Deep into the night, the moon hung high above the treetops.
With a crisp click as the key turned in the lock, the front door of Victoria Housekeeping slowly swung open.
A small, crimson-black-haired head squeezed through the doorway, scanning left and right in the darkness. Only after confirming no one was present did she exhale a long sigh. Turning back, she whispered to someone:
"All clear. Safe. Come in, Phaga."
Hearing this, Phaga slowly stepped inside.
He watched Ellen's furtive silhouette with resignation, tilting his head and sighing wryly, "Ellen, is it really necessary to sneak around like this in your own home?"
"Of course it is! We skipped class to hang out. What if Rina catches us?"
Ellen turned back, glaring at Phaga with a feigned pout.
Hearing this, Phaga's scalp instantly prickled. His eyes darted nervously, suddenly tense as he frantically hinted, "What skipping class? We were clearly called over by the Manager to help!"
"But that wasn't the story we told Rina..."
Ellen's eyes narrowed in suspicion, but suddenly a chill ran down her neck. It felt like something terrifying was watching her. She turned her head slowly, her voice growing quieter.
Gradually, the black-colored maid dress came into view. Rina stood gracefully, hands folded, a faint smile on her lips. Her eyes narrowed to slits, flickering with a dangerous, electric glint.
"Ri... Rina?"
Ellen's heart lurched violently. She jerked backward, landing beside Phaga, clutching his shoulders tightly. She fidgeted awkwardly, scratching her face as she stammered:
"So late... still awake?"
"Our two kids skipped out to play. They haven't come home since the wee hours. As their guardian, how could I possibly sleep?"
Rina drifted forward, her voice echoing softly.
"Wh-what skipping class? We were called by the Manager to handle a commission."
Ellen felt extremely guilty, her eyes darting around. "Given the nature of our work, staying out late is perfectly normal, right?"
"That's true."
Rina nodded slightly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear with a delicate finger. Her smile deepened, seemingly accepting Ellen's explanation.
But just as Ellen was about to breathe a sigh of relief, a sudden gust of fragrant wind swept past her, accompanied by a faint crackling sound.
Both Ellen and Phaga looked up in shock, only to see lightning and thunder now swirling around Rina. Her entire head of hair, charged with static electricity, was now floating up toward the sky.
The next moment, Rina still wore her gentle smile, but it looked monstrous under the violent blue light. She spoke slowly, emphasizing each word:
"So... what about the commission fee?"
Both of them flinched inwardly, instinctively taking a step back.
Seeing Rina so enraged, Ellen's expression instantly turned panicked. She hastily pressed her small hands in front of her, stammering helplessly:
"Ah... that... the commission fee—ah, right! We've already deposited the commission fee into Victoria's account... right, Phaga?"
"Right... huh?"
Hearing Ellen speak, Phaga assumed she had a clever plan and casually agreed.
But the moment he grasped what Ellen had actually said, Phaga froze in shock. His eyes widened in disbelief as he whirled to stare at Ellen.
What kind of lame excuse is that?
Sure enough, the next second, Rina pulled out her phone.
"Oh, I see. Let me check then."
Instantly, the soft white light from the screen illuminated Rina's gentle face. Her slender fingers tapped rapidly on the phone, seemingly checking the bank account.
"Wait!"
Unable to rely on Ellen, Phaga had to take matters into his own hands. He immediately lunged forward, covering the phone screen with both hands.
"What is it, Phaga?"
Rina lifted her gaze, her eyes holding a hint of amusement, clearly wanting to see how Phaga would handle this.
"Well... um..."
Only after taking the initiative did Phaga realize he was just as flustered.
This man, who remained composed even against the most formidable adversaries, now felt timid in the presence of family whose status and standing were akin to his own mother's. After racking his brain, he searched for an excuse that could both cover up the truth and avoid causing harm.
After much deliberation, carefully weighing his words until they were flawless, he finally spoke:
"Ah, I suddenly remembered that Ellen asked me to deposit it into an account. But then I forgot about it. When I went out to have fun, I ended up spending the entire commission fee."
"Is that so? You spent the entire commission fee?"
Rina glanced at Phaga, her expression skeptical.
"Yes. It was the Manager's commission, after all. We're close, so I didn't charge her much."
