"You're that kind of girl, Belle?"
Nicole stared at Belle in disbelief, as if getting to know her all over again.
She had explained everything to her, yet Belle turned around and counter-threatened her—that was way too much!
Her own bestie setting eyes on her boyfriend, and then threatening her like some breeding stud situation.
This kind of plot should only appear in those kinds of little movies.
"Nicole, don't blame me. These things happen, and I'm already being very upfront about it."
Belle patted Nicole on the shoulder, putting on the face of a full-on villain.
"No way. Absolutely impossible!"
Nicole became agitated, speaking viciously.
There's no way she'd willingly put a green hat on herself! How embarrassing would that be for the boss?
Even if those two really have feelings for each other, it should go step by step, pass her tests one by one, and gain the approval of the official girlfriend before joining this big family.
"If you need something in the future, just come to me. I'll help for free—just feed me a meal!"
Belle instantly saw Nicole's weakness and patted her own chest, making a generous pledge.
"Hmm… then I'll think about it."
Nicole changed her expression instantly, stroking her chin in contemplation.
When they obtained Fairy, both sides established a mutual-aid pact—ever since then, requesting help from Phaethon only cost operation fees.
Though that was still worth it, clearly getting it for free now was even more profitable.
"If you ever start a business in the future, I'll guarantee I'm your first investor. I'll never go back on my word!"
Belle made another big move, giving a very sincere promise.
Before, Nicole had to coax and pamper Belle like a lord just to get her to invest.
Now Belle had perfectly grasped Nicole's psychology—this would definitely hit the mark.
"Alright, deal!"
Nicole immediately grabbed Belle's hand, afraid she'd regret it. "So? When and where? Do you want me to pack Sol up and deliver him to you?"
These two had already shown hints the last time they went biking in the Outer Ring, and now they were even playing this master-and-disciple play.
According to her calculations, these two were pretty much about to end up together anyway.
Since that's the case, she might as well help Belle and give Sol that brat an early bargain.
Besides, Belle's body was soft and delicate—she could definitely use some nourishment.
"Well… let me do it myself. Just don't interfere."
Belle's eyes darted everywhere, nothing like the bold, decisive person from a moment ago.
She might talk big, but when it came to practice, she was nowhere as calm and experienced as Nicole, who was already an old hand.
Something like this needed planning. She had to prepare herself mentally.
"Then how do you want to do it? I'll cover you."
Nicole asked responsibly.
Belle whispered, her gaze evasive: "I want to do a drunken confession—this way I won't have much psychological pressure. I think right after Tour de Inferno is a good opportunity."
"You sure thought that through!"
Nicole pinched Belle's cheek, speaking sourly. "So, you have been thinking about it for a while? Already plotting for it?"
"Love competition has always been like this. I came to tell you in advance—that's already very righteous of me!"
Belle defended herself confidently. "Besides, if he didn't keep teasing me, I wouldn't have liked him!"
She was at least a loyal fox spirit who'd negotiate terms with Nicole.
If it were another fox spirit, she would've acted directly—she'd not only trick Nicole until she was dizzy, Nicole might even end up praising her afterward!
"That's… kind of true." Nicole nodded in agreement, extremely dissatisfied with how that guy always unleashed his charm without restraint. "It's that jerk's fault—he has no idea how to hold back!"
She and Anby had been the first two victims. She still remembered when they first met—he had looked like some innocent, warm-hearted boy.
Feeding her noodles, preparing burgers for Anby, always teasing the two of them for fun—and that part hadn't changed at all.
In daily life he'd throw little surprises here and there, and still found time to arrange career opportunities for her.
A man who was so openly scummy was lethally dangerous to romance newbies like them.
That's how she, Nicole—boss of the Cunning Hares—ended up played in the palm of his hand, to the point she now accepted the green hat with peace of mind.
"Forget it, I admit defeat." Belle sighed and accepted her fate. "If he fooled me, it's because he's more skilled. Let me get used to it for a few days, then I'll give him a surprise."
She needed a few days to bond with Sol, give herself some courage; then she wouldn't run away at the last moment.
"Good sister, go wild when the time comes. Sol's like an ox—you can have as much as you want!"
Nicole patted Belle's shoulder, giving her advice.
"!!!"
Belle was shocked. Was Sol really that strong?
Thus, the two reached a preliminary agreement and parted ways.
...
Blazewood.
While the Sons of Calydon were making the final preparations for the Tour de Inferno, Belle was also busy.
"Teacher, teacher, I can't do this move~" Belle shook Sol's arm, speaking in a sweet, delicate voice. "I want you to teach me—hand-in-hand~"
She confidently threw him a seductive wink.
Just that little act of hers should be enough to mesmerize Sol to death!
Sol felt his scalp go numb and instinctively touched Belle's forehead. "Did Burnice give you fake liquor?"
In his memory, Belle—even when being a cute little gremlin—had never made an expression like that.
Not to mention, that tone was too much.
"…"
Belle froze, her anger level rising by one.
She finally mustered the courage to act coy, only to be accused of drinking fake alcohol—too much!
But remembering her objective, she forced her anger down again.
She smiled warmly. "Of course not. I just want you to teach me properly!"
"Ehh~"
Sol's body trembled as he backed two meters away in disgust.
This little thing—when she acted like this, he really couldn't handle it.
Are you serious with that half-step retreat!?
Belle stared at the distant Sol, her anger level rising again.
How had she never noticed Sol's willpower was this strong? Facing such a charming version of her and he wasn't even tempted!
"Say it. What do you want from me? As long as it's not my kidneys, I'll agree to anything."
Sol glared at her. "Just don't act like that. It scares me."
"Sol, you're too much!"
Belle finally snapped, gritting her teeth. "I'm trying so hard to get closer to you, and this is how you react!"
She just wanted to get closer, to prepare for what she planned next.
Sol looked at the flustered girl, let out a breath, rolled his eyes, and said, "If you want to flirt with me, just say it. I'm easy. Just be your normal self—that exaggerated act doesn't suit you."
Now he understood—Belle was simply inexperienced. Something must've triggered her into trying to take the initiative.
But her techniques were too weak—straight out of cheesy TV dramas, clumsy and immature.
After all this time with him, she hadn't even learned a third of his skills. Failure.
"What do you mean flirt with you!" Belle's face turned red instantly. "Getting closer suddenly counts as flirting? I'm just showing gratitude!"
Then she rambled on about repaying kindness, natural beauty, and other difficult concepts.
Fine—she did have the intention to flirt, but saying it out loud was just ugly.
"I don't know what made you suddenly take the initiative, but if you want to get closer, I'll teach you."
Sol grabbed Belle's hand and pulled it behind her back, smiling.
"What are you doing?"
Belle's heart raced, her voice turning timid.
Sol didn't answer. He simply leaned in and kissed her.
Strictly speaking, this should be their first official kiss.
Moments later—
Sol licked the corner of his mouth, watching Belle stumble away in panic, and chuckled softly.
"Heh. So weak yet loves to play."