The video store was as quiet and peaceful as ever.
Belle didn't think much about the ominous feeling she'd had the day before. After a good night's rest—one filled with dreams where Kafka was by her side—she slept in until almost noon before finally dragging herself out of bed.
"Mmm… I wanna sleep a little more," she mumbled, yawning as she stumbled down the stairs.
Still half-asleep, Belle remembered that Nicole had given them a job for the afternoon. As much as she wanted to crawl back under the covers, she knew she couldn't skip out on work.
Lately, the Cunning Hares had been doing quite well for themselves. Ever since they'd teamed up with Jiang Ge, even Nicole had started splurging—adding extra toppings to her ramen, no less. Rumor had it she'd even passed a commission to Jiang Ge and got paid more than if she'd done it herself.
Neither Belle nor Wise really understood why Jiang Ge did what he did, but they figured he had his reasons. So they didn't question it too deeply.
"Your breakfast's gone cold," came Wise's voice from the back room, calm but faintly exasperated. "I told you not to sleep in so late."
"Ah, okay, okay~ I'll heat it up," Belle replied lazily, rubbing her eyes.
Just as she reached for the takeout bag, someone knocked at the door.
Since she was the closest, she shuffled over and called out, "Who is it? Sorry, we're not open today—huh?"
The door opened to reveal a tall Thiren standing with perfect posture, bowing in a dignified, gentlemanly manner.
Belle blinked. So much fur, was her first thought.
"Please pardon my intrusion," the Thiren said politely. "I am Lycaon of Victoria Housekeeping. Might I ask if this is the video store Random Play?"
"Uh… yes, it is," Belle answered, still a bit dazed.
"Then you must be Manager Belle?"
"That's right. Can I help you with something?"
"I've brought my young lady here for an outing," Lycaon replied. "And I was hoping to trouble you with a small favor as well."
"Young lady?" Belle frowned. She didn't recall knowing any 'young lady' who had a Thiren butler.
Before she could ask further, a small figure peeked out from behind Lycaon—white hair, dragon horns, and a cheerful grin.
"Yo!"
Belle froze. "I-It's you…"
"It's me! Long time no see! Did you miss me?" Bailu chirped happily.
"Uh—uh, sorry, the shop's a bit messy right now. Not really convenient for guests," Belle stammered and promptly shut the door.
"Sis, who was it?" Wise asked, stepping out of the back room with a puzzled look. "If it was a customer, you can't just slam the door in their face."
Belle's face went pale. "It was Bailu."
"…Huh?"
"Brother, what should we do?"
Wise thought for a moment, then sighed. "Let her in. I'll go get my phone and try calling Jiang Ge—see if he's still unreachable."
"Alright."
Just as Belle turned to open the door again, there came a rapid knocking—and Bailu's unmistakable, high-pitched voice.
"Open up! You've got the guts to steal photos but not the guts to open the door?! If you don't open it, I'll tell everyone you do naughty things with those photos!"
"Ahaha—n-now, let's not spread baseless rumors, okay?" Belle said quickly, forcing a nervous smile as she flung the door open. "Come in, come in, Little Bailu~ And, um, let's not talk about who's older, alright?"
"Fine, fine! Then I'm coming in!"
Bailu happily ran into the shop, darting around and inspecting everything. Her attention soon landed on Little 18, who was standing on a chair and managing the counter.
"Mm? Mm? (Why are you staring at me?)" Little 18 tilted its head curiously.
Bailu rose up on her tiptoes, trying to lift it down from the chair—but couldn't reach.
"Here, let me help."
A pair of hands gently picked up Little 18 and placed it on the floor. Bailu looked up and saw Wise smiling down at her.
"Long time no see, Bailu."
"Long time no see!" she echoed cheerfully.
"Sis," Wise said, "why don't you take Bailu and Little 18 inside to play for a bit?"
"Got it," Belle nodded.
While Belle led the two into the inner room, Wise turned to Lycaon, who was still waiting by the door.
"Hello, I'm Wise, owner of this shop."
"Pleased to meet you," Lycaon replied with a courteous bow. "I am Lycaon, charged with caring for Miss Bailu under Mr. Jiang Ge's instructions."
"Oh~ So not only does Jiang Ge have a maid, now he's hired a butler for Bailu too?"
"That's not quite the case," Lycaon said politely. "Please allow me to explain."
After listening, Wise finally understood. Jiang Ge had suddenly vanished, leaving only Bailu behind. Victoria Housekeeping had been unable to contact him, and despite their best efforts, no information about his whereabouts surfaced.
They could only wait.
"Well, that sounds familiar," Wise muttered with a wry smile. "The first time we met Bailu, it was the same thing—no contact with Jiang Ge for days. She ended up staying here for five whole days until she got bored and went back. Only then did he call us."
"I see," Lycaon nodded thoughtfully.
"And don't mind my sister," Wise added. "She actually gets along well with Bailu. It's just… something happened before, and, well, it left a bit of an aftertaste."
"Something happened?"
"Yes," Wise said softly. "I'm sorry, but I can't share the details."
Seeing the faint shadow that crossed Wise's expression, Lycaon understood it was best not to pry. Instead, he got to the point.
"In that case, I won't ask further. I would, however, like to request a favor. Could 'Random Play' help us look after Miss Bailu for the day?"
"Hmm? Doesn't Victoria Housekeeping have any free staff?"
"That is correct." Lycaon nodded. "Both Rian and I have other commissions today, Ellen has classes, and Corin is overseeing a deep clean of the bookstore. When Miss Bailu insisted on going out, Corin wanted to join her, but the young lady told her to stay and finish cleaning."
"I see… So how long do you need us to watch her?"
"Just half a day. I'll return in the afternoon to pick her up."
"Half a day? That's fine. She can stay here and play."
"Thank you very much." Lycaon handed Wise a small card. "Here is my contact information. Please call me immediately if anything unexpected happens."
"Got it."
After exchanging numbers, Lycaon bowed deeply. "Then I shall take my leave. I entrust Miss Bailu to your care."
"Don't worry," Wise assured him. "We get along just fine with her."
With that, Lycaon departed.
Wise took out his phone and sighed at the "Call Failed" message flashing on the screen.
Jiang Ge, where have you gone this time?
Overthinking it wouldn't help. Taking care of Bailu wasn't exactly difficult—so long as nothing like last time happened again.
"I'll pick out a movie for her to watch," Wise muttered to himself, browsing the shelf for something cheerful.
But before he could decide, Bailu's
excited voice came from the inner room:
"Wow~! I found lots of Black Swan photos!"
Wise froze.
"Ahem… Bailu, don't touch those photos!"
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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