After obtaining the mask, Kayne asked Peony to infiltrate the place where Duane is sold.
"Young master, I think this is not as easy as it looks. When I went inside their place, the seller hid his face with a lace mask that left no mystery for me at all. He's announcing from anyone participating in the illegal trade that he is indeed Mr. Venalis Koiren through that thin fabric. However, there are traces of magic surrounding the man. But at the same time, magical tools are being used around him, so I don't know where those traces exactly came from."
"Are you sure that it is Koiren."
Peony shook her head and gave the product she bought. "Like what I said master, it is not as easy as it looks because among the magical tools beside him is a mirror that can alter someone's face to look like another."
"Is there anything more to report?"
"Yes, young master. I heard from one of the attendees that two days from now, they will receive a new shipment of Duane."
Kayne smiled and finished his last bite on his breakfast.
"That's good. We'll start from that."
He arrived exactly on time at his Uncle's workshop where he saw again the smiling face of the devil called Koiren.
Koiren waved his hand to him but Kayne chose to ignore it and went in the other direction to start his job there.
"Ah, young master, Sir Venalis has already finished examining this area," one of the workers said.
"What are you saying? I am here to reexamine your equipment for your safety."
"B-but, young master."
"What?" Kayne scowled when he felt the reluctance on the worker's voice.
"The inspections delay us on our schedule."
"My...my...why don't you just stick with me, pretty boy?"
"I am fine," he answered to the man who's causing all of his internal struggles. A friend? A foe? He's neither of the two. He's just using other people to satisfy his ends.
"So cold," Koiren pouted.
Kayne paid no attention to the remark and left to do his inventory report.
Koiren followed him to the warehouse silently. And then suddenly, the air surrounding Koiren changed. No. It is as if Koiren changed into a very serious person, different from someone who have a glib tongue.
"Regulus. Can we talk?"
Kayne stopped and faced Koiren who exuded a different aura.
"It is about Duane."
"Well, aren't your family the one who should know most about it." Kayne sarcastically said, provoking Koiren to see how he'll react.
"Of course, of course... that's true. You're right, pretty boy. However, that is the case for 'that family' not mine."
Silence.
Kayne felt no obligation to reply to Koiren's response nor did he want to poke more on the wasp's nest inside Koiren's head which he knew would surely cause more trouble for him. In whatever case, Koiren's name is synonymous with troublesome and meddling in his affairs means giving up his completely tranquil days.
"Don't think of me as Koiren Venalis that is part of Venalis. I have no more connection to that family aside from my last name."
Koiren paused and sighed. He has a lot of things to say and he doesn't know where to start. "Hey. Can we have a seat first? Anywhere is fine as long as it is comfortable. You see, my fragile body can't handle long conversations while standing."
"Then make it short! Talk only about Duane," Kayne demanded him.
"What the heck are you?!" Koiren retorted, fingers trembling from intense suppression of anger.
"I don't care about your family or your history. I need information about Duane."
"Stories must start with an introduction, you know?"
"Who said I need something like that? Move on to the climax."
Koiren pursed his lips and prevented himself from saying more things out of anger. He puffed an air of frustration and breathed his hopes out. That's two sighs in a row.
"Okay, fine. The Venalis family is part of Duane transactions."
"I know that! What I want are further details."
Boiling from rage Koiren shouted on top of his lungs.
"But you don't want to listen to my stories, moron!"
"What the—"
"You're saying you want more information but you're also denying access to it, you moronic bastard. How will you know without understanding the whole situation, pretty boy? I am not Mallory. I am not supposed to be like this. My image is that cool headed guy who's the eyecandy of the whole town. I am supposed to just sit and make girls faint with a single wave of my hand and killer smile. You're making me raise my voice. You, bastard!"
Koiren stopped shouting and moved a little away from Kayne before he slumped down to the ground.
"Haah...haah. That almost killed me. Listen, bastard. If you want more details, just listen to me and shut up. I'll tell you everything."
"Then start talking but don't start it with the story of your birth."
Koiren's face turned red once more but before the anger consumed him, he calmed himself and smiled.
"No, I changed my mind. Pretty boy here does not want beautiful Koiren's story? Then, no."
Hah. This is it. Koiren said inside his head. A little more push and it's Kayne's turn to throw a fit of frustration.
It is not his style to be angry but he made him that way. This is payback for that. If he doesn't cooperate on his marvelous storytelling then he'll let him die out of curiosity.
"It is you who wants to talk if I remember correctly."
"Ah, my mistake. I don't want to talk anymore."
Koiren looked up at Kayne and smirked.
"Pretty boy doesn't want my story, does he?"
In a matter of seconds, Kayne elevated the ground where Koiren was sitting with his elemental magic. On the level where Koiren's face leveled his, he stopped and forcefully smiled.
"The story please..."
"Can I talk now?"
"Yes, if you please, dear gentleman. Start your story anywhere you want."