"I know some news about Anby's former companion, but her situation isn't very good."
"She was put up for sale on the Black Market, and now I don't know if she's been bought yet."
Hoshimi Aya stated truthfully.
"I see. Let's hurry back then."
"We can ask Fairy to help us look for her when we get back."
Ling pondered, though her tone wasn't as lighthearted as before.
"That's right. Now that we know, we can't just stand by and do nothing."
"Let's do our part too."
Zhe agreed. Since they knew, standing by wasn't their style.
"I only know she was put up for sale on the Black Market; I don't know anything else."
"Is there any way to find her with just that information?"
Hoshimi Aya asked. The intelligence she had was limited; the plot only mentioned she was sold to the Black Market, but it didn't elaborate on who bought her. Furthermore, it wasn't clear what being 'put up for sale' entailed; all she knew was that she was being sold there.
"Probably?"
"Since she appeared on the Black Market, there must be some trace of information left behind."
"We can surely find her by following this lead."
Ling wasn't certain. She didn't know how long ago Hoshimi Aya received this news, so Anby's companion might have already been purchased.
"Aya, do you remember when you found out?"
"Or is there anything else you remember?"
Zhe inquired, not suspecting Hoshimi Aya was feigning amnesia, but rather assuming she had recalled something new. After all, Hoshimi Aya hadn't seemed like she was acting these past few days.
"Uh... I don't remember."
"That's all I remember; I don't know anything else."
Hoshimi Aya said after a long silence. She genuinely didn't know more. She only remembered Twiggy being sold at the Black Market, and that the organ harvesting part likely hadn't happened yet. She might have already been bought, or perhaps she was still at the Black Market, or maybe still with that unscrupulous merchant—anything was possible.
"I see. Alright then."
"Let's go back first."
Zhe considered, then took Ling and Hoshimi Aya back to the Video Store.
After reaching the second floor, Ling directly snatched the Demonic Blade from Hoshimi Aya's hand.
"Aya, try not to hold the blade while you're sleeping unless you absolutely need to."
"Just leave it in my room when you sleep from now on."
Ling gave an awkward laugh. She had genuinely been frightened at the time. If she had really been taken out by a blade in her sleep, it would have been such an unjust death!
"...Mm."
"If I can control the Demonic Blade freely in the future, can I keep the blade in our room then?"
Hoshimi Aya suppressed the grievance churning inside her. Although she understood why Ling did this, it still felt very uncomfortable.
"Of course, you can."
"Aya, I'll tell you a secret."
"Brother and I have prepared a gift for you; it should arrive in the next couple of days."
Ling smiled. She was sure Aya would love the gift she prepared.
Upon hearing this, Hoshimi Aya's momentary dejection vanished instantly, replaced by a wave of delight.
Haki Ling, Haki Zhe, you two...
Oh well, since they prepared it especially for me, I suppose I'll reluctantly accept it.
"Cough, cough!"
"Ling, actually, you don't have to."
"Forget about the gifts!"
"It doesn't matter whether I receive them or not."
Hoshimi Aya pretended to be reserved, but she couldn't hide her joy.
"Aya, you're actually very happy inside, aren't you?"
"You don't need to pretend you don't care; I won't laugh at you."
Ling found Hoshimi Aya somewhat amusing, not expecting Aya to have such a tsundere side.
"What are you talking about? I'm going to take a bath."
Hoshimi Aya, whose thoughts had been exposed, blushed deeply and fled into the bathroom as if running away.
As Hoshimi Aya entered the bathroom, Ling suddenly remembered something. She went back to her room and took out two sets of pajamas, one hers and the other naturally Aya's.
"Aya, you forgot to bring your pajamas."
"I brought them over for you."
"Open the door a crack and take them."
Ling called from the doorway.
Hoshimi Aya, who had just finished undressing, paused. She realized she indeed hadn't brought pajamas, so she opened the door a sliver and reached out to take them.
Seeing the door open, Ling smirked and pushed it open, barging in.
"Ling, what are you doing?!"
"Conserving water, besides, haven't we bathed together before? Hehe."
Meanwhile, downstairs, Zhe was in the secret room with Fairy, searching for Twiggy's whereabouts.
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