Chapter 137 - Information Leak

The next day, Ro-kun got dressed at one person studio apartment. Like Ayu's place, it was provided by Moshi Corporation, so it was a high-end, spacious place.

But unlike Ayu's cold, unfurnished and barren spaces, Ro-kun had put in a lot of efforts to make the interior a very cozy home. There were comfortable armchairs everywhere, his bed was big and fluffy, his kitchen well-stocked and the walls dotted with pretty art.

It was hard to believe such a rugged-looking man was an adept housekeeper as well. Somehow the image was slightly comical.

Ro-kun still found it hard to dress completely without dull aches in his body, especially near the healing wound. But tonight was important. He was able to participate in some way to help the boss and avenge Ayu.

He wore a white shirt tucked into grey pants, fitting his muscular build perfectly. His broad shoulders and well-shaped torso were a treat for any woman's eyes. The scar over his eye made him look even more dangerous.

Ro-kun's charm was very simple. He was simply clueless about the attention he got, and was entirely oblivious to his good looks.

With a little, mildly approving nod at himself in the mirror, he set off the the old Veteran's bar to meet his old boss.

He reached five minutes early. Military training made sure to condition him never to be late.

As he took a seat, a small smile crept on to his face. There were men and women in groups, laughing around, parting each other on their backs, playing games of darts and pool. It was a jovial environment for people who connected with each other after having survived hell.

It felt familiar. Working in private security had made him feel alienated sometimes. He used to frequent this bar more in the beginning, but hadn't been there in a while.

An older man, the bartender walked up to him, wiping a beer mug in his hand.

"Hey there, what can i get you?" he asked casually.

As Ro-kun looked the older man in the eye, a look of recognition formed on his face.

"How have you been old man?" Ro-kun asked jokingly.

"Well, it sure has been a while!" the bartender commented laughingly. He quickly brought Ro-kun a glass of single-malt scotch, knowing well what his old customer liked.

"So, Ro-kun, what brings you back here? Didn't you have a high profile, time-consuming job in private security now? I didn't expect to see you lurking around here for a bit!" the bartender commented.

Ro-kun took a sip of the scotch.

"Actually, I was injured in the line of duty!"

"Another battle scar?" the bartender asked, raising an eyebrow. "Who did you throw yourself in front of this time?"

Ro-kun let out a dry laugh.

"Someone I care about" he said quietly, so that the bartended couldn't here him.

As the words came out of his mouth, the barstool next to him was filled, a familiar aura of a woman.

"And who might that be?" the woman's voice asked, a hint of jealousy hidden within.

Ro-kun turned to greet his old superior.

"General Sayu" he addressed her formally and nodded respectfully.

As Ro-kun's voices floated around the room, people started getting quiet as they noticed the confident, tall woman seated next to Ro-kun at the bar.

It was unusual to see an active member of the military, let alone such a high ranking officer grace their humble veterans' bar.

As the General noticed the scrutiny and wonder that hushed the rest of the people up, her eyes turned cold. She didn't need her meetings with anyone getting this much attention.

She motioned to the bartender.

"Do you have a more…private place for us?" she asked in a hush. Even though her voice was low, it sounded dangerous.

The bartender looked uneasy…and so did Ro-kun. This woman was hard to deal with, and being alone with her was not his best option.

When she had been his superior, she had often made him uneasy by pressuring him to spend time with her. What she wanted, she got. And she had wanted him. The last thing he wanted right now, was Sayu using his need for her information, to ask him s.e.x.u.a.l favours.

Nevertheless, he sighed and walked behind the bartender who was leading them away. He opened a small door at the back of the bar and led them up a creaky and narrow stairway, darkened and covered in dust.

He then opened another door with a brass key to a small attic room.

"We haven't got much in the way of high class private rooms, General but I hope this one will be cozy for you" he welcomed them in, setting the drinks down on a low table next to a must sofa.

"It will do." came Sayu's cold, monotone reply.

As the bartender left the room and closed the door behind him, Sayu went over to the sofa and sat herself down luxuriously like a pedigree cat, crossing one long bare leg over the other.

"You didn't think I'd just hand you the list for nothing in return, did you?" she asked and uneasy looking Ro-kun.

Ro-kun still stood where he was. He wasn't her subordinate anymore. But she did still have information very useful for him. Something he needed to avenge Ayu…and protect his master.

He couldn't risk offending her either. She was a very senior officer, and one of the only people to have access to the names of all dishonourably discharged officers since he left the army.

"Of course. What do you want from me" he asked her softly, still standing where he was.

Sayu smiled coyly, patting the empty space next to her on the sofa.

"Come here, sit with me and I'll tell you"

As he slowly walked over to sit with her, he still kept a little space between them on the small couch.

Sayu turned to him and leaned in, as he moved back just slightly.

"Don't worry", she said in a seductive whisper, "I don't like bratty little submissive boys like you anymore. I prefer more…difficult men."

Ro-kun's breathing eased.

"Then what do you want?" he asked, almost knowing the answer in his head.

This woman was always hungry for power. And there is one thing in the world that provides absolute power.

"I want what you want…information."