"You may dispense with the formalities. Rise."
"Your wish is our command! You are our most valued guest-"
The Men in Black's underlings chimed in again: "As long as you're happy!"
"Oh, heavens! It looks like you carry quite a bit of weight with them. In that case, could you ask them to leave?"
Stelle did not look at Clockie. She simply nodded silently, then gave their leader a charming smile:
"Thank you for your kindness, but could you give us some privacy?"
"Of course, of course! Whatever you say-boys! Disperse! Don't disturb our honored guests' leisure time!"
"Yes, boss!"
Seeing Stelle resolve the crisis, Misha gave her a slight bow, gratitude on his face:
"We meet again, honored guest! Were you the one who helped us out of that crisis?"
"Misha, what's this? Do you know our gray friend?"
Faced with his confusion, Misha smiled at Clockie. "She's an honored guest-we became friends not long ago. I told you about her, remember?"
"Oh! So this is her!"
"Anyway, thank you! If you hadn't arrived in time, this place would have descended into chaos..."
At the praise, Stelle merely raised a hand and smiled, without saying much.
"Thank you, Stelle." Acheron was a little puzzled as to why Stelle had been grinning foolishly at empty air, but after a brief silence, she still offered her thanks.
"I never expected we'd meet again so soon."
"Neither did I." Stelle turned her gaze to Acheron, curiosity practically spilling from her eyes.
This was her second time seeing the woman, and an inexplicable sense of familiarity lingered in her heart.
"As for that commotion just now... I heard a group of Masked Fools had been making trouble in the streets, disturbing the peace." Acheron looked toward the street:
"I was passing through and