*Ahem*
"Excuse me, Can you tell us where we can find the EVP Blueprints? In fact, Taking us to the centre of operations and Sally herself would be best."
This was what Itvasme wanted to say, but even with her honed Dark Rizz, it might be a little too direct. Even though this was an Information Customer Service Desk, even dealing with people who were meant to help you required smoothness. In fact, it was quite often from experience that they required even more smoothness, owing to the unwritten expectations involved!!!
As a result, she was forced to go 'the back way'… an approach that, she felt, was rather fitting for dealing with a group that were known as the 'ARSES'…
"Thanks for your help. Coincidentally, we actually have a delivery for a certain "Tristen"… she mentioned smoothly segueing under the guise of their Amazoné and Teamu disguise.
"But it's a very important delivery, and so it needs an in-person signature… if you can tell us where we can find him, that would be great…"
___
Justicé frowned and had a think, even as he drank his drink.
He hadn't heard of any in-person delivery, but being the helpful person he was, he was obliged to check.
He poured and downed his favourite drink - which happened to be water + 'himself', a 'classic' introduced to him by that very connoisseur of cold drinks Tristen - and then left himself on the table. [N.B. Yes, "himself" here refers to his own name…]
"What's the matter? After all that chatter? Did I not enough your ego flatter? When will you provide the necessary data?"
Itvasme's patience was starting to red-line, hence the rhyme, to hurry things up and make good time…
Justicé Inaglás rattled the ice in his empty glass with a clink, before dumping the rest into the sink… with a *plink*, even as he made the link.
"… I see. Let me check with him."
"… Uh huh. Ok. Yeah I know. It's been a while but you know Author… yes, he is rather cool, somewhat like the esteemed readers of this novel…"
"… What was that?! Yeah, they are amazing, particularly their powerstone donations are truly appreciated, yes, they are very good looking, intelligent and have wonderful taste in webnovels, I know…!!!" (Thank you for your legendary contribution to this novel 🫢🔥✨!)
After a while, Justicé was done, as were the audience who had come out in force with their "Shameless" placards and "I have mastered the Dao… (front) of Shamelessness (back)" T-shirts and listening to their fresh copies of the Rizzmaster: The Adventures of Bob Soundtrack!!!
"Speaking of back, Yeah, Tristen says to just go round the back. He's in the refrigerated section. Follow the cold trail - you can't miss it."
___
Of course, it so happened that Py Rate-io-Kapitan and his 'shipmates' happened to overhear this exchange.
"A valuable, top secret delivery?!?!" Now this… was news. Everyone knew that pirates were all about treasure, a life of leisure, and perhaps, this might be their chance to get their hands on some measure… of a fortune that might finally tip the scales - and put a bit of the wind back into their sails…!!!
And then! This would be but the first step in reclaiming their prestige and nefariousness as true Pirates in the modern day…!!!
"C'mon, you heard 'em." Pyers growled gruffly, putting on his best pirates tone which he practiced regularly in the mirror.
"Methinks this maybes a chance for us, arrr!!!"
"Yes!!! I agrees, Cap'n! This maybes a chance for us!" Firs T. Maté chorused.
"To make some coin. Or get our hands on some booty' no less."
"That's right Oh yes! A fantabulous idea, Cap'n! To help us make some coin! Perhaps even get our hands on some booty!!!"
At this, The musclebound Sinbad grunted his agreement. He understood booty at least.
Needless to say, this whole blatant exchange was of course done in full view and clear earshot of Justicé Inaglás, who calmly and politely continued to sip his drink noncommittally with a poker face.
Perhaps today was some kind of anime expo or cosplay convention?!
"Arrr… let's go!!!"
"Yes, Cap'n!!! A most splendid and excellent plan!"
"…"
"…Firs?"
"Yes, most illustrious Cap'n?"
"Shut up."
"I can't hear meself think."
"Ye- … uhm… Yefsm, Ceptn!!!" Firs T. Maté hurriedly covered his mouth and muffled himself - he hoped, just the way Pyers liked it…
*grunt*
___