A Stressful Afternoon
Chapter 1- A Stressful Afternoon
A couple of weeks have passed since the Bringer incident. In Random Play, we see both siblings- Wise and Belle- in their backroom, discussing about what went down that day.
Belle: Ugh, this sucks, Wise, we were SO CLOSE!! SO CLOSE TO FINALLY FINDING SOMETHING MORE ABOUT OUR TEACHER!!!!
Wise: Believe me, Belle, I'm also frustrated by this. We almost had a lead to follow, but he ended up dying after attempting to kill us. With Bringer gone, we're back to where we started. We can only work with what we have learned now.
Belle: IF ONLY THAT STUPID POLICE MAN STAYED ALIVE, HE COULD HAVE TOLD US ABOUT IT!!! UGH
Fairy: Master, it seems that Belle is having some stress problems. I suggest playing relaxing sounds to prevent more stress.
Wise: Thanks, Fairy, but I don't think it's necessary right now. You would only make things worse.
Fairy: Understood, master. I would also like to inform you that the Cunning Hares are entering the store.
Wise: Alright then, Fairy, Belle, let's leave this conversation here. I don't want them to worry about this. We already told Miyabi, but I don't like for the others to worry about us. We'll continue with this another day.
Belle: Alright, Wise. Let's greet them.
When they leave their room, they notice that the Cunning Hares have arrived and are looking around the store.
Nicole: Hey there, proxies, how are you all?
Anby: Hello there, friends.
Billy: Hey there, managers.
Nekomata: Hya there, meow!
Belle: Hey guys, we're doing alright, you know, taking it back after that whole mess that went down. How have you guys been? Is there any news recently?
Nicole: WE have been A-Ok! After that mess and exposing Bringer, we have been more recognized and given more commissions like never before; it's so amazing.
Billy: Totally; we have been receiving so much that I miss not having to do so much work. I haven't been able to catch up with Starlight Knights.
Wise: I see. That means we can expect you to pay us on the spot now.
Nicole: Ah, well, you see, idk about that. You know, with a lot of stuff and many commissions, time gets so messy that I- I mean, we don't have the time to come by.
Wise: Relax, I'm just kidding. It's nothing too serious. You can pay us when you have the time. After all, you all need time to adjust to your new lifestyle.
Anby: That's right; thank you for understanding our current situation.
Belle: Oh, that's nothing, but anyway, what brought you all here today?
Nicole: We just wanted to check in on you all. As you guys were somewhat shocked by the Bringer stuff, we wanted to talk to you all after the battle, but you both disappeared before having the chance to talk.
Wise: Is that why you all came today? Well, we are okay. Sure, we were surprised when Bringer transformed, but it's nothing. Belle and I have already talked about what happened.
Nicole: Are you sure you are both okay? You don't want to talk to us about it?
Belle: No thanks, we're fine. You don't have to worry about us! 😁 (She says, but there's visible sweat on her)
Nicole: Okay then, we'll leave you two later!
Rest of Cunning Hare: Later y'all.
Wise and Belle: Later.
After the Cunning Hares leave the store, Belle exalts with a loud sigh.
Belle: Whew, that was something. Are you okay, bro?
Wise: Yeah, I'm fine. Let's get some rest. We have been discussing this all day; we need some time off.
Belle: Alright then, see ya, Wise.
Wise: Night.
Wise goes to the door to hang the close sign before returning to his room. We can see both proxies in their respective rooms, Belle fidgeting around in her bed while Wise is scrolling through InterKnot, seeing all the latest news and reactions to the Bringer incident. Some are discussing the future of NEPS or wondering if there are others who are corrupt.
But the words of Bringer are the only thing that both siblings keep hearing over and over, "Hide in the shadows for the rest of your days. Continue to revel in the fantasy of searching for the 'real villain.' Hahahahaha hahahaha.”