The next day.
Inside the Tanuki House.
"Master, are you sure you can handle this...?"
Warm sunlight spilled into the Tanuki House. The weather had warmed considerably, the snow outside gleaming brightly. In the corner of the cat café, two cats were swatting at their own shadows.
In the center, Zane sat cross-legged on a mat, looking a bit helpless but obedient, letting the person behind him fuss over him.
"Relax and trust my skills. I guarantee you'll have heads turning when you step outside..."
Qingyi spoke with a serious expression, pinching a lock of Zane's hair between her fingers. She frowned in thought before braiding it into a small plait by his ear.
Yes—she was braiding Zane's hair.
Since emerging from the Ether crystal, Zane's hair had grown to just about shoulder length. While it looked fine when left loose, it inevitably got messy.
So when Qingyi came over early that morning, she couldn't stand the sight of it and took it upon herself to tidy his hair.
"Uh... getting that much attention isn't always a good thing..."
Zane glanced sideways and caught sight of the little braid by his ear, the golden thread at the end standing out. It was strange enough to be memorable—but yes, it would probably make people look.
Still, he didn't mind Qingyi's "taking the liberty." As long as he didn't look ridiculous, it was fine—and he figured her sense of style was worth trusting... probably.
...
Some time later, in the Janus District.
"Nicole, what exactly are you trying to do? You didn't explain anything—just told me to come."
Zane, dressed casually, drew quite a few glances as he walked down the street. Looking at Nicole ahead of him, he spoke in a clear voice.
"It's nothing serious, I just want you to come with me to meet someone..."
Nicole, standing in front of a plaza sculpture, turned at the sound of his voice. But as she processed his words, she froze.
Her eyes widened, a smile tugged at her lips.
"Zane, what happened to your hair? Haha, that's pretty unique... Hmm, actually kind of delicate."
Zane walked toward her, a bit resigned at her reaction.
Nicole gave him another look, then set her curiosity aside and explained the matter.
When she finished, she watched him a little nervously.
"So? Is it okay?"
"Of course. Hare's House is already in the same boat as me—it's nothing big."
"Besides, the Headmaster must be an important person to you. As your friend, it's only right I visit."
Zane waved a hand with a light smile.
"Really, it's a small favor. No need to look so tense."
"Alright, then let's go."
Nicole smiled at that, turning to lead him toward their destination.
"Since we're visiting, shouldn't we bring something..."
"Oh, no need, Zane. Just you being there is enough."
She cut him off, sounding a bit rushed. Zane didn't press the matter—if she said it wasn't necessary, so be it.
"By the way, after the Hollows Forum exposed Hare's House, how are things on your end?"
As Nicole flagged down a car, Zane asked. Since he was the one who had suggested it, he naturally cared about the outcome.
Nicole opened the car door, motioning for him to get in. Leaning in close to his ear, she said softly,
"Last night, Hare's House's phone line was cut off completely, and somehow our private contact info got leaked. It's been a mess."
"On top of that, we've been under intense scrutiny all day. Website traffic has skyrocketed, and shady people have been hanging around the shop in real life. Anby and Billy had to deal with quite a few..."
"This morning, officials came to verify our qualifications, running all kinds of checks. Then they expressed a strong desire to work with us—making Hollows disappear is just too big of a deal."
She spoke seriously, skipping the less important details. It wasn't just factions making moves; countless others had sent commission requests. But she'd been cautious—so far, she hadn't accepted a single one.
Zane listened, thoughtful for a moment, then said,
"Draft a list of suspects."
"Got it."
Nicole nodded. She'd already started, but there hadn't been enough time to finish.
Before long, the car stopped. They stepped out in front of a six-story building, its large signage impossible to miss.
This was the largest hospital in the Janus District, handling nearly half the district's medical work.
"Don't be nervous. I've told the Headmaster about you—he's eager to meet you. That's why I asked you to come."
As they walked, Nicole spoke in a softer tone.
"Don't worry. I'm confident in my people skills," Zane replied with a small smile.
Nicole nodded and guided him through the formalities with practiced ease. The hospital was spotless and bright, the corridors busy with patients, family members, and doctors.
She led him through a few turns and up to the third floor, where the foot traffic thinned. Even with masks on, the doctors here carried a clear air of gravity in their eyes.
Zane had glanced at the hospital directory earlier—this was the floor for the critically ill.
Here, doctors wrestled daily with death.
"This way, Zane."
Nicole's demeanor had quieted since entering. Her voice was soft as she led him toward a room.
Before they even reached the door, muffled sobbing seeped through. Nicole paused briefly, then reached for the handle—
—but the door opened first. A young girl stepped out, eyes still red from crying.
She glanced at Zane before looking to Nicole.
"Nicole, you're here. Siena said this morning you'd be coming. The Headmaster knows too—he's waiting for you."
She turned her head slightly, as if hiding her expression.
"I'll be going now."
"Mm."
Nicole gave a small nod. The girl brushed past and walked away. Nicole glanced after her briefly, then looked toward the room.
The door remained open. From where she stood, she could already see the figure lying on the white hospital bed. She turned to Zane, trying to muster a smile—though it looked a little forced.