章 47: cyrus

I was in the same tavern as the last time, this time the person I was supposed to be meeting was here before me.

my eyes settled upon the woman I was meant to meet, her focus was solely fixed on the steaming bowl of food before her. Without wasting any time, I took the seat opposite her, preparing myself for the pivotal conversation that awaited us.

"I need the information about Princess Arianna of Aradia," I cut straight to the point

She glanced up briefly, her eyes meeting mine with a glint of indifference. "So, I have heard," she responded nonchalantly, as if my request held no weight.

Then her eyes met mine, with the intensity that would intimidate most men she saud, "The kind of information you seek is not something that can be bought with mere coins. It is a delicate matter that will remain undisclosed."

Unyielding, I pressed on. "No matter the amount of wealth I offer, your answer remains a resolute no?"

A surge of frustration bubbled within me, but I maintained my composure. I need to know about her, I need to know what is going on.

Her gaze bore into mine, unwavering and resolute. "No matter the amount of money you offer, the answer will still be no," Her dismissive response grated against my patience.

I pressed on, determined to find common ground. "Then what is it that you want? What does the Whisper desire? Money is not the only currency at my disposal. Name your price."

She scoffed dismissively, her eyes betraying her disbelief in my words. "You're wasting your time and mine. I have better things to do than argue with the likes of you. You're not the only one in search of the Shadow. there are countless others like you crossing my path every day." Her words struck a chord of truth.

The Whisper's influence permeated far and wide, its reach extending to corners unknown.

I countered her statement, reminding her of the purpose of our meeting. "Yet, you came to meet me."

"the money you paid was not something I would decline," she replied, calmly.

"Is there really nothing that the whisper needs? I can get him or her anything."

She scoffed, a hint of disbelief coloring her expression. "Do you think I am swayed by empty promises? I have encountered many like you who make grand claims."

I remained steadfast and resolute in my pursuit. "You were paid for the information you possess, were you not?" I challenged, observing the subtle shift in her countenance.

"Then tell me what can I give you in return for the information I need?" I asked.

Her gaze bore into me, a mixture of intensity and contemplation. It was as if she weighed the merits of my proposal, contemplating the value of her next move. Finally, her words broke the silence that hung heavily between us.

"The Astral Orb of Fate," she uttered, her voice carrying a sense of gravity.

"Find it, and you shall have the information you seek."