As he finished, Phaga's eyes lit up.
He felt this excuse was absolutely perfect!
"Going out to play" implied vague expenses; the range could be as extravagant as the Sea Sky Banquet or as frugal as not spending a single penny.
A low commission fee implied limited tasks—something easily spent in a single day.
Whether Rina believed it or not, the logic chain held. Unless she directly questioned Belle, Rina couldn't pinpoint any gaps.
But contacting Belle directly was out of the question!
It was the middle of the night—calling someone at such an hour was deeply impolite. A self-respecting lady like Rina would never do such a thing!
Therefore, to verify whether Phaga's evasive... ugh, excuse... ugh!
whether Phaga's account omitted any facts, Rina would have to wait until the next day!
Meanwhile, Phaga could call Belle tonight to coordinate their stories... ugh!
This is called reminiscing about past events, reliving our cooperative days.
Though disturbing someone's rest at midnight isn't ideal, Phaga could offer payment!
Given the Cyber Glutton kept at the proxy's residence, Belle would be thrilled if someone called her daily to deliver money.
Reaching this conclusion, Phaga's hand pressing against Rina's phone gradually relaxed, his posture straightening noticeably.
So, Rina, stumped, huh?
"Hmm... You've got a point."
Rina tapped her chin lightly with the phone, her gaze toward Phaga brimming with delight.
Such a smooth talker—no wonder he charmed our little shark so quickly.
But...!
Click... click... click...
Phaga's expression shifted from excitement to suspicion, then finally trembled slightly.
By the time Rina's fingers tapped the phone eleven times (Note 2), Phaga was completely flustered. Yet he clung to hope, forcing himself to remain composed as he whispered:
"Rina, what are you—"
"Oh, just calling Miss Proxy. You're back, so I thought I'd let her know you're safe and sound—no need to worry."
"We already checked in when we arrived at the gate... Besides, it's the middle of the night. It's rude to disturb her rest."
"Oh, it's fine. I'll compensate Miss Proxy."
I'll compensate Miss Proxy...
I'll compensate Miss Proxy...
I'll compensate Miss Proxy...
Phaga froze.
Phaga snapped his head up, his heart flung into the chaotic Outer Ring, racing wildly across the desolate desert, screaming hysterically.
Hey! Wasn't that my idea?
Phaga's eyes widened instantly. He lunged forward to snatch Rina's phone, but Rina anticipated his move. A slender jade finger tapped lightly against his brow, crackling with blue sparks.
Rina tilted her head slightly, her smile as radiant as spring sunshine, capable of melting even three feet of ice:
"Don't move, or you'll get fried!"
Phaga sulkily retracted his neck, raising both hands in surrender. Though he wore a smile, his inner self was wailing.
It's over!
My truancy won't stay hidden!
Ding~ Ding~ Dong!
Finally, the death knell of the phone's ringing ceased. Soon, the voice on the other end would deliver their judgment, listing every sin Phaga and Ellen had committed.
"Hello? Is Phaga back yet?"
The phone's voice made both hearts stop, cold sweat pouring down their backs.
It's over, completely over. We're done for... Wait, hold on. That voice just now was male.
And it sounded familiar, like...
Phaga and Ellen exchanged glances, both seeing utter disbelief in each other's eyes.
It was Lycaon!
Rina hadn't called the Manager!
Both looked stunned, yet unmistakably relieved to have escaped disaster.
Seeing their expressions, Rina smiled faintly. "Yes, they're back. Are you ready?"
"Of course!"
Bang!
As Lycaon's voice faded on the line, Victoria Housekeeping was instantly bathed in warm yellow light.
Phaga and Ellen's eyes widened instantly. Staring in shock at the banner above them, now illuminated by the lights, it read in neat, bold letters:
[Victoria's Victory Celebration!]
Gurgle gurgle!
Suddenly, the sound of rolling wheels echoed continuously from the kitchen.
Phaga and Ellen looked over to see Lycaon and Corin pushing a large cake out of the kitchen.
Corin, cradling a black-and-white stuffed animal, exclaimed joyfully, "Celebrating Mr. Phaga defeating Black and securing ninety-four million in damages! Victory banquet, yay!"