Zani slowly looked up, exhaustion lingering in her eyes from working through the night.
When she looked at Ray, she managed a tired smile.
Her uniform jacket was casually draped over her shoulder, the top two buttons of her shirt undone. She exuded the fatigue and languor of someone who had just finished a night shift.
"Ugh..."
She let out a long yawn, her joints cracking softly as she stretched. She downed the remaining half can of coffee in one go, the bitterness making her frown slightly.
"Just as the Second Young Miss predicted." Zani sighed softly, her gaze shifting past Ray to Phoebe beside him.
Phoebe stood there, blinking in confusion.
This confusion wasn't born of guilt or anything else...
It was mainly because Zani's current state was truly concerning: dark circles under her eyes, a pale complexion, her whole body looking as if her soul had been drained, on the verge of collapsing, as if she might faint at any moment.
Second Young Miss?
Ray paused, seemingly realizing something. "Did the Second Young Miss send you?"
"What else?" Zani casually tossed the empty coffee can into a distant trash bin, the movement precise yet weary. "Just this morning, right as I finished my overnight shift and was about to head home to catch up on sleep, the Second Young Miss's call came in said she had a new assignment for me."
"So, the new assignment is..." Ray had probably already guessed.
Otherwise, why would Zani be waiting here for him?
This was clearly an informant that Carlotta had planted by his side!
Zani nodded. "That's right. I'm supposed to keep an eye on you for the Second Young Miss. She said to make sure you don't go around attracting butterflies."
She walked slowly up to Ray, studying him carefully, her tone incredulous. "I can't believe you. You're lucky to have the Second Young Miss's favor, yet you still openly flirt with others... Aren't you afraid of being sunk in Ragunna Bay? She is the Montelli family's daughter, after all."
"I just have a broader capacity for love." Ray sighed, his gaze drifting into the distance. "Everyone is my wing."
"Save that for the Second Young Miss." Zani rolled her eyes. "So, what's the plan now? Where are you going?"
Ray glanced at the timid Phoebe beside him. "I'm walking Phoebe to the Order. As for after that... I haven't decided yet."
"Fine, I'll come along." Zani yawned again. "If you're free, I can sneak in a rest."
"...I don't think your work ethic is very sound." Ray looked helpless. "And why didn't you refuse? Didn't you just finish your shift?"
Zani spread her hands and sighed. "I wanted to, but the Second Young Miss is paying too well. Besides, my job is just to stay by your side. Isn't that easier than working at the bank?"
"Hello, Miss Zani." Phoebe took the initiative to greet her. "My name is Phoebe. I'm an acolyte of the Order of the Deep."
Zani looked at the petite young woman before her. "Yes, I remember you. I've seen you at the cathedral before. I'm Zani, an employee of Averardo Bank's security department. But for now..."
She glanced meaningfully at Ray.
...
...
"Well, Mr. Ray, Miss Zani, I'll be going now."
In front of Cathedral.
Phoebe politely bid them farewell and hurried into the cathedral.
Zani watched the figure disappear into the depths of the cathedral, then gently elbowed Ray, a playful smile curving her lips. "Not bad. You even managed to get someone from the Order. How come we never noticed this talent of yours back at the office?"
Ray gave her a helpless glance and chose to avoid the subject. "So, are you really going to follow me around all day?"
"What else?" Zani tilted her head, the morning breeze ruffling her bangs. "I don't want to, either. But this is the Second Young Miss's assignment, and the pay is good, and the work is easy. I have no reason to refuse."
"You're selling your soul for money."
"Like I wasn't doing the same at the bank?" She laughed lightly, a worldly-wise calm in her eyes. "Since I'm selling my soul either way, why not pick an easier buyer?"
Ray was momentarily speechless. "..."
"Seriously, where are you headed next?" Zani rubbed her sleepy eyes. "If you've got nothing planned, let's find somewhere to sit so I can catch my breath."
"Some work ethic you have."
"Tsk, looks like you've been away from the office too long. Forgotten the fear of being ruled by work, have you?"
Thinking back to his days at the bank, he really had been no different from a walking corpse.
As for what to do next...
Ray hadn't really figured it out.
Going to Cantarella's today was absolutely out of the question otherwise, the Second Young Miss would probably interrogate both him and his soul.
Phoebe was also a no-go; her schedule was packed today, and he shouldn't disturb her.
So, the only option was to go home?
But just thinking about the Second Young Miss, who could explode at any moment, and Phrolova, who was always watching him with those eerie eyes, Ray shuddered.
Forget it. Rather than go back and face a double interrogation, he'd rather wander around with this monitor.
At least Zani would just slack off and not really do anything to him.
"Perfect timing," Ray said. "Come with me to the bookstore."
Zani frowned slightly. "Bookstore? What, have you taken up reading recently?"
"Nothing. I just promised someone I'd get them something."
"Someone?" Zani caught the word and immediately pulled out a small notebook, writing as she spoke. "9:27 a.m. Target indicates intention to go to bookstore to purchase gift for a certain female."
"Wait, what are you doing?" Ray reached out to stop her little notebook. "Are you really going to monitor me like this? And where did this notebook come from? I never said male or female. How do you know it's a woman?"
Zani deftly sidestepped, her pen never stopping. "The Second Young Miss gave me my orders, so I'll do my job. Blame your own record for making people think that way."
She snapped the notebook shut and winked at him. "There, I'm done. As for the reason? You can explain it to the Second Young Miss."
"Come on, with our history, do you really have to be like this?"
"True. With our relationship, I could help you cover it up." Zani nodded, but then her tone shifted. "The problem is, the Second Young Miss raised the pay."
"You..."
Ray hesitated, then finally let out a resigned sigh. "Fine, suit yourself. I'm going to the bookstore now."