First Concert (2)

While Shui and Maha were having a chat, a small team of Alicia's secret guard was searching for him by the general entrance. She made it look like she was letting him go, but how could Alicia not attempt to investigate who he was at the concert with? Even she knew that this was a little creepy, but she sent them off nonetheless with a harsh warning.

'If you don't get a name and face don't bother coming back.'

This wasn't part of their job so the guards wished that they could protest, but the intimidating glare of their mistress made them too afraid to go against her. Unfortunately for them, not only was Shui and his date in disguise, they were going through a different entrance. Naturally, the staff blocked her way at first, but they allowed them passage with polite expressions once she showed them a shiny red card.

As he saw the way they were being treated, Shui said, "I had a feeling you had some connections, but I didn't expect this. Is being an idol your main job?"

In response, Maha shook her head, "Not now at least. I only assume this identity so that I can have some fun every once in a while."

Shui could tell that there was a story behind this decision of hers, but he held his tongue as they reached the VIP area. The room they were given was about the same quality as one you could get at an auction so Shui wasn't surprised by the décor, but they were a few devices installed in the room that interested him.

Perhaps noticing the way he was looking around, Maha gave him an explanation.

"There are artifacts in this room that work like communication terminals. One set will project a clear image of the stage during the show while another will relay the sound for an immersive experience."

"Wow, I can't believe each room is this equipped with so many artifacts. The idol industry must be more lucrative than I thought."

In actuality, Maha was sure that this lounge was specially made for her sake since this many funds were rarely used for VIPs even at major annual concerts, but she kept quiet and took a seat facing the stage that was down below. While watching the staff handle the final touches, she held out her hand and waited for one of the two men with her to place a cup of tea in it. It was at this point that Shui finally brought them up.

"By the way, would you mind introducing these two?" he asked.

"Don't worry about them. They're just loyal helpers of mine."

Shui couldn't overlook them so easily, but he had enough faith in Maha and his own skills, not to be wary. Besides, if she wouldn't tell him, then there was no point in pursuing the topic.

"I see."

"Would you like a cup as well?"

"No, I'm fine."

"Really? I would think that your throat would be rather parched after all the running you've done tonight."

For a split-second, Shui wondered how she knew what he had been doing, but faster than his expression could mirror those thoughts, he used a mask called confusion.

"Hmm? What do you mean?"

Maha stared at him with the cup in hand, but because she only had a small suspicion, she didn't push the matter.

"Well, I don't want to upset the mood, but there seems to be someone going around killing assassins tonight."

"What? Do you know their motive?"

As if he truly had no idea what she was talking about, Shui inquired with a concerned tone.

"No, if my ears weren't sharp enough I wouldn't have even found out about the murders."

"I see. Do you think we should be worried?"

"Well, we're both experts at disguise so I doubt they'll be able to find us in the first place. However, if they were that lucky, then you should be fine, but I'll have to be careful."

Maha had seen a glimpse of Shui's strength when they teamed up in the underground auction, so even though this assassin hunter seemed difficult to deal with, she didn't think he would be that much of a threat.

"Hmm, could this be related to the reason we're currently not allowed to take missions?"

"I can't be sure, but there is a chance. Most of the underworld is watching the beloved Puzzle Princess so this would be a good chance to make a move. It almost makes me wonder if they planned for this or simply took advantage of the surprise situation."

"That's true. They get to kill their targets while she has less people aiming for her life, it sounds like a win-win situation."

"It does, but I don't think that girl will have an easier time getting to the amphitheater tomorrow."

'Here it is.'

An additional reason why Shui came here was so that he could get information from Maha. He knew that she was better connected in the city so he wanted to explore her knowledge without exposing his position in the situation. The two continued to speak about various matters involving the state of affairs, and when it was time to change the topic, Shui remembered what he had to prepare for tomorrow so he made an inquiry.

"By the way, do you have any channels through which I can sell some things for the auction?"

"Not unless you want to be discovered by the owners."

Shui had a bit of hope, but Maha crushed it for him. His back-up plan still remained, but he didn't know if it would be able to fill in the balance for whatever he tried bidding on.

"So even you don't have that kind of connection."

"I'm glad you think highly of me, but those goods are like hot potatoes right now. There's no choice but to let them cool down."

"I know, I just want some extra funds for the auction tomorrow."

"That makes sense, but I don't think you'll need to worry about the big spenders with that item up for auction as well."

"Hmm? What item-"

"Wait, it's starting."

Although he came for the concert, at the moment he was more interested in something she mentioned than what was going on onstage, but as he noticed the intense look in her looks, he could tell that she wasn't avoiding his question; she was truly focused on the stage.

Thinking that he could just ask her afterwards, Shui also turned towards the screen that popped up in front of them. As he looked at the tiny figures packed together in the audience, he was impressed by how populated the coliseum was. He didn't know if this was the regular turnout at idol concerts, but he grew impatient to find out if it was really worth the hype.

After passing over the fans, the scene changed to the stage that was only faintly lit by the moonlight. Shui could clearly see a slender figure wrapped in a silk cloak at the centre of the stage thanks to his enhanced eyesight, yet the veil of mystery was left unflustered.