Sol Mercer was supposed to be treating Anby and Belle to a meal, but somehow it ended with Belle driving the three of them to Lumina Square.

Sol Mercer didn't have a driver's license, and the Cunning Hares' old car had been taken by Nicole. So, he had no choice but to borrow the video store's vehicle.

Sol Mercer and Anby sat together in the backseat, while Belle sat alone in the front, driving.

"Belle, you actually left your brother at home to sort through videotapes alone. You're such a good little sister," Sol Mercer teased casually as he watched Belle happily listening to music.

"You don't get it, this is a special bond between siblings!"

Belle stuck out her tongue mischievously.

"It is quite special," Sol Mercer nodded in agreement. "If you and Wise were combined into a little sister who's both cute and reliable, I don't think I could ever resist."

"Hey! I'm already reliable!"

Belle responded with a hint of annoyance.

Sol Mercer's implication was clear: she was cute but not reliable.

That—she couldn't accept.

"That's right, the manager is very reliable."

Anby added seriously.

Sol Mercer made a surprised face, smiling as he said, "So that's why I just can't resist Belle's charm."

A flush of red crept up Belle's fair ears. She snapped, "Who said I was trying to attract you!"

This jerk—always flirting at every opportunity. Does he think being handsome makes him invincible?

Belle stole a glance at the rearview mirror. That handsome face really was something.

Okay, fine. Being handsome is pretty awesome.

Especially when Sol Mercer swung his blade through Ethereals inside a Hollow—that too...

"Belle, reckless driving brings tears to your loved ones."

Anby suddenly interrupted Belle's daydream.

Belle quickly averted her gaze and focused on the road. "Right, got it."

Still, her mind lingered on Sol Mercer's earlier words.

Being too good-looking is practically a crime!

He could drive someone crazy so effortlessly.

Wait—could it be that Sol Mercer orchestrated this whole outing—dinner and a movie—as a trap? Was this his way of making a move?

Then... how should she refuse him?

Something that'd make him suffer a little, but not too much.

But what if he was persistent? Should she accept or reject him then?

As Belle fretted over this, she heard...

"Anby, how about watching [Hollow: Resonant Roses] today?"

Sol Mercer asked Anby.

He'd scrolled through his phone for ages before settling on this movie.

It told the story of two Hollow investigators working together inside a Hollow, their perfect coordination eventually leading to romance.

In the movie, the leads always kissed after every battle.

Yes, this movie was exactly what he was looking for.

"Mmm~ I've heard of it. It's a really good romance film. Let's watch it."

Anby thought for a moment and answered seriously.

Sol Mercer: "Then it's settled. I've seen the trailer—it really captures the beauty of love between companions. Super appealing."

Anby: "Now that you put it that way, I am kind of interested."

Sol Mercer: "What kind of burger do you want later? Beef and cheese? Deep-sea snapper?"

Anby considered for a moment, then held out a clenched fist. "I want all of them!"

Sol Mercer couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, you got it."

...

Belle, now fuming, couldn't even hear what they were saying anymore.

She realized it now—Sol Mercer's target wasn't her. It was Anby.

And just now, she'd been stressing over how to reject Sol Mercer's confession. Wasn't she just being delusional?

Suddenly, Belle felt like she'd put on a clown mask.

She slammed on the gas pedal, angrily pushing the speed to the max.

Just you wait—she was going to eat extra burgers later and make that scumbag feel guilty.

And during the movie, she was going to sit between them, to ruin Sol Mercer's wicked plans!

She definitely wasn't angry because she misunderstood Sol Mercer's feelings. She was just protecting the sweet and innocent Anby from getting played!

Ten minutes later, at Lumina Square.

The three arrived at a burger shop and quickly placed their orders.

Despite her earlier resolve, Belle still only ordered a single beef burger. She didn't have a big appetite—wasting food wasn't good.

Anby, on the other hand, got a beef burger, a codfish burger, and a shrimp burger.

Sol Mercer ordered some fried chicken pieces and a snack platter.

He didn't use the system's burger combo—it would've been hard to explain that in public.

Not that he was worried—he had a monthly allowance of one million Dennies from Tartaglia. It'd be a waste not to use it.

