『 The trio bid farewell to Topaz and set off to locate the two Bloodhound Family members who had been tailing them, intending to fish for information.
[ We are executing the Officer's orders! ]
[ W-what do you want! ]
The male Bloodhound Family member tensed up instantly upon seeing the three approach.
[ We made a mistake earlier and are working hard to atone for it; we have no time for anything else! ]
[ Surveillance of the IPC executive Topaz, ensuring she remains within The Reverie Hotel for the duration of her stay in Penacony—we definitely have the right person this time! ]
No sooner had the male Bloodhound shut his mouth than the female member beside him hurriedly chimed in, swearing solemn oaths to back him up.
[ ….. ]
[ I see. It's those two who were chasing Hotaru back then… ]
Stelle recognized their identities immediately; she hadn't expected to run into old acquaintances.
[ We meet again! ]
Since they were acquaintances, Stelle offered a greeting.
[ ….. ]
[ W-why is it you again… are you here to pick a fight? ]
[ We aren't afraid of you this time! ]
The male Bloodhound recognized Stelle.
He immediately assumed a combat stance, hoping to intimidate her.
However, the panic plastered across his face betrayed his inner turmoil.
[ If… if you have something to say, say it quick! If not, don't obstruct us! ]
The female Bloodhound also wore a look of mild terror.
[ So you know each other… ]
[ Stelle, how is it that everywhere you go, you run into people you've beaten up? ]
March 7th watched the scene unfold, finding it somewhat comical.
[ When's our lunch break? Mmm... Hungwy. ]
Stelle felt that these two Bloodhound members were excessively high-strung, so she attempted to change the subject to soothe them.
[ Sheesh, why do you keep asking me that? We're in the middle of investigating a murder case for The Family. May we speak to your Captain about it? ]
March 7th felt that Stelle was surely spouting nonsense, so she took over the inquiry.
[ Well… ]
The male Bloodhound hesitated, glancing at his female colleague.
[ …Hey! ]
[ The Security Officer gave specific orders! Before he returns from Dream's Edge, we are not to leak any information! ]
[ W—What murder? You'd better stop spouting nonsense. ]
The female member whispered a reprimand to her partner before shouting at the trio.
[ Th—That's right! We have nothing to report. Please leave! ]
The male member began to echo her sentiments.
[ Looks like they're not going to cooperate. But, they did at least tell us that the Captain is at Dream's Edge... ]
Himeko, who had remained silent until now, observed the scene and whispered to the other two.
[ Then wouldn't it be fine if we just went directly to find that Security Officer… ]
[ It should be the Gallagher that Stelle mentioned, right? ]
Hearing Himeko's words, March 7th immediately proposed a plan.
Stelle and Himeko expressed their agreement.
Subsequently, they began their journey toward Dream's Edge to search for traces of Gallagher. 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
March 7th: "Are these two Bloodhound Family members a bit… simple-minded?"
March 7th: "We barely said anything, and they just leaked the secret themselves."
Stelle: "Tsk, clearly they were traumatized by the shadow of my baseball bat!"
Boothill: "I say, is the Family's security really made up of this kind of stuff?"
Boothill: "No wonder they can't even stop some ordinary stowaways."
Sunday: "I am truly embarrassed that you all have to witness such a joke again."
Sunday: "The members of the Bloodhound Family really ought to improve their professional standards."
Sunday: " later, I will discuss this matter with the head of the Bloodhound Family."
Paimon: "Hehe, it feels like these two are somewhat similar to the employees under Miss Topaz earlier."
Lumine: "They're all the same kind of adorably stupid, right?"
Dr. Veritas Ratio: "In my view, it is ludicrous enough to provoke laughter…"
....
『 The video continues.
[ Security is truly tight… they must be worried about the case as well. ]
[ Gallagher… where could Gallagher be? ]
After passing through layers of blockades and arriving at Dream's Edge, March 7th began scanning the surroundings, looking for Gallagher's silhouette.
[ Excuse me, you two. ]
[ The Bloodhound Family is investigating ahead. Unauthorized personnel are forbidden. ]
[ …Wait, I think I've seen you before, gray-haired one. ]
As March 7th and Stelle searched, they encountered a Bloodhound Family member at an entrance.
And this person, evidently, was another of Stelle's acquaintances.
[ Sigh… just how much trouble have you caused in Penacony? ]
March 7th looked at this sense of déjà vu and sighed helplessly.
[ This ain't it, chief. You've got the wrong gal. ]
Stelle attempted to bluff her way through.
[ I haven't got the wrong person! ]
[ It was you last time! Shouting about 'Friendship, Effort, Clockie's Tricks' while you and that silver-haired little girl beat me to a pulp! ]
This Bloodhound member held a deep grudge over the previous incident; Stelle couldn't deny it even if she wanted to!
[ Ugh… ]
Hearing this, March 7th was rendered completely speechless.
