Cat and Mouse Game (III)

Just got a message from Nekomata and she wants to meet up at the parking lot. She sounds kind of serious in the text. What happened?

Nekomata: Proxy, if a Public Security Officer found out who you are, how long do you think you could withstand being interrogated before confessing?

I'm a Proxy, not a pyromaniac...

Confess is too serious of a word...

Nekomata: I'm just saying. But maybe I'm being too cautious...

Nekomata: Ollie's interrogation has concluded.

Isn't that a good thing?

Public Security is quite efficient.

Nekomata: As things stand, we seem to be getting the answers we need. But my intuition tells me something is wrong.

Nekomata: Very few gangsters who roam the streets are willing to reveal things so readily.

Nekomata: I'm not sure if it's because Public Security is more experienced in interrogation techniques, but...

Nekomata: Never mind. Something just feels off. That's why I wanted to talk to you in person.

Nekomata: Let's talk inside your store.

After returning to the store with Nekomata, everyone listens to her recount her meeting with Ollie...

Playing by Ear

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Playing by Ear"

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Video Summary: One's true nature is revealed through choices made in times of peril.

Story Description: Ollie contacted you to inform you of the results of the interrogation and told you the final step of the commission is to protect him remotely and help him capture the gang.

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Ollie: Miss Nekomata, 11th Precinct has sent over the results of their interrogation.

Ollie: That sneaky dude they found lurking around the Hollows is actually from the gang we're going after!

Ollie: He's already flipped. He told us how they sent him out to snoop around because they'd heard about and were interested in our bait.

Nekomata: Oh? And under what circumstances did he give up this information?

Ollie: Huh? Why do you ask? Is that important?

Nekomata: Of course!

Nekomata: If he keeps silent, then there's definitely a connection; but if he gets suddenly angry, then perhaps you misread the situation — or perhaps you're completely right.

Nekomata: If he keeps saying "I can't say," it means there are conditions you have to meet before he'll talk.

Nekomata: A gang member capable of Hollow exploration like this is certainly no amateur. If he won't spill everything out of desperation, you should be very skeptical about anything he says.

Ollie: Ah, you're so knowledgeable!

Ollie: But the interrogation was carried out by the 11th Precinct, so we only have access to the written report. There's no way of knowing the specifics of the interrogation.

Ollie: And there's something else that's troublesome — if this guy doesn't report back to his gang, it might expose our trap.

Ollie: So, to avoid that possibility, the Precinct decided to immediately use him in a sting to catch the rest of his gang.

Ollie: They asked him to leak info to his gang saying that the Ether resources are legit, and the gang's decided to make a move on it.

Nekomata: Meow-wow... Something about this operation still seems fishy to me, but I'll just have to bite my tail and go with the flow for now.

Back to the present, in the video store—

Nekomata: That's everything that happened.

Nekomata: According to that gang member, the gang tends to use a pretty large group for the robbery. There's a small team of three to four individuals assigned to handle the transportation and disposal of the stolen goods once the job is done.

Nekomata: Ollie's mission this time is to lead a small team, along with the defected gang member, and capture those involved in fencing the stolen goods. They'll head to the Hollow in a little while to carry out the mission.

Is Ollie all good with this?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Ollie's leading a team into the Hollow? Is he going to be okay if he runs into Ethereals?Ollie's leading a team into the Hollow? Is he going to be okay if he runs into Ethereals?Text for Wise / Ollie's going to lead a team into the Hollow himself? What if he runs into Ethereals?Ollie's going to lead a team into the Hollow himself? What if he runs into Ethereals?Text for Belle‍)

Nekomata: He says he's been training in the simulator ever since we got out last time.

Nekomata: And this time he's got a team with him, so it should be okay.

Any concerns about the operation?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍You don't seem convinced, Nekomata.You don't seem convinced, Nekomata.Text for Wise / You seem a little concerned.You seem a little concerned.Text for Belle‍) Is everything okay?

Nekomata: If the gangster's confession was true, then everything should be fine...

Nekomata: But — and maybe it's 'cuz I grew up in a street gang myself — something tells me we should find out more about that guy first.

Nekomata: Since the precinct has already drawn up a plan to capture them though, neither we nor Ollie have a choice in the matter.

Nekomata: I've already talked to him. This time, we're gonna follow him at a distance and play things by ear. If he needs our help with anything, he'll find a way to message us in secret.

