The Look of an Easy Mark
While walking by, I saw Lily caught in a conversation with someone suspicious.
Ah, Captain?
What are you doing?
Well... this gentleman said he has a really rare item.
He asked me to take a look at it, so I was waiting!
So, what was the item again?
Ahem! Let me tell you about this item...
Ever heard of Detective H?
Of course I have!
Detective H is my role model!
Good, good. Looks like we're on the same page.
When Detective H was collecting evidence at crime scenes...!
This handy monocle was ever-present!
Just by putting this monocle over your eye...!
It lets you spot tiny clues no ordinary person would catch!
And look, there's even Detective H's autograph engraved on the back of the case.
Ooh...!
I was going to treasure this item as a family heirloom...!
But my financial situation took a turn for the worse...
Hngh... Really? I'm sure things will get better soon!
Ahem! Thank you.
So? Are you interested?
If you buy it now, I'll give you a special deal, only—
Hmm?
Maybe it was just my imagination, but Mr. Rabbit seemed to be trembling in Lily's arms.
...Huh? Is there a problem?
What is it, Mr. Rabbit?
...You're telling me to snap out of it because this is clearly a scam?
A-a scam? How dare you?
Got any proof to back that up?!
...You're right, Mr. Rabbit, no one's ever seen Detective H's face!
But I'm sure I've seen art of Detective H wearing a mono—
Wait... you're saying those are just fan-made illustrations?
So that's what they were...?
...Kgh!
...Hngh. But Detective H looked so cool with the monocle!
Okay, fine, no one's ever seen the detective's face!
But that doesn't prove this isn't Detective H's monocle!
...That's true too!
Mr. Rabbit, do you really think this man would just make up a lie to trick me?
...Ahem! Exactly! No way I'd do that.
I always say this... but you shouldn't doubt people so easil—
...A decisive clue?
You're saying Detective H wouldn't wear something that impractical?
Who would wear something that makes you dizzy just putting it on?
...That makes sense. Detective H didn't like flashy accessories.
...Where did you get this item?
W-well...
A distant friend of mine was really close with Detective H!
Detective H once received his help and, in gratitude, shed tears as while giving him this—
...Mister, is that really true?
Of course! Trust me! Are you saying I'd lie to you?
But... Detective H doesn't have any friends...
...?!
Detective H... doesn't know how to say kind things.
A cold temperament... an inability to cry or show weakness...
Detective H can't even express feelings properly...!
...!
That's why Detective H doesn't have any friends at all...
For someone who claimed to look up to Detective H, Lily's words were anything but respectful.
Mister... were you lying to me...?
Tch...!
You really looked like an easy mark...!
Mr. Rabbit, are you telling me it was that obvious...?
I-I really thought he wanted to show me something rare...!
I-I'm not stupid...!
That was a bit harsh, Mr. Rabbit...
Hngh... you meanie.
Somehow, Mr. Rabbit looked angrier than usual in Lily's arms.
Mr. Rabbit... are you mad?
But... you can't just doubt people right from the start—
Oh... okay...
Lily hugged Mr. Rabbit tightly with a dejected look.
You really didn't know?
I may not be the best judge of character, but even I could tell that guy was suspicious.
It was hard to believe Lily had completely missed it and gotten tricked.
...To be honest, I had a feeling.
He approached me out of nowhere...
And the item just happened to be something owned by Detective H...
Then why didn't you say no?
But... what if I was wrong?
What if he was actually a good person with good intentions?
Then turning him down would've been too mean...
I mean, he only asked me to take a look... and it felt wrong to say no...
...
It's not like everyone who approaches me is always a bad person!
Earlier today, a sweet old lady asked me to carry her groceries...!
And yesterday, some neighborhood kids just wanted help turning a jump rope!
Always...?
Is this something that happens often?
Hmm... well...
M-maybe three times a day? It's not that often, Mr. Rabbit.
Then?
Maybe... once a day?
You get pulled into stuff like that once or twice a day...?
Excuse me, young lady...
Yes?
Would you like to become famous...?
The moment I saw you walking by, I just knew.
You have what it takes to be a top model!
Would you sign with our agency? Please? Pretty please?
A-a model...? Me?
All we need from you is a small deposit...
…We're leaving.
W-what? Captain...?
C-could we slow down a little...!?
That con artist lied about everything, but...
Maybe he was right about Lily having the look of an easy mark.