Shin shared her intel with Zane, pointing out a few people worth noting. Even if Zane had his own sources, there was always a chance he might have missed something.
After listening, Zane thought for a moment, his plan slowly taking shape.
"There's still a while before the banquet starts, and I'm the guest of honor, so time's on our side. Should we get ready first?"
Seeing him return to focus, Shin made the suggestion.
"Because honestly, wearing this to a banquet isn't going to cut it."
"I'll leave it to you."
Shin smiled faintly at that and led him toward the tall building behind them.
Just as they stepped inside, not far away someone was staring over in surprise.
"Is that Zane?"
"Looks like him, but… something's off. Tch, couldn't see his face clearly…"
Ellen shook her head slightly, unable to shake her curiosity. She hadn't heard from him in some time—and she still owed him a favor.
"What's wrong, Miss Ellen?"
Corin suddenly popped out from who-knows-where, peeking at her in puzzlement.
"It's nothing."
Ellen shook her head, and just then Rina walked up.
"The passes are ready. We should get moving. This job's a tough one for Victoria Housekeeping—we'll have to tread carefully."
Her words pulled Ellen back to the present. She still had important business, and Zane… well, he was capable enough that she wasn't too worried. They'd cross paths again sooner or later.
Ellen gave Rina a nod, while Corin—nervous but determined—kept quietly psyching herself up.
The three of them left soon after.
...
High above the city, in a conference room.
Floor-to-ceiling windows spanned an entire wall, offering a sweeping view of New Eridu's glittering night.
Zane stood by the glass, taking it all in.
"Wow… what a strange feeling. So this is the world of the rich…"
He had just learned that not only this floor, but the entire building, belonged to Shin personally. No wonder she never seemed to care about money.
"Funny, your reaction doesn't match your status at all. You're in a much better position than I am, so how can this view impress you?"
Shin chuckled.
"You really think I'm some kind of god?" Zane waved a hand. "I'm just a regular guy with a bit of power…"
Whatever his strength, he knew himself best—inside, he was still an ordinary human.
Shin, of course, had no idea what he was thinking and took it for modesty, rolling her eyes.
"Alright, I've pulled up the banquet details. Go over them here while I change—your turn after that."
She'd already anticipated that Zane wouldn't prepare a thing, so she'd had a suit made for him. And since she hadn't known his measurements, she'd had one of every size made—over seventy in total.
Shin left, and Zane sat down, scanning the information on the screen and quietly refining his plan.
Maybe it'd be better to skip the intricate setups and go for something quick and clean…
A moment later, Shin's heels clicked against the floor as she returned. Zane glanced up—black and purple gown, snow-white wings, pink hair flowing over her shoulders.
"Does it look good?" she asked with a light, expectant smile.
"It looks good."
The flat tone made her expression stiffen. Even without hearing the perfunctory edge in his voice, she could read it from the way he gave her a token glance before turning back to the screen.
"Alright, go change. Follow the person at the door."
She waved him toward the exit, but just as he was about to leave, something occurred to her.
"By the way, I've always wondered about that little black sphere of yours. Looks like a powerful move, but you can keep it stored… what is it?"
"It's a Hollow," Zane said evenly. "A shrunken Hollow."
"Hollow…" Shin's brow arched, her pupils widening. "You mean that's a Hollow?! Wait—!"
Astonishment hit first, then shock, then a rapid flicker of thought behind her eyes.
"Hold on—don't go yet…"
She stopped him, mind racing, and then a sudden realization lit her face.
"So that's it… How did I never think of such a simple answer? Of course—this connects everything!"
Zane was used to people being shocked when they first heard this, but Shin's reaction felt… different.
"What's with you, talking to yourself?"
"Zane, you just saved me a ton of trouble!"
Before he could react, she grabbed his hand and lifted her skirt with the other, dragging him toward the door.
Confused but with little choice, Zane followed her into the elevator. She slammed the close button, and they began to descend.
"What's going on?" he asked again.
Still holding his hand in a firm grip, Shin looked at him, excitement in her voice.
"Zane, do you know Sunbringer? The old-capital Hollow Hunter who created the Bangboo?"
Zane nodded.
"Then you know where her name comes from, right? The 'Hive Lord' in the sky—the Hollow that stole light from humanity."
The elevator doors opened. Shin hauled him toward the exit, barking an order to a nearby aide.
"Get the car ready—we're going back!"
Then, deciding the dress was too cumbersome, she pulled a dagger from its hidden sheath. A few flashes of steel, and the gown fell away in purple-black shreds, scattering like petals.
"Whoa—was that necessary? Why the rush? Can you at least explain—"
"And ease up on the grip, it's starting to hurt…"
Even with her quick explanation, Zane was still lost.
Only then did Shin notice her grip and let go, steering him toward the waiting car.
"You'll understand soon! I need to confirm something first. Zane, I'm counting on you—just come home with me first!"
Without giving him room to argue, she shoved him into the car and told the driver to move, her excitement barely contained.
"What about the banquet?" he asked.
"Forget it—it's just for show! This is what matters right now!"
And so, the black sedan sped away into the night, carrying both Zane and Shin.