{T/N: I'm motivated by Reviews... Good ones especially. However, the Review section for the LOTM fics is a tragic sight at this moment...}
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Klein and Mike were first ushered into a reception lounge on the first floor...
After sitting for a few minutes, another attendant invited them upstairs to the third floor.
On their way to the staircase, Klein caught a glimpse of the massive ballroom on the first floor...
The ceiling had been opened up, revealing a grand ornate chandelier hanging loftily from the second floor. The architecture made the dance hall appear vast and lofty, with its murals and decor adding an artistic touch.
Klein was impressed...
While it wasn't as luxurious as a noble's ballroom, it still exuded a sense of high-class sophistication.
This place was probably the middle-class favorite... somewhere they could spend money and feel dignified.
Even when visiting streetwalkers, they would prefer a more respectable setting.
At the moment, the dance hall was nearly empty, save for a few attendants tidying up. Over in the lounge area, two or three ladies chatted and laughed amongst themselves.
When Klein and Mike walked in, the ladies' eyes sparkled with amusement as they sized up the two men.
Strangely, Klein felt a sudden flutter, like back in his school days when girls would glance his way.
Mike also sighed appreciatively, "This place really does feel different."
Klein nodded in agreement...
Following the attendant upstairs to the third floor, they found the decor even more extravagant... featuring recreational areas for games like squash and pool, as well as dining spaces and a café.
Of course, there were also several cozy and warmly decorated private rooms.
The two were led to a small meeting room where Mandy was already waiting...
She rose gracefully from the couch, her expression unreadable, she started, "Gentlemen, it's a pleasure to meet you."
Apart from Mandy, Enoch was also present. Though he remained seated, his features darkened with hostility. His role today was purely intimidation; no words were necessary.
The moment Klein entered, his gaze instinctively flickered toward the innermost wall. He could feel eyes watching him and Mike from behind it.
Mike greeted politely, "The pleasure is ours, Lady Mandy."
Mandy gestured for them to sit before questioning Mike directly, "Were you previously familiar with Rosewood Pavilion before writing your article?"
Mike answered honestly, "Not particularly."
Mandy's tone sharpened, "Then why write a report that could easily mislead readers?"
Though Mike had been calm earlier, her question visibly unsettled him, "I–I merely reported the facts. There was no intention to slander."
Klein mused silently: 'Without realizing it, the conversation's momentum has already shifted into Lady Mandy's control...'
This wasn't some mystic ability... just ordinary rhetorical dominance.
But combined with the intimidating presence of the stern man beside her, even a seasoned journalist like Mike was swayed by the room's aggressive ambiance.
When Mike grew visibly flustered under the pressure, Klein cleared his throat and interjected, "Since Mr. Gale is already here, why not join us personally instead of hiding?"
Mandy stiffened slightly... Klein had abruptly disrupted her carefully crafted psychological assault.
Before she could deny anything, a concealed door in the wall slid open. Odis stepped out deliberately.
"Originally, I saw no need to speak with Mr. Mike myself," he said smoothly, "But you are different..."
Klein's eyes widened faintly, 'He recognizes that I'm a Beyonder...'
That explained the special treatment...
Moreover, something about this Mr. Gale felt inexplicably familiar… Though with most of his face concealed behind a mask, and only his mouth and chin exposed, Klein couldn't place him immediately.
He would need to perform a divination later...
Now all four people in the room stood...
Odis took a seat directly opposite Mike, while Mandy and Enoch positioned themselves behind him, flanking him like guards.
Odis casually opened the cigar box on the table and flicked two cigars into the air with practiced ease, "Have one."
His mastery as a 'Melee Scholar' allowed flawless precision...
One cigar landed perfectly between Mike's index and middle fingers, while the other was deftly deflected with a Magician's sleight of hand just before reaching Klein's grasp...
"My apologies," Klein said lightly, "I don't smoke cigars."
Odis smirked beneath his mask...
With an almost imperceptible flick of his wrist, he sent the cigar spiraling back toward Klein, "Come now, just one."
Klein raised his hand to intercept, but unexpectedly, the cigar twisted midair, avoiding his fingers yet landing squarely in his palm.
The entire exchange lasted mere seconds. By the time Mike processed what had happened, it was over...
A moment ago while he was hidden in the secret chamber, Odis had noticed Klein glancing repeatedly at the concealed wall.
'The Seer Pathway's heightened Spiritual perception is no joke...' he thought.
It didn't matter if 'Odis the Herbalist' got exposed... but here, as 'Mr. Gale', a man with shadowy underworld ties, being discovered demanded some intimidation to reassert dominance.
And intimidation was precisely what Klein had just received...
Recognizing this as a deliberate show of strength, Klein wisely chose not to escalate tensions on hostile ground.
He pocketed the cigar with forced calm, replying, "I'll save it for later."
Only then did Klein realize: 'That brief clash felt like something straight out of a martial arts film… Hah. So Mr. Gale is likely a Beyonder specializing in close-quarters combat...'
Having successfully rattled the 'bodyguard' and further unnerved Mike, Odis finally snipped the tip off his own cigar...
Enoch immediately bent forward, lighting it for him with attentive deference.
Odis maintained distinct habits across his personas...
As a herbalist, he smoked homemade medicinal blends... as the Mysticism Research Society's leader, rolled cigarettes... and as Mr. Gale, luxurious cigars.
Exhaling a slow stream of smoke, Odis fixed Mike with an evaluating gaze... Then he gestured to Mike and Klein to sit down:
"Mr. Reporter, I've read your articles. Thought-provoking work..." His voice dropped lower, "But answer me this... does your writing garner attention merely for spectacle, or does it enact real change?"
Mike swallowed but held his ground, "Some issues get addressed. Most… don't."
Odis leaned forward, ashes flicking into the tray, "Then tell me... when you expose the suffering of the East Borough slums, when you detail the tragedies of streetwalkers… do your readers truly care?"
Mike froze...
The truth struck like a thunderbolt... "No. They don't..."
The wealthy who read his papers might gasp in horror over morning tea, then turn the page to stock market updates.
Poverty was just another fleeting headline... gritty entertainment for the comfortable.
Odis' smirk deepened. At last, the reporter was beginning to understand...