"Reward?"
Zane raised an eyebrow, then glanced at Ellen. She paused, wary.
"Miss Ellen, got a piece of candy?"
He ignored her guarded expression and simply held out his hand.
Asking for candy—was that too much?
Ellen blinked, then shifted her tongue, a hint of sweetness spreading across it. Did he seriously want candy?
It was a weird request—but not hard to grant.
Except... the only one she had left was the one in her mouth.
She frowned slightly and looked at Zane, then pinched the stick between her fingers and took the lollipop out.
"I'm out. This was the last one."
The investigation had drained her, and she was low on sugar. She looked at Zane again—he said nothing—and quickly popped the candy back in her mouth.
She'd only meant to show she really had no more candy, not offer him the one she'd been sucking on!
But—he hesitated!
He was actually hesitating!!
Ellen instinctively took two steps back, putting distance between them. He looked decent, sure, but inside... was he seriously that kind of guy?
Little did she know, Zane's thoughts were nowhere near what she imagined.
Clearing his mind, Zane looked over to Lycaon and spoke.
"Suit yourselves. I've still got things to deal with—can't stick around. Was hoping to get to know you all, though…"
He gave a small wave.
"Goodbye, little Corin."
His gaze fell last on Corin, catching her off guard. Flattered, she quickly nodded and called back,
"Goodbye, sir!"
Ellen blinked. She hadn't expected it to go this smoothly—he was just going to walk away?
Beside her, Rina looked visibly relieved. This outcome really was the best.
"Everyone, we owe him one. Even if he doesn't seem to care, we shouldn't forget."
"We'll need to repay this favor when the time comes."
Lycaon didn't waste a second. As he led the group toward the trembling, terrified rebels nearby, he spoke with purpose.
This was both proper etiquette and a way to keep Victoria Housekeeping's involvement minimal.
Keeping their relationship clear, courteous but distant, was the best way to maintain boundaries with unknown parties.
Of course, any personal ties between staff and Zane weren't his concern.
"Corin, since you seem familiar with him, could you share anything you know?"
"It might help us return the favor later."
"Of course, if it's not appropriate, just ignore the question."
Knowing Corin's personality, Lycaon added the last part thoughtfully.
Corin hugged her chainsaw and thought for a moment. Nothing really seemed worth hiding. She looked at Lycaon and replied honestly.
"He never really introduced himself to me, but I did hear someone call him Zane."
"Zane, huh? Got it."
Lycaon nodded.
Nearby, Ellen frowned. Zane? That sounded suspiciously close to "like you"...
Everything about this guy seemed off—his looks, his behavior, even his name was sketchy!
As Lycaon and the others began "interrogating" the remaining rebels, Zane had already returned to the group from Belobog Heavy Industries. As he approached, the Ether crystal barrier around them faded.
"Zane, you took care of them? Hey, who are those people over there?"
Nicole was the first to step up, curiously eyeing the Victoria Housekeeping group in the distance. But Zane didn't answer. He stood in front of the group, his tone calm and firm.
"The situation in the Dead End Hollow is unusual, as I'm sure you've noticed. And now, I have some information to share."
His eyes were steady, emotionless. Nicole, sensing the shift, quickly straightened up. She knew he was being serious now.
"There's been a major shift inside the Hollow. Some people are running a hidden operation. That part's not important to you—but there's something else I need your help with."
"Innocent civilians have been caught up in it. I need people to help rescue them. The more, the better. No pressure—only if you're willing."
His gaze swept across the group. For a moment, everyone looked at one another.
"As president of Belobog Heavy Industries, I…"
Koleda stepped forward but was immediately cut off.
"Not you, little one. You're in no shape to help. You'd just slow me down."
Zane's words were blunt.
Koleda wanted to protest—but she knew he was right. Now wasn't the time to be stubborn, so she held her tongue.
"Zane, I want to know... if no one goes, what happens to those innocent people?"
Billy stepped forward, voice steady.
Zane answered without flinching.
"A word of warning: the danger level in the Hollow is going to rise—by a lot. Things are about to get complicated. I can't guarantee anyone's safety."
"It's your call."
He didn't say it outright, but the message was clear—those people would almost certainly die without help.
"Then this is the perfect time for a Starlight Knight to act!"
Billy stepped up without hesitation. Koleda, beside him, spoke again.
"Zane, should we report this to the Public Security Bureau once we leave the Hollow? Something like this seems like it needs official involvement."
Since she couldn't help on the front lines, she wanted to assist however she could. And from what she'd heard, this sounded serious enough for the authorities.
"No need."
"I've already destroyed all the evidence that could prove their crimes."
Zane's words hit Koleda like a shock.
Was he... helping those people? No—that didn't make sense.
So then, what was he planning?
"What they've done... Heh. Not even worth bothering my master with an investigation."
"And even if they went to court, they'd just get tangled in endless red tape and politics. Useless."
Zane's voice remained calm, but it carried a cold, bone-deep chill.
Then came the final words.
"I'll judge them myself. In my own way."
"And let the fire of karma... burn it all to ash."