Chapter 109
Chapter 109
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 109
Chapter Title: Black Letter (4)
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All sorts of hospitality and drinking parties, high-class salon gatherings, and the languid moments after intimacy.
From the loosened tongues of those drunk on alcohol and pleasure, secrets occasionally spilled out without restraint.
Someone's weaknesses, hidden truths, backbiting gossip, even their clandestine relationships.
And there, ever-present yet unobtrusive, were the hostesses listening in on everything.
Since ancient times, they had access to more secrets than most journalists.
That's why in fiction, they were often depicted as shadowy information brokers in the underworld.
The original work of this world, Neofront Cybercity, followed the same cliché.
Madam Isadora, who ran the massive entertainment district, was a mafia boss and an information broker character at the same time.
So, it wasn't particularly surprising that she had figured out my identity first.
With her abilities, spotting a person of interest entering her turf would be a piece of cake.
"But... what on earth brings you down to a cesspool like this in person, Saintess?"
I'd been a bit flustered at first, but it actually sped things up, which I was grateful for.
I calmly faced her and greeted her.
"Nice to meet you, Isadora. I didn't expect to see you face-to-face like this. Just call me Eve."
Her eyes flickered with intrigue at my greeting once more.
Then, with a satisfied, seductive smile, she replied.
"Oh my, how rude of me. I should have introduced myself first. As you know, I'm Madam Isadora, overseeing this underground district. So... I still haven't heard your answer, Saintess. What brings you to our paradise?"
In response to her question, I opened my mouth.
"Ah, well. Actually, there's some information I'm looking for..."
Before I could finish, she gracefully raised a finger to stop me.
"Ah, sorry. It's about that, isn't it? Then, before we talk, shall we move somewhere else? This noisy place doesn't suit a precious guest like you."
With that, she turned smoothly and gestured toward somewhere.
"Since you've come all this way, I'd like to entertain you in a nicer spot. Is that alright?"
I replied calmly.
"Yes, of course. Thank you for making time."
And so, we followed Isadora deeper into the establishment.
Passing through the blaring club music and a private corridor out of sight, we finally reached another elevator.
"This way."
It was nothing like the rickety freight lift I'd seen when I first arrived.
A sleek, luxurious magnetic levitation elevator, the kind you'd find in a five-star hotel.
As we stepped inside, it descended silently and endlessly downward.
In the perfect silence blocking out the decadent noise above, Isadora's soft voice echoed.
"From here on, it's VIP members only. Next time, use the secret passage I'll tell you about. It'll be much simpler and keep you out of sight."
Her explanation ended with a soft ding, and the elevator stopped.
The doors slid open smoothly to reveal a luxurious scene utterly unlike the chaotic entertainment district above.
Like a luxury hotel lobby, the floor was carpeted thickly to absorb every footstep, and a massive chandelier poured soft light from the ceiling.
The staff occasionally pushing carts by were all stunning beauties who could pass for celebrities in the outside world.
Every movement seemed trained to perfection—no footsteps, just elegant grace.
Their refined uniforms were prim, yet somehow tailored to subtly reveal their curves with each step, creating an alluring atmosphere.
Just then, a beautiful brunette staff member passed us, bowing politely.
Her sweet perfume lingered as she walked by, and I found myself glancing at her retreating figure.
Suddenly, Isadora let out a low chuckle. "Hu hu."
"Do you like that one? Shall I have her attend to you?"
"P-Pardon?"
"If you want, you can relax with her even after our talk. You're a special guest, so we must provide the best service. Any particular preferences for partners? Women, men, or anything else—no problem."
"......"
As Isadora continued, I felt a piercing gaze from beside me.
For some reason, Esty seemed increasingly irritated, so I hurriedly waved it off.
"N-No, that's fine. That's not why I'm here. I just want to talk with you, Isadora."
At my response, Isadora covered her mouth with a playful smile.
"How delightful. Out of all our girls, you chose me? What about me caught your eye?"
She stepped closer with a coquettish smile.
A subtle, intoxicating scent wafted over, leaving me flustered.
"That's not what I..."
"No need to hold back. Everyone working our VIP floor are courtesans—trained never to disappoint a client, no matter the moment or situation."
She leaned in and whispered seductively.
