Methods of Persuasion

Methods of Persuasion

Hobart looked around. There were few customers in the café at this hour, and the two Waiters were chatting by the counter.

He asked Xue in a low voice, "Have you heard of a Beyonder called a 'Swindler'?"

Xue was slightly taken aback. This was practically laying bare their identities as Beyonders. Then she realized there was indeed nothing to hide. Hobart had probably heard from Miss Audrey that she was a Beyonder.

And since Hobart knew a Beyonder doctor, he must have been a Beyonder as well.

Xue considered Hobart's question. "I've heard that some Beyonders take pleasure in swindling people."

Hobart nodded. "Then it's most likely a 'Swindler,' Sequence 8 of the Marauder pathway. Fortunately, Swindlers aren't good at fighting. As long as we aren't deceived by him, I think the two of us should be able to subdue him."

Xue frowned. She had not expected this seemingly ordinary commission to involve a Beyonder. "You mean Zachary is a Swindler?"

"Possibly. Gang Leader and insurance company manager are both identities he designed for himself," Hobart said. "Or perhaps not. There may be someone else behind him."

He finished his cheap Coffee. "I wanted to remind Miss Hugh that our investigation may require us to confront Beyonders. That's also the main reason I sought your cooperation."

Xue nodded. "Thank you for the warning. But although we're partners, we won't split the reward after completing the commission. You'll collect payment from your client, and I'll collect payment from mine."

Hobart smiled. "Naturally."

He added, "Do you know the Azalea Bar?"

"Yes."

"Ah, having a partner familiar with the East End really is a pleasant thing."

Xue felt neither pleased nor annoyed by Hobart's compliment. Silently, she paid for the Coffee and led Hobart to the Azalea Bar.

The Azalea Bar was also a typical East End bar. The moment he pushed open its door, Hobart felt as though he had merely entered the Blue Knight Bar under a different sign. It produced the same unrestrained laughter and heavy smells; the same drunken, unfocused eyes sized up anyone entering; and the same shifty-eyed people huddled in corners, Discussing something in low voices.

Xue clearly frequented such bars. Calmly, she jumped onto a stool by the counter and ordered a light meal.

Hobart took out his Pocket Watch and checked the time, only then realizing it was lunchtime. The light meals here included mashed potatoes, Meat Pie, somewhat stale salad, and more. They were even cheaper than the food at the café.

He did not hurry to ask about Zachary's whereabouts either. He ordered a light meal as well and wolfed it down.

Having once eaten instant noodles for an entire week, Hobart had a high tolerance for food. If Lisa, Miss Audrey's Butler, saw the food here, she would probably refuse to take even a bite.

Having finished first, Hobart struck up a conversation with the bartender. "Let's talk about the recent happenings at the Azalea Bar."

The bartender was just about to hold out his hand for a tip when he suddenly felt that this gentleman's words made sense. They were only chatting, after all. There seemed to be no need to ask for a tip. "Certainly, sir. I heard that Veil, the boss of the Blue Knight Bar, has returned. It seems the rumors about his paralysis were false..."

Xue, who had been waiting to see this young master make a fool of himself, was slightly startled. Then she realized this might be Hobart's Extraordinary Ability.

She marveled at how convenient this ability was. Without realizing it, he had "persuaded" the other party.

Meanwhile, Hobart, who had grown increasingly proficient with a Lawyer's Extraordinary Ability, was thinking, I've already paid for my meal. There's no need to tip you!

After mentioning two trivial pieces of news, the bartender continued, "I heard Boss Zachary swindled a large sum of money. Some say he went to Dixi Bay to enjoy life, though others say he fled to the Stormy Sea."

Hobart asked, "When did he leave the Azalea Bar?"

"About a month ago."

Hobart nodded. That matched the time described by Mr. Robin. He asked again, "Do you know or have you heard of Mr. Hayman?"

The bartender Shook her head. "I haven't heard of him."

Hobart thanked him. "Thank you for your answer."

Just as he was about to discuss their next move with Xue, a middle-aged man approached them. He had a kindly face and an affable smile on his round cheeks. "Gentlemen—oh, my apologies, sir and miss. You seem very eager to learn of Boss Zachary's whereabouts?"

Hobart asked in return, "And you are?"

The man politely tipped his hat. "Sir, my name is DakHorm. I'm the new boss of the Azalea Bar. You know, someone has to handle the dirty and tiring work."

He said, "Zachary was a respected boss, but unfortunately, he left Backlund long ago. However, I've taken over all of Boss Zachary's business. I can take you to the Treasure Room. If there's anything you like, I'll definitely give you a discount."

As he spoke, he repeatedly winked at Hobart.

Hobart was stunned. He thinks we're here to buy stolen goods? And a 'Treasure Room'? Why not call it the 'Treasure Pavilion'? As for why DakHorm was winking at him, Hobart had not yet figured it out when DakHorm began pulling him outside while continuing to wink. "Don't worry. There'll definitely be something you want."

Hobart decided to wait and see. He followed DakHorm out of the bar, while Xue jumped down from her stool and quickly followed.

In a corner outside the bar, DakHorm wore the expression of someone who had narrowly escaped danger. "You two, I just saved your lives. You don't know this, but Zachary's Subordinates are everywhere in the bar. Asking about Zachary's whereabouts in there was practically suicide."

Hobart felt as though he had run into a con man. This "I saved your lives" routine was far too crude.

Thus, neither Hobart nor Xue thanked him. They simply watched as though waiting for DakHorm to continue his performance.

Having received no reaction from his Spectators, DakHorm showed no embarrassment whatsoever. Instead, he assumed a righteous air. "I saved you out of genuine kindness, and out of respect for the Goddess. The Goddess's Divine Revelation teaches us to help others as much as we can."

He sighed. "Ah, you don't understand my difficulties. Zachary only treated me as a pawn, placing me in the bar to receive guests on his behalf, but I couldn't make any decisions about anything in the bar."

"However, I have real information on Zachary. He never left Backlund at all. He merely found a place to hide."

"I truly want to help you two, so as long as the price is right, I can take you to find him."

Hobart exposed him. "You want to use us to deal with Zachary so you can become the real boss of the Azalea Bar, don't you?"

DakHorm smiled amiably, though there was a hint of cunning in his eyes. "You saw through me."