Chapter 229: I’ll have to get used to it

"As we already know, the goal is to discover Alfred Hicth’s movements through Sylvan Nada."

Estelle pointed toward the screen, bringing up a picture of a sharply dressed man. His expression was calm and professional.

"Sylvan Nada," she continued, "is formally employed within AL-TECH as a Global Trade Coordinator. His position gives him access to international shipping arrangements, trade routes, and a considerable amount of logistical information."

Blake leaned forward slightly.

"He has a close relationship with Alfred Hicth," Estelle added. "And although this is still an assumption based on circumstantial evidence, he is one of the few people who appears to handle the shipping or import of extraterrestrial beings."

The room became quieter.

Blake looked at the image again.

So that was the man they needed to approach.

The masked event he would be attending was in the Taraten region, more specifically in a city called Drindia, located almost directly on the borders.

It was a place where several trade routes converged, making it a convenient location for wealthy businessmen, diplomats, and people who preferred their meetings to happen away from ordinary scrutiny.

The specific venue was the Virelia Grand Conservatory, an enormous private estate known for hosting exclusive gatherings.

This particular event was called the Drindia International Masquerade, an annual celebration centered around international trade, cultural exchange, and introductions between influential families.

It was exactly the sort of gathering where someone like Sylvan Nada could disappear into a crowd.

Blake scratched the back of his head.

’To think I’ll be going there as a girl in search of marriage...’

He could already feel the headache forming.

The only thing he really needed was a new mask. Something that could help him mimic voices, at least.

Because there was absolutely no way he could go there disguised as a girl while still sounding like himself.

Blake sighed.

"Did you manage to get any voice recording of her, I mean Sage?"

"Yeah," Estelle replied with a smile. "Alexis just got back from doing just that."

Alexis handed Blake the recording.

"Thanks. Let’s see what they can make of it... I’m not too sure if I’ll be able to get an exact replica."

"We wouldn’t have expected you to be able to get anything of that nature to begin with," Zlatan said.

Blake glanced toward him.

"It’s not like they ever heard this unknown girl’s voice, so if it’s inaccurate, it doesn’t really matter."

"Well yeah, you’re not wrong about that."

He looked back toward the recording.

"Anyway, what should I say to approach that man?"

Myles, who had been quietly studying the information on the screen, finally spoke.

"Do not approach him directly with questions about Alfred Hicth. He already knows his own position. If you mention Alfred Hicth, he’ll become suspicious."

"I figured as much... but having to talk around the subject sounds a little tricky in this case."

Myles pointed toward the image.

"Start with his current work. Ask about trade, the event, the people attending, or the places he frequently visits. You need to make the questions sound natural rather than investigative."

Blake rubbed his chin.

"Well, let’s hope I sound natural."

"Let him volunteer information."

"And if he doesn’t?"

"Then change the subject and return to it later."

Blake nodded slowly, that sounded simple enough.

Then Estelle crossed her arms.

"You also have to behave seductively."

Myles’ eyes twitched.

"Stop putting that into his head."

"It’s not like men are that complicated," Estelle sighed, crossing her arms. "They can get swayed quickly with some flattery and a pretty figure."

Blake raised both hands.

"Okay, okay. Aside from all that, it’s not even my real body. What questions should I ask specifically?"

Estelle looked at him.

"First, set a mood."

"Ah?"

"This is a masquerade, basically. He can’t see your face completely, so that already adds some excitement. You don’t immediately start interrogating him. You compliment him, make the conversation comfortable, just anything of that nature."

Blake nodded.

"Although," Estelle added, "Zlatan would probably know more about how to do such a thing."

Zlatan smiled.

"Would you like me to demonstrate?"

Blake stared at him.

"...Ah? Demonstrate?"

Zlatan stood.

"Get up."

Blake raised an eyebrow but did it.

Zlatan stepped in front of him.

"The best way to understand this is through a hypothetical scenario."

Blake already felt suspicious.

"Pretend you are Sylvan Nada."

Blake’s mouth twitched.

"O-kay...?"

"And I’ll be Sage."

"Oh, no."

Zlatan smiled brightly.

Blake immediately felt embarrassed.

"Just act naturally," Zlatan said.

"I’m not rich, don’t expect too much here."

Zlatan stepped closer.

"Imagine we have just met at the masquerade."

Blake straightened his posture.

"Hello."

Zlatan smiled.

"Greetings Sir. I don’t believe we’ve met before, I’m Sage Larue, I’m pleased to meet you."