(Talk to (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍), optional)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍So it seems like Nekomata's "study" is about observing the security officers and getting a feel for their work and life.So it seems like Nekomata's "study" is about observing the security officers and getting a feel for their work and life.Text for Wise / So, it seems like Nekomata's "study" is about observing the security officers.So, it seems like Nekomata's "study" is about observing the security officers.Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Maybe it's because she's been living on her own since she was a kid? She's pretty good at learning from her surroundings.Maybe it's because she's been living on her own since she was a kid? She's pretty good at learning from her surroundings.Text for Wise / She's good at learning from her surroundings. Maybe it's because she's been living on her own since she was a kid.She's good at learning from her surroundings. Maybe it's because she's been living on her own since she was a kid.Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Anyway, it looks like Nekomata is ready. (‍Go meet up with her, Wise.Go meet up with her, Wise.Text for Wise / Go meet up with her if you're ready, Belle.Go meet up with her if you're ready, Belle.Text for Belle‍)

(Upon starting the commission)

Harvest Time

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Harvest Time"

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Video Summary: One's true nature is revealed through choices made in times of peril.

Story Description: After entering the Hollow, Ollie instructed the defected gang member Alberto to communicate with his leader to disperse the gang members, and allow Ollie's team to reach the meeting point and execute the arrest smoothly.

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Task Force Member: Reporting in, Officer Ollie. Our team and the main force at the resource point are all in position. Operation "Watch & Wait" is ready to go! Over.

Ollie: Roger that!

Ollie: Alright Alberto, you're our informant, so it's time for you to take the stage. Give your boss a call.

Alberto: Y—Yes, Sir!

(His phone rings)

Alberto: Hello? Yeah, boss. It's me.

Gang Boss: Alberto. Glad you still remember who's boss. My patience was seconds away from wearing thin after not hearing from you in so long.

Alberto: Sorry, boss. I had a problem with my Carrot, and only just got it fixed... But it's all sorted now!

Gang Boss: Hmph, you better not mess this up. I've got the location that you sent over. Is it the right place?

Alberto: Don't worry, I got the scoop when I was out gathering intel last time!

Gang Boss: Alright. We're going to get the goods now. You go meet up with the vehicles. Out.

Alberto: I did everything you said, Sir.

Ollie: Okay, next, you'll take us to the ones responsible for selling the stolen goods.

Meanwhile, not far away —

Nekomata: Proxy, Ollie's group is about to get moving. We should get going, too!

(After the cutscene)

Fairy: Master, please remotely assist Ollie in reaching his destination.

Fairy: I have updated your system with Ollie's location.

Fairy: Please make sure that the path you take with Ollie is unobstructed

(Move forward)

Nekomata: Their path out is blocked by an iron gate...

Fairy: Detected: an electrical switch that controls the door.

Fairy: I've marked the location of the switch in your system.

(Press the switch)

Nekomata: It's open! Your virtual assistant is useful after all!

(Move forward)

Nekomata: Ethereals! This isn't good!

Nekomata: We can close the door with that button over there, so Ollie will know he should switch paths!

(Press the switch)

Ollie: Miss Nekomata, your help from afar is invaluable!

Nekomata: No worries, just keep going. Leave the rest to me!

(Approach the spring)

Ollie: I'm hearing interference on the comms device. Don't stray too far from me...

(Reach the Hollow Observation Data)

Ollie: How far from the stolen goods are we?

Alberto: There is a shortcut, but... I'm not sure if we can take it.

(Press the switch)

Alberto: Seems like we're good to go.

(Move forward)

Nekomata: Looks like someone's sneaking up behind Ollie and company...

(Interact with the enemy)

Unexpected Ambush: "Wait, shouldn't all the bandits be where the bait was set? Why are they still here?"
You and Nekomata have a bad feeling about this, but you'll need to defeat them first and then interrogate them for answers.

Why are there bandits here?

Let's get 'em!

(Defeat the enemies)

Nekomata: Weird... Why are there bandits here?

(Move forward)

Nekomata: What happened? Where did they go?

(Approach the target)

Nekomata: Eh? How come the Hollow is Shifting!?

(Enemies surround the group)

Nekomata: The gang set us up—we fell into their trap!

A Mouse Falls for Profit?

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "A Mouse Falls for Profit?"

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Video Summary: One's true nature is revealed through choices made in times of peril.

Story Description: Ollie's squad has encountered an ambush. It turns out that the gang member getting caught was part of their scheme... Ollie's been threatened with helping the gang get the resources, or lose his life...

