Chapter 44: The man who can’t eat (2)

“Wait a moment, please, customer. We’re in business, too. Can we talk for a moment? You seem wealthy; let’s negotiate.”

The man raised both hands, showing his palms, and smiled.

(This man knows he’s handsome! And he’s strangely familiar and charming.)

But that just annoyed her.

“Hugh, let’s hear him out for now. Thanks for backing me up, Helena.”

Helena, who was next to Rosa, had somehow assumed a defensive stance with a short sword. The murderous intent emanating from her was intense.

(Scary. Helena is really eager!)

After that, Rosa and the others were led to a reception room on the second floor by Marpin.

Tea was served, but Rosa didn’t touch it. Behind her, Hugh stood like a guardian, and Helena stared sharply at Marpin.

“So, what’s going on? First, we want an explanation of the situation.”

Marpin scratched his head.

“I was asked by a certain person. Spread the word that the incident where Miss Rosa Croitzer was kicked by a horse was staged.”

“I see. So, who is this ‘certain person’?”

“I can’t talk about the client.”

He evaded casually. Although she wanted to extract the information, Ethan insisted that the information guild would not reveal the client’s name, so she gave up.

“This is ridiculous. I heard this was a place for buying and selling information, but you’re even manipulating information. So, do you have any intention of telling us the rest?”

“Of course. Due to professional ethics, I cannot reveal the client’s name.”

“Huh? Professional ethics?”

(It makes me laugh!)

Rosa crossed her legs and leaned back, sitting comfortably.

“If you don’t like the term, I can rephrase it. Our business relies on trust. When the client requests that we spread such rumors, we hire external individuals to do so.”

“I see, interesting.”

She quickly opened her fan, fanning her face. Her cheeks were flushed with anger. She had thrown her shawl somewhere.

“So, you introduce these hired outsiders to the customers?”

“It’s quite a system.”

Rosa raised an eyebrow.

“Yes, for us, all information is business. Oh, does the young lady’s sense of justice not allow it?”

Marpin continued in a nonchalant tone.

“If that were the case, I wouldn’t be here. Introduce that person right away! By the way, this is a perfect scam, isn’t it? For that, I’ll have to pay a steep price.”

As Rosa asserted herself, Marpin smiled.

“What? I thought you might threaten to report us to the authorities or something.”

There was no sign of panic at all. He was quite an extraordinary man.

“I’m not so naive. You probably have connections somewhere. Even if you get caught, you’ve likely insured yourself to get out quickly.”

This was knowledge from a past life. However, at least Marpin seemed surprised, momentarily widening his eyes.

Seeing a bit of his natural expression, Rosa felt relieved.

“Well then, I’ll give you a discount. Let’s refund half of the upfront payment.”

“Oh, that’s surprising. I thought you’d be more greedy. Did the client who asked you to spread this rumor haggle with you?”

Seemingly hitting the mark, Marpin chuckled.

“That’s part of it, but I also want to have a long-lasting relationship with the young lady.”

“Trouble is not my style. Alright then, I’ll give you the full upfront payment. I don’t like retracting money once it’s out. In return, if someone comes wanting to spread strange rumors about me, give me a heads-up. I’ll squash the rumors before they spread, and I still haven’t introduced myself, but you probably know who and where I am anyway.”

“Yes, I had a feeling from the beginning.”

Marpin laughed. Truly, an unpredictable man.

“So, the women are spreading rumors about me in taverns and cafes?”

“Women? Just one. We often use ex-actors or aspiring actors. With wigs, makeup, and acting skills, they can transform. Her name is Jillian. She’s not a bad person; she just couldn’t make it as an actress, so she does this for extra income. Don’t be too hard on her, please.”

Whether he was serious or not, it was odd for him to defend someone he was essentially selling.

For now, Rosa noted down the name and address of the small theater where Jillian worked.

“Well then, I’ll take my leave.”

As if her business were concluded, Rosa stood up and left the information guild.