Blake shook his—her hand?

"I’m Sylvan Nada. A shame, you seemed familiar."

Zlatan giggled, giving Blake the ick.

"That’s probably the mask, Sir."

"Perhaps."

Zlatan tilted his head.

"Are you enjoying the evening?"

"A little."

"Only a little?"

Blake gave a charming smile. He was managing this better than expected. Or at least until now.

"It would probably be more interesting with better company."

Zlatan’s smile widened.

Blake immediately regretted saying it.

"Oh my, I’m so very flattered. Sir, what brings you here?"

"Business, mostly."

"That sounds so complicated."

"It can be."

"And do you travel often because of it?"

"Quite often."

"Within Taraten?"

"Not always, it is all across the country."

Blake interrupted.

"So I keep asking about his movements without actually asking where he goes."

"That’s right. And then eventually you can narrow down where he’s been."

"That’s right."

Zlatan took another small step forward.

"You could also ask about people he works with."

"Like Alfred?"

"Not immediately, you should make it about giving him validation. You should make the question sound like dumb curiosity, that is very much liked."

Blake tried to remember everything.

"And if he mentions Alfred himself?"

"Then you listen, don’t react too noticeably."

"Now try again."

Blake exhaled.

"Fine."

He looked at Zlatan.

"Your mask is interesting."

"Thank you."

"Is it from Taraten? I would really like to buy that for my father."

"No, it isn’t."

"Somewhere else?"

"Yeah, from... Velmark city."

"That must mean you travel quite a lot."

"I do."

"What kind of work takes you that far?"

"Global trade."

Zlatan smiles, eyes wide with curiousity.

"That sounds like a lot of responsibility."

"It is."

"And do you usually handle everything yourself?"

"No, I have people I trust for that."

Blake’s eyes narrowed slightly.

There, that was the kind of answer Estelle meant.

"So there are certain people you trust with things other people wouldn’t see?"

"Of course."

"And those people probably know where everything goes."

Zlatan smiled.

"Now you’re getting somewhere."

Blake’s mouth twitched.

"This is embarrassing."

"It is only embarrassing because you know you are acting."

Zlatan leaned slightly closer.

"You need to forget that."

Blake stared at him.

"Easier said than done."

Zlatan smiled again.

Then he leaned just close enough to Blake’s lips to make the distance between them feel suddenly, horribly noticeable.

Blake’s heart skipped a beat.

The reaction was so immediate that he almost hated himself for it.

’I’ll have to act like this...!?’

A chill ran through him.

Though, honestly, it was mostly because Zlatan’s blindingly beautiful face was suddenly far too close.

Blake swallowed.

And across the room, Myles remained completely still.

His expression had gone ice cold.

Blake tried to process the example while keeping his expression composed.

"You give him a reason to continue talking. People enjoy conversations where they feel interesting."

Blake nodded at Zlatan’s soothing words.

"If he starts bragging, let him."

’I can only imagine how tedious that’ll be...’

Estelle smiled.

"Especially with someone in a position like his. If he wants to impress you, he may reveal more than he intends to."

Blake glanced toward the screen again, sighing heavily. Well, what’s a sidekick compared to someone like Myles. He managed him, he can manage anyone.

’I’ll just have to adapt to his personality...’

He tilted his head.

"This harder than sneaking through a building."

Alexis scoffed.

"You’ll be surrounded by people, don’t act suspicious."

"I know, I know..."

Blake frowned.

"You don’t have to keep reminding me."

Alexis said nothing.

Blake turned back toward Zlatan.

"Okay. One more time."

Zlatan nodded.

This time Blake tried to relax his shoulders, soften his expression, and imagine that the situation was natural.

It still felt ridiculous, but he understood the point.

He wasn’t supposed to interrogate Sylvan, he was supposed to make Sylvan want to talk.

That distinction would probably determine whether the entire plan worked.

Zlatan stepped closer again.

Blake held his breath.

"Better," Zlatan said quietly.

Then the distance vanished completely.

Blake stared at him, his face feeling warmer.

’So disgustingly cheeky. I’ll have to act like this...!?’

A chill ran through him.

Though, honestly, it was mostly because Zlatan’s blindingly beautiful face was suddenly far too close.

"Next time, you’ll be Sage Larue and I’ll be Sylvan Nada. Do this well, and you’ll manage this just fine."

Blake swallowed.

And across the room, Myles remained completely still.

His expression had gone ice cold.