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Task Force Member: What... What's going on? I thought there were only supposed to be a few of them covering the sale. What are all these guys doing here?

Task Force Member: This isn't good, we're outgunned. Ugh—

Ollie: Everyone, calm... just calm down, and get ready to... make a break for it!

Gang Boss: Don't you think it's a little late for that?

Alberto: Boss, we've rounded up the officers, except for the one leading them.

Ollie: So... Th—This is... This is what you had planned all along!

Gang Boss: Heh heh, of course it's a trap. Never thought the hunter would become the hunted, did ya?

Ollie: You... You... Don't tell me...

Gang Boss: Hmph, we're a gang making a living stealing Ether resources, we always know where the grass is greener.

Gang Boss: Killer job like that pops up on Inter-Knot? You better believe we're gonna look into it.

Gang Boss: If you ask me, your mistake was being way too eager to get whatcha want — and trusting the word of a gangster.

Gang Boss: Anyway, we'd be rude not to accept such a fine gift from Public Security... right?

Ollie: What are you... What are you gonna do...?

Gang Boss: Hehe — already shaking with fear. Now, how did a coward like you end up making captain?

Alberto: Alright Captain, it's time for you to take the stage: Call up your main force and come up with a reason for them to withdraw from the resource site.

Ollie: What?! No... No way. I won't!

Gang Boss: No? Do you still not understand the gravity of the situation?

Gang Boss: Help us get this batch of Ether resources, and I'll let you live — isn't that a good deal?

Gang Boss: Or would you rather wait here with these officers, waiting to be fed to the Ethereals?

Ollie: Ahhhh, Ethereals! No... Don't! You can't feed me to an Ethereal!

Alberto: Hahaha, hey boss — I think Ethereals really freak this guy out!

Alberto: Captain, call up your guys right now. The boss' patience is running out.

Ollie: No, I... I can't do that!

Alberto: Huh?

Ollie: I... I don't want to be eaten by an Ethereal, but I... I don't want to lose my job, either!

Ollie: If... If I help you contact the main force, I'll be fired and my life will be completely ruined!

Gang Boss: So what you're saying is, it's better to just end everything here and now.

Ollie: No, I... That's not what I meant either!

Ollie: What... What I'm saying is, I know another way to get the Etheric resources without having to involve the other officers.

Gang Boss: Huh, is that a fact? Sure you're not just making stuff up?

Ollie: Of course not! Please... please trust me!

Ollie: I'm an orphan and was adopted as a kid. I brought up a whole load of siblings, all unrelated to me — and I suffered so much over the years!

Ollie: I thought becoming a Public Security officer would mean having a decent job, but after all these years in the department, I've mostly just been sitting on the sidelines.

Ollie: I'm not that young anymore, and this operation might be the last chance I ever get... But, seeing as it's doomed anyway, I should really think about myself first and foremost.

Ollie: As long as the department doesn't know I'm responsible, the blame won't fall on me, even if the Ether resources are lost!

Gang Boss: How surprising. The kid really does have some will to live. Alright then, lead the way.

On the other side—

Nekomata: Damnit! I knew something smelled fishy! It was all a setup — the gangsters tricked Ollie!

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Well, it's already happened, so all we can do now is adapt and respond.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍ButButText for Wise / But Nekomata, Belle —But Nekomata, Belle —Text for Belle‍) what do you two think about what Ollie just said?

You think Ollie defected to the bandits?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍He couldn't really have joined up with the gangsters, could he?He couldn't really have joined up with the gangsters, could he?Text for Wise / Ollie... He couldn't have switched sides to the gangsters, could he?Ollie... He couldn't have switched sides to the gangsters, could he?Text for Belle‍)

Nekomata: No, there's no way.

Ollie must have a reason for what he's doing.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I think... Ollie must have (‍something plannedsomething plannedText for Wise / some kind of trick up his sleevesome kind of trick up his sleeveText for Belle‍).

Nekomata: Yeah, I think so too.

Nekomata: Remember? Back when we first met Ollie, he was terrified — but he still didn't reveal he was actually a Public Security officer.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Yeah, like she said, he may be unreliable, but he's got more backbone than I (‍thoughtthoughtText for Wise / expectedexpectedText for Belle‍).

