Chapter 17 - The Pilgrim (2)

"Okay then, that takes care of the name, now the story. As I already said - How will you explain your absence for over 10 years and then suddenly returning to the city? You will need a reason, a lie that is possible and believable at the same time." Sophie explained.

"The people who knew Matteo before, like the people from the orphanage will ask questions like - Why didn't you return sooner of you weren't missing or Why have you changed so much? Some of them may not even believe that you are Matteo. And that does not help your case of blending in flawlessly, if people have doubts about your identity." Angelina added.

( A/N :- I will start to use his new name after a few chapters. It will be a chapter to remember. )

Matthew thought over it for a bit "I will just fake a case of dissociative amnesia and just say I don't know what happened and that I started to remember things a few weeks back. Then just make up a story about staying in Lagoros or Tyroburg for the past decade before returning to Verbindung after gaining some broken memories." 

"That works I can get you the Identity for that and also create some fake medical documents. Lets make you a wealthy businessman from Lagoros, Mr. Marchesi" Sophie grinned.

"That will also help with Vinopolis, as most of the people attending the Gala are from the upper echelons. Some of them are from the underworld."

Sophie nodded at Angelina.

"You said your master is a 'Servant of the Abyss' right?" Matthew asked Angelina rhetorically.

"Well, she was. She passed on the title to her successor who is also my senior. Why?" Sophie inquired.

"I plan to join the underworld in the future and as you know, the pact of darkness requires a 'Servant of Abyss' as a witness. So I may require your help for that."

"Well, you can just go to the St. Elysium Cathedral and ask the head priest there to hold your pact, but sure we will help you as your witnesses. After all it dosen't bother us much and you are helping me pretty big time here." Angelina replied straightforwardly.

'So not everyone in this group is a devil like Sophie. She is such a money grubber.' Matthew thought and looked at Sophie.

Sophie must have heard what he was thinking "Hey! cut me some slack okay, I have pay the bills too. I am not the owner of a nightclub like her."

'You are just greedy!'

"Well then, are we done here? I have something to discuss with Lysander before I leave." Matthew said as if ready to get up from the table.

'I knew it! he is such a good customer.' Sophie had her usual playful glint in her eyes "Yes we must also get going. It was a pleasure doing business with you Mr. Marchesi, You can come at 'Riviera Stellata' in 2 days to get all your documents."

"I apologize Ms. Muller. But the feeling is not mutual. However it was indeed a pleasure to meet you Lady Angelina. Have a nice day."

*puff* Angelina stifled a laugh as saw the look on Sophie's face as Matthew left without turning back.

"He is such a smart-ass. I will charge him even more the next time he needs my help." Sophie retorted.

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Matthew left the booth an went straight to the bar.

"Hello, Mr. St. Clair, I have a request for you. I need your 'services' to investigate someone."

"You may refer to me as Lysander, Mr. Marshall."

"Its Mr. Marchesi now and you can call me Matteo too"

".....Very well, Mr. Marchesi." Lysander said with a small pause. "Shall we adjourn to a quieter space for our conversation?"

"Lead the way." 'This man is too polite, I feel like an asshole talking to him.' Matthew thought as Lysander was leading him to a room at the back of the bar.

"For any future inquiries or requests, feel free to enter this space and await my presence. I shall make my way here upon your arrival." the room was a old wine cellar with a table for two and a table lamp.

"Kindly take a seat and make yourself comfortable." Lysander said taking a seat.

"So, who am I investigating?" Lysander asked as Matthew took a seat.

"I want all you can get me on a man named Fritz. He owns a questionable car dealership called 'Fritz's Autos' in the heart of downtown. Here's the address." Matthew said as he passed Lysander the address to the secluded lot.

"Apart from the name, do you possess any pertinent details regarding his appearance, associates, or any other relevant information that could aid me in gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the target?"

"All I know that he was out of town yesterday, I don't know if that helps. And, well, there is something else but I don't know if I can trust you. Can I trust you?"

"I was once a member of The Chamber of Subtle Observations, Mr. Marchesi. Though I no longer serve under their banner, my commitment to my code remains unwavering. You can, indeed, place your trust in me."

Matthew didn't know what Lysander was talking about, but he felt he could trust him, so he told him "Well, I found weapons in a car I bought from them. Viable weapons."

Lysander raised his eyebrows "Very well, in accordance with the code of the Mandate, I accept your request. Rest assured, you shall receive your results within two days."

*ahem* *ahem* "And the payment?"

"The payment terms will be determined after gauging the complexity of the task upon its successful completion."

"Alright." Matthew gave the polite man his contact, got up and left the bar. But as soon as he left he suddenly felt a familiar sound - *buzz* *buzz* - it was his phone.

Matthew picked it up -

"Hello?"

"Ah! is this Mr. Marshall? My name is Fritz Keller, the owner of Fritz's Autos" a oddly professional voice sounded from the other end and Matthew pupils dilated but he immediately composed himself. 

"Yes, I am Matthew Marshall, how may I help you Mr. Keller?"

"Well Mr. Marshall, We've got a bit of an issue with the car you bought yesterday."

Matthew's voice remained calm. "An issue? What kind of issue?"

"It seems there might be something inside the car that wasn't supposed to be there," Fritz explained, choosing his words carefully. "Something... valuable. I need your help to get it back without causing any trouble."

There was a moment of silence on the other end before Matthew spoke, feigning ignorance. "Valuable? I wasn't aware. What are we talking about?"

Fritz sighed, knowing he had to tread carefully. "Matthew, I'll be frank with you. There are weapons hidden in that car. I need them back."