The burger shop had small round tables, perfect for three.

Sol Mercer idly munched on chicken while mostly watching Anby eat her burgers.

Her movements weren't crude, just fast. Small bites, one after another, demolishing each burger like a little squirrel.

Really, who could resist raising an unbearably cute, burger-loving little squirrel?

Well—Sol Mercer couldn't.

"Mmm, don't eat so fast—you'll choke."

Sol Mercer handed her a soda, looking concerned.

"Got it. (munch munch~)"

Anby took the drink and set it aside, managing a quick thank-you between bites.

Yep, Anby was really adorable.

Sol Mercer looked at her, smiling with contentment.

Belle took a huge bite of her burger, but it suddenly didn't taste as good.

Sitting with these two, she felt like an outsider.

Noticing Belle's expression, Sol Mercer smiled and said, "Now who's made Belle angry? Especially when Belle's so cute."

Belle responded without looking at him. "I'm not angry. The burger's just too delicious."

She took another bite and exaggerated a look of enjoyment.

Suddenly, Belle's mood improved. She was cute—she knew that. And now, Sol Mercer knew it too.

After the meal, they went to the theater.

As planned, they watched [Hollow: Resonant Roses], sitting side by side.

Each with a bucket of popcorn, munching as the film played.

Anby was so absorbed she forgot to eat her popcorn.

Sol Mercer and Belle were less immersed, snacking while watching.

On screen, a handsome guy and pretty girl shared a deep kiss after a thrilling battle.

This was already the third time that scene played out.

"Sol Mercer, was this your scheme all along?"

Belle gave Sol Mercer a look reserved for absolute creeps.

Brainwashing Anby through movies, trying to normalize this nonsense.

She could already picture Sol Mercer kissing Anby after slaying a horde of Ethereals.

"What do you mean? I just thought the movie was touching, that's all."

Sol Mercer had no intention of being honest.

"Hmph, you're obviously after Anby!"

Belle huffed and muttered under her breath.

Beside her, Anby's ears twitched slightly, a blush coloring her earlobes.

Sol Mercer noticed and knew that was enough—Belle had to be stopped.

He leaned in close to Belle's ear, whispering in a voice barely audible: "Isn't there also a bond between a Proxy and her agent? Why can't we kiss after completing a mission?"

"What—no way, that would never happen!"

Belle panicked, turning back to the screen and saying no more.

Wait… was I his target all along?

Was everything before just a smokescreen?

I can't tell. I really can't tell!

Belle panicked. She started shoveling popcorn into her mouth, unable to register what was on screen.

Half an hour later, the movie ended, and the trio walked out together.

Compared to when they entered, Anby and Belle were both quieter, while Sol Mercer wore a look of satisfaction.

Belle drove, dropping Sol Mercer and Anby off at the Cunning Hares' place.

She didn't want to drive Sol Mercer—this guy who constantly messed with her feelings—but Anby had done nothing wrong.

"Belle, take some dinner back for Wise."

Sol Mercer handed her a paper bag.

It was a burger combo—one of those drawn from the system.

He also had one for Nicole.

Before getting in the car, he'd used a bathroom break as an excuse to sneak them out of system storage.

"I'll make sure he gets it."

Belle accepted the combo and drove off.

She hadn't expected Sol Mercer to be so considerate of her brother. That was... kind of sweet.

But calling him Wise Bro? Is he trying to woo her or what?

...

Watching Belle's car drive away, Sol Mercer and Anby entered the house.

"Anby, what did you think of the movie today?"

Sol Mercer asked.

"The romance between the two Hollow investigators was very moving. The repeated kisses gave it a very rich flavor."

Anby replied with admiration.

"Then let's rewatch it sometime." Sol Mercer added, "Just the two of us."

"Okay."

Anby answered calmly.

But in her mind, she recalled Belle's words: [You're obviously after Anby!]

For a moment, Anby felt uneasy. She wanted to be closer to Sol Mercer... and also further away.

"Then it's a date."

Sol Mercer smiled gently, carrying the burger combo inside.

Anby hesitated, then followed.

They'd collected over a thousand Ethereal core fragments today—plenty of good news to report to Nicole.