"Thank you both officers for rescuing Miss Bailu. I am deeply grateful once again."
"No need for thanks," Zhu Yuan replied with a wave of her hand. "Protecting citizens is our duty as Peacekeepers."
Lycaon bowed deeply in respect. Meanwhile, Zhu Yuan's partner, Qingyi, had already finished securing the scene—she'd tossed the two thugs into their vehicle and contacted their colleagues to collect the motorcycle.
Bailu sat surrounded by Rian, Ellen, and Corin, who had formed a protective circle around her.
"Miss Bailu, please wipe your face. Are you hurt anywhere? Here, have a snack—it might help calm you down."
Rian crouched beside her, gently dabbing at the dust on Bailu's cheek with a handkerchief, then held out a small biscuit with a reassuring smile.
Seeing this, Bailu quickly waved her hands. "No, no! I'm fine, really!"
"Is that so?" Rian looked slightly disappointed as she tucked the biscuit away again.
Relieved to have escaped Rian's "comfort snack," Bailu sighed softly and turned toward Lycaon and Zhu Yuan—hoping he'd hurry back so they could continue their outing.
But then, her gaze fell on Zhu Yuan's fitted uniform, and she couldn't help but gasp in admiration.
"Wow~"
"Miss Bailu? Are you alright?" Rian asked, alarmed.
"It's nothing," Bailu replied cheerfully. "I just remembered a friend of mine. If she saw this lady, she'd be way too nervous to even ask for her contact info!"
"Hmm... that friend of yours doesn't sound very proper," Rian muttered, frowning slightly.
"She's not that bad! She's actually reliable and has a strong sense of justice. She just... has some odd hobbies."
"What kind of hobbies?"
"She really likes trash cans. Says they have a mysterious charm."
"...What?"
Rian blinked, utterly lost. She wasn't sure whether Bailu was describing a person or a public sanitation worker at this point.
Before she could respond, Lycaon returned from speaking with the officers.
"Miss Bailu, we should return for now," he said gravely. "There may still be dangerous individuals in the area."
"I don't wanna, don't wanna, don't wanna!" Bailu pouted, stamping her foot.
Lycaon sighed softly. "Very well. Rian, Ellen, Corin—stay alert. We must not allow such a thing to happen again, understood?"
"Yes, Mr. Lycaon."
Though exasperated by Bailu's stubbornness, Lycaon couldn't help but admire her spirit. Despite what had just happened, she was already back to smiling and insisting on having fun.
"Yay!" Bailu cheered, pleased that her protest had worked.
Just then, Zhu Yuan approached them again, smiling warmly.
"What a cute child! Are you sure you're alright? I didn't hurt you earlier, did I?"
"Sister? I'm actually older than—"
"Officer!" Lycaon quickly cut Bailu off before she could say something problematic. He stepped forward politely. "Is there something else, Officer Zhu? Miss Bailu is still shaken from the incident. We'd like to take her somewhere to relax."
"Huh? Oh, it's nothing serious. I just wanted to ask a few questions," Zhu Yuan said, rubbing her neck sheepishly.
"Questions? I believe I've already answered everything you asked earlier," Lycaon said, puzzled.
"Well, the questions I want to ask are... a bit personal," Zhu Yuan admitted, glancing at Bailu. "So it's not something I can say in front of everyone."
Lycaon frowned slightly. Why would a Peacekeeper have personal questions for Bailu? Allowing her to learn too much could be risky.
"Lycaon, stop overthinking it!" Bailu said, crossing her arms. "Just let her come over already!"
"...As you wish, Miss Bailu."
Lycaon stepped aside, allowing Zhu Yuan to approach.
Zhu Yuan crouched down in front of Bailu—drawing Rian's discreet but deliberate movement to block part of the view.
"So," Bailu asked curiously, "what did you want to ask me, young lady?"
"It's actually a small matter," Zhu Yuan replied, smiling nervously. "I've been noticing you since you entered the dessert shop."
"A stalker?" Bailu tilted her head.
"No, no!" Zhu Yuan waved her hands frantically. "It's because of this!"
She pulled a small photo from her pocket—a magazine cutout showing a young man with distinct dragon horns.
"Isn't that... Dan Heng?" Bailu blinked in surprise.
"You do know him!" Zhu Yuan's eyes lit up. "I thought so! Your horns look similar to his, so I just had to ask!"
"Well, I wouldn't say that—"
"Ahem!"
Lycaon's sharp cough stopped Bailu mid-sentence. Realizing she had almost said too much, Bailu quickly closed her mouth.
"My apologies, Officer," Lycaon said smoothly. "Dan Heng is quite famous in New Eridu. Our young lady simply recognized him from his popularity."
"But—"
"Miss Bailu isn't feeling well after the ordeal," Lycaon interrupted firmly. "We must take our leave now. Thank you again for your assistance."
With a polite bow, Lycaon motioned for the maids. Rian, Ellen, and Corin quickly surrounded Bailu and escorted her away.
"Wait—wait! Don't go!" Zhu Yuan called after them, but they were already gone.
Qingyi approached, having finished securing the suspects and vehicle. She patted Zhu Yuan's shoulder.
"Let it go. You can fangirl later. As they say—'a floating leaf returns to the vast sea; if fate allows, you'll meet again someday.'"
"Senior..." Zhu Yuan looked at her, half moved and half exasperated.
Qingyi gave her a dry smile. "We still have reports to file. Let's go."
"Okay, Senior..."
Zhu Yuan sighed and cast one last look in the direction Bailu had gone, but the group was already out of sight.
Finally, she turned and left with Qingyi.
---
That night, the bookstore was unusually lively.
Ellen and Corin were trying to stop Rian—who was, for some reason, attempting to cook—while Lycaon prepared a warm drink for Bailu.
After a long day of excitement, Bailu was curled up on the sofa, happily watching a movie.
"Miss Bailu," Lycaon said as he handed her the drink, "where would you like to go tomorrow?"
"There are still so many places I want to see!" she answered enthusiastically.
"I see," Lycaon nodded. "However, both Rian and I have important matters to handle tomorrow. We won't be able to accompany you."
"Aww..." Bailu's ears drooped. "That's alright. Ellen and Corin will still be with me, right?"
Lycaon hesitated. "After what happened today, I'd prefer not to leave your safety entirely in their hands."
"Don't worry, don't worry!" Bailu said with a cheerful grin. "I'm not going anywhere crowded tomorrow. I'm just visiting a couple of friends!"
"Friends?" Lycaon asked cautiously. "May I have their address?"
"Hehe, don't worry! It's the video store on Sixth Street! They'll definitely be thrilled to see me!"
---
Meanwhile, at that very video store, Belle sat on the sofa admiring a photo of Kafka. Suddenly, she sneezed.
"Achoo!"
She rubbed her nose, shivering slightly.
"Brother..." she murmured to Wise beside her.
"What is it, little sister?"
"I have a... bad feeling."
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A/n: While I am a new translator, I have a Patreon! While it may be a bit empty right now both this and the other book on my page has advanced chapters posted on patreon.
patreon.com/deadlygoober