Ch'en, Jingzhe, and the people from Penguin Logistics had all already met Hoshino.
Starting with Rope, tracking down the rest one by one was a massive undertaking.
But Hoshino soon noticed something interesting. Whether it was the well-informed Rope or Lin Yuhsia, the princess of Lungmen's underworld, they had all made some preparations—at the very least, mentally.
Rope in particular was adorably foolish.
"I will never reveal where Sister Yae Sakura is!"
Though she was a little thief and normally the most unscrupulous person around, she was exceptionally defiant now. Fear was clearly reflected in her pupils, yet she still straightened her small frame.
"That doesn't suit your character, Miss Thief."
Hoshino looked down at her. "Shouldn't you be flatly denying that you know the little fox?"
"Uh..."
Rope had only been thinking that she would not talk even if killed, forgetting that denial was an option.
"You really admire the little fox."
Hoshino continued, a faint note of praise in her words.
Jingzhe silently took notes.
[Very human, but as time passes, the immortal's mind experiences brief moments of disorientation. The symptoms do not last long. The initial manifestation is a momentary pause while walking. It took me a long time to notice...]
She stopped writing and raised her head.
Rope had already left at Hoshino's signal, but Hoshino did not hurry to stand. Instead, she remained seated, lightly rubbing the spot between her brows with two fingers.
What kind of look had she worn when she last saw that vampire?
She was recalling it. Her eyes were tightly shut as the emotion she meant to perform slowly brewed beneath her fair eyelids.
[The immortal closed her eyes. Strange.]
Jingzhe continued recording.
Once she felt the emotion had brewed sufficiently, Hoshino slowly opened her eyes.