At this moment, Rina looked at Ellen and Corin and said seriously, "Bringing Section 6 into this operation is to borrow the power of Hoshimi Miyabi, the youngest Void Hunter, which already shows how terrifying that monster is."
"Unless absolutely necessary, do not confront that monster head-on."
As Ellen listened, her brows gradually furrowed.
The monster that even they could not face directly—yet they wanted Sol to join. Clearly, it was to make Sol the main force against that creature.
But she didn't want to deceive Sol. He was a friend she had just recently made.
Even if their relationship was still shallow, she was not someone who would betray a friend.
Her gaze grew dark as she looked at Von Lycaon. "Boss Lycaon, so what you're saying is that we are to deceive Sol into fighting the monster while we stand by and gather intel?"
Instinctively, she separated Sol from the possibility of being a villain—she believed her friend was not one.
And if Sol was a good man, would he accept being deceived like this?
As one of the deceivers, she would be too ashamed to continue being his friend.
"Of course not!" Von Lycaon denied sternly. "We will hand this monster's information to Sol in the form of a commission, give him payment that matches its value, and state its true strength."
"Other than concealing the Sacrifice's true name, we will not hide anything. If we were certain Sol was on the other side, then using strategy would be justifiable."
"But Sol's origin remains a mystery. Our aim is only to confirm his purpose, and once confirmed he is a free agent, we must do our utmost to win him over as an ally."
"For a potential ally, even limited probing is already discourteous. How could we possibly treat him entirely as an enemy?"
In truth, once Sol's identity was confirmed, they would even need to apologize for this act.
If Sol was not from the other side, then he was a strong man worthy of respect.
Such a person must never be treated with arrogance, nor judged rashly.
Especially for Victoria Housekeeping Co. where etiquette had to be practiced at all times.
"That's good then, thank you for clearing this up for me, Boss Lycaon."
At these words, Ellen's brows relaxed, and she gave a rare word of thanks.
For friends—even if it was only someone like Sol whom she had not known for long—she would never accept the label of disloyalty.
And if it were Ruby, Monna, or Lynn, she would protect them with all her strength.
That's just how people were: the less they had of something, the more they cherished it.
Rina, noticing Ellen's unusual demeanor, smiled and asked, "Hmm, it seems that in this time Ellen has had some interactions with Mr. Sol Mercer. Care to share?"
In the past, whether dealing with Ethereal, gangs, or rebels, Ellen had always executed coldly.
And only a few days ago when leaving Dead End Hollow, Ellen had shown little interest in Sol. Yet today, she was different.
Something must have happened during her vacation days.
Or perhaps Mr. Sol Mercer's way with girls was simply very impressive.
"Tch, it's nothing I can't say."
Ellen stomped her foot, a little impatient.
It wasn't that she had any unspeakable feelings for Sol—it was simply embarrassing to admit she fainted from gaming. Hardly something worth telling everyone.
"Since it's nothing you can't say, then go ahead and tell us."
Von Lycaon and Rina both turned their curious eyes toward Ellen.
Even timid Corin quietly peeked at Ellen's face, her own curiosity burning.
Facing the insistent eyes of Rina, Von Lycaon, and Corin, Ellen had no choice but to reluctantly tell the truth.
"A few days ago, I went to play arcade games with a friend. Because Sol was too good at the game, I got a bit serious and accidentally fainted. After that, I slept a while in Sol's friend's shop and even ate four of his burger combo meals…"
After finishing, Ellen had already turned her body sideways from the group, her toes curling inside her shoes.
She couldn't help it—it was just too humiliating!
"Hehe." Rina covered her mouth and laughed lightly, her brows and eyes curved like crescent moons. "Who would've thought Ellen could be this cute in her daily life."
Von Lycaon gave a small nod. Judging from this story and from Sol saving Canvas Street, he did not seem like someone from the other side.
Still, as the butler of Victoria Housekeeping Co., he could not express his opinion so carelessly.
Corin, however, empathized and said, "Mr. Sol is a very gentle person, no wonder Miss Ellen thinks he should not be deceived."
If it were her, she would wanted to also be touched by Mr. Sol…
No, that wasn't right. How could she trouble others? That would make them dislike her~
"Tch, think what you want."
Ellen turned her head away, annoyed.
Sure enough, she should never have told them such a thing.
"Since he's Ellen's new friend, we'll be more mindful during the operation." Rina said considerately.
Von Lycaon then spoke at the right time. "If you feel uncomfortable about it, Ellen, you can take two days off from this operation."
His words, of course, were out of consideration for Ellen's friendship with Sol.
If Sol truly was innocent, then involving Ellen in this operation would inevitably affect their friendship.
"No need, Boss Lycaon. I can handle this mission."
Ellen rejected Von Lycaon's kindness.
Unlike Monna, Lynn, or Ruby, she could not hide her true identity from Sol for long.
Sooner or later, he would find out, so better to face it directly.
Come to think of it, Sol was the first friend she had who straddled both her work and daily life.
"As long as you're prepared."
Von Lycaon did not press further.
"So then, Boss Lycaon," Ellen lifted her head and asked curiously, "what exactly is this monster?"
"It's called [Odin]."
Von Lycaon said in a low voice.
"The Norse god-king from myth and legend?"
Ellen was stunned—the name was too exaggerated.
"That's right, it was named by our master."
"I heard that on the day of the Hollow Outbreak, the play at Goethe Grand Theater was The God-King's Nine Realms Conquest." Von Lycaon said gravely. "That fusion monster had dozens of armored mechs for its body and transformed riot-control helicopters into eight-legged steeds. It truly bore the symbols of a god-king."
"Therefore, its designated name is [Odin]."
In many cases, Ethereal were influenced by certain mental imprints.
Coincidentally, this fusion monster was the same.