"And if you request it, we customize everything: face, size, personality, preferences, tastes. Even memories and past experiences via memory implants. They're genuine in every moment of service. Tempted yet?"
Just as Isadora naturally tried to link arms with me,
Esty slipped silently between us, blocking her hand.
"That's enough."
"Oh my?"
Esty's golden eyes gleamed coldly.
But Isadora didn't flinch—instead, she smirked as if amused.
She glanced intriguingly between us and remarked offhandedly.
"Hu hu, you have such a loyal knight. I don't mind that at all."
Then, as if nothing happened, she resumed leading the way.
Following her down the corridor, we soon arrived at our destination.
A salon room decorated like a luxury hotel suite—opulent yet cozy.
"Well then, shall we talk?"
She said gracefully from the center of the sofa, beside an elaborate table laden with drinks.
"So, what information are you seeking?"
"......"
I saw no need for beating around the bush.
I knew what kind of person Isadora was from the original story.
Plus, after enduring the heavy atmosphere, I was a bit tired and cut straight to the point.
"About Prosper Wellness Corp's CEO, Klaus Adler... do you know anything?"
"......."
Isadora fell silent for a long moment at the sudden question.
Then, with a more serious tone, she spoke.
"Do you know this, Saintess? Normally, all personal details of VIP members visiting our paradise are top Velvet Circle secrets. In principle, I couldn't tell you."
She paused briefly, then added softly.
"But you seem to already know something solid... and you're our good neighbor, after all? Plus, meeting you in person, I like you more than expected. As a special service, I'll share a little. Yes, Klaus was a client in the past. But he stopped coming altogether recently. His last visit was... probably years ago."
"......"
The best-case scenario I'd hoped for was securing his whereabouts here directly.
It might be underhanded, but against a villain preying on the sick, extorting commoners into debt for their lives and health, I had no qualms.
'But if his last visit was years ago...'
That hope was dashed.
Was this the only clue I'd get here?
Feeling a pang of emptiness, I asked again.
"Then, any hints about what that man did here in the past?"
But Isadora shook her head firmly.
"Sorry, impossible."
"Information fees aren't an issue..."
"No, it's not about money."
She explained.
"Even information brokers can't handle every secret. Some are poison just to know. So, our girls automatically wipe all memories after time with VIPs. Perfect privacy—that's why clients come from downtown to the outskirts. Sadly, no one remembers what Klaus did here."
"......."
Truth be told, I hadn't pinned huge hopes on this visit.
I just wanted a lead before waiting years on lawsuits or waging costly wars with sacrifices.
But coming away empty-handed left me feeling hollow anyway.
Still, I thanked her.
"That was everything I wanted to ask. Thank you for answering."
"No trouble."
Isadora smiled softly.
"I'd been curious about you, Saintess. This was enjoyable for me. And... I shared a secret because I have one to ask too. Mind if I ask one?"
"...? Sure, go ahead."
She took a breath, her expression turning earnest.
"Why do you leave groups like the Black Tiger Gang or our Velvet Circle alone? You have the power— you could rule the outskirts in an instant if you wanted. So why...?"
Her voice carried the weight of long contemplation.
And behind her unflinching mask, a faint glimpse of fear.
But my answer was simple.
"Because you're already doing a fine job, Isadora."
".....?"
Isadora tilted her head briefly.
She seemed lost in thought, hesitated... but didn't press.
A brief silence. She broke the awkward quiet first.
"A fascinating time, Saintess."
Composing herself, she asked softly.
"No more business? If that's all, may I excuse myself first?"
"Yes, of course. Sorry for dropping by unannounced."
"No worries."
With a seductive smile, she added.
"Please relax as long as you like. Need any service? As I said, any taste accommodated."
Feeling Esty's sharp gaze from behind, I could only reply awkwardly.
"....N-No, I'm good. I'll head out soon too."
The woman, back to her enchanting smile, just grinned amusedly.
"Hu hu, as you wish."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ After Isadora left the salon first,
Esty approached, her golden eyes glinting, and whispered softly in my ear.
"Biometric analysis shows Madam Isadora lied during your conversation just now, Eve."
"......."
I stayed silent for a moment, then nodded quietly.
"Yeah, I knew."