Baal simply followed Nicole and her group as they stepped into the Dead End Hollow.
Nekomiya Mana began acting even stranger. She didn't immediately lead them straight to the Red Fang Gang's hideout. Instead, she wandered with them in circles inside the Hollow.
Her goal had never been about retrieving her family heirloom. Sure, losing that old photograph was a pity, but it wasn't her true concern.
Her real target was eliminating Nicole and the other two. That was why she kept dragging them around, hoping they would quickly stumble upon the Dead End Butcher.
Or, if necessary, she could use the noise from fighting Ethereals to draw that butcher's attention.
So, with every turn, Nekomiya Mana deliberately led them into places crawling with Ethereals.
Unfortunately, whether it was because the Cunning Hares had unusually good luck today, or because the Dead End Butcher simply hadn't woken up yet, her plan failed.
After four fights with Ethereals in a row, the group still hadn't run into that Notorious monster—the Dead End Butcher.
Nicole, worn thin by the constant encounters, snapped irritably. "Hey, Nekomata, are you sure you even know the way to the Red Fang Gang's hideout? It feels like we've been going in circles this whole time."
"O-of course I know! I'm just… not very familiar with this particular hideout, that's all!" Nekomiya Mana quickly explained.
As she spoke, she stole a glance at Anby Demara and Baal.
Anby's eyes had grown sharp and suspicious. Clearly, she felt something was off about their four successive Ethereal encounters.
The little Bangboo, however, simply looked at her with calm, steady eyes—an expression as though it saw through everything.
Nekomiya Mana realized she could no longer stall by pretending to search for the hideout. She needed a new excuse.
"Look! Over there, a little girl!" she suddenly shouted, pointing toward a corner.
"Huh? Where? I don't see anyone." Billy Kid spun around, scanning the area with exaggerated confusion.
"I don't see her either." Anby's tone was cool as she fixed her gaze on Nekomiya Mana. "Miss Client, you've already led us through four Ethereal fights, and now you're telling us about a nonexistent little girl. You're deliberately deceiving us."
"I really did see her! Just a moment ago, a little girl ran past. It's normal you didn't notice." Nekomiya Mana rushed to defend herself.
"Everyone knows Thirens have sharper dynamic vision."
"Besides, can't you show a little compassion? She's just a child wandering into the Hollow. If we don't help her, she's as good as dead!"
Nicole looked around, still seeing nothing. The whole job had been aggravating from the start, and now this Nekomata girl was acting stranger by the minute. Better finish this commission quickly and be done with it.
"This isn't part of your commission. We're supposed to find your family heirloom."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Nekomiya Mana puffed up, indignant. "Are you going to ignore a helpless little girl lost inside the Hollow, just leave her here to die? Seriously? I thought the Cunning Hares were compassionate. Turns out you're just a bunch of cold-blooded people who'd let others perish right in front of you!"
Her firm tone made the group hesitate.
If what Nekomiya Mana said was true, then leaving a child to fend for herself in the Hollow would indeed be unforgivable.
But was she really telling the truth? None of them had seen the girl.
"Stop hesitating! If you wait any longer, that little girl will already be torn apart by an Ethereal!" Nekomiya Mana pressed urgently. "Don't worry, I'll pay extra commission for the rescue!"
Anby cut her off flatly. "That won't be necessary. If a girl really is here, we'll save her."
Billy struck a dashing pose and declared, "To reach out to those in need—that is the virtue of a Starlight Knight! What's surprising, though, is that you'd put saving a stranger above retrieving your family heirloom. Truly, a kindhearted little cat. Seeing you inherit the will of the Starlight Knights fills me with pride."
Nicole sighed heavily, then looked at Nekomiya. "Honestly… even if I think you're lying, I can't just ignore the possibility. We'll go check."
Baal frowned slightly. She hadn't seen any little girl, but if one really was present, turning a blind eye would go against the Raiden Shogun's principles.
If the child existed, perhaps Mana's sentence could be reduced. But if this was a lie… she would increase the current. Those who toyed with others' kindness would not be forgiven.
"What? You're agreeing… this easily?"
Nekomiya Mana blinked, stunned.
She had thought she'd need to fabricate another excuse to trick them again, yet they accepted without resistance.
Her emotions tangled.
The story of a lost little girl was just supposed to be a cover—a way to tack on another commission and lure the Cunning Hares with money. But they refused any reward, and still agreed without hesitation.
…Nothing like what the Inter-Knot had said about them. These people actually looked like good people.
She had wanted to kill them to avenge Miguel Silver. But if the Cunning Hares were like this… she found herself hesitating.
"Nekomata, don't just stand there!" Nicole waved her forward. "Lead us to the girl! We didn't see where she went!"
"Ah—r-right! Coming, coming!"
Nekomiya Mana jolted as if waking from a dream, then moved to lead the way.
At this point, there was only one road left to walk.