"Jeez, it's all my brother's fault for not letting me finish,"
Belle said with a hint of annoyance.
The closeness between her and Zane was just an illusion born from her own curiosity. After all, it was impossible not to be curious about a powerful Ethereal turning into a human.
Their natural interaction was simply because they had already spent time together, and talking with Zane felt comfortable.
As for bringing him into the video store at this hour, it was only because Zane happened to arrive now. Besides, he already knew about "Phaethon" and was involved in military cooperation, so there was no need to be overly cautious.
"Yeah, yeah, it's all my fault..."
After Belle's little outburst faded, Wise finally turned his attention back to Zane—the handsome young man still waiting in the store.
Transforming from an Ethereal into a human... he had never actually witnessed it with his own eyes.
Everyone knew that Hollows corroded humans into Ethereals, but Ethereals turning back into humans?
No one even dared imagine it.
"Sis, it seems like Zane really might be connected to what we're after."
"Back then, aside from his Ethereal body, everything else about him was just like a human. We should have realized he could turn back."
Seeing her brother deep in thought, Belle sighed helplessly.
"Brother, you can think all you want, but don't just leave someone alone in the store like that."
She opened the door and saw Zane inside, playing with Panta and No.18, not quite sure what kind of game they were up to.
"Zane, my brother just misunderstood you a little earlier, so that's why he acted like that. For my sake, could you not mind it?"
Belle walked up to Zane, hands on her knees, bending slightly as she spoke.
"It's fine. I didn't really mind," Zane said as he stood up, looking at her. "Though I am a little curious—what kind of misunderstanding?"
"Ah... well..."
Belle straightened up and turned her head away awkwardly. How was she supposed to say that her brother had mistaken him for her boyfriend?
"Anyway, come on. Let's discuss the commission and the promotional stuff."
She led Zane into the next room. Although there were no customers, No.18 dutifully returned to the counter.
Panta followed Zane inside and quickly struck up a conversation with Eous.
"Hello, Belle's brother. Strictly speaking, this is the first time we're meeting, and more precisely, these are our first words exchanged."
"You probably know a bit about me—and coincidentally, so do I."
Zane gave Wise a slight smile to show goodwill as he spoke.
But his tone was... a little off.
Belle noticed right away. She knew Zane was well aware of her brother's name, but he still addressed him as "Belle's brother."
His tone carried a slight distance and sharpness.
Even though he'd said he didn't mind earlier...
Belle glanced worriedly at Zane, then at Wise sitting opposite him, concerned about how things would unfold.
Wise also caught the hidden meaning in Zane's words but didn't mind. After all, he was the one at fault.
He had missed the chance to greet Zane properly—it was his mistake.
"Hello, I'm Wise. It's a pleasure to meet you. According to Belle, you're a good friend of hers, so that makes you a friend of mine too."
Wise skillfully smoothed over the tension, using Belle as a bridge to dissolve the awkwardness between them.
Sensing the atmosphere lighten, Belle's face brightened with a smile.
That's how it should be.
Zane nodded, and the icy look in his blue eyes softened, melting into something warmer as he accepted Wise's goodwill.
Naturally, he wasn't the petty type. Just as he'd said earlier, he hadn't taken the misunderstanding to heart.
This had merely been a test.
Zane understood that "Phaethon" held many secrets, and he sensed the siblings' attitude toward him.
But what he needed was a partnership—a partnership that he would lead.
For various reasons, the bond between them would only deepen, not just emotionally, but on many levels.
He needed their clear stance.
And it seemed Wise, who was smart and rational, had understood exactly what he meant—and gave him a near-perfect response.
"Zane, want something to drink?"
"After a bowl of ramen, a glass of soda hits the spot!"
Belle had the feeling that, in just the short time she'd been gone, Zane and her brother had covered a lot of ground—though it was more intuition than anything concrete.
She decided not to overthink it and went to grab a drink from the upstairs fridge, asking Zane along the way.
"Since it's your suggestion, it must be the right one. Please grab me one. Thanks."
Hearing Zane's reply, Belle hummed happily as she left the room, heading upstairs.
As the sound of Belle's footsteps faded upstairs, Wise's expression turned serious again. He looked at Zane, half serious, half curious.
"I heard from Belle about what you're planning... but I'm curious, why do you want to do this?"
"You're human now. You could completely disappear into New Eridu, leave everything about the Ethereals behind, and live a normal life."
"No one would guess you've become human—except Belle and me. And we'll definitely keep it a secret."
"As for Hare's House, they can easily come up with a reason to erase any remaining traces."
Wise looked directly at Zane.
Even those who knew a little about Zane would never guess he had become human.
They'd just think the Ethereal disappeared and never showed up again.
He continued.
"You could live without worries. But since you made this choice... there must be a reason."
Only now did Wise reveal his own stance.
He was offering his trust.
But he also needed Zane to share his thoughts—to ensure they could work together smoothly.
Zane maintained his calm, gentle smile as he sat down on the sofa, not looking at Wise directly.
Then, slowly, he spoke.
"I know my own nature. With the way I am, it's impossible for me to willingly live in ignorance, not even for a moment, let alone a lifetime."
"I won't stop until I get to the truth."
"I won't back down or give up halfway. No matter what kind of existence is hidden behind all this, I will see it through to the end."
"So... do you think we can work together?"
Wise's eyes lit up.
Zane's words didn't disappoint him—in fact, they made him believe even more.
With someone like Zane on their side, he and Belle would have a huge boost in their search for the truth.
Wise stepped forward and extended his hand.
"Wise."
"Zane."
Zane stood and shook it lightly.
At that moment, "Phaethon" and "The Seed of Helios" truly stood on the same front.