Chapter 27 - Lysander St. Clair

In a dimly lit wine cellar, the air was heavy with the musky aroma of aged oak barrels and the faint scent of fermenting grapes. At a rustic wooden table, two men sat, their faces partially illuminated by the warm glow of a solitary table lamp.

The first man, a picture of calm and friendliness, leaned comfortably into his chair. His eyes, the color of aged brandy, sparkled with a quiet confidence that hinted at a life of many experiences.

On the opposite side of the table sat the second man, his demeanor more mysterious, as if he were anticipating an event yet to unfold. His eyes, sharp and keen, darted around the papers in his hands, taking in every detail with an almost instinctual awareness.

The meeting had been fruitful for him as he got the information he sought. As their business was over the calm man was about to rise when the other one gently raised a hand, halting his departure.

"Lysander," Matteo began, his tone measured and calm. "I must say, your ability to gather information is truly impressive."

Lysander offered a subtle nod, acknowledging the compliment. And he looked at Matteo with an expecting gaze waiting for him to say further.

Matteo smiled, his eyes never leaving Lysander's. The ambient noise seemed to fade momentarily as Matteo steered the conversation toward a more personal territory. "You know, a little bird told me the tales about your past, Lysander." he paused, "Why did you leave the Chamber of Subtle Observations, Lysander?"

A flicker of guarded recognition crossed Lysander's eyes, a subtle indication that Matteo had touched upon a sensitive topic. Matteo continued with a solemn tone but he was smiling in his head, "The Chamber took something from you, didn't they? Someone dear. A lover, perhaps?"

A flicker of vulnerability crossed Lysander's face. The mention of his past brought a momentary tightening of his jaw, a barely perceptible shift in his composed demeanor. "And what, pray tell, do you comprehend of the matter?" Lysander, was, angry.

Matteo offered a half-smile, "More than you might think. You see, I understand loss," he paused, remembering someone from the past, and grief briefly flickered across his face, disappearing as swiftly as it appeared, "and I understand the insatiable hunger for revenge. I've felt it myself."

Lysander had not missed the brief flash of sadness in Matteo's eyes. He calmed down a bit. "And what do you propose?" he inquired.

"You see, Lysander, revenge doesn't have to be a solitary pursuit. What if I told you I'm building an organization — a family if you will — where those who've been wronged can find strength, and the means to right the most grievous of wrongs?"

A realization suddenly hit Lysander. The information he had provided to Matteo today contained profiles of similar people - People with nothing to lose and driven by a single cause.

Lysander studied Matteo, suspicion etched into his features "And what, might I inquire, is your stake in this, Mr. Marchesi? Why entangle yourself in the affairs of those in pursuit of retribution?"

"Powerful alliances, my friend. I seek to create a force that can challenge even the most entrenched organizations. An organization with shared goals, and shared enemies. A chance for redemption and retribution. And I need capable people for it. I need you by my side, Lysander."

Lysander took a moment, his mind calculating the risks and rewards. The dim lighting of the table lamp cast a shadow across his face, concealing the thoughts behind his stoic expression. Matteo watched, hopeful yet uncertain.

Finally, Lysander spoke, his voice a low, measured cadence. "Matteo, vengeance is a complex game. What assurances can you provide that your chosen path leads to their downfall and not your own? What convinces you that you possess the capability to deliver me the revenge I seek?".

Perhaps you missed it but Matteo didn't. Lysander had called him Matteo and not Mr. Marchesi for the first time. That was a start. Matteo smiled "I have my ways Lysander. You will know of my capabilities when you join me. Also, I managed to discover your past didn't I?"

"I'll consider it," Lysander finally replied, a spark of caution in his eyes.

"Very well," Matteo smiled wryly "If you still have doubts about my capability, you may ask your good friend, Angelina. I have a feeling she has some idea of my capabilities. I will expect your positive answer when I return from Vinopolis." he left, leaving a deeply thinking Lysander back in the cellar.

As he exited the Pilgrim Matteo smiled deviously.

The Second Law of Manipulation - The Law of False Empathy - People crave understanding and compassion. Feigning empathy provides a potent tool for manipulation. Present yourself as the empathetic savior, all the while exploiting vulnerabilities for personal gain. False empathy becomes a puppet string, controlling emotions and actions.

Was Matteo really sad when he said he understands loss? Yes, he was. But was he really empathetic towards Lysander's loss? No, he wasn't. At least not right now. Maybe he would have been if they were friends, but right now Matteo wanted to recruit Lysander by any means possible.

Matteo put his hand in his pocket and pulled out the paper Lysander had given him and he started going through it -

[

Hans Weber

Background: Street Kid

Dossier: Hans Weber grew up in the backstreets of Verbindung raised by a single mother struggling to make ends meet. Learning to navigate dangerous alleys with resourcefulness, he sees the underworld as his chance for a better life.

Location: The bustling streets and alleyways of small market.

Fabio Galli

Background: Ex-Military

Dossier: Fabio Galli, a former Alpencian Foreign Legion sergeant, became disillusioned with military corruption. Seeks a new purpose.

Location: Occasionally spotted at a local pub near the military base.

Ettore Fabbri

Background: Entrepreneurial Individual

Dossier: Ettore Fabbri, an Italian entrepreneur with a knack for risk, sees the criminal world as a high-stakes venture.

Location: Owns a penthouse in the financial district of Alpencia City. Often seen at upscale bars and business events in the city.

]

The papers contained more such profiles along with inconspicuous photographs obviously taken from a hidden location. Matteo smiled "Whom shall we visit first now, huh?" 

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In the wine cellar after Matteo left -

Lysander who was sitting still was suddenly awakened from his train of thoughts by the buzzing of a phone. He picks it up. An inaudible chatter sounds from the other side -

"Absolutely, I'm free now. Feel free to swing by. Coincidentally, there's something I'd like to discuss with Lina about." he hung up and sighed heavily emotions swirling in his eyes, momentarily breaking his always, ever so composed demeanor.