To Be An Assistant

Kane pushed himself up from the worn leather couch, the empty bubble tea cup still in hand.

"Thanks for everything, Mochi. The tea was perfect—and the intel even better."

Mochi's tails swished happily as he followed them toward the exit, his combat boots clunking against the wooden floor.

"Anytime, Kane-chan! My information network is always at your service." He winked, then glanced up at Cyrus with undisguised admiration.

"Especially if it means more opportunities to bask in Scaley Daddy's presence."

Cyrus stiffened, his jaw tightening. "That is not my name."

"Of course not," Mochi purred, completely unfazed.

"But seriously, if you need information on any other artifacts—ancient scrolls, cursed daggers, haunted spoons—just swing by. My rates are reasonable."

"Reasonable meaning what exactly?" Kane asked, pausing at the doorway.

He grinned at Cyrus, not even trying to hide his intentions.