[ I absolutely cannot let you pass this time… please go back, or else I'm going to kneel down and beg you!! ]
The Bloodhound member used the toughest tone to speak the softest words.
[ Eh? ]
[ Stelle, what kind of heinous crime have you committed now... ]
Seeing the Bloodhound member humbled to such a state, the look March 7th gave Stelle became somewhat peculiar.
[ Wait a moment, sir… ]
[ We possess documents granted by the Family to assist in the investigation. Could you make an exception and let us see Mr. Gallagher? ]
At this moment, Himeko produced the proof given by the Family for the Bloodhound member to inspect.
[ Who exactly is this Gallagher you're talking about? ]
[ Several people have already mentioned this name to me; this gray-haired one said it last time too. ]
Hearing the name Gallagher, the Bloodhound member's face was filled with confusion.
[ Huh? ]
[ Wasn't it him who sent you here? ]
March 7th scratched her head, somewhat unable to comprehend the situation.
[ It was the Security Officer who sent us here. I can't say anything more than that. ]
The Bloodhound member offered an explanation.
[ Well, that settles it then! He's exactly who we're looking for! ]
March 7th spoke as if it were a matter of course.
[ Really, I can't. ]
[ The boss said this concerns the Family's face; no one is to be let through. ]
[ Please return, everyone. We really don't need to make things difficult for each other, right? ]
The Bloodhound member's tone was abject; he was on the verge of tears from the dilemma.
[ We apologize for causing you trouble. ]
[ Let's go, Stelle, March. We'll think of another way. ]
Himeko felt bad continuing to pressure the man, so she intended to lead the two away to find another route.
[ Another way… that's it! ]
[ Didn't Stelle say that last time, she relied on that… Clockwork, to make this big brother change his mind? ]
[ Can you perform it again, Stelle? ]
[ That thing—Clockie's magic trick! ]
As soon as other methods were mentioned, March 7th immediately recalled the Clockwork ability Stelle had shown off to her before.
She wanted her to rely on this method again to settle the Bloodhound member before them.
[ I was waiting for you to say that! ]
With March 7th's instigation, Stelle instantly felt her psychological burden vanish.
[ Hehe, I'm counting on you, Stelle! ]
March 7th flashed a grin at Stelle.
Subsequently, Stelle began to repeat her old trick on the Bloodhound Family member, activating Clockwork.
This time, she once again adjusted the Bloodhound member's mood to Wrath.
And so…
[ You gray-haired… why won't you listen to a word I say?! ]
[ The Security Officer's orders are absolute! I'm telling you, this ground ahead—the wind can't enter, the rain can't enter, and even if the Dreammaster came, he couldn't enter! ]
Under the influence of Clockwork, the Bloodhound member transformed directly into a raging berserker, pointing at Stelle's nose and shouting loudly.
[ Can the Dreammaster really not enter? ]
Hearing such hardline words, Stelle couldn't help but retort with a question.
[ Nonsense! Even if the Dreammaster came, he couldn't… ]
[ …Uh, we'll talk about it if the Dreammaster comes! ]
[ Besides, it's just a metaphor! A metaphor! Do you understand?! ]
[ I'm warning you, if you continue to be this relentless, I'm going to display my true power! ]
The Bloodhound member's attitude was extremely overbearing; he even began to threaten Stelle.
[ Um, Stelle, he seems a little angry. Should we maybe… ]
Seeing the Bloodhound member flying into a rage, March 7th tugged at Stelle's sleeve, wanting to slip away.
[ You dare defy me and my baseball bat? ]
Stelle paid it no mind, drawing her massive bat.
[ Sigh, humans are forever unable to understand one another… ]
Stelle's attitude deeply disappointed the Bloodhound member.
[ Great, even if Qlipoth were here, THEY wouldn't be able to protect him. ]
March 7th felt that since things had reached this point, the only option was to fight.
[ There is no meaning to death in defiance, why do you not understand... Sweet Dreams Troupe, charge! Teach them a lesson they won't forget! ]
The Bloodhound member could bear it no longer and initiated hostilities.
But a moment later…
[ Must we repeat this outcome again… ]
[ It seems both you and I are trapped in this cycle of despair. ]
Beaten black and blue once more, the Bloodhound member began to lament inexplicably.
[ Uh… what is he talking about? ]
March 7th didn't understand.
[ But, this time, I will sever these chains of tragedy—you shall not pass, no matter what, unless you step over my corpse! ]
The Bloodhound member's expression suddenly became resolute.
[ He doesn't have to be so melodramatic, does he?]
March 7th really didn't know what to say.
(Looks like he still doesn't want to budge an inch...)
She had beaten him, she had reasoned with him, yet he remained unmoved. Stelle suddenly felt this was somewhat thorny.
