The next morning, inside the video store.
"Brother, even though the Defense Force claims the Hollow disaster is under control, my investigation today says otherwise. Things don't look good."
"This disaster is simply too massive. The city's poured in a ridiculous amount of manpower and resources, yet the suppression effort is strained at best—and that's causing problems elsewhere too."
Belle spun her chair around, exhaustion written across her face, as she looked toward her brother sitting on the nearby sofa, frowning deeply over his laptop.
"In my opinion, if it weren't for Zane's Hollows serving as the main force to absorb and contain most of them, New Eridu would be in serious trouble right now."
After speaking, Belle couldn't stifle a yawn. She and her brother had been working nonstop since yesterday—assisting in suppressing the Hollow disaster and following up on matters involving Ellen.
Fortunately, both Hollow disasters in the Janus District had been subdued by the Hollows and hadn't caused major damage. Otherwise, they'd all be in evacuation shelters by now, unable to do anything.
"What's your take on the situation with Miyabi?"
Wise lowered his gaze, closed the laptop, and rubbed his temples, fatigue clear on his face.
"Brother, do you really think Miyabi would do something like that?"
"Setting aside her relationship with Zane, just judging by her own personality—that's impossible. There must be something we don't know."
Belle shook her head firmly.
"Even Fairy hasn't been able to locate her yet, which only proves there's more going on."
"Of course, Ellen isn't lying. What she saw must be true—but we can't rule out things like illusions."
"In any case, Ellen was worried about Zane and personally witnessed what happened. That's why Victoria Housekeeping fought with Miyabi. After Miyabi left, there hasn't been any solid contact…"
Belle crossed her arms and tapped her chin thoughtfully. They hadn't been present that day, so all they could rely on was secondhand information.
The media was flooded with speculation, making it nearly impossible to find credible details. As for the military, they'd been ordered to keep everything confidential.
Even Victoria Housekeeping, their most reliable source, had been summoned away and couldn't return yet.
Sigh… they were completely in the dark.
Listening to Belle's reasoning, Wise found himself both agreeing and disagreeing.
"Belle, don't forget—the situation with that cursed blade at the Hoshimi residence is real. It's possible Miyabi's mind was actually affected."
"But the key person in all this is Zane, isn't it?"
Belle smiled faintly, glancing at her brother.
"He's there."
Just four words, but they carried far more meaning than they seemed to. Wise understood immediately and sighed with a hint of resignation.
This girl… she really does trust Zane completely.
Maybe, to her, Zane is simply someone reliable—someone who can do anything.
But… he couldn't deny he felt the same way.
Wise shrugged. Neither of them said anything more. Compared to Ellen, who had witnessed the event firsthand, the two of them were far too calm.
But both knew, instinctively, that there was no need to worry.
From the beginning, neither of them had been concerned about Zane's condition.
They just wanted to understand what had happened and see if there was anything they could do. Still, Wise believed that if Zane needed them for something, he would have already arranged it—and all they had to do was wait.
And if not, they could take this opportunity to advance their own goals.
After all, Wise and Belle hadn't forgotten what they were really after—
The truth from back then.
...
"Finally calmed down?"
Lycaon sighed, rubbing his forehead as he looked at the composed Ellen beside him.
Nearby, the head maid and Little Corin also turned their attention to her.
Ellen said nothing, her eyes fixed on her own toes.
The sound of a car door opening came from not far away. Zhu Yuan was getting into her car, with Qingyi following close behind.
Victoria Housekeeping, as one of the primary participants in the incident, was required to give a full report—while Zhu Yuan and Qingyi had simply come to gather information.
There had originally been a third person, but after hearing the gist of the situation, Jane had left on her own, destination unknown.
"Aren't you worried about Zane?"
As Qingyi placed one foot into the car, Ellen couldn't hold back her question, her voice tinged with surprise.
She knew how close Qingyi and Zane were—closer than anyone else. But from the moment she'd seen her until now, Qingyi had done nothing but sip tea and stare off into space.
It was as if she didn't care at all.
But Ellen suspected that wasn't indifference—it was confidence. She simply believed, without question, that Zane would be fine.
"Do you all really treat him like a god?"
Ellen bit her lip. The more time she spent around Zane, the more she realized how wrong her first impression had been.
He was human—contradictory, lazy at times, and full of flaws. He wasn't omnipotent.
And maybe that was why this bothered her so much—because everyone else seemed so unconcerned.
Qingyi turned her head slightly, meeting Ellen's gaze without a word.
That silence only made Ellen more frustrated.
"If he really ends up gone," she muttered bitterly, "maybe then you'll all finally get a reality check."
At that, Qingyi couldn't help but smile faintly.
"Miss Ellen, your words are as amusing as ever."
"However…"
She turned away, stepping fully into the car.
"No one worships him as a god."
"He's my... family."
For a brief moment, as Qingyi closed the car door, her hand hesitated. A flicker of melancholy crossed her eyes before she shook her head softly.
If Zane were truly gone...
"Human emotions are such complicated things..."
The door clicked shut. Moments later, the car pulled away, disappearing down the street and out of Ellen's sight.
After they left, the members of Victoria Housekeeping didn't linger. They began preparing to meet with the siblings to discuss what came next.
In New Eridu, a storm was quietly brewing...