Another fresh morning dawned.
The sun in the Outer Ring Hollow was far brighter than within the city, and the sunlight pouring into the room was dazzlingly clear.
At only eight o'clock, the door to Belle's room was suddenly struck by rapid knocks.
Bang bang bang!
"Belle! How are you? Open the door, I need to talk to you!"
Wise's voice was tense, as though some ferocious beast lurked inside the room.
Last night, half awake and half dreaming, he seemed to see his sister drunk, leaning on Sol's shoulder as they walked off.
Wasn't that a lamb entering a tiger's den?
Just imagining his obedient, adorable little sister being sweet-talked into someone's hands made his heart ache.
Come out, Belle! Tell me it's not true!
After a long while, the door remained tightly closed, without a hint of movement.
Wise felt ice crawl across his back, It's over, completely over…
Just then, the door opened about thirty degrees, and Belle poked her head out, glaring unhappily. "Brother, what are you doing! We played so late yesterday, and now you're waking me up this early—how am I supposed to rest!?"
"Heh…" Wise scratched his head, leaning in to peek inside as he spoke awkwardly, "I—I saw you drunk last night, so I was worried someone might bully you…"
"How could they? Do I look easy to bully?! Anyone who wants to bully me better ask my fists first!"
Belle swung her arm; the air whistled fiercely.
"I was just worried about you!"
As that gust of wind brushed past his ear, Wise instantly broke into a cold sweat.
Only now did he remember—his sister had been trained by Sol. She had practically transformed. Ten average men wouldn't be able to get close. If she punched him, he'd be crying for ages.
"Alright, nothing's wrong now. You can go get some more sleep, and I can catch up on the rest I lost."
Belle pushed Wise out, her tone tinged with annoyance.
"My bad, my bad." Wise nodded quickly, admitting fault before advising, "Belle, don't get drunk around others in the future. It's really easy to end up at a disadvantage."
"I'm not against you dating. I just want you to choose out of your own will—not because someone forced you. Understand?"
Belle nodded, touched, mumbling, "Got it, got it… I definitely won't be forced."
"Then I'll go. You keep sleeping."
Wise smiled warmly, relieved, turning to leave.
In the quick glance he caught inside the room, he'd already confirmed the details.
The bed was fresh—no suspicious red stains.
The floor was clean—no black men's athletic shoes belonging to a certain someone.
And most importantly, Belle looked energetic and rosy-cheeked, her voice strong—no sign of weakness.
Wise felt at ease, yawned, and muttered to himself, "So sleepy… looks like I really do need to go finish that nap."
Everything suggested nothing happened last night!
"Don't you dare 'nothing happened' me!" Belle shoved Sol onto the bed, growling in a low voice, "Why were you so skilled just now!?"
She wasn't referring to last night—she had eavesdropped on enough of Nicole and the others to know Sol played wild.
She meant the way Sol had just packed away the original bed and sheets, swapped in a perfectly identical new bed with new sheets, then slipped into his shoes and hid behind the door.
Why was he that practiced at this!?
"Knife Avoidance Protocol, okay? As a proper emperor, I refuse to get stabbed!"
"Doesn't matter if it's my brother-in-law or Nicole—no thank you!"
Sol spread his hands innocently as he spoke.
Whether one turned into Shido or Makoto depended heavily on the details. If the details weren't handled right, a Peaceful Coexistence ending might turn into a Violent Repercussions ending real quick.
Only with flawless details could one become a warmhearted sea king.
"Fine, I'll let you pass."
Belle sniffed and flopped down on Sol like a big starfish.
That explanation was acceptable—at least he didn't learn that skill from other married women.
And women's emotions came and went fast.
She flipped over, lying on Sol's chest, and said, "Sol, can you… not leave? Living life together as a family is better than anything else."
"Why are you talking like I'm running away? I'm only going out for a month."
Sol patted Belle's head helplessly.
"Okay then… stay with me a few more days before you leave, alright?"
Belle looked at him, hope shining in her eyes.
"Of course. Who would confirm a relationship and then leave immediately?"
Sol agreed without hesitation.
"Hehe, then pinky promise—no take-backs."
Belle held out her pinky toward him.
"So childish… but fine."
Sol smiled, hooking his finger around hers.
"Woohoo!" Belle brightened instantly, grinning, "Sol, do you think I can defeat an Elite Ethereal now?"
Sol thought for only a moment before replying, "You have the strength to beat one, but your technique is lacking. A Sub- Elite Ethereal could still solo you, and an Elite Ethereal defeating you wouldn't be difficult."
Belle was currently all raw strength with almost no technique.
Compared to Ethereal that acted entirely by instinct, she didn't even have an advantage there.
Fighting a Dullahan would already be tough, not to mention a Thanatos—completely out of reach.
"What!? I still can't beat a measly Elite Ethereal!?"
Belle looked displeased, staring at Sol. "Tell me—were you slacking!?"
"Hey hey hey, how did you get to that conclusion?"
Sol slapped his forehead.
"Hmph! Nicole told me—one night is enough to add a whole Anby-level of strength! And Anby can handle an Elite Ethereal!"
"So, it's definitely you—your kidney's weak, not using your full effort!"
Belle pointed at the supposed weak spot like a detective revealing the truth.
She wasn't dissatisfied with the free strength—she was dissatisfied with Sol's different treatment.
Why did she gain so little strength, while Nicole gained so much?
Clearly he was putting in half-effort with her, but full effort with Nicole. Wasn't that the same as saying Belle wasn't as attractive?
This was a grave insult—a grave insult—to Phaethon, the number one beauty in New Eridu!
"What kind of nonsense is that!?" Sol's brows shot up as he said seriously, "Look at your own problems first. If you had Anby's technique, with your current strength, you could solo an Elite Ethereal!"
"You don't train at all, no foundation whatsoever—that's why things are like this! And stop spreading rumors about me! If I didn't feel bad for you, you'd still be whining right now."
Sometimes he genuinely wanted to pry open Belle's little head and see what was inside.
"Oh, so that's how it is."
Belle felt a bit insulted, but for some reason, also very happy.
This meant Sol really cared for her, and her beauty didn't lose to Nicole at all.
And technique could be improved.
Since Sol was going out for a while, she could train with Hoshimi Miyabi!
When Sol returned, she was definitely going to string together a necklace of Thanatos cores as a surprise—just to make him look at her with new eyes!