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍And did his speech to the gangster boss sound familiar to you too?And did his speech to the gangster boss sound familiar to you too?Text for Wise / And what he was saying to the gangster boss, don't you think it sounded familiar?And what he was saying to the gangster boss, don't you think it sounded familiar?Text for Belle‍)

Nekomata: He's a bright guy. He's definitely planning something. Let's follow him and see what he's up to!

(After the cutscene)

Ollie: Come with me, over there...

Gang Boss: So well-behaved!

Gang Boss: Keep an eye on the area for me!

Nekomata: Where is Ollie taking the gang members?

Nekomata: Proxy, let's catch up!

(Interact with the enemy on the left, optional)

A Fair Deal: "Please spare me! I'm just a Hollow Raider who happened to pass by! I've got a fair deal here. How about you give me some Gear Coins, and I'll give you something fantastic in return!"

What will you do?

Give him 2000 Gear Coins

A Fair Deal: "Deal! This goodie is yours now!"

Fight him! Hollow Raiders are not to be trusted!

(Approach the switch)

Nekomata: Is Ollie trying to tell us to use the switch?

(Follow Ollie)

Ollie: Okay, we're here...

Ethereal Trap

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Ethereal Trap"

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Video Summary: One's true nature is revealed through choices made in times of peril.

Story Description: Thinking quickly, Ollie led the gang members to the same spot where he was previously attacked by a large group of Ethereals...

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Ollie: W—We've arrived at our destination.

Gang Boss: Hey, what is this place? This seems pretty far from where you stashed your Etheric resources.

Ollie: Please... just hear me out for a moment!

Ollie: When I was out here earlier, laying out the resources, I discovered this weird spatial displacement phenomenon nearby, happening intermittently...

Gang Boss: Are you saying all we have to do is just wait here, and a spatial displacement will bring Etheric resources to us from who-knows-where?

Ollie: Yes, just... just a little bit longer and a miracle... is going to... happen...

Gang Boss: Huh? What's the matter? Why are you gettin' all sweaty?

(Snarling can be heard)

Gang Boss: What's that sound?

Alberto: Boss, this... This isn't good! Ethereals!

Alberto: There's so many! Where'd they all come from?

Ollie: I... I can't take it anymore...

Ollie: Ahhhh! Ethereals, ahhh!

On the other side—

Nekomata: So Ollie took those gangsters to where he got attacked last time!

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Looks like (‍he wantshe wantsText for Wise / he's trying to usehe's trying to useText for Belle‍) the Ethereals to weaken the gangsters, to create an opportunity for (‍us!us!Text for Wise / us.us.Text for Belle‍)

Nekomata: We shouldn't let his efforts go to waste. C'mon, let's get after him!

(After the cutscene)

Nekomata: Ethereals are surrounding Ollie more and more!

Nekomata: And the gang members won't let him go. Let's hurry up...

(Reach the exit)

Cat from Above

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Cat from Above"

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Video Summary: Those who underestimate cats... will soon pay the price.

Story Description: The gang eliminates the Ethereals and is about to teach Ollie a lesson when Nekomata arrives at the crucial moment!

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Alberto: We... we finally wiped out all the Ethereals, Boss!

Gang Boss: Where'd that sneaky little cop get to, Alberto? How dare he try this kind of stunt on me? I'm gonna skin him alive!

Alberto: He's over here. We've got him!

Alberto: Come here!

Ollie: Ughh... *coughing*

Gang Boss: I took you for a jittery coward before. I didn't think you had the guts.

Gang Boss: You lead us to that horde of Ethereals hoping they'd take us out. Betcha never thought a bunch of gangsters like us could take them all out, huh?!

Ollie: No... I actually thought of that, but I... I knew this would be enough.

Gang Boss: What do you mean? Make some sense!

Nekomata: What he means is — Now I can take you out, all by myself!

(Enter combat)

Nekomata: Huh? You guys wanna try me too?

(Defeat the first wave of enemies)

Nekomata: Don't blame me if you get hurt!

(Defeat the second wave)

Nekomata: He's heading that way! Run him down!

(Reach the next group of enemies)

Nekomata: That all you got? Let's get 'em!

(Defeat the first wave)

Nekomata: Finally stopped? Try my claws!

(Defeat the Gang Boss)

Invincible Cat

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Invincible Cat"

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Video Summary: Those who underestimate cats... will soon pay the price.

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(A cinematic plays)

Gang Boss: How much longer... are you gonna bug me?

Nekomata: Until you've all surrendered, of course!

Gang Boss: Hmph... Dream on!

