The target's name is "Bretta". Recently, the knight introduced the two of us, and her appearance suggested that she is less than harmless. However, I know better. She tries her best to hide it, but I have picked up on the way in which she stares at the little ghost. Even from a distance, I often spy the bug tracking the vessel's movements. Just what are the intentions of this "Bretta"?

"Little Knight."

The vessel is currently sitting at the bench in the center of town. It looks up at me.

"Would you say that you are good friends with Bretta, the fearful girl?"

It takes a moment before answering and simply shrugs.

"…You rescued her from the Wastes, yes? She had gotten lost and you showed her the way to Dirtmouth?

It nods.

"Do you think it is possible that…"

I spare a quick glance at my surroundings, making sure that the target is not nearby.

"Is it possible that she may be working against you? She may be an ally of those involved with the infection. Maybe she is actually a powerful warrior who is sizing you up and will later attempt to end your life, perhaps?"

The knight appears to laugh before shaking its head.

"What is so funny? I am being serious…Well, fine. I have my doubts but, for now, I will take your word that she is an ally and not an enemy."

It nods and then returns to staring off into the distance.

Hmph. She may have the knight fooled, but not I. No doubt, her unassuming appearance has allowed her to remain undetected and act out her schemes in the past. I will keep a close watch on you Bretta. You are sorely mistaken if you think you will get away with this. For now, at least, I cast those thoughts aside and depart from town. Some combat training ought to do me well.

When, at last, I return to Dirtmouth, I am greeted to an infuriating scene. The knight, still gazing into the darkness, is seated at its favorite bench. Next to the knight, however, is that conniving witch! She has slid her way next to my sibling and the two are now mere inches apart. After witnessing this, her fascination with the little ghost is obvious! My grip impulsively tightens around my nail and there is nothing I can do to stop it.

Fine, Bretta. You think that you will defeat my sibling with such cowardly tactics? Then I will not play so nicely either. I make the short walk over to her small house. I, then, take my trusted needle and wedge it into the keyhole of the door. I try my best to maneuver the weapon just right but, admittedly, I have never been at all adequate when it comes to lock-picking. I feel my frustration growing and I decide that the wisest choice of action would be to try a more honest approach.

With a powerful kick, I am able to blast the door completely off its hinges. I feel guilty at first, but then I remember that this is only Bretta's house. If she truly has nothing to hide, then she has no need for a door of all things. This is not the time for such thoughts, anyway. Now that I have gained entry, it is time to search her lair for clues.

I enter the home, and I am greeted to a display that is…most confusing. On her bed and dresser sit stuffed dolls made in the exact image of the little knight. On her wall hangs a painting, also, bearing the likeness of my little sibling. I…don't understand. I was expecting to find deadly weapons, vials of poison, and carefully crafted murder plans. Not…whatever this is…

This scene does not suggest that Bretta is plotting to harm the little ghost. It seems that she simply has some sort of obsession for it. Why would that be? Is she secretly a researcher of Void and the vessels? Father must have had many servants that helped him with such things as he put his plan into motion to stop the infection. Perhaps she has ties to Hallownest's past? Gah, I simply do not know. This covert mission has given me more questions than answers it seems.

I am preparing to leave when I notice a small book on the nightstand next to her bed. Ah, this could be where all her secrets are hidden! Scientific notes on the creation of vessels, elaborate methods for disposing of enemies, it could all be hidden here! I swipe the book from the table, flip open the cover and start reading…

"The maiden woke in darkness. Confused she reached out. Sharp brambles jabbed at all sides. Burning acid bubbled close below. What nightmare had led her here? What hope of survival remained?"

Hmm, she seems to be describing the events of when the knight led her out of the Wastes. Is she truly so incapable of helping herself? The dangers of that area are obviously being overdramatized.

"Doomed she thought herself and to despair she fell, until a light bloomed far in the distance, a bright, glowing spot fast approaching. It swept majestic about the thorns, leapt above burning waters and dove towards the maiden."

Well, the bug clearly holds a high opinion of the knight's abilities. She is correct about that, at least.

"Coming close, the form revealed at last, a beautiful being, sharp horns gleaming white. Arms reached out for the damsel, gathering her up, grip firm..."

