...
"Huh? Zane, how come you guys are back so soon?"
At the entrance of the video store, Belle was carrying a box of newly arrived tapes. Spotting the three approaching from a distance, she looked surprised and called out loudly.
Most of the snow on Sixth Street had already been cleared away, but piles still lingered on the roadside where they didn't block pedestrians. A vast expanse of white stretched before them.
"A minor issue came up. Augetta and Augilia changed their minds."
Zane walked a few steps closer and explained calmly.
"Oh, come on, sir. You just said everything was fine. Why are you still sounding like this..."
Augetta tugged at Zane's arm with a pout, her voice low and a little sulky.
"So I should be thrilled to tell Belle this news?"
"Is this something you can say happily?"
Zane sighed, his tone weary.
Hearing that, Augetta stuck out her tongue and glanced away, slightly embarrassed. Just then, Augilia stepped in to ease the tension.
She took one of the boxes from Belle and looked back at them.
"Sis, Mr. Zane, don't just stand outside. Let's head in..."
The group entered the video store. For some reason—perhaps because the temperature had dropped again—it was unusually quiet that day.
Most people preferred staying wrapped in bed rather than braving the cold, except for students and workers, of course. And among those "chosen workers," Sjal was currently inside.
"Hey! Mr. Zane!"
"Want to check out the first film released by our Fire Pickers Guild? We spent a fortune shooting it!"
When she noticed Zane, Sjal waved a videotape excitedly, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.
"This is New Eridu's very first urban disaster film starring an Ethereal! And the protagonist is a Fire Picker! I'm telling you, this..."
Zane raised his hand to cut her off, curiosity piqued as he took the tape and examined it.
What the hell? I have a movie?
Beside him, Belle set down her box, planted her hands on her hips, and shot Sjal a look that was equal parts exasperated and resigned.
She knew it—this guy had insisted on helping without pay. Of course there was another reason.
Every single customer who had walked in today had been pitched the same film. To be fair, though, it really had been blowing up online these past few days...
"Alright, I'll watch it when I have time..."
Zane put the tape back. Sjal, completely missing the dismissive undertone, nodded earnestly, a glimmer of joy flickering in her eyes.
Seeing that, Zane's expression stiffened slightly. Great, now he really had no choice but to watch it... He couldn't help feeling a little guilty.
What he didn't notice was the sly glint that flashed deep in Sjal's eyes.
Leading Augetta and Augilia into a side room, No. 6 quickly opened the door. Belle, after handing the film to Sjal for storage, hurried in as well.
Inside, Wise was leaning on the desk, speaking with Fairy over the computer about some commission work.
Hearing the movement behind him, he glanced back. Recognizing Zane, he didn't pay much attention—until he saw the two girls following him. His gaze sharpened.
Belle entered just then and noticed Wise staring at the twin sisters. She was about to explain when Wise spoke first.
"You... look remarkably like—no, exactly like—the two dancers from the Ballet Tower."
After a moment's thought, Wise turned to Zane, surprise in his voice.
"Are these the Twin Marionettes?"
Zane raised an eyebrow. Beside him, Belle froze, her eyes widening as she looked from her brother to Zane to the sisters.
Wait, had she really seemed that clueless before? No... it wasn't that she was dumb or slow—it was just that she'd never looked into these things herself... right?
Setting Belle's inner turmoil aside, Zane had already explained the situation to Wise, who quickly accepted the truth of the twins' identity.
Still, when he learned of the time limit, he couldn't help but sigh.
From his earlier experience with Victoria Housekeeping's Hollow expedition, where he had lent a hand throughout, he had already guessed there was something unusual about the twins. Now, fate had shown its cruelty.
After exchanging greetings, Augetta and Augilia sat on the sofa while Wise went to prepare the film and make warm drinks. Belle, still embarrassed about earlier, was now frantically cramming information about the twin dancers through Fairy.
"So, what are your plans moving forward?"
Zane looked at Augetta and Augilia, his expression calm as he asked.
Augetta spoke softly,
"Sir, weren't we supposed to watch the film first..."
"I mean after that—your plans for the next couple of days. Your time is limited. You should make the most of it."
Augetta nodded firmly, though she still had no clear idea of what to do. She felt like there were countless things she wanted to do, yet at the same time, nothing at all.
"Mr. Zane, perhaps there's no need to rush. Maybe after watching the film, the answer will reveal itself."
Augilia smiled faintly, the coolness in her eyes softening. Her words smoothed away the restless irritation Zane hadn't even realized had taken hold.
"Hmm."
He nodded in agreement.
Moments later, Wise returned, carrying the film the sisters wanted to see.
By then, Belle had finished her crash course and was already chatting warmly with the twins. As the lights dimmed, the film began to play.
Gradually, the room fell silent.
...
"Wait, wait! It hurts! Hold on, Zane!"
Belle's face twisted in pain. Zane's expression darkened slightly as he replied with exasperation,
"Didn't you tell me to keep going without stopping, and not to be swayed by you..."
"Well, not like this! It really hurts! Can't you go slower? Augilia was so gentle..."
"Ouch—that hurts!"
Zane shot her a glare and let go. Without his support, Belle tumbled to the floor. She rubbed her backside while pulling her legs up to ease the pain.
Lifting her head, she glared at him. The girl who "never held a grudge" spoke up immediately.
"You jerk! Who does leg stretches like that?!"
"Don't you know how to handle delicate things with care?"
"I told you this wasn't for you, but you insisted. If I don't let you suffer a little, how will you ever learn to back off..."
Zane waved his hand dismissively and sat back on the sofa. Augetta rushed over to help Belle up, then silently glanced between the two of them.
Somehow... it felt like Mr. Zane and Belle had some kind of grudge from a past life.