(Molotov cocktails are thrown at Nekomata)

Gang Member 1: She's just one girl!

Gang Member 1: Take her out!

Gang Member 2: Eh, watch out!

(Nekomata deftly dispatches the thugs)

Gang Member 2: Get 'em!

(She takes out the rest of the members)

Gang Boss: Ugh... She's just some lousy cat...

(Nekomata defiantly meows before attacking the boss' weak spot)

Nekomata: Would you care to say that, one more time?

Gang Boss: Ugh... You stupid cat!

Nekomata: Gotcha~

(She throws her blades at the boss, distracting him before tripping him into the remaining thugs)

Gang Member 3: B—Boss!

Nekomata: Hehe! Told you I could take all of you out, just by myself!

(Cinematic ends)

Cat & Mouse Pact

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Cat & Mouse Pact"

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Video Summary: I, too, have sought someone to guide me on how to become a good person.

Story Description: Ollie revealed the reason why he must complete this mission. Hearing this, Nekomata waived the commission fee. Perhaps it made her think of her own past?

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Ollie: Miss Nekomata, Proxy, you... You really came! A—Ahem!

Ollie, you look a little shaky there!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Ollie, you're looking kinda shaky. Did you get hurt?Ollie, you're looking kinda shaky. Did you get hurt?Text for Wise / Ollie, you look a little shaky there. Are you hurt?Ollie, you look a little shaky there. Are you hurt?Text for Belle‍)

Ollie: Don't worry, our uniforms are pretty tough. It's just, I saw so many Ethereals all at once — it got me a bit flustered.

Ollie, pull yourself together!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Ollie, pull yourself together. Things are safe now.Ollie, pull yourself together. Things are safe now.Text for Wise / Ollie, pull yourself together! You're safe, now!Ollie, pull yourself together! You're safe, now!Text for Belle‍)

Ollie: Yeah I know, I'm. [sic] I'm okay... I'm just feeling a little f—flustered, y'know, having seen so many Ethereals.

Nekomata: Those gangsters almost tore you to pieces, but you're still fixated on the Ethereals? You really are something...

Nekomata: But anyway, you did a pretty good job just now, Ollie.

All thanks to your quick thinking.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): That's right. If you hadn't thought so quickly to use the Ethereals to weaken them, (‍Nekomata might not haveNekomata might not haveText for Wise / Nekomata and I wouldn't haveNekomata and I wouldn't haveText for Belle‍) been enough to take them out!

It's made me see you in a new light!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍You were quite heroic today, Ollie!You were quite heroic today, Ollie!Text for Wise / Your heroics today were impressive, Ollie!Your heroics today were impressive, Ollie!Text for Belle‍)

Ollie: Ha... Haha, well, you know, now I think about it, that really was kinda unbelievable, wasn't it?

Ollie: My mind just about went blank once I realized we'd been double-crossed — and I don't know why, but I suddenly thought of what Miss Nekomata said before:

Ollie: "Turn your personal experience and your personality into your very own secret weapon."

Nekomata: So you figured out the way I do things, and tricked those gangsters the same way I would've? Great work.

Nekomata: And thanks to your quick thinking, your lies went a whole lot more smoothly this time.

Ollie: It's because what I said... wasn't all lies...

Nekomata: Meow?

Ollie: Didn't you tell me that it's best to mix in some of your own personal experience if you want to get someone to believe your lies?

Ollie: Well, I really am an orphan.

Ollie: I was the oldest kid at the orphanage, and I really did have to more or less raise a whole load of siblings, all unrelated to me. The reason I chose Argyles was because of the free tuition, due to family finances.

Nekomata: If your finances were so bad, why didn't you go to a company-affiliated school?

Nekomata: I have heard lots of company-run schools offer scholarships. And with your Ether aptitude, you probably would have gotten some more lucrative job offers once you graduated!

Ollie: ...Some orphans who get out into the real world feel shackled by self-doubt or the distressing memories of their early years, and they happen to find themselves on a path irreversibly in pursuit of money and survival.

Ollie: Of course I don't mean to say anything bad about people like that... After all, it is what it is...

Ollie: But as an older brother, I never want to see my younger siblings like that.

Ollie: I wanted to become a Public Security officer so I could stand with my head held high, and tell them, "We can all become amazing people."

Ollie: But... I'm no role model. I've done nothing really, after all these years — I mean, I've never even been awarded so much as a simple commendation before...

