Wise was a bit surprised to see Anby bring this up on her own. The latter explained with a blush on her face, "Because Nicole said that you must always do what you've promised, so..."
Anby didn't continue after that. Instead, she blinked, lowered her head slightly, and looked at Wise with a shy demeanor.
"Alright. Since Anby has said so, then..." Wise said as he walked to Anby's side, then gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Anby, you wouldn't want Nicole to find out about that, would you? In that case, you'll have to..."
"Brother, what are you doing?!"
Belle, who had suddenly appeared at the doorway, cut off what Wise was about to say. Without a second thought, she rushed into the room, stood in front of Wise, and shielded Anby behind her.
"Belle? Why are you upstairs? Shouldn't you be watching the store on the first floor?" Wise felt a headache coming on as he looked at Belle, whose gaze was unfriendly, even disdainful.
"Hmph, and you have the nerve to ask, brother. If I hadn't happened to come up to get something, who knows what you, you pervert, would have done to Anby." Belle put on a pained expression, as if she were disappointed that her own brother would do such a thing. "I originally thought you and Anby were in a normal relationship, but now it seems it's just as I guessed. You found some leverage on Anby and are now threatening her, aren't you! Why would you do something like this? If you really can't hold it in, then I can also..."
"Stop! Belle, can you please figure out the situation before you speak?" Wise had to intervene when he realized Belle's accusations were heading in a strange direction.
To be honest, he had only said those stimulating words after observing Anby's inner thoughts and confirming that she wouldn't get angry. If he were to actually do anything, it would only be within her acceptable limits. At the very most, it would just be a kiss, a hug, or something similar. As for anything more, even if he wanted to, now wasn't the right time.
"Eh? Are you still trying to argue, brother? I clearly heard..."
Just then, Belle felt something touch her shoulder. She turned her head and saw Anby's hand resting there. "Belle, you've misunderstood..."
Anby only said those few words, because she didn't know how to explain the situation either. So, she looked to Wise with pleading eyes. But this action made Belle misunderstand even more, thinking Anby was afraid of Wise's threats.
"Anby, don't you worry! With me here, my brother won't cause you any trouble. Whatever grievances you have, just feel free to tell me!"
Hearing Belle's words, Anby didn't know what to say. At this point, Wise spoke up again. "Please stop talking about your brother like he's a pervert. I was just joking with Anby!"
Left with no other choice, Wise, after getting Anby's permission, told Belle the whole story about Anby hiring people to farm good reviews for the Cunning Hares.
"It's not farming good reviews, it's friendly recommendations!" Anby corrected him again.
Watching this scene, Belle realized she had truly been mistaken and was immediately filled with guilt. But thinking about it, that's right. If Wise were really a pervert, how could he let a beautiful girl like me be around him and still be unharmed?
At this moment, Wise saw that Belle finally believed him and nodded. But then he saw her inner thoughts. No, Belle, what on earth are you thinking? Even if I were a pervert, I wouldn't make a move on you! Wait, I'm not a pervert, why am I even saying that?
"I'm so sorry, brother! I misunderstood you! You really are still my handsome and charming brother!" Belle came before Wise and bowed deeply in apology, all in one smooth motion. Seeing this, Wise could only wave his hand helplessly.
"Alright, alright. But as punishment for misunderstanding me, I get to decide what we eat for dinner tonight."
Belle let out a dissatisfied 'Aww' upon hearing this, but she couldn't do anything about it. Who else was to blame but herself for being wrong in the first place? She could only nod and agree to her brother's request, then took a stack of videotapes for a customer and went downstairs.
After Belle left, Anby, who was still beside him, reached out and gently tugged on the corner of Wise's shirt. He looked down at her, confused. "Um, about what we were talking about earlier... the payment that Wise wants..."
He didn't expect Anby to still remember. Because of Belle, Wise had temporarily given up on the idea, planning to save it for next time. But now, Anby had brought it up again on her own initiative. Since that was the case, he certainly couldn't let such a good opportunity go.
Wise then pulled Anby into an embrace, letting her body press against his. He then used one hand to pinch her small chin, making her look up at him. Taking advantage of Anby's stunned state, he lowered his head and kissed her... (Content Deleted)... (Content Deleted)...
...(Content Deleted)...
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...(Content Deleted)... Her other hand stopped his from trying to "check." Seeing this, Wise knew he had gone a bit too far, so he didn't continue and stopped at the right moment.
[Ding! Anby's favorability has increased by 1 point. Current favorability: 93. 400 Emotion Value obtained. Current Emotion Value: 2000.]
The system's voice announced Wise's results from this encounter. Of course, the actual gains were definitely more than this, a point that was not difficult to see from the still-shy Anby beside him.
After the two went downstairs, Wise prepared to make dinner, while Anby went to the room on the first floor and sent a message to Nicole on her phone, telling her she wouldn't be home for dinner tonight.
Belle, who was nearby, watched the two of them come down so late, especially Anby, who looked obviously flustered. She frowned slightly, clearly having guessed what had happened.
Brother, that big lecher!
On the other side, Wise, who had been inexplicably cursed at, was stunned after seeing Belle's inner thoughts, and could only shake his head helplessly.
Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Nicole, who had just returned home with Billy after spending the whole day gathering information about the Hollow where the safe was, received Anby's message.
"Hm? Eating at Wise's place? Alright, in that case, I'll just eat out." Nicole, at this moment, had yet to realize that her own subordinate was being poached, and was still happy that she could save money on one meal.