Inside the offices of Special Operations Department of Hollow Special Operations.
The space was not large, compact and filled with the unmistakable atmosphere of overworked staff.
But the lighting was excellent—the windows were spotless, and a few elegant fresh flowers added a soft and pleasant warmth.
Compared to the temporary outpost outside Hollow Zero that Sol had visited before, the style here was completely different.
At the moment, the place was packed.
The four members of the Sons of Calydon, along with three little red piglets, were extremely curious about Section 6 and eager to deepen their relationship with them.
The four from Belobog Heavy Industries, rather than staying at the construction site lugging around rubble and steel beams, found it more worthwhile to come and build connections with Section 6.
The six from the Cunning Hares decided there was no point returning immediately—they might as well visit.
Mainly because Nicole wanted to freeload a meal; she still remembered how long ago Miyabi and Soukaku had eaten through the Cunning Hares' food supply for an entire week.
Even though the Cunning Hares were no longer short on supplies, a loss the boss once suffered had to be reclaimed with interest.
Belle and Wise were also present. Having impulsively revealed the matter concerning their teacher Carole Arna in front of everyone, they felt too timid to go home alone, so they stuck with the Cunning Hares.
Soukaku, holding a lollipop in her mouth, lay bored and starving atop a desk, desperately waiting for mealtime.
Confused about her demon blade, Miyabi—who wasn't skilled in conversation—simply sat quietly at her own desk, listening.
As for Yanagi, ever meticulous, she had already gone to the cafeteria to request a special small banquet as a welcome meal.
"This place is great—the office environment of Section 6!"
Koleda looked around, very pleased. "Ben, calculate our budget when we get back. We should upgrade our office too."
As the president of Belobog Heavy Industries, she had a responsibility to improve the working conditions for the people under her—including the bears and the machinery.
A workspace like this would surely improve efficiency.
"Understood, President."
Ben took out a small notebook and obediently jotted it down.
He even consulted Harumasa on the side about which brands of office supplies were best.
Harumasa was happy to answer; this was far easier than writing the report on Bringer's arrest.
"Boss Nicole, look at them!"
Billy pointed pitifully at Koleda and Ben.
He wanted an office like this too. Imagine being a stylish, composed office worker by day, transforming into a Starlight Knight in times of crisis—that setting was incredibly cool!
"Don't envy them. The material is pretty ordinary and doesn't suit us."
Nicole stroked the fine craftsmanship of the desk—its smooth, dense hardwood grain made her heart flutter.
What boss didn't want a grand, imposing desk?
Just placing one in the room would give her a crisp, professional aura, winning maximum trust from clients.
But such hardwood desks were expensive and didn't match the Cunning Hares' frugal style.
"I think it suits us perfectly."
Billy muttered under his breath, reluctant to look away.
"Then we'll deduct it from your salary."
Nicole's eyes glinted as she thought of a perfect solution.
If Billy paid for it himself, then there was no issue with the Cunning Hares owning an extra desk.
"No thanks, no thanks! Our Cunning Hares are all about practical work—definitely doesn't suit us."
Billy waved frantically; suddenly he had no interest in improving their work environment.
Compared to a fancy desk, he still preferred his gorgeous Monica figurine and his cool Starlight Knight models.
Nearby, Sol, Anby, Belle, and Wise stood together, each sipping a cup of hot chocolate.
"Sol, do you think we're in trouble?"
Belle tugged nervously at Sol's sleeve.
"What trouble?"
Sol asked casually.
"Well…" Belle lowered her voice, leaning close to whisper in Sol's ear, "Carole Arna is our teacher, but she's also officially listed as a major criminal in the fall of the Old Capital. Of course, Teacher would never do such a thing."
"Now that Miss Miyabi and the others know about our connection to him, if they follow our identities, they'll definitely find out we're Phaethon."
"And we've worked with Section 6 multiple times without ever revealing our identities. They've been deceived for so long."
"One legendary Proxy, one major clue to the fall of the Old Capital—put the two together and they'll capture us and torture us horribly. The electric chair, the horse chair, piercing needles…!"
Her mind flooded with torture scenes from classic movies. Terrifying images.
Whips, candles, sharp heels—no, no, not that!
But overall: panic, fear.
Wise was just as anxious and didn't even bother to object to how close Belle was whispering to Sol.
"Is it really going to be a problem?"
Sol couldn't help smiling, exchanging a glance with Anby.
Where did Belle get this confidence that she had fooled Section 6?
With her comedic acting skills, if they hadn't run into good people all along, she would have been halfway across the continent fleeing the law by now.
Nicole had mentioned several times that if the Cunning Hares hadn't removed a few ill-intentioned stalkers, Belle would've been singing prison songs already.
Anby understood instantly and said with grave seriousness, "It's a very big problem."
"What?"
Belle broke into cold sweat. Her hands trembled violently as she forced down a sip.
"Just kidding." Sol steadied her hand and smiled. "Actually, Section 6 probably already knew you were Phaethon."
"They did?"
Belle didn't quite believe it.
She had always been careful on missions, guarding her identity meticulously. No way Section 6 figured it out.
Sol smiled lightly. "Of course. Remote Hollow command using Bangboo units—that's Phaethon's trademark. Section 6 likely dug up your information after your first collaboration."
"Ah?"
Belle thought back. Indeed, Yanagi had dropped hints a few times.
"So don't worry. Section 6 won't do anything to you." Sol patted her shoulder. "You've worked with Miyabi and the others several times. Judge them by your own experience. No matter what, I'm here—don't stress yourself."
"Okay…"
Heavy-hearted, Belle nodded.
She still couldn't believe her 'perfect' disguise had been so easily seen through.
During those missions guiding Section 6, she really did act like a Bangboo the whole time. She shouldn't have been exposed.
Right then, Yanagi walked in with a smile. "Thank you all for your hard work. I've had the cafeteria prepare food. Let's go eat."
"Yes!"
Soukaku sprang back to life from atop a desk, hopping excitedly. "Everyone hurry! Section 6's cafeteria is great!"
Thinking of her generous meal allowance, her smile was radiant.
The crowd moved as one, following Yanagi toward the dining hall.
At the tail of the group, Belle—lost in thought—ended up walking beside the unhurried Miyabi.
Miyabi's long fox ears twitched as she said in her clear, calm voice, "Belle, Section 6 does not have electric chairs, horse chairs, or pillories."
She paused, then added, "In addition, apprehending Proxies is not within Section 6's jurisdiction."
"Ah? Oh."
Belle's soul drifted three miles away as she nodded blankly.