Nekomata: No wonder you were so intent on getting some recognition before. It was all because of this.

Nekomata: But... I think your wish just might have come true.

Ollie: Huh?

Nekomata: Good role models aren't defined by the commendations they're awarded, but by the actions they take.

Nekomata: You showed ingenuity and bravery during the mission. You not only saved Public Security from losing those Ether resources, but you also arrested all those criminals.

Nekomata: Are those not the actions of a good role model?

Ollie: R—Really... I did all that?

Nekomata: Sure did! So keep your head up high~ Your brothers and sisters, they're all gonna be proud of you, too.

Nekomata: Anyway, everything's settled for now, so we'll leave the rest of it to you Public Security officers to handle.

So concludes a successful partnership!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍A happy and successful end to our cooperation.A happy and successful end to our cooperation.Text for Wise / Great. Our partnership has reached a successful conclusion!Great. Our partnership has reached a successful conclusion!Text for Belle‍)

Was this commission really worth all the hassle?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Sigh... I didn't think this commission would end up taking so many twists and turns. (‍Wasn't really even worth it.Wasn't really even worth it.Text for Wise / Was it even worth it in the end?Was it even worth it in the end?Text for Belle‍)

Ollie: I don't know if I'll get a bonus this time, but I'll pay both your fees as soon as I get back to the precinct!

Nekomata: I'm sure you'll get your bonus. But, as for my cut... I don't want it.

Ollie: Huh? Miss Nekomata, what are you talking about?

Nekomata: I said, you don't have to pay me. Just pay the Proxy!

Nekomata: Take your bonus and buy those kids something nice.

Nekomata: Kids who grew up with nothing cherish whatever gifts they're given. This is just... It's just what I found, in my personal experience.

You really don't want it?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍We all worked so hard, Nekomata. Are you sure you don't want to get paid?We all worked so hard, Nekomata. Are you sure you don't want to get paid?Text for Wise / We worked so hard, Nekomata. Are you really sure you don't want it?We worked so hard, Nekomata. Are you really sure you don't want it?Text for Belle‍)

Nekomata: What's wrong with that? Aren't the Cunning Hares always losing on their deals?

Nekomata: Been running with 'em for long enough now, guess I've picked up on that bad habit of theirs.

Nekomata: But Ollie, I have one condition: Remember what you said today, and keep being a good role model for those kids.

Let's split the remainder then, Nekomata?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): In that case, let's split the remainder. But Ollie, we have a condition: Remember what you said today, and keep being a good role model for those (‍kids.kids.Text for Wise / kids!kids!Text for Belle‍)

Nekomata: Yeah!

Nekomata: And if I ever catch even a sniff that you've gone crooked, then you can bet I'll be the first one after you!

Ollie: Thanks so much... I promise, I'll definitely keep up my end of the deal, too!

And just like that, the curtain finally closed on a successful operation...

Role Model of Cunning Hares

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Role Model of Cunning Hares"

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Video Summary: Please stop perpetuating the stereotype of cat Thirens!

Story Description: Not long after, Nekomata comes to visit and brings several special gifts from Ollie and the children of the orphanage...

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One week later—

Nekomata: Proxy! It's me!

Have you come to work off some of your debt?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Welcome. Come to work off some of the Cunning Hares' debt?Welcome. Come to work off some of the Cunning Hares' debt? Tooltip for Welcome. Come to work off some of the Cunning Hares' debt?ⓘText for Wise / Oh, are you finally gonna work in the store to repay the Cunning Hares' debt?Oh, are you finally gonna work in the store to repay the Cunning Hares' debt?Text for Belle‍)

Hope you haven't dragged in any more trouble.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Tell me you've come here for something besides another strange commission.Tell me you've come here for something besides another strange commission.Text for Wise / Don't tell me you've accepted another one of your crazy commissions...Don't tell me you've accepted another one of your crazy commissions...Text for Belle‍)

Nekomata: No way!

Nekomata: I just came by today to bring you some fresh fish.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Wow... The fresh smell of a new scheme!Wow... The fresh smell of a new scheme!Text for Wise / There's no such thing as a free lunch, Nekomata.There's no such thing as a free lunch, Nekomata.Text for Belle‍)

Nekomata: Don't be so suspicious, you two. They're from Ollie.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Ollie sent this? (‍Isn't he a Public Security officer? Where'd he get so much fish?Isn't he a Public Security officer? Where'd he get so much fish?Text for Wise / He's a Public Security officer, where'd he get so much fish?He's a Public Security officer, where'd he get so much fish?Text for Belle‍)

Nekomata: After he was told he'd be getting his bonus, he said he went back to the orphanage last weekend.