While the little knight is certainly kind and capable, I would not describe them in…such a way. The tone she uses is strange and…aggravating. I turn to the next entry.

"Long had they remained apart and the village, once so warm, now grew cold. The maiden felt the well of grief. It gripped fierce about her lonely shell."

I simply cannot understand what she desires from the little ghost. She speaks of loneliness and grief, but the knight is not one for conversation, obviously. Why does she believe such a connection exists between the two when the knight has already told me otherwise?

"And suddenly, as though her tragic state was sensed, the savior returned, standing tall, glowing bright. Below shining horns, eyes welled black, glistening, eyes only for the maiden long missed, long desired. Her savior leaned close, sat beside, perfectly composed. In that charged, breathless moment not a word needed be spoken."

W-What!? Eyes only for her? Long desired!? She is speaking as if…

"The maiden's shell felt suddenly tight. Her claws curled. No glance was shared, no claws touched, just perfect, aching love shared in silence, together..."

…I set the book down, grab my needle, and walk out. You had best prepare yourself, Bretta.

In the town square, on the bench under the streetlight, next to the little knight; this is where I find that harlot. Of course, she has not moved an inch from her spot. That fiend would surely spend all of her time trying to win the heart of the little knight if she were able. I, however, will not give her the chance to work whatever womanly charms she believes she has.

"Greetings, Little Knight. Hello…Bretta."

"Ah! H-Hello, um, Miss Hornet!"

The little knight looks to me and waves, happily.

"I apologize for interrupting your relaxation, Bretta, but I was wondering if you would be kind enough to assist me with something."

"…You…You want my help?! I-I'm sorry, I don't think that…um, I'm not very good at helping others, t-that's all."

"Oh, do not worry. You are the only bug that can solve this problem of mine. Follow me to my home, please, I insist."

The girl is looking quite petrified at the moment. I confess, I am enjoying this a great deal.

"O-Okay. I guess…I guess it won't hurt to try."

Bretta leaves her seat and I make my way toward home. She follows me, but only from an adequate distance. When I had first met her, I was concerned at how fearful she was of me, but now, that fear of hers will make things much more enjoyable. I hold the door open for the cowardly bug and she steps inside. Now that I have her cornered, I lock the entrance, brandish my needle, and look my target in the eyes.

"So, you thought that no one would be wise enough to catch onto your secret? Well, I have. If your disgusting behavior continues, I will be forced to enact retribution upon you."

"Aah! P-Please, spare me! I-I-I didn't do anything, I swear it!"

Bretta has dropped to the floor and is curled up in a ball. She looks to be on the verge of tears, but there will be no letting up on my end.

"I am referring to your infatuation with my little sibling, the one you call "savior". Despite what you may think, the little knight has no feelings for you. It saved your life and then continued on with its life. Simply put, this "love" you feel is just a delusion. You can either face reality or face me and my needle."

The girl does not speak. She only stares with wide eyes and stammers under her breath.

"As the knight's older sister, I have a responsibility to protect it. That even includes protection from unwanted potential partners like you. You cannot defend yourself and you have no skills that would benefit my sibling. I do not honestly know if the little knight has the capacity for such romantic feelings, but even if it does, you have no chance of winning its favor. That is a certainty."

"W-Wha…What did I-I do to deserve this!?"

I point my weapon at the bug.

"I do not hate you, Bretta, please understand this. However, you must also understand that I do not take kindly to those who would make undesirable advancements toward my sibling. If you truly wish to win my blessing, then you must accept my challenge. Fight me this very moment or cease your pursuit of this fictitious romance. What will it be?"

"I-I'm s-sorry! I won't b-bother them! I promise I-I'll stop! Please let me go!"

"That is all I needed to hear. Have a fine day, Bretta."

I unlock the door and the frightened girl runs away at a blistering pace. Perhaps, I should not have panicked the young girl so badly. Well, she needed to learn her lesson and I am confident that she did. Overall, I would say that this operation was a perfect success.

In the middle of my reflection, the vessel arrives. It looks at me and turns its head, questioningly.

"Is something the matter, Little One?"

It looks out the door toward the center of town and then turns back to me.

"Ah, you saw Bretta, I assume? Is that what you are concerned about?"

It nods.

"Do not worry yourself over her, Little Knight. We just had a bit of girl talk, nothing more."