Soukaku happily reached over and gave Wise a couple of friendly pats, clearly unable to contain her excitement.
Wise let out a quiet sigh as he watched her.
'Such a simple and gluttonous child. It really is easy to raise her favorability this much with just food.'
"Oh, you're a surprisingly gentle guy," Ray said after hearing Soukaku.
"It's nothing," Wise replied, subtly shifting the conversation. "But more importantly, why did you summon me this time?"
At his words, Roland stepped forward from the side and calmly explained the purpose of the summons.
The assignment focused on maintaining stability along the front line. Wise was tasked with assisting in the data investigation, with Soukaku joining him for the operation.
With their combined efforts, the intelligence data was successfully gathered, bringing the mission to an end and allowing Wise to finally return home.
Because of Soukaku, he hadn't eaten breakfast, and he'd been busy nonstop until now. Even his enhanced body was starting to feel a little tired and hungry.
"Wait, Wise!"
"Hmm? Soukaku? You're still here. Did you need something?"
Wise had just picked up his commission reward and was getting ready to go home when Soukaku suddenly called him, leaving him a bit confused.
"Well… I ate your food earlier, and Yanagi told me that any act of kindness should be returned. That's why I want your contact info and home address, so I can come by and properly thank you."
Soukaku sounded sincere, yet Wise had a lingering suspicion that she was far more interested in his cooking than in repayment.
Even so, he gave her his contact information and address. Her intentions weren't bad, and at worst, it meant feeding one more person.
'No matter how much she eats, it shouldn't be a problem,' he thought, unaware that this assumption would soon prove to be a serious mistake.
After exchanging contact information, Wise headed back toward Six Street. It was getting late, and he was planning to go straight back to the video store.
Along the way, however, he spotted a familiar sight.
"Hehe~ hey, little girl, going out alone dressed like that this late?" a man said with a nasty grin.
"And it's a maid outfit too. That's really something," the other remarked, stroking his chin with interest.
"P-Please, don't come any closer..."
At a nearby street corner, a cute green-haired girl was being cornered by two men who were slowly closing in on her.
She nervously raised her hands in front of her chest. Such a vulnerable gesture would likely stir a sense of protectiveness in most people.
Wise immediately realized who she was. The girl being cornered was Corin, the same one who had helped him and Nekomata fight their way through the Hollow using a "chainsaw".
He rushed over the moment he saw what was happening. At the same time, Corin, not far away, gave her final warning, her voice trembling with fear.
"I-I'm serious... Please stop, or else I might..."
"Or else what? Hehe~ What are you gonna do... Puff!Ah!"
Before Corin could swing her raised arms and throw a weak punch, the man in front of her was abruptly knocked away.
"Phew... Just in time."
Wise relaxed slightly, while Corin looked at him in confusion.
"Eh? You are..."
The voice felt oddly familiar, like something she had heard before but couldn't remember where.
"Where the hell did you come from?! You bastard, how dare you hit someone! I'll report you to the Officers!" The remaining man shouted furiously, pointing straight at Wise after seeing his partner knocked away.
Wise felt no guilt at all. The man clearly deserved it, and if he hadn't stepped in and Corin had acted instead, it likely wouldn't have ended as just a minor injury.
"Go ahead. There's surveillance around here, so the Officer can see how you two were harassing her earlier," Wise replied calmly.
"Tch, damn it! What bad luck. Let's go!"
Feeling pressured, the two men hurried away as fast as they could.
Wise didn't stop them. He turned around and looked at Corin standing there quietly.
"How are you? Are you okay?"
"Mm, I'm fine. Thank you, Investigator."
"If that's the case, then... hmm? How did you recognize me?"
Wise looked slightly surprised, and Corin soon gave her answer.
"It was your voice, Investigator. It's very recognizable and pleasant to hear. I wasn't completely sure at first, since you were in Bangboo form before, but now I know I was right."
Mid-sentence, Corin suddenly remembered something important and hurried to add, "Ah, also, Investigator, please rest easy. I w-won't tell anyone about this. Let's keep it a secret just between us. I won't even tell those closest to me."
Seeing how serious she was, Wise found her reaction cute, and his usual habit kicked in.
He reached out naturally and patted her head, gently stroking her hair.
"Mm, I trust you, Corin."
Her hair was soft and fluffy, and Wise found himself reluctant to let go.
"Eh, Investigator..."
"Ah, sorry. I didn't mean to. Your hair just feels really nice. My bad. By the way, my name is Wise. You don't have to keep calling me Investigator," Wise said apologetically, even as his hand continued to rest on her head.
"Mm... okay, Investiga— Mr. Wise!"
[Ding! Target Corin: has increased her favorability toward the host by 5. Her current favorability is now 75. Additionally, 200 Emotional Value has been obtained.]
[Current Emotional Value: 14200]
"Also... Um, could you stop touching me now? I'm not unhappy or anything, Mr. Wise. It's just that... it makes me a bit shy..."
Her cheeks turned red as Corin lowered her head slightly. Afraid her words might be misunderstood, she quickly glanced up to clarify, then ducked her head again.
"Ah, sorry, I didn't mean to..." Wise suddenly realized he hadn't moved his hand and hurried to apologize again.
"N-No problem. After all, Mr. Wise helped me so much, and I don't know how to thank you. So if you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to ask."
Seeing how serious Corin looked, Wise felt that refusing her outright would only make her feel sad.
"Mm, I don't really need anything right now—" Wise said, but he was interrupted before he could finish.
"Eh? Nothing at all? I knew it... I'm really useless. I can't even repay someone who saved me twice..." Corin muttered, her voice filled with self-blame.
"No, that's not it," Wise said gently. "It's just too late right now. If you don't go back soon, your family will be worried. How about we exchange contact information. If I ever need help, I'll contact you then."
Wise tried to reassure Corin, trying to comfort her and stop her from blaming herself.
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