Nekomata: He went ahead and told them all the presents were from me, so all the kids went out fishing with him to say thanks.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Wow, isn't that fantastic! Fish is your favorite.Wow, isn't that fantastic! Fish is your favorite.Text for Wise / Ollie's a good guy, getting you your favorite food.Ollie's a good guy, getting you your favorite food.Text for Belle‍)

Nekomata: Well yeah, but don't stereotype us Thirens! Sometimes we want a little variety — something nicer, like steak or crab legs!

Nekomata: Anyway, I've got way too much now so I wanna share some with you. Take half of it, I insist!

Just then, the door of the video store opens—

Nekomata: Uhh... Anby, you... What are you doing here?

Anby: I'm just returning a tape.

Anby: Ah, Proxies. That's a lot of fish.

One of Nekomata's friends gave them to her.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍I didn't buy it, it was a gift from Nekomata's friend.I didn't buy it, it was a gift from Nekomata's friend.Text for Belle‍)

Anby: Huh—

Nekomata: Hey, Anby, what do you mean by "Huh," exactly?

Anby: Nothing. It's just a little surprising you have friends who give you gifts. Not like the rest of us Cunning Hares.

Nekomata: Hmph, well... well, of course I do, because I'm actually super popular!

Nekomata: Definitely! Enough to call me a role model for the Cunning Hares!

Anby: Yeah, the very role model of a Cunning Hare.

Nekomata: Huh? You just... agreed, just like that?

Anby: So?

Nekomata: I—It's nothing!

Nekomata: Uh... Why do I feel like all this was a waste of time...

Anby: I'm going back to the Cunning Hares now, Nekomata. You coming? ...Want me to carry some fish?

Nekomata: Okay!

Nekomata: We'll be going then, Phaethon. See ya!

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Well, allWell, allText for Wise / AllAllText for Belle‍) things considered, the commission ended pretty well.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍How about fish for dinner tonight, Wise?How about fish for dinner tonight, Wise?Text for Wise / Well, it's fish for dinner tonight.Well, it's fish for dinner tonight.Text for Belle‍)

Nekomata finishes speaking and leaves...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Wise, why did Nekomata just say what she did was "a waste of time"?Wise, why did Nekomata just say what she did was "a waste of time"?Text for Wise / Belle, why did Nekomata suddenly just say, "all this was a waste of time"?Belle, why did Nekomata suddenly just say, "all this was a waste of time"?Text for Belle‍)

...It's all because of her original goal, right?

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Oh, I remember now... When Nekomata first got in touch to work with us, it was to "get that poker face to admit Nekomata really is a model of the Cunning Hares"!Oh, I remember now... When Nekomata first got in touch to work with us, it was to "get that poker face to admit Nekomata really is a model of the Cunning Hares"!Text for Wise / Oh, I remember now: When Nekomata first approached us about working together, she said it was all so Anby could praise her as a "model of the Cunning Hares"...Oh, I remember now: When Nekomata first approached us about working together, she said it was all so Anby could praise her as a "model of the Cunning Hares"...Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍But if Nekomata had not invested so much time in this caseBut if Nekomata had not invested so much time in this caseText for Wise / But looking back, if Nekomata hadn't put so much into this caseBut looking back, if Nekomata hadn't put so much into this caseText for Belle‍), she wouldn't have made friends with Ollie and gotten "fish from a friend" and wouldn't have had the chance to brag to Anby about how popular she is.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Yeah, so I don't think what Nekomata did was a waste of time at all!Yeah, so I don't think what Nekomata did was a waste of time at all!Text for Wise / So, nothing's really a waste of time.So, nothing's really a waste of time.Text for Belle‍)

We also get fish for free!

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Yeah, right! What are you going to do with the fish, though? I don't think we can eat them all in one meal... How about trying out a few different dishes?Yeah, right! What are you going to do with the fish, though? I don't think we can eat them all in one meal... How about trying out a few different dishes?Text for Wise / Yeah, and fresh fish is not exactly easy to come by. Any recipes you'd like to try? Let's decide what we're eating tonight first.Yeah, and fresh fish is not exactly easy to come by. Any recipes you'd like to try? Let's decide what we're eating tonight first.Text for Belle‍)

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