"Hey, Belle, how about we go get ramen this afternoon? My treat, okay?"
"No!"
"Manager, come on. How about we go play video games and watch Starlight Knight later?"
"No!"
"Belle, hamburger..."
"No!"
At a certain crossroads on 19th Street, Nicole, Billy, and Anby were taking turns trying to persuade Belle—who was controlling Eous—to let go of the small hands clutching Kafka's thigh.
But they quickly lost the battle against Belle's triple "No."
"Hehe, the little one's so clingy."
"Miss Kafka, please don't encourage this."
Nicole covered her face helplessly; they'd already been stuck at this crossroads for nearly twenty minutes.
It had all started after Kafka finished reprimanding Evan, turning him from an arrogant young master into a cowering mutt with its tail between its legs. She told Evan and his bodyguards to scram, saying that Goodenough would contact him when the time was right.
With the commission complete and the immediate danger resolved, it was time for everyone to part ways.
At the crossroads, Kafka smiled and said they should separate there. She told the Hooligans to take Eous back to the video store, while she herself was heading to report to Jiang Ge.
But when Belle heard that she had to part with her beloved Miss Kafka, that was simply unacceptable. She immediately had Eous step forward and cling to Kafka's leg, refusing to budge no matter what.
For the next twenty minutes, Nicole, Anby, and Billy tried every possible method of persuasion—but no matter what they said, Belle just wouldn't let go. In fact, she only clung tighter. After a moment, the Hooligans even heard a strange sound.
Slurp~
"Eek! Did... did she just lick? Wait, can a Bangboo even do that? Can she even reach? Can she taste?"
Hearing the sound, Nicole got goosebumps.
Seeing this, Kafka realized it wouldn't be good to drag things out any longer. She gently tugged Eous's little ear and said,
"Sweetie, it's time to let go now."
"Nooo, Miss Kafka, take me with you!"
Unexpectedly, Belle used Eous's little hands to clutch Kafka's leg even tighter, crying out while rubbing Eous's face repeatedly against it.
As for Belle's plea, Kafka simply laughed softly.
"That won't do, I'm afraid."
"Then I'll just hold onto Miss Kafka's leg like this and make her take me with her!"
"That's enough already!" Nicole, unable to take it anymore, gave Eous's head a firm pat and sighed helplessly. "It's not like you'll never see her again. Next time there's a commission, just have Jiang Ge send Miss Kafka, okay?"
"No!"
"You—!"
"Boss, calm down," Billy quickly said, stepping between them before Nicole exploded. "Manager, what would it take for you to come back with us, then?"
"I don't want to go with you at all! I only want Miss Kafka to take me with her~"
As she spoke, Belle rubbed her face against Kafka's leg a few more times.
"Miss Kafka, this…"
Hearing Belle's words, the three Hooligans all turned to Kafka. Kafka looked down at Eous, chuckled softly, then reached out and picked the Bangboo up into her arms.
Belle, caught off guard, loosened her grip and let out a relaxed sigh, her face softening as she enjoyed being held by Kafka.
"Miss Kafka~"
"I'm so happy that after all this time, sweetie still misses me so much. But all good things must come to an end. Sweetie, it's time to say goodbye."
"B-but—"
"Shh. You mustn't be a sweetie who causes trouble for others. Don't worry, I believe we'll meet again very soon."
"Okay..."
Eous's ears drooped as Belle's voice grew small and dejected, but she obediently stayed still.
"I'll leave her in your care. Sorry for delaying you all just because I wanted to see a bit more of her adorable side."
"Not at all, Miss Kafka."
Kafka handed Eous over to Nicole, who finally breathed a sigh of relief—until Belle's voice chirped again.
"Hehe, Miss Kafka said I'm cute..."
"Are you a child?!" Nicole snapped in exasperation.
"Well then, goodbye, everyone."
"Goodbye, Miss Kafka. Alright, we should head back and rest too."
Kafka waved and left without looking back. Nicole was just about to lead the others away when Belle suddenly shouted,
"Wait!"
"What is it now?"
"I want to watch Miss Kafka a little longer~"
"I... I... Fine, fine, whatever."
Nicole took a deep breath. Afraid Belle would throw another tantrum, she reluctantly agreed. So the group stood there, watching until Kafka's figure finally disappeared from sight.
"Miss Kafka... even her back is so beautiful."
"I can't take this anymore. Is it over now?"
"It's over, let's go. Really sorry for wasting your time."
"You're acting normal now? Whatever, let's just go already."
Nicole felt a little surprised—Belle's last sentence sounded noticeably calmer. Acting so unhinged in front of Kafka… it seemed Kafka really had quite the hold on her.
But there was no time to dwell on it.
Kafka had said that once she returned, Jiang Ge would soon transfer the money. Thinking about it, Nicole began pondering what she should eat today.
Just then, Wise's voice came through, apparently starting a conversation with Belle.
"Huh? Little sister, has Miss Kafka left?"
"Yes, brother. But Miss Kafka said we'll meet again very soon!"
"I see..."
For some reason, Wise's voice paused. Half a minute later, he spoke again, sounding hesitant.
"Little sister, I don't want to make you sad, but I also don't want to see you pining away like this."
"Why do you say that?"
"Think about it—didn't Kafka say the same thing last time? And yet, it wasn't until today..."
"Don't say it, brother! Things are different now. This time, I really believe Miss Kafka will see me again soon!"
Although Belle said that, Nicole could hear her voice faltering. She was still clinging to Kafka's words, still hoping that this time, Kafka truly meant it—that they would meet again soon.
"But... you don't even have her contact info."
"..."
Wise didn't realize how deeply that careless remark had wounded his sister's heart.
Nicole looked down at the now-silent Eous and felt a bad premonition rising.
"MISS KAFKAAAAAA—!"
"Anby! Billy! Help me, quick!"
The piercing scream made Nicole's body jolt. Eous suddenly broke free from her grasp and sprinted toward the direction Kafka had left. Fortunately, Nicole reacted quickly, rushing forward to tackle Eous to the ground. Anby and Billy, hearing her shout, hurried over to help restrain the struggling Bangboo.
Watching Eous squirm, Nicole felt utterly helpless and shouted toward Wise,
"Wise! Can't you just shut up for once? Hurry and calm your sister down!"
"Oh, Nicole, sorry! I just didn't want to see my sister moping like before," Wise said hurriedly, trying to console Belle. Then, as if nothing had happened, he asked, "Um, by the way, did you ask Miss Black Swan if she's free lately?"
"No! She said she doesn't like you because you're a creep!"
Already furious, Nicole snapped back without thinking, making up the retort on the spot. Truthfully, she had no idea who Black Swan even was.
But strangely, right after she said that, there was a thud—as if something had fallen over—and then Wise went completely silent.
"Wise? Hey, where'd you go? Wise—!"
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A/n: While I am a new translator, I have a Patreon! While it may be a bit empty right now both this and the other book on my page has advanced chapters posted on patreon. Set up for my web novel will be 2 chapters for every book a day and if you go to my patreon you'll see the set up there.
patreon.com/deadlygoober