However, seeing the Bloodhound member's heavy expression, she felt that perhaps if she made him happy, things might take a turn for the better…
Thus, she activated Clockwork once more, shifting the man's emotion to Happy.
Unexpectedly, the effect was immediate!
[ Let me see, what time is it now… ]
[ …What, it's already time? ]
[ TIME TO CLOCK OUT! AND NO ONE'S GONNA STOP MEEEE! ]
[ Hahahaha…. ]
This highly principled Bloodhound member, who had previously refused to let Stelle and the others in no matter what, simply laughed uproariously and left…
[ ….. ]
This bizarre scene left March 7th and Himeko completely numb.
[ Uh… Stelle, I'm afraid your Clockwork is a bit… dangerous. ]
March 7th looked at Stelle, feeling that this ability didn't quite seem like something a good person would use.
Hearing this, Stelle scratched her head awkwardly.
Honestly, she felt it was a bit questionable herself.
[ Ha… at least he won't stop us anymore. ]
[ Let's go find that Gallagher and have a detailed chat about the case. ]
Himeko smiled, leading everyone forward. 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Furina de Fontaine: "Clockwork returns to the stage!"
Furina de Fontaine: "Let us see who the victim is this time?"
Furina de Fontaine: "Ah! It's actually… that unlucky Bloodhound member from before!"
Hu Tao: "Too evil! Too brutal! I can hardly watch!"
Hu Tao: "Tsk tsk, aren't you guys just bullying an honest man! (Funny.jpg)"
Hotaru: "He actually remembers the time I fought him with Stelle so clearly…"
Hotaru: "Was I a bit too heavy-handed back then?"
Hotaru: "Suddenly, I feel so guilty…"
Silver Wolf: "Isn't he still alive and kicking?"
Silver Wolf: "He's not missing any arms or legs!"
Silver Wolf: "You call that heavy-handed?"
Qingque: "Truly a pitiful person."
Qingque: "To be bullied by Stelle twice in a row."
Lumine: "This Mr. Bloodhound was simply too principled. If he had just relented a little, surely he wouldn't have ended up so miserable?"
Stelle: "Let's get one thing straight, this incident has nothing to do with me. It was March who commanded me to do it."
March 7th: "Hey… what is this shifting of responsibility?"
March 7th: "Doesn't the video show that since I'd never seen Clockwork before, I had no idea this thing would be so wicked?"
March 7th: "If I had known, I definitely wouldn't have let you do it!"
Stelle: "I don't care, it's your fault, I'm innocent. (Innocent.jpg)"
March 7th: "Fine, fine, fine, it's all my fault, I'm the bad one. Satisfied now?"
Paimon: "Wow, feels so doting. (CoveringMouthLaugh.jpg)"
Stelle: "Where is the doting? This is clearly perfunctory!"
Himeko: ".....(Helpless.jpg)"
....
『 The video continues.
[ I was wondering what all the commotion was... Oh, it's you guys. Welcome. Since you made it here, what can I do for you? ]
The three found Gallagher and approached him.
[ Hello, Mr. Gallagher, sir. Judging from your tone, it sounds like you were expecting us. ]
Himeko asked politely.
[ Hahaha... Miss Himeko, you're too polite. There's no need to call me 'Sir.' ]
Gallagher waved his hand with a smile.
[ ...Mr. Gallagher, you even know my name? ]
Himeko was somewhat surprised.
[ I know, how could I not know? ]
[ You are the famous Astral Express, guests of the Watchmaker. ]
[ I had a brief encounter with this young lady in Golden Hour. I recall that the silver-haired little girl was there too at the time… ]
[ …I express my deep regret for that child's misfortune. ]
Gallagher looked at Stelle, his tone filled with lament.
[ We are also very regretful… ]
Stelle spoke with a touch of sorrow.
[ This is also the reason we have come to visit you, Mr. Gallagher. ]
[ The Express cannot sit idly by regarding that child's death. We have decided to assist the Family in uncovering the truth, hoping to seek justice for her. ]
Himeko explained.
[ To think the Nameless would get mixed up with the Family… fate truly toys with people. ]
As Himeko finished speaking, Gallagher uttered an inexplicable sigh.
[ The Family… is something wrong? ]
March 7th felt that Gallagher seemed to have some opinion regarding the Family.
[ It's nothing, don't mind me. ]
[ In Penacony, everyone loves the Family. ]
[ No matter how much one resists the Sweet Dream, when the time comes, they become reluctant to part with it. ]
[ Who would be willing to leave a warm nest? ]
[ Only fools, children… and drunks who can't think straight. ]
Gallagher spoke nonchalantly.
[ …Mr. Gallagher seems to be implying something? ]
Himeko savored these words, feeling something was amiss.
[ You misunderstand, I'm not. ]
[ You want to talk about the case? Fine, follow me. This place isn't suitable for talking; let's move to a new spot. ]
Gallagher shook his head in denial, then led the three away. 』
『 ....』