What can they do? Anja retorted defiantly.
Fonhow shook his head once more, insisting.
Let's remain cautious this time.
We must not draw too much attention.
Seeing that Fong How was resolute, Anjao had no choice but to pout and continue savoring the complimentary pastries.
Just as the two were about to leave after a brief respit.
A knock echoed at the door.
Guine.
Upon opening the door, the same woman from earlier re-entered, forcing a somewhat stiff smile.
Sir, you accurately predicted the outcome of the previous match.
Would you like to place further bets? Indeed.
Wager the remaining funds entirely on the red side.
Fong how instructed.
Very well, sir.
Your principle along with the reward amounts to a total of 140 gold.
I shall place it all on red for you, the woman respectfully replied.
Understood.
I shall not disturb you further, sir and madam, she said as she began to retreat.
However, the door did not close.
Just before it shut, a slender white finger slipped in and the door opened once more.
A somewhat enchanting woman entered.
None other than Deborah.
Mr.
Fong Hao, may I trouble you for a moment of your time? Her voice was laced with a seductive charm.
Fong Hao recognized her as well, knowing her to be associated with Riley.
Through Shiau, he had gleaned some insights about Deborah.
She was not only Riley as companion, but also a capable aid, often accompanying influential individuals to extract valuable information.
She was without a doubt a master in dealing with men.
Oh, Miss Deborah, what a surprise to encounter you here.
Fong Hao smiled, beginning to ponder her intentions.
Her presence was quite fortuitous, as matters had already been settled.
Deborah s appearance here would serve to affirm her lack of involvement in the conflict outside the city.
"Ah, I am delighted to discover that, Mister Fongo is acquainted with me," Deborah exclaimed with a playful tone as she gently closed the door and took a seat on the sofa.
Indeed, what man in the city is unaware of Miss Deborah's name? Fong Hao continued, intrigued.
Praytel, do you also possess an interest in combat? These are all things that men like.
How could I possibly find pleasure in them? Deborah cast a somewhat flirtatious glance at Fong Ho and continued, "Today I merely happened to be at the shop, and upon hearing of your arrival, I decided to come and see you.
" As she spoke, she leaned closer to Fonggha.
He had heard that Deborah was quite bold, often taking the initiative with men she fancied.
Could it be that she had taken a liking to him? Is this gym owned by Miss Deborah? Impressive, Fong Ho.
Fain surprise.
Oh, it's not mine.
It belongs to Boss Riley.
I have no such capability, Deborah replied softly.
A waft of fragrance enveloped Fong Ho senses.
Deborah was indeed attractive and adept at enticing men, yet he felt little interest in her.
Such a woman closely associated with the Faceless Ones was not someone he dared to engage with.
He shifted slightly to create some distance and said to Deborah, "That's not necessary.
We will just sit here for a while before leaving.
" Deborah raised an eyebrow, taken aback by Fonggha's rejection.
With a glint in her eye, she continued, "I see Mr.
Fongghow looks somewhat fatigued.
I know a bit of massage.
Allow me to help you relax your muscles.
" It seemed Deborah had received instructions from Riley to gather information about him.
He too needed Deborah to remain there until news from the estate outside the city reached Riley's ears, fulfilling his own objectives.
Understanding this, he lazily reclined on the slender sofa, saying, "Then I shall rely on you, Miss Deborah.
" "Not at all," she replied, kneeling beside him and gently massaging his back.
And Jia sat nearby, observing Deborah closely.
She perceived her as an ordinary woman posing no threat and thus did not pay her much mind.
While massaging, Deborah inquired, "Mr.
Fong Ho, did you come from the outer city? I have heard that the northern part of Plural City is inhabited by orcs.
You don't reside in an orc city, do you?" Fong How did not meet her gaze? Yet he understood her intent to pry into his background.
"We live in a place where humans and orcs coexist," he replied.
"Oh, those orcs," Deborah began.
her gaze drifting to the orc girl nearby before swiftly changing the subject.
I heard that you designed several outfits for Lady Rebecca.
When will you create a few sets for my sister? Anytime? He responded.
So, it seems you are quite familiar with Lady Rebecca.
Fidette? Well, she did order several pieces for me, but I had no choice but to travel all this way.
She said, "That makes sense.
" As the two conversed, 20 minutes passed.
Deborah continued to probe for information while Fong Ha gleaned from her words some of the insights he sought.
Riley's influence was indeed formidable.
This gym was far more than just an ordinary arena for gambling within the city and even from the distant realms of the nobility.
Individuals congregate here for leisure and entertainment.
Some may even resort to trivial strategys to cleanse the currency they possess.
This signifies that Ley is undoubtedly entwined with numerous aristocrats.
It is little wonder that no one in the city can displace him.
Mr.
Fong Ho, perhaps you could consider a different approach, Deborah suggested once more.
Fong Ho obediently turned, transitioning from a prone position to lying on his back.
I have heard that there are quite a number of mountain bandits outside the city.
Is it safe for the caravan on the journey? Deborah continued casually.
Fong Hao smiled with bandits around.
I have no fear.
I command a mercenary group that oversees the escort duties.
Oh, so your mercenary group is quite formidable then? Deborah inquired.
Well, they are adequate.
Not many in number, merely ensuring safety as they are incapable of handling other matters.
Fong Ho replied nonchalantly.
The two engaged in casual conversation, each probing for information about the other while analyzing the veracity of their exchanges.
Their understanding was nearly complete.
Deborah, with a flirtatious demeanor, remarked, "So, shall we indulge in a more intimate relaxation?" A gentle knocking sound resonated from outside the door.
In the next moment, a lady entered, her head lowered, avoiding the scene within and directly stated, "Sir, hear the 450 gold coins you won.
" Miss Deborah, Mr.
Ley has arrived, and request your presence.
Upon hearing this, Deborah's expression subtly shifted.
Ley summoned her back.
It seemed something was a miss.
Without altering her demeanor, she dawned her garments once more.