Rope was very curious.
When the shrine maiden came to her and invited her to put on an act, Rope readily agreed. She never passed up any opportunity to prove herself. As for tricking people, Rope would not feel the slightest bit guilty.
"Officer Ch'en..."
She was slightly startled for a moment, then instantly got into character and began acting alongside the shrine maiden.
"Very few people from the legitimate side come here. I'm a very cautious person, so let me first make sure you're not here to scout the place."
"No."
"Your answer means nothing."
Rope and Ch'en traded barbs, neither willing to yield to the other, at least on the surface. Nearl quietly watched it all and began to understand why they had brought the shrine maiden in beforehand.
Even in Lungmen, she played the role of intermediary.
"I'll vouch for her."
Hoshino interrupted the argument with an expressionless face. Without waiting for Rope's approval, she walked inside. Unlike her confrontational attitude toward Ch'en, Rope's face now held more helplessness, creating a stark contrast with Ch'en.
Nearl followed them inside.
The interior was an unremarkable office, somewhat like a therapist's room. Sofas stood on both sides of a coffee table, enough to seat eight people.
"What are you looking for?"
Hoshino sat down expressionlessly as Ch'en tossed out Bronya's file.
"So you're looking for someone..."
Rope lowered her head and flipped through the file. "Such a pretty little Ursus girl... Was she kidnapped? Those drill-shaped twin tails... I do seem to know something, but you probably understand how information brokers work."
This little money-grubber was practically playing herself.
Nearl was not someone incapable of adapting, but understanding did not mean she personally enjoyed doing such things. She turned to look at the other two, waiting for them to