ace of Akira’s strong emotion that they knew was not directed at them.

“So then, can you find her?”

Viola automatically tried to act normal and replied.

“I already know about her. She’s from the same house as the founder of the Lion Steel company. Were you aware of this when you said you’re going to kill her?”

“So, does that mean that you’re not going to help?”

Akira’s gaze toward Viola changed ever so slightly. It was as if he was only trying to discern if she was an enemy or not. Viola, who noticed it, immediately gave her answer.

“What I am saying is that it won’t be cheap. I am an information broker. So, it’s not like I can just give away information for free, it will be pretty expensive. It’s not cheap trying to collect information. Especially when it comes to important people like her. That is why, it’ll cost at least a few dozen billion Aurum, depending on the case, it might even be more expensive. I don’t mean to offend you, but can you pay for it?”

After Viola told him that it was only a matter of money, Akira’s gaze returned back to neutral. He then titled his head and said.

“T-that’s pretty expensive.. But well, that does make sense to be that expensive, I guess.”

Considering that it was a piece of information to help him kill someone, a person who had personal maids and butlers protecting her, it would not be strange for it to be that expensive. But Akira did not have the funds. So he started to hum, pondering what else he could do instead.

On the other hand, Viola sighed in relief. She did not expect Akira would react that strongly. It was true that depending on the way he interpreted it, it might sound as if she was telling him that it might be better not to try to kill Chloe.

That was why she flusteredly tried to emphasize that she was talking about the price. If it was a matter of money, she thought that Akira would not show any hostility, and thankfully, her guess was correct.

But unfortunately, it was unclear whether it completely saved her or not. Akira’s face then lit up as if he just thought of an idea.

“In that case, let’s do this. If you give me information about Chloe, depending on how valuable it is, I will consider letting you live as beneficial. Unfortunately, I can’t really say how much that would be if converted into money, so you can just give me enough information that you think is worth the same amount of money as that. So, what do you think?”

Unlike Akira, who was obviously showing the sign of willingness to negotiate, Viola knitted her eyebrows in deep worry.

During the battle in the slums of Kugamayama city, Viola had caused Akira trouble and was once killed by him. After that, based on her deal with Akira, she ended up having to help Sheryl’s gang.

That deal caused Sheryl’s gang to greatly develop with her help. Moreover, Viola had also solidified her position inside the gang. Basically, the gang would be in trouble without her around. Since then, time passed and it had become vague if she had fulfilled her part of the bargain or not.

But Akira casually brought that up. Even after helping Sheryl’s gang that much, it did not seem to be enough from Akira’s point of view. Viola was able to confirm it, though to her, this was not good news.

“..What if I say no to that? Are you going to kill me?”

“Not really. I just thought that I might be able to use it in place of money. If you don’t accept it, you can just say no. I won’t force you.”

“I-I see.”

Seeing Akira reply so calmly, Viola sighed. Half in relief that the negotiation proceeded as she had planned. So, she then continued to confirm the other half thing that worried her.

“By the way, since you brought this up, does that mean that you’re still thinking of killing me? If I may, can you give me a precise explanation as to why?”

“Even if you ask me, well, if something bad happens? It’s not like I’ve decided on the specifics. Basically, if something comes up and I want to kill you, then I will. If I have to mention a particular example, then if Sheryl asks me to, I guess.”

“I-I see. Just to let you know though, I’m well included in the management of Sheryl’s gang, the gang would basically crumble without me, you know?”

“So?”

Viola’s smile distorted with anxiety. If it had been a short answer, which was akin to a threat, she had thought up ways to counter it. Such threats were a regular thing in many of the negotiations that she had faced, so she already had a list of ways to handle them.

But this time, it was a pure question from Akira. That told her that Akira basically had no idea how that had anything to do with not shooting her in the head. For him, it did not give him any reason not to kill her. It was as if that was not worth even a dime, especially when negotiating for her life.

Akira had said that he would not kill her even if she said no. That only meant that he would not kill her because she refused. However, the moment she refused, Akira could think that it was meaningless to let her live and just outright killed her right this instant. Viola had at least predicted that much. Including the fact that he was most likely unaware that he was issuing a threat.

Viola basically had no other choice but to compromise after receiving Akira’s unintentional threat.

“.. I basically just need to find where Chloe is, right? After that, we’re even, right?”

“That depends on what information you can give me. If it’s useful, then yes. That’s just how people decide on the value of information, no?”

For Akira, it was a good thing that he had no need to pay with money and would be able to get highly valuable information.

But for Viola, it also doubled as a threat. To her, it was as if Akira would kill her if she gave him useless information. She could not help but frown in face of such a nasty threat and heaved a huge sigh. She then took out her information terminal and pulled out a certain information.

“There’s a new Lion Steel facility inside Higaraka residence ruin. There’s a good chance that she’s there.”

“Alright, well then, I’m in a hurry here.”

Akira only said that much as he hopped back onto his bike. But before he left, Viola frowned and asked him a question.

“Are we even now?”

“Pray that I can find Chloe there.”

Basically, it meant that they were not even at the moment. Viola’s frown only got worse.

That was when Carol suddenly interjected.

“Wait for a sec, Akira! Are you going now!? Can you at least tell me why you no longer can’t take the bodyguard request?”

“I’m going to kill Chloe right now and I want to prioritize that. And, it would be stupid for the bodyguard to get his client into more trouble, no?”

“What I’m asking is why it has suddenly turned to this?!”

“Sorry, I don’t know for sure myself. If you’re interested, you can try asking Viola. I don’t really care about the reason. I might investigate that part after I kill Chloe and if I’m in the mood. Later then.”

Akira only said as much and accelerated off.

Carol turned at Viola with an extremely bitter expression.

“Viola, can you help me find out what’s going on with Akira? This one is a rush request.”

Viola somehow managed to return back to her usual self and teasingly said to Carol.

“It would be at a special price, you know?”

Seeing how Viola was acting, Carol also returned to her usual foxy attitude.

“If you give me a good discount, I’ll tell Akira that it was a good thing he’d spared you.”

“Geez, it can’t be helped then.”

Babalod glanced at the two girls smiling at each other with their usual evil smile and heaved a heavy sigh. He was already expecting to be dragged into whatever problem they were brewing.