The next morning, at Victoria Housekeeping—
"Phaga, you're up early cooking again?"
The sun had just crept past the horizon, touching the streets below. Rina, who prided herself on completing her morning routine before the streetlights went out, had expected to find the kitchen free.
Instead, she found it already occupied.
"Ah, Rina. I knew it — once Ellen says 'just ten more minutes,' she's not waking up anytime soon."
At the sound of her voice, Phaga turned around, greeted by Rina's arched brows and mock glare. But the irritation on her lovely face quickly melted into something else.
With her hands on her hips, Rina sighed softly, a faint trace of grievance flickering beneath her smile. Though she smiled, her tone carried a faint air of melancholy. "Ever since you arrived, Phaga, I've been cooking less and less for everyone."
Honestly, I doubt you cooked much even before I showed up.
Of course, that thought stayed locked safely inside Phaga's mind.
He gave a couple of awkward laughs, then quickly ladled a steaming bowl of meat porridge from the pot. After washing a spoon, he placed it in the bowl and handed it to Rina with an eager smile.
"Hehe, you always find time to make something good. That shaved ice you made last time was great—make me another when I get back, alright"
"Mm, okay!"
Rina brightened immediately, carrying the porridge to the dining table and happily savoring Phaga's cooking.
Phaga finally let out a quiet sigh of relief. He pressed a hand to his earpiece and said tiredly, "Hey, still catching sardines in your dreams? Get up—it's breakfast time."
"...I wasn't sleeping!"
A soft, sleepy voice crackled through the earpiece, utterly lacking energy. "I've been awake for ages... but the blanket's too heavy... I just need a minute..."
"I'm packing up the leftover porridge for Mr. Lycaon and little Corin. Rina will bring it over. If you don't come down now, there won't be any left."
Thud!
Thud, thud, thud!
Suddenly, a loud thump echoed through the earpiece, followed by a rush of footsteps.
Phaga looked up. Sure enough, a blur of blue shark pajamas came sliding down the stair railing barefooted.
"Where's the porridge? Is there any left? Is there?!"
Ellen rushed over, pressing her soft hands onto Phaga's shoulders and peering over his back. Seeing that there was plenty left, she lit up with delight, quickly scooped herself a bowl, and sat down to eat.
"At least put your shoes on. What kind of look is that?"
Phaga brought his own bowl of porridge over, sitting beside her with a resigned sigh.
"It's fine—it's home!"
Ellen mumbled around her mouthfuls of food, then flopped back in her chair once she was done, her tail swaying lazily in contentment.
Only then did Phaga notice she hadn't even removed the sleep cap from her tail.
"You didn't need to rush that much."
He shook his head, choosing not to comment further, and quietly finished his breakfast.
By the time Ellen had eaten, changed back into her maid uniform, and was ready to leave, an hour had passed.
"Let's go."
Phaga rested his parasol on the floor like a cane and opened the door.
Ellen hefted her massive scissors and followed, heading toward the Victoria Housekeeping garage.
The car engine roared to life. They drove toward Sixth Street, picked up Eous, and made their way to the old brant street construction site.
"Hey! You guys finally made it!"
The moment they arrived outside the ruins, Anton waved enthusiastically from afar, signaling them to a parking spot.
Before Ellen's car even came to a full stop, he planted one hand on the hood, peering eagerly through the windshield while jerking his thumb toward the nearby Hollow.
"Bro, ready to dive into the depths of the Hollow?"
Phaga smiled faintly, stepped out of the car, and unfurled his parasol with a soft whoosh. The gleam beneath his monocle never wavered. "An honor, as always."
...
"Looks like Belobog Heavy Industries sent the whole team this time.."
Once inside the Hollow, Eous—sitting atop Friday's head—noticed that every member of Belobog Heavy Industries was present.
And there was something even more shocking.
Friday, whose circuits had been smashed and half-burned by Phaga just the day before, was somehow fully repaired overnight. The other two intelligent machines were also joining the exploration.
It was clear just how much this mission meant to Belobog Heavy Industries.
"Well, the Prototype's important to us. Even the little CEO has to show some spirit!"
Grace nodded as she spoke, her gaze brushing over Friday. Eous could clearly feel the pile driver tremble.
"Hey, Grace. Explanation's fine, but could you not call me 'Sweet Peace' all the time?"
At those words, Koleda's expression soured. Folding her arms, she stepped forward and tilted her chin up, glaring straight into Grace's face.
But Grace showed not a hint of fear. She feigned sorrow, eyes shimmering as she pouted pitifully. "But you used to call me big sister! You were so cute when you were little…"
"Enough, Grace. That was the past. I'm the CEO of Belobog Heavy Industries now!"
Koleda's fiery red hair matched her temper—she was quick to ignite. She took a step forward, teeth bared, the eye not covered by her eyepatch flashing dangerously.
"Hold on, both of you! Calm down."
At times like this, only the honest and senior Big Ben dared to intervene. He lumbered between them, spreading his bear-like arms to push them apart.
"Koleda, we've got business to handle today. Our friends from Victoria Housekeeping and Miss Proxy are here... And Grace, stop bringing up ancient history already."
He soothed one side, then the other, bending down slightly to match their height, his massive paws raised in a placating gesture.
"Fresh off an Ethereal hunt and already fighting again?"
Ellen, resting her scissors on her shoulder, planted a hand on her hip. She glanced at the trio locked in their squabble and then turned to Phaga. "What's going on?"
"No idea. They argue so naturally that before I could even figure out what started it, they were already mid-fight."
Phaga shook his head, then turned to Anton. "Aren't you going to stop them?"
"No need. Happens all the time. Big Ben's got it covered."
Anton laughed breezily, completely unconcerned.
Phaga's mouth twitched slightly. After a brief pause, he sighed. "Your Big Ben... truly a man of many talents."
Anton, missing the sarcasm entirely, crossed his arms proudly. "Of course!"
Then he cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, "Big Ben! You done over there yet?"
"Not yet!"
Big Ben roared back immediately, shooting Anton a glare. "If you've got nothing better to do, take Miss Proxy and the machines and scout ahead!"
"Oh, got it!"
Anton patted the mechanical leg of Hans the Grappler beside him and bellowed, "Hans, let's move out!"
"Got it, Anton!"
The grappler's heavy legs rumbled forward, each step shaking the ground.
Anton nodded approvingly, then turned to Friday the pile driver and Greta the tunnel-borer. "You two, follow and help them out!"
"Yes, yes... I'm coming."
"Mm-hmm! Mr. White, I'm coming to find you again!"
Friday, clearly eager to escape Grace's presence, seized the opportunity and sped away like he'd been pardoned.
Greta, however, was far more enthusiastic—her display even flashing with animated heart eyes.
"Hey, wait! Greta! We're not going to find Mr. White!"
Eous, perched atop Friday's head, frantically slapped his display. "Friday, stop her!"
But Friday didn't move a circuit. He stubbornly carried out Anton's command without a word.
The pile driver that had been so arrogant yesterday had turned into a withdrawn, brooding machine overnight.
"Oh no!"
Eous nearly panicked. "Hans, how's it looking on your end?"
"Hehe, the tough guy's here! Another day to strive to be a real bro!"
Hans did move—but his choice of words was... questionable.
"Ah, this Belobog Heavy Industries!"
Eous slapped his own head, squeezed his eyes shut, and shouted in utter frustration, "When the boss goes off the rails, everyone else follows!"