguely feels like it might affect the balance between the major families and powers."
"For now, we have Fairy's help, and the Hoshimi Family probably intends to conceal your strength."
"So they aren't certain about your actual power level right now."
Ling pondered, even she felt this situation was a bit difficult to handle.
She could only deal with whatever came her way.
"... It's not a big problem."
"It shouldn't cause any issues."
"If they try to move against me, Neo-Eli will definitely experience a major upheaval,"
Hoshimi Aya mused.
After all, her strength was undeniable. Even if things went south, she could still rely on Hoshimi Miyabi and the Hoshimi Family as her backing.
With this lineup, no power would be foolish enough to target them.
At least, that was what she thought.
"Perhaps we can ask the Xingjian Family Head."
"He should know something,"
Ling considered.
"... Then let's ask him after this matter is concluded,"
Hoshimi Aya decided.
For now, it was best to handle the current situation first—to rescue Rui En first.
Ling nodded upon hearing this.
...
The two drove to the vicinity of Balai Tower.
Not long after getting out of the car, they saw Lykenn standing not far away, seemingly talking on the phone with someone.
Lykann quickly ended the call after noticing the two approaching him.
"Hello, you must be that legendary Proxy, Phaethon, right?"
"I've long heard of your great fame on the Inter-Knot."
Lykann looked somewhat surprised at the girl next to Hoshimi Aya.
"Yes, that's me."
Ling replied with a polite smile.
"Why are you alone?"
"Where are the others?"
"Aren't you supposed to go to The Hollow later?"
Hoshimi Aya asked, slightly confused.
She wanted to conclude this matter quickly.
After all, she had another matter waiting for her, even if it wasn't urgent.
"They are near the Sinking Plaza. If you want to find them, you can look there,"
Lykann responded politely.
After chatting with Lykenn for a few more sentences, Ling and Hoshimi Aya walked toward a nearby exit.
The first person they encountered at the intersection was the matcha cupcake, Corin.
"Hi~ Corin,"
Ling greeted her.
"Investigator... Miss Proxy! Miss Ya, it's a pleasure to meet you both. Please take care of me."
Corin performed another standard 90-degree bow.
"Uh..."
"Corin, you can afford to put a little more feeling into your tone,"
"You don't have to be like this,"
Hoshimi Aya looked at Corin.
"L-Like this?!"
"But Corin always speaks like this."
"Although Mr. Lykenn once said the same thing to me, I just can't change it."
"I am truly very sorry."
Corin lowered her head and fiddled with her fingers.
She appeared extremely restrained.
"Corin, just be yourself,"
"Be a bit braver normally, and people won't think you're easy to bully,"
Ling thought. Corin's usual timidness might stem from a lack of courage.
"Um, but Corin is still a little curious. Why would someone as powerful as you choose to become a Proxy?"
Corin asked the question that had been on her mind.
"There are various reasons,"
"It's a secret, anyway,"
Ling replied.
"Ah? I'm so sorry, I think I asked something I shouldn't have,"
Corin bowed 90 degrees again, apologizing for her presumptuous question.
Ling:...
Hoshimi Aya:...
"Corin, you..."
"Never mind. You enjoy yourself."
"We'll go see the others."
Hoshimi Aya looked around.
"Okay, Miss Proxy, Miss Ya,"
"You two go ahead with your business. Corin will stay right here."
Corin said timidly.
She seemed terrified of offending the two of them.
This gave both Ling and Hoshimi Aya a feeling of powerlessness in conversation.
It was as if they had just said something incredibly offensive.
Afterward, the group chatted a bit more about maid etiquette and which teammate Corin got along with best.
They then found the second person, Lina.
Hoshimi Aya headed toward Ellen Joe on the other side. Regarding chatting with Lina, she really wanted to talk to Ellen.
Although Ellen was the first 'gold' she had failed to pull in her gacha rolls, she still wanted to touch that tail.
Was it really soft and smooth as people said?
Hoshimi Aya quickly reached Ellen's side, but Ellen appeared drowsy.
"Hello, let's formally introduce ourselves. My name is Hoshimi Aya."
Then, while Ellen wasn't paying attention, she slipped a hard candy into Ellen's mouth.
Ellen:!!!!!!!!
"Candy?!"
"You startled me. I thought it was some kind of prank."
"Hello, my name is Ellen Joe,"
Ellen put the candy in her mouth again and replied listlessly.
"... Um, can I touch your tail?!"
Hoshimi Aya paused for a moment before asking.
Although Ellen's attitude left her speechless, she still asked the question.
"No. Shark-Thiren only allow people they are close to to touch their tails."
"We just met. We shouldn't be at that level of closeness yet, right?"
Ellen covered her tail and stepped back a few paces.
Her meaning was clear: she didn't want Hoshimi Aya to touch it.
Hoshimi Aya:...
"Tsk!"
"I should have just gone for it directly,"
Hoshimi Aya looked at Ellen unhappily.
"I advise you to drop that idea,"
"A sudden touch might cause me to react defensively. Don't blame me if you get hurt,"
Ellen frowned, showing some aversion.
Just then, Ling, having finished talking with Lina, walked over.
"Aya, it looks like you two are communicating well,"
Ling said with a smile, putting an arm around Hoshimi Aya's shoulder.
"You're that Proxy from before?!"
Ellen asked, though her expression remained flat.
It seemed like nothing could spark her interest.
---------------------------------
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