Chapter 46 : Strada

"So, you're finally out," said Strada.

"Curious. You were so confident about beating me, why do you want to bargain with me?" Noche asked, still with her hands up.

"Heh! They're just 3-star mercenaries. I know they won't be able to kill an S rank like you," said Strada.

"Why bother hiring them in the first place then?"

"To stall the time, long enough for me to ask who the hell hired you?" said Strada. "Considering you're not knocking on my front door and casually stating who hired you and how much did they pay you."

Noche chuckled. "Fair enough." She lowered her hand.

Strada told his man to lower their weapons. "Care to talk?"

"Under normal circumstances, I would. But tonight is a bit different," said Noche coldly. She suddenly pulled her sword and cut two mercenaries at the front.

Other mercenaries raised their gun. But Mr. K swiftly shoots them. He supports her by shooting mercenaries that are not within her range.

"Ugh... Why? I can pay you more. I-I'll give you everything," Strada begged as he fell on the floor with fear.

Once all mercenaries are down, Noche walks closer to him. "At this point, there isn't much you can give."

"W-what? Why? Who the hell hired you?" Strada asked.

Mr. K sighed. "For a moment there, I thought you'd actually listen to his bargain," said Mr. K, ignoring Strada.

"Let's tie him up and drag him to the bar," said Noche.

"What? He's waiting at the bar?" Mr. K asked.

"Possibly. Even if he's not, we have the bar's trust. I'm sure we can keep him hostage there and they won't speak about it," said Noche.

Just like Carponio, Strada keeps begging and struggling as Mr. K drags him to Vivre bar. At Vivre bar, two of Rosario's bodyguards welcome them.

"Welcome. Rosario has already been waiting for you. Please follow me to the VIP room," said one of the bodyguards.

"See?" said Noche.

"Good to know. Here. You drag him," said Mr. K as he threw Strada to a bodyguard.

The bodyguard frowned but he obediently did as Mr. K says.

"Is Venturi here?" Noche asked.

"Yes. Seeing as you're capable of bringing Carponio right away, Venturi is willing to wait here every night," said the bodyguard.

"Venturi thinks too high of me. He could've waited for nothing tonight."

"That just shows how much he admires your work," the bodyguard replied.

They arrived at the VIP room. Noche nodded at the bodyguard and entered the room.

"Ah, our hunter is here," said Rosario as he raised a glass. "Yet again another success."

Noche and Mr. K take a seat. The bodyguard pushes Strada on the floor and harshly removes the tape on his mouth.

"Strada, I know we'll meet again soon," said Venturi.

"Venturi?! I should've known. You hired an S class hunter to kill me?! Heh! I don't know if I should feel honored or laugh at your cowardice," said Strada.

"I'd say Mr. Venturi is a man who understands quality. Why waste your time with a low-rank hunter if you can get things done right away with an S class hunter?" said Noche as she glanced at Venturi.

Venturi laughed. "I like you, Noche. She's right. I'm not the person who would waste my time paying on worthless hunters to get my job done. It's a waste of money if they failed."

Venturi kneeled near Strada. "Without you on the street, I'll be the biggest drug lord on Planet Circus." He chuckled. "Now, what should I do with you?"

"Now that you mention it, I'm curious why you'd take the trouble of catching your target alive instead of killing them on the spot? Personally, I'm very satisfied with this kind of service. But there aren't many hunters who are willing to bring someone alive," said Rosario.

"Hurting your enemy with your own hand would be more satisfying than having someone else done it. Giving you the experience of lashing out anger on the people you hate is my specialty. It's what keeps me on S rank," said Noche.

Mr. K peeked at Noche. Trying to figure out her way of thinking.

Venturi laughed. "As expected! I dare say, you really are the best bounty hunter in the entire galaxy." He stands up. "Maybe I'll do as you suggested. Take Strada to the casino. I'll deal with him later," said Venturi as he sits beside Rosario.

"No, NO! Please! I'll lay off the street. I-I won't bother your business again," Strada begged as Venturi's men dragged him outside.

"So, about the rest of the payment," said Venturi.

"I'm sure you've heard from Rosario that my price isn't always about money," said Noche.

"Oh yes. Information isn't it?"

"Correct. Mr. Venturi, you own a big casino and I'm sure you know a lot of people with some outstanding connection," said Noche.

"Say no more. Who do you want to know?"

Noche looked at Venturi sharply. "Diabolos, owner of Circus Maxima."

"That's a big name," said Venturi.

"Indeed. Considering that this Planet is called Planet Circus and Circus Maxima is the biggest circus around here, I dare say Diabolos own this whole place," said Noche.

"You're not wrong. He has a big influence on every part of this planet. Even Cirque du Sombre," said Rosario.

"Who in the world would hire you to kill Diabolos?"

"On the contrary, I was expecting Diabolos to have a good job opportunity for me," said Noche.

"Possibly. Diabolos may be powerful but it's impossible for him not to hire a hunter or lawyer from time to time," said Rosario.

"I know Diabolos. He comes to my casino from time to time. I can introduce him to you," said Venturi.

"Thank you. On the other hand, I know at some point you offer Rosario something to introduce me to you," said Noche. She stands up. "Consider that I can be your... bargaining point, should one of your customers need something."

"I'm pleased and honored to know you're on our good side," said Venturi.

"Perhaps. But please keep in mind that my starting price is 2 million zemulite," said Noche.

"Of course."

Venturi stood up. "It's a pleasure doing business with you," said Venturi as he offered his hand.

"Likewise," said Noche as she gave a handshake.