"That sword...?"
"Don't ask questions you shouldn't. As a mercenary, you should know that better than anyone."
Yae Sakura was acting somewhat coldly, which was hardly strange. No one would be in a particularly good mood after encountering a situation like this. Hoshino put on a thoughtful expression and left the shrine step by step. She had achieved her goal, so there was no need to keep pressing the matter.
As long as the mission was complete.
For some reason, W followed after her step for step. She wanted to get a sense of the going rate first.
"Yae Sakura seems a little unreliable."
She was still dwelling on the matter of not being paid what she was owed.
"I haven't known her for just a day. She's annoying, sure, but she really is popular. The first requirement for being popular is credibility. A fickle person wouldn't have so many friends." Hoshino defended herself. She had saved countless girls, fulfilled so many wishes, and rescued people from dire straits. She was practically Superman with a body of steel—how could she receive such an assessment?
"Huh?"
"Don't worry. She kept dragging it out without saying anything, but once she gives her word, she'll never go back on it."
They should discuss how to deal with the Ursus spies instead.
"Don't be in such a hurry to leave."
Hoshino placed a hand on W's shoulder and pulled back the woman who was trying to fight alone. "This is a serious matter. I need an assistant. You may be weak and helpless, and your professional skills may be lacking, but there doesn't seem to be a better choice right now."
"What do you mean?"
"The proud and arrogant Miss Maid is asking someone for cooperation one day? Should I be delighted or sympathetic?"