[Fully Captured Target: Evelyn]
[Reward Generated ⭢ Thread Weave (A): Allows the user to control a target through a medium. Unlike ordinary control, the controlled individual can use some of the Host's power.]
[Note: The target must have a high favorability toward the Host.]
'It seems this ability has some limitations, but they don't seem that bad.'
After parting ways with Evelyn, Wise returned home. However, it wasn't long before he received a text message from Astra.
| Chaotic Fried Rice (Astra): Evelyn told me you took her to a hotel when she was drunk. You two didn't do anything strange, did you? |
| Biggest-Fan (Wise): No, absolutely nothing strange happened. You should know that last night, someone just wanted to help Evelyn pick up her coat and ended up getting hit with a subconscious shoulder throw. |
| Chaotic Fried Rice (Astra): Alright, if you say so. |
Although Wise and Evelyn had coordinated their stories in advance, and Evelyn intended to keep the matter hidden for the time being, Astra was still only half convinced.
After all, while Evelyn was a skilled liar, she couldn't hide anything from her.
So, Astra decided to confirm it with Evelyn again later.
Meanwhile, Wise returned to the video store just as Nekomata came to visit after finishing a commission.
"Wise, you're finally back, nya!"
Nekomata happily pounced into Wise's arms. He caught her with ease, and she immediately rubbed her cheek against him.
"You seem lighter. Is it because you've been doing a lot of commissions lately and lost some weight?"
Wise held Nekomata in his arms, weighing her a few times before reaching out and pinching her soft thigh.
"My weight has always been well-controlled, nya!" Nekomata huffed proudly.
Wise set her down and stroked her head.
"Eat a little more at launch later. The supermarket seafood section seems to be having a sale today. I'll buy you some extra fish."
"Don't just buy fish! That's a stereotype about Cat Thirens. I also want some high-protein food, like beef or crab... nya."
Since she had said so, Wise had no reason not to indulge her.
Later, while shopping for groceries, he happened to run into Anby and Nicole.
Naturally, the two joined him, especially Nicole, whose eyes practically sparkled when she saw Wise picking out so many delicious, high-quality ingredients.
Anby, on the other hand, didn't care much about quality. As long as there were hamburgers, she was satisfied.
Of course, it would be even better if Wise made them himself.
By lunchtime, Nicole and Anby were naturally present. Although Billy was excluded because he was a robot, it didn't matter. He could always be compensated later with a can of premium machine oil.
After lunch, Wise was sitting on the sofa when Nekomata once again pounced into his arms. This time, however, Anby followed closely behind.
What happened afterward was best left unsaid.
Still, Nekomata suggested that they shouldn't play the "never-touch-the-ground" game this time. She admitted that having her feet off the ground made her feel uneasy and strangely nervous.
There was nothing Wise could do about that. It was simply part of a Cat Thiren's nature.
Wise understood and agreed.
That said, agreeing was one thing. When the moment came, he still ended up picking her up and petting her anyway.
After all, who could resist a cute little kitten?
<<>>
Meanwhile, somewhere within a Hollow of unknown location, a Shark Thiren dressed as a maid wore the expression of a worker who had long since lost the will to live.
"Victoria Housekeeping, at your service. I'm Ellen."
"Wow! Such a cute maid outfit!"
"Are you..."
Upon noticing the client's appearance, Ellen, who had been lost in thought, immediately snapped back to reality.
The client seemed delighted by her reaction.
"Hehe, you recognized me already! That's right, I'm Astra! Nice to meet you, Ellen from Victoria Housekeeping. This time, I need your help collecting something called a Crystal Flower, which forms when plants are exposed to Ether."
"Okay."
Ellen wasn't particularly excited. After all, she wasn't a fangirl. She only knew Astra because a few friends had recommended her movies and songs.
"That was a quick answer! Let's get started then!"
Although Ellen looked listless while working, her strength was beyond question. She effortlessly eliminated the Ethereals they encountered along the way.
Unfortunately, they still hadn't found the target of the commission.
"As I suspected, it's not easy to find. Organic materials break down too easily inside the Hollow."
Astra looked around with a troubled expression.
Taking advantage of the brief lull, Ellen's curiosity got the better of her.
"Why would someone like you... Hmm, never mind."
She suddenly remembered one of Victoria Housekeeping's rules of never casually inquire about a client's motives.
Ellen stopped herself, but Astra didn't let the question go.
"Why would a superstar like me what? Go ahead, ask me anything!"
"Why are you personally coming into the Hollow to look for this?"
Since the client had already invited the question, Ellen didn't hesitate.
Astra answered openly, "It's for a gift, a New Year's gift! The stamens of the Crystal Flower are essential for making a perfume called Crimson Venom."
"Why don't you just buy it on Inter-Knot and save yourself the trouble?" Ellen asked curiously.
"That won't do. This is a gift for my closest companion, so it has to be handmade to show my sincerity~"
Astra answered without the slightest hesitation.
Ellen fell silent as she considered those words.
"I see..."
"But I need to head back for today. Can I ask for your help again next time? I think you're amazing, Ellen! You're so cool, and you remind me of the friend I mentioned earlier."
"Yes, you can."
Ellen's thoughts lingered on Astra's words about the gift, while Astra herself seemed equally lost in thought.
<<>>
Just like that, New Eridu's New Year drew one day closer, and Lumina Square gradually transformed into a more festive sight.
However, on that very day, a flustered figure suddenly rushed into the video store.
"That was close... I almost got caught..."
"Astra? What's wrong with you?"
Recognizing her immediately, Wise stepped forward. Astra, meanwhile, looked visibly relieved to see him.
"You're here, great! I'm hiding!"
"Hiding? Are you being chased by men in black again?"
Given her personality, that was Wise's first guess, but Astra quickly shook her head.
"No, it's the paparazzi. They've been following me for several blocks, and I couldn't shake them off even after changing taxis twice. Oh, and don't stand near the entrance. Customers are coming in and out. Is there somewhere more secluded?"
Hearing that, Wise led Astra upstairs to his room.
"Hmm... now I can finally relax for a bit. I really owe you one."
Astra spoke as she casually sat down on the sofa.
A moment later, she stretched out and lay on her side comfortably, completely at ease.
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