章 30: Chapter 30: Methods of Persuasion
Chapter 30: Methods of Persuasion
Herbert glanced around the café. There were few customers at this hour, and the two waiters were chatting idly at the counter.
He quietly asked Xio, "Have you heard of Extraordinary individuals called 'Swindler'?"
Xio was slightly taken aback, as this essentially revealed their identities as Extraordinaries. But she quickly realized there was no need for secrecy - Herbert must have heard from Miss Audrey that she was an Extraordinary. And Herbert, knowing an Extraordinary doctor, was surely one himself.
Xio considered Herbert's question: "I've heard some Extraordinaries take pleasure in fraud."
Herbert nodded. "That's likely referring to 'Swindler', Sequence 8 of the 'Thief' pathway. Fortunately, Swindler aren't skilled fighters. If we're not deceived, I think the two of us could subdue one."
Xio frowned, not expecting this seemingly ordinary commission to involve Extraordinaries. "Are you saying Zachary is a Fraudster?"
"It's possible. The gang leader and insurance company manager personas could be identities he crafted," Herbert said. "Or he might not be, and someone else is behind this."
He finished his cheap coffee. "I wanted to warn you, Miss Xio, that our investigation may require preparation for confronting an Extraordinary. That's the main reason I sought your cooperation."
Xio nodded. "Thank you for the warning. However, while we're cooperating, we won't be splitting the payment equally after completing the commission. You'll collect your fee from your client, and I'll get mine from my client."
Herbert smiled. "Of course."
He then asked, "Do you know the Cuckoo Bar?"
"Yes."
"Ah, having a partner familiar with the East District is truly delightful."
Xio neither appreciated nor disliked Herbert's praise. She silently paid for the coffee and led Herbert to the Cuckoo Bar.
The Cuckoo Bar was typical of the East District. Opening the door, Herbert felt like he'd entered the Blue Knight Bar with a different sign. The same raucous laughter and pungent odors, the same drunken, hazy-eyed patrons eyeing newcomers, the same shifty characters whispering in corners.
Xio, clearly accustomed to such establishments, nonchalantly hopped onto a barstool and ordered a simple meal.
Herbert checked his pocket watch, realizing it was lunchtime. The bar's simple fare included mashed potatoes, meat pies, and not-so-fresh salad, all cheaper than the café's offerings.
He didn't rush to inquire about Zachary's whereabouts. Instead, he ordered a meal and wolfed it down.
Having once survived on instant noodles for a week, Herbert was highly tolerant of food quality. Audrey's housekeeper, Lisa, would likely refuse to touch anything here.
Herbert finished first and struck up a conversation with the bartender: "Let's chat about the latest news at the Cuckoo Bar."
The bartender was about to ask for a tip but suddenly found the gentleman's suggestion quite reasonable. It was just a chat, after all - no need for a tip. "Certainly, sir. I heard the Blue Knight Bar's boss, Weil, is back. Seems the rumors of his paralysis were false..."
Xio, who had been prepared to watch the young master Herbert make a fool of himself, was surprised. She realized this might be Herbert's Extraordinary ability.
She marveled at how convenient this power was, effortlessly "persuading" others.
Meanwhile, Herbert, growing more adept with his "Lawyer" Extraordinary abilities, thought to himself: I've already paid for the meal, no need to tip you!
After sharing two trivial pieces of gossip, the bartender continued, "I heard Boss Zachary swindled a large sum of money. Some say he's enjoying life in Desi Bay, while others claim he fled to the Berserk Sea."
Herbert inquired, "When did he leave the Cuckoo Bar?"
"About a month ago."
Herbert nodded, noting it matched Mr. Robin's timeline. He then asked, "Do you know or have you heard of a Mr. Hayman?"
The bartender shook his head. "I haven't heard of him."
Herbert thanked him for the information.
As he was about to discuss the next steps with Xio, a middle-aged man with a kind face and a warm smile approached them. "Gentlemen- oh, pardon me, sir and miss, you seem quite interested in Boss Zachary's whereabouts?"
Herbert countered, "And you are?"
The man politely tipped his hat. "Sir, I'm Darkholme, the new boss of the Cuckoo Bar. You know, someone has to handle the dirty work."
He continued, "Zachary was a respectable boss, but he's long left Backlund. I've taken over his operations. I can show you to the treasure room - if you see anything you like, I'll give you a discount."
As he spoke, he kept winking at Herbert.
Herbert was puzzled, wondering if they were being mistaken for buyers of stolen goods. "Treasure room"? Why not call it a "treasure vault"?
Before Herbert could decipher Darkholme's winks, the man was already pulling him towards the exit, still winking. "Don't worry, we'll have exactly what you're looking for."
Herbert decided to play along and followed Darkholme out of the bar, with Xio jumping off her stool to follow closely.
In a corner outside the bar, Darkholme wore an expression of narrow escape. "You two, I just saved your lives. You don't know, but the bar is full of Zachary's loyal subordinates. Asking about his whereabouts was practically suicidal."
Herbert felt like he was dealing with a street con artist. The "I saved your lives" routine was far too simplistic.
Neither Herbert nor Xio thanked him, seemingly waiting for Darkholme to continue his performance.
Undeterred by the lack of audience response, Darkholme maintained his air of camaraderie. "I saved you out of genuine goodwill and respect for the Goddess. Her oracle teaches us to help others within our means."
He sighed. "Ah, you don't know my predicament. Zachary treated me as a mere pawn, placing me in the bar to entertain guests, but I had no real authority."
"But I have true information about Zachary. He hasn't actually left Backlund; he's just in hiding."
"I sincerely want to help you both. For the right price, I can take you to him."
Herbert exposed his ploy: "You're trying to use us against Zachary so you can become the true boss of the Cuckoo Bar, aren't you?"
Darkholme smiled kindly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of cunning. "You've seen right through
Me."
"P.S.: If you find any mistakes or incorrect names, please let me know."
(End of Chapter)
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