"She didn't give you any trouble or blow anything up, did she?"

"Uncle Aalto!" Encore exclaimed, rushing towards the man.

"How many times do I have to tell you, Encore, don't call me that. I'm not that old!" He sighed, picking her up and setting her down on the couch. "Stay."

This was a scene you'd witnessed more times than you could count, with Aalto asking you to babysit Encore while he attended to his "business" (which was really just selling information).

Over time, Encore had become a sort of little sister to you. Despite how troublesome she could be, you couldn't help but adore the little girl.

"Sorry for bringing you over on such short notice. Got a deal from this rich guy, a whole lot of money—I just couldn't say no," Aalto let out a sigh as he shoved a wad of cash into your palm and settled himself back into the couch with a groan. "That enough? I even gave you extra, just a little something for taking such good care of this little devil."

"You want anything? Food... something to drink?" Aalto offered. Despite not showing it much, you could tell he hoped you'd stick around a little longer.