"Wow... New Eridu... has actually become like this now..."
Augetta's eyes widened, sparkling like clear crystal gems. She gazed out the train window, her expression filled with both astonishment and delight.
The elevated train tunnel hummed steadily as a train passed through, a faint sound echoing in its wake. Neither the pedestrians on the overpass nor those on the street paid it any attention.
With trains running constantly every day, the sight was far too common to draw interest.
Inside the carriage, Augetta knelt on her seat, leaning against the window to take in the towering skyscrapers. She gasped repeatedly, looking utterly amazed, like a child seeing the world for the first time.
"Augetta, haven't you seen all this plenty of times before... Is it really necessary..."
Beside her, Augilia propped her chin on one hand, speaking with mild exasperation.
"Sis, we haven't been outside in ages! The Hollow is nothing but ruins—of course I'm excited..."
Augetta turned back to look at her sister, her pale golden hair swaying gently, a bright smile lighting up her face.
Hearing her, Augilia sighed and shook her head. They didn't exactly have good memories of the Hollow—otherwise they wouldn't have asked Mr. Zane how many people he'd hurt back then.
Forget it. Let this girl play the mood-maker.
"Augetta, behave yourself."
Zane noticed the odd glances from the other passengers, let out a soft sigh, then poked Augetta lightly in the side as he spoke in a low voice.
"Yes, sir!"
Augetta jolted at the poke, quickly flipping back into her seat. She clasped her hands neatly on her knees, sneaking an awkward glance at Zane.
"Three days—neither long nor short. This time is entirely yours. After that, you can see it however you like."
Zane smiled gently, reaching out to tap Augetta's smooth forehead.
"Hehe, I'll listen to you, Sir."
Augetta chuckled sweetly, looking entirely obedient. Beside her, Augilia suddenly wanted to roll her eyes.
She had practically said the same thing earlier, yet all she got was a reply, while her sister got affection...
Tch. Still, it was fine. Truth be told, her own feelings toward Mr. Zane were also growing—gratitude, admiration, even a faint longing...
...
After some time, Zane and the twins stepped off at the station, arriving in a district neighboring Janus.
This district looked far more prosperous than Janus. Augetta's curiosity lit up as she held her sister's hand, pulling her along while Augilia followed.
"Sir, hurry up!"
Augetta waved at Zane, calling out loudly. When he quickened his pace, she grinned and resumed her light steps forward.
She glanced back again to make sure he had caught up. Just as she was about to say something, her gaze shifted, noticing someone lying on the street. Her expression faltered.
"Huh? Sir, even New Eridu now has... um... hasn't it improved compared to before?"
She remembered what Zane had once told her. A long time had passed since she and her sister became Ethereals in the Twin Hollow.
It was true that much of New Eridu had changed, but...
"Wherever there is light, there will be shadow—especially in a place like New Eridu."
Zane shook his head slightly.
"No matter how prosperous a place appears, it will always have filthy corners... though this is clearly a failure of the city government."
This was right outside the station.
For beggars to appear here only proved that the prosperity of this district was surface-deep, hiding weakness at its core.
And come to think of it—if things were truly different, the situation with the twins' grandfather wouldn't have turned out the way it had.
Zane bent down, placing a few Dennies before the beggar. The crisp sound of coins echoed in the air.
The beggar didn't move, and Zane didn't press it. Straightening, he prepared to leave with the twins when sudden commotion sounded in the distance. Several constables were approaching.
Zane glanced their way briefly but showed no interest in watching. He led Augetta and Augilia aside, yet the constables came directly toward them.
"It's those three! Grab them!"
A voice shouted. The twins froze in confusion, while Zane raised an eyebrow, stopping with mild curiosity.
The officers quickly surrounded them. Just as one began to speak, Zane raised his hand, twisting his wrist. A small black booklet appeared in his palm.
Flipping it open revealed densely packed records—the unmistakable mark of identification.
"Report the reason for your operation."
His voice was calm, steady, his expression unreadable.
The constables' words caught in their throats. They exchanged uncertain glances before the leader stepped forward, scanning Zane's credentials with his device.
A moment later, they realized his identity.
In unison, the officers snapped to attention. Their crisp salute rang out.
"Reporting, sir! This must be a misunderstanding."
They hurried to explain themselves, but Zane could tell the reasoning was flimsy at best.
Augetta's odd behavior on the train was part of it, but he suspected there was more behind it. Still, he hadn't expected these officers to know much of substance.
After dismissing them, he guided the sisters away.
"Mr. Zane, what's wrong?"
Augilia asked quietly. Zane only offered a reassuring smile, not elaborating.
"It's nothing."
Beside them, Augetta didn't seem bothered at all. She gazed around at the bustling streets and passersby, letting out a soft sigh.
"Hmm, this really is better... Staying in that Hollow was just unbearable..."
Moments later, the three of them boarded a taxi toward their destination. Augetta munched on snacks she'd picked up somewhere, while Augilia pressed Zane again about their grandfather's situation.
Meanwhile, at the Public Security Bureau headquarters, the atmosphere was anything but calm...
...
"You lot are really something. Openly colluding with outsiders to tarnish the sacred authority of public security? Don't you know that's illegal?"
"With the municipal elections approaching, you show no fear at all."
Bringer regarded the people before him, shaking his head as he reviewed the documents in his hands.
"Let's see... suppression lists for commercial rivals, political collusion, members of the White Star Institute... Hm? The latest list even includes Zane's name..."