"Yes, that's right. Nicole really is a good person."
Sol nodded in agreement.
Kind, greedy Nicole—he liked that combination very much.
He wasn't a good man himself, but he liked befriending good people—and enslaving bad ones.
"…"
Nekomata looked at Sol, her feelings complicated.
Canvas Street—that was where she had grown up.
So, Sol had left the Cunning Hares and worked with Public Security to save Canvas Street.
And she had tried to kill his friends while he was away.
Yet even after that, the Cunning Hares still gave her another chance.
The man who had collared her shone, for a moment, like a towering figure.
Nekomata lowered her head in shame.
Never before had she hated herself so much.
Too despicable, too vile. She should've died under the Dead End Butcher's claws.
"Vision Corporation is vile. You Public Security officers had better punish them well!" Nicole urged Zhu Yuan and Qingyi.
"Don't worry. Public Security won't let a single criminal go. The Tribunal will see every crime of Vision brought to trial," Zhu Yuan assured her solemnly.
"That's more like it."
Still, Nicole wasn't satisfied.
Knowing about such a terrible crime but being unable to punish Vision herself left her restless.
"Nicole, if you're that angry, you could always handle it personally," Sol said with a smile.
"Huh? What do you mean?" Nicole asked curiously.
Sol explained, "Canvas Street and Vision Corporation are about to face each other in court. They need a competent lawyer. I thought—who better than someone who lived through it, and is also versed in the law?"
"Oh!" Nicole thumped her chest, eyes shining. "That's me, isn't it!?"
"Exactly. That's why I recommended you to the residents of Canvas Street," Sol confirmed with a nod.
"Sol, I love you! All that care I gave you wasn't in vain!"
"Perfect! I'll make Vision Corporation pay until they don't even have underwear left!" Nicole was so excited she grabbed Sol's hand. "Come on, come on, I can't wait to make them pay!"
This trial was a guaranteed win. She would stand for justice, making Vision suffer a crushing defeat.
And she'd also earn a massive lawyer's fee.
Truly, Sol understood her too well. She could cry from happiness.
"Wait, Nicole. Your clients are still in Canvas Street—they haven't been evacuated yet," Zhu Yuan and Qingyi reminded her helplessly.
"Then what are we waiting for?" Nicole's enthusiasm didn't waver. "Let's go rescue our dear clients right now! If there's any difficulty, tell us—we'll solve it together!"
Zhu Yuan shook her head. "No difficulties remain. Thanks to Miss Baal destroying the Dead End Butcher, the Dead End Hollow shrank and revealed a safe passage."
"We can use that path to lead the residents out directly."
No sooner had she finished speaking than Nicole scooped up Eous and rushed off like the wind toward Canvas Street.
Sol smiled helplessly and followed with the others.
…
Meanwhile, at the top floor of Victoria Housekeeping Co.
Von Lycaon lowered his high-powered binoculars, repeating the key intel aloud. "That Bangboo is called Baal. Model: Raiden Shogun. As expected, she belongs to Sol Mercer."
"Vision Corporation planned to blow up Canvas Street to save demolition costs. Sol uncovered the plot, worked with Public Security to eliminate Vision's stationed thugs, and rescued hundreds of residents."
"Now they're preparing to relocate the residents to safety and sue Vision Corporation."
Each piece of intelligence was organized and precise, without error.
"As expected of Lord Lycaon, the elite of the Wolf Thirens. Even from kilometers away, you can gather a complete report," Rina said with a smile.
"Rina, you flatter me," Von Lycaon shook his head. "This wasn't keen hearing—just lip-reading. Honestly, I failed to distinguish quite a few words. I need more professional training in lip-reading."
"Lord Lycaon, you're amazing!"
Corin Wickes couldn't help but look at him in awe.
"If you keep going to classes, Boss, you'll never get any rest," Ellen Joe muttered, unrelenting.
"Learning never ends. A true butler must constantly improve. The same applies to maids," Lycaon lectured, then grew serious. "Now, let's discuss Sol Mercer and that Bangboo."
"Their combined strength as two Void Hunters is frightening. They must be closely watched," Rina analyzed. "And the fact that they saved Canvas Street shows they aren't purely vicious."
Lycaon shook his head. "Too little is known about them. We can't make conclusions about either their abilities or their character."
Rina didn't argue. Instead, she praised, "Lord Lycaon is meticulous as always."
After thinking a moment, Lycaon glanced at Ellen and Corin, then decided.
"Ellen, you'll come with me to check the situation in Canvas Street. Rina, you and Corin will investigate that high-energy weapon."
Corin was too reckless, unfit for surveillance. Rina, however, was excellent at gathering intel.
But Ellen, though reliable, was too lazy to pair with Corin.
Thus, with Rina steadying Corin, and Lycaon steadying Ellen, the arrangement was perfect.
"Yes, Lord Lycaon," Rina replied gracefully.
Corin stammered, "P-promise I'll finish the job!"
"Another long walk," Ellen sighed, tapping her little shoes against the floor, unwilling but agreeing.
And so, Von Lycaon set off with Ellen toward Canvas Street, while Rina and Corin went in search of the high-energy weapon's landing site.