Logan and Macron stared at each other for a few seconds before Macron broke the silence.
"What exactly do you wish to know?" Macron asked calmly.
"Everything you can get," Logan replied simply.
Macron allowed himself a faint smile. Before he could even name a price, Logan tossed him two gold coins, which Macron caught deftly.
"This is a down payment," Logan said firmly.
"Follow me then; we'll be more at ease elsewhere."
They left the bustling market together, weaving through crowded alleys until they reached a discreet yet imposing building. A receptionist greeted Macron, took his coat, and led him with Logan and Aria to a dim, cluttered office filled with books and scattered papers. Macron dismissed his guards before inviting his guests to sit.
"We'll be undisturbed here," Macron declared, settling across from them.
Logan fixed the merchant with a wary gaze. "What kind of dealer are you, really?"
Macron gave a sly smile. "You do business with me without knowing exactly what I sell?"
"Marie described you only vaguely. Now that we're here, I want to know precisely," Logan said coldly.
Macron cast a quick glance at Aria before answering bluntly: "I sell rare items, valuable information, and sometimes… I trade in living beings."
Logan remained impassive.
"Very well. Let's talk about Vengus."
Macron cleared his throat. "Vengus is a C-rank adventurer, involved in slave trafficking and prostitution. He's built a powerful network and owns a very well-known establishment, the Beast Palace, specializing in the exploitation of other races."
Logan's fists tightened slightly as he listened, while Aria trembled beside him. He placed a reassuring hand on hers.
"How does he control these girls?" Logan asked coldly.
"A magic seal causes unbearable pain if they disobey, and a highly addictive drug keeps them docile," Macron replied.
"And the boys?"
"They're sold for various forms of forced labor or worse, used as test subjects for experiments."
Logan stared at Macron with determination. "I want a complete list of the places where he sends those children, his accomplices, his regular clients, his security staff, and the names of those who participate in village raids."
"That's a lot of information," Macron observed.
"I'll pay whatever it takes. Can you get it?" Logan pressed.
"Give me a week," Macron agreed.
Logan and Aria rose to leave. At the door, Logan turned one last time toward Macron. "Our conversation never happened."
"Of course," Macron confirmed seriously.
As they were about to leave Macron's establishment, Logan saw the receptionist escorting a client into the back rooms. With his senses sharp as a radar, Logan could feel several presences inside. His neutral expression shifted briefly to a violent glare before he closed the shop door behind him.
Outside, Aria asked nervously, "What do we do now?"
"Tonight, I'm going to check out this so-called Beast Palace," Logan replied, resolute.
When night fell, Logan dressed carefully for the occasion, leaving a disappointed Aria on the bed.
"I really can't come?" she asked sadly.
"No, it would be too dangerous," Logan replied gently. "Give me the names of the women from your village again."
Aria softly repeated the names, ending with that of her mother: "Elie."
Logan memorized each name and set off into the night, crossing the city lit by glowing stones until he reached the pleasure district, crowded and lively. Ignoring the constant solicitations from women, Logan went straight to the Beast Palace a massive building, brilliantly lit and full of varied clientele.
He entered calmly and walked up to the busy reception. When his turn came, the receptionist greeted him eagerly:
"First visit, dear customer?"
"Yes."
"How did you know?"
"It's the eye of experience."
"How does it work here?"
"We offer a variety of women from several species," the receptionist explained, presenting a status orb that displayed portraits of the young women available.
Logan sat down to examine the selection, searching for Aria's mother. After several minutes, he found her, but learned she was currently occupied. He therefore booked her next available slot and chose another girl of the same race.
"Very well, that will be one hundred silver coins," said the receptionist.
After paying, Logan was escorted to a luxurious room. In front of the door, the receptionist smiled: "Enjoy your evening, dear customer."
Logan entered calmly, closing the door behind him. Inside, lit by a soft glow, a beautiful young girl awaited him on the bed.
--
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