Ryan observed Cairn’s unfriendly gaze, feeling a slight sense of bewilderment.

  However, he spoke lightly, ignoring those looks while placing his hands on the table.

  " I have come to ask you a few questions. "

  Cairn reclined slightly, leaning his back against the chair while tilting his perspective upward—casting a downward gaze with his pupils directed at the investigator.

  " If you are here to ask for my number, I am sorry.

  I am not interested in men. "

  The investigator’s movements froze for an instant in shock, then he quickly retorted in a loud voice:

  " I am not gay! "

  You could guess—either from the volume of the voice or perhaps the charisma of the two—that in that moment, their table attracted several stares from those around them.

  Realizing this and desiring to preserve his social image in his favorite cafe, Cairn replied with equal volume:

  " Then do not act like one in such a suspicious manner.

  I am not the one who came searching for the other, attempting to get acquainted. "

  The investigator froze in place again, recoiling an inch as if he were seriously reconsidering his methods and how they appeared.

  ' No, no... I will not determine the validity of my methods based on a suspect.

  If my ways were not effective, I would not have reached the position I hold now. '

  A multitude of thoughts swirled in the investigator’s mind as he released a faint sigh, then reached into his inner pocket to produce a file.

  " Cairn Syraf Eliasser. "

  The investigator tossed a paper from his hand, which clearly contained Cairn's photograph, then laughed with a bright, white smile.

  " I am not here to trifle with you, Cairn; I am here to investigate you. "

  Cairn reached out his hand to pull the file in silence, casting a glance upon it.

  He held the file high so the investigator could not see his face;

  then, his eyes swiftly roamed over the lines, moving rapidly from right to left.

  Name: Cairn Syraf Eliasser

  Occupation: University Student at the Faculty of Law (Foreign Language Department)

  Residence: Alvaron City, Z-13 Street

  Father’s Occupation: Legal Scholar

  Number of Siblings: 3

  University Grades: .............

  High School Grades: ..............

  Date of Birth: ...............

  National ID: ............

  Etc.

  Cairn cast a fleeting glance at the data, confirming its accuracy within his mind.

  While ignoring the trivial parts, his mind worked rapidly in the background.

  However, the investigator gave Cairn only a few additional seconds before clearing his throat:

  *Ahem.* " As you can see, I have your information here in my hands, so concealing the truth from me will be of no use. "

  Cairn lowered the paper, placing it on the table and staring directly into the investigator’s eyes with a mocking gaze.

  " What lovely information you have selected. But seriously, couldn’t you have chosen a better picture?

  To bring a photo taken years ago during military training? You are a truly considerate investigator. "

  Cairn pointed to his image on the paper, where his head was shaved; then he placed his hands on the table and leaned forward with earnestness, closing the distance with the other party.

  As he uttered the word "investigator," the tone of superiority or contempt could be clearly heard from his mouth—

  as if he were looking at a foolish preschooler claiming to be the Chief of Police when it was glaringly obvious he was not.

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  The investigator picked up on that tone, but he did not lose his temper before the provocative personality in front of him, focusing on his objectives.

  " I am quite certain I possess many unique photos of you—even those *special* photos... "

  The investigator spoke lightly while slightly pulling out the pocket of his coat to show Cairn a large file that clearly contained many pictures, though Cairn could not discern the content due to the dim lighting and the fact that he was facing the back of the papers.

  Thus, with utter simplicity, Cairn extended his hand.

  " Give them to me. "

  The investigator retracted the edge of his suit to move the papers away.

  " Of course not. "

  " And why not? I wish to see; in case the photos you have are not truly impressive, I shall provide you with better ones myself... "

  " The files in my hands are confidential, Mr. Cairn, not suitable to fall into the hands of the public. And I do not require your photos. "

  Ryan said this, denying the possibility of sharing this file with a "commoner," since it was private information—

  ignoring the fact that the "commoner" sitting before him was the very owner of that "private information."

  But none of that mattered, for neither of them focused on it.

  Cairn rested his chin on the palm of his hand raised above the table, then spoke in a provocative tone—a mixture of a calm voice and an unpredictable smile:

  " Oh, really? What a pity. After all, from the way you gather information, others might think you are seeking marriage. "

  As previously mentioned:

  With a smile like that, it was truly impossible to predict what Cairn would utter.

  But the investigator’s reactions were relatively easier to predict.

  Fury flared for a moment in the investigator’s eyes. He slammed his hand on the table and spoke angrily, yet in a low, muffled tone:

  " I advise you to stop circling around. You are only making matters difficult for yourself. "

  " Oh, is that so? "

  " If you are not certain, you are welcome to accompany me to the police station to verify for yourself. "

  Investigator Ryan said this while pulling from his suit a gleaming silver badge bearing the emblem of the Ellis government.

  " Oh, you are an amusing investigator. Since you wish to play it this way, wait until I order a drink. "

  Cairn said this, then rose calmly from his seat.

  " Do not even think of fleeing. The police forces are waiting outside. "

  Cairn turned to the investigator, then with a light laugh, placed his hand on the table.

  " It seems you did not conduct your investigation well, Investigator.

  I do not flee from anything. And also, if you knew me well, you would know that I like to consume something while I am being entertained. "

  " Not my concern. I believe my point has reached you, has it not? "

  The investigator spoke in a cold tone, having already lowered his face to look down at the table, making his expression unclear to the other party.

  " Heh. Do not worry, my dear. And let me give you an additional piece of information about my preferences as a gesture of peace...

  I very much like cold drinks, especially when dealing with fools. They help me cool my head. "

  He said this while raising his phone, staring at it, and heading toward the bar on the lower floor.

  At the same time, if you could catch a glimpse from beneath the table at the investigator, you would see a few drops of cold sweat creeping down his neck, accompanied by his intensely vigilant gaze.

  One of his hands now held a strange black device resembling a radiation recorder, displaying a maximum value marked with a 2, while the device’s pointer vibrated back and forth between the 1.0 mark and the 2, which was drawn in a blood-red line.

  On one hand, he held that device between his legs; on the other, his right hand reached for the lower pocket of his suit, resting it upon his weapon.

  Hunched over as he was, it was natural that Cairn could not see the investigator’s actions.

  Soon, the sound of Cairn’s footsteps could be heard treading away.

  ' This is impossible... Why is the device acting this way?

  Is it another malfunction, or is this boy the cause?

  Damn it... if I had known the situation would be this complicated, I wouldn't have participated. '

  The investigator cursed his wretched luck in his mind, then pulled out his phone, scrolling through his contacts.

  He did not search for long; only a few seconds passed before he closed his eyes on the chosen contact, then opened the chat, sending a message in silence.

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