Chapter 548: Elegance (2)
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Erik came to the restaurant later. "Elegance's" exterior was a stunning example of modern design, with a harmonious blend of glass and metal interwoven with vertical gardens that offered a touch of green to the urban scene.
A neon sign spelled out its name in flowing cursive overhead, giving a gentle glow that invited customers in.
Erik was initially struck by the restaurant's promise of refinement. The delicate melody from a live piano, combined with the ambient lighting, produced an ambiance that was both intimate and opulent.
The floor was a thick crimson carpet, and the walls were carefully arranged artwork. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their light reflecting off the mirrored walls and brightening the space.
The employees received Erik, who went under Anderson Red, with the respect reserved for their most distinguished guests.
With a friendly grin, a hostess in a fitted suit with a silver name tag read "Lana" approached him. "Mr. Red," she said softly, "it's a pleasure to have you with us today. Please follow me."
Erik surveyed the customers as he was led through the main eating area. Business tycoons and mercenary guild leaders were discussing their latest endeavors, affluent couples were absorbed in quiet chats, and people like himself came to enjoy the environment and exquisite meals.
The tables were dressed with crisp white tablecloths and shining cutlery. Large windows provided a panoramic view of the city, while private booths were available for those who preferred more privacy.
Lana guided him to a table near a window with a city view. "Your table, Mr. Red," she said elegantly. A waiter approached him as he sank into the luxurious seat, holding a leather-bound menu.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Red," the server chirped. "May I interest you in today's specials, or do you have a preference?"
Erik opened the menu and scanned the outlandish selection of foods. "I'll start with the pan-seared scallops with lemon beurre blanc," he said, recognizing the meal from a previous visit with Amber to another exquisite restaurant, and memories surged in.
"Followed by roasted duck breast with berry reduction and lavender-infused crème brûlée for dessert."
Erik silently directed towards his internal ally.
[UNDERSTOOD. SEARCHING INTERNET DATABASES FOR JOONAS KOSKINEN. PROCEDURE COMPLETE.] The biological supercomputer's response echoed in Erik's mind.
The young man waited patiently, taking a sip of his drink, letting the chilly beverage run down his throat, feeling it contrast with the information surges he was experiencing as the information was injected into his brain.
Joonas Koskinen's face, details, and associations were laid bare. Erik saw a driven man with excellent business sense. A central piece of his business was the "Haven Market."
The Haven Market wasn't just an ordinary place but an opulent emporium. A gigantic architectural masterpiece where top-tier vendors congregated to promote their premium goods and services.
Thanks to the injected information, Erik saw enormous passageways filled with exquisite weapon displays, luxurious homes in holographic viewports, top-tier armor models displayed like haute couture, and a parade of high-end automobiles, each a beacon of workmanship and invention.
It was more of a symbol of grandeur, an epitome of excess where the wealthy and prominent of Testrovsc's Rest came to satisfy their sophisticated tastes.
But Joonas, the place owner, drew Erik's attention more than the market's grandeur. His relationship with Doran could be business-related or more hidden.
With its renown and vast clientele, Haven Market might conceivably be a front, or at the very least a nexus point, in whatever operations Doran was involved in, or they could simply have a buyer-seller connection.
There was also a strong sense of irony in the scenario. Erik sat in a luxurious restaurant, and his target, Doran, was associated with a place that sold the same kind of opulence. Both locations were linked by the complicated web of the city's high society, and Erik was now right in the center of it.
After finishing his lunch and taking the last bite of his dessert, he contemplated his next steps. He realized he needed to visit Haven Market but had to be careful.
If Doran and Joonas were running the business together, they would likely be suspicious of outsiders, especially those who asked too many questions.
Erik paid the bill as Mr. Red, mentally preparing for his next destination, Haven Market.
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Erik came to the restaurant later. "Elegance's" exterior was a stunning example of modern design, with a harmonious blend of glass and metal interwoven with vertical gardens that offered a touch of green to the urban scene.
A neon sign spelled out its name in flowing cursive overhead, giving a gentle glow that invited customers in.
Erik was initially struck by the restaurant's promise of refinement. The delicate melody from a live piano, combined with the ambient lighting, produced an ambiance that was both intimate and opulent.
The floor was a thick crimson carpet, and the walls were carefully arranged artwork. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their light reflecting off the mirrored walls and brightening the space.
The employees received Erik, who went under Anderson Red, with the respect reserved for their most distinguished guests.
With a friendly grin, a hostess in a fitted suit with a silver name tag read "Lana" approached him. "Mr. Red," she said softly, "it's a pleasure to have you with us today. Please follow me."
Erik surveyed the customers as he was led through the main eating area. Business tycoons and mercenary guild leaders were discussing their latest endeavors, affluent couples were absorbed in quiet chats, and people like himself came to enjoy the environment and exquisite meals.
The tables were dressed with crisp white tablecloths and shining cutlery. Large windows provided a panoramic view of the city, while private booths were available for those who preferred more privacy.
Lana guided him to a table near a window with a city view. "Your table, Mr. Red," she said elegantly. A waiter approached him as he sank into the luxurious seat, holding a leather-bound menu.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Red," the server chirped. "May I interest you in today's specials, or do you have a preference?"
Erik opened the menu and scanned the outlandish selection of foods. "I'll start with the pan-seared scallops with lemon beurre blanc," he said, recognizing the meal from a previous visit with Amber to another exquisite restaurant, and memories surged in.
"Followed by roasted duck breast with berry reduction and lavender-infused crème brûlée for dessert."
Erik silently directed towards his internal ally.
[UNDERSTOOD. SEARCHING INTERNET DATABASES FOR JOONAS KOSKINEN. PROCEDURE COMPLETE.] The biological supercomputer's response echoed in Erik's mind.
The young man waited patiently, taking a sip of his drink, letting the chilly beverage run down his throat, feeling it contrast with the information surges he was experiencing as the information was injected into his brain.
Joonas Koskinen's face, details, and associations were laid bare. Erik saw a driven man with excellent business sense. A central piece of his business was the "Haven Market."
The Haven Market wasn't just an ordinary place but an opulent emporium. A gigantic architectural masterpiece where top-tier vendors congregated to promote their premium goods and services.
Thanks to the injected information, Erik saw enormous passageways filled with exquisite weapon displays, luxurious homes in holographic viewports, top-tier armor models displayed like haute couture, and a parade of high-end automobiles, each a beacon of workmanship and invention.
It was more of a symbol of grandeur, an epitome of excess where the wealthy and prominent of Testrovsc's Rest came to satisfy their sophisticated tastes.
But Joonas, the place owner, drew Erik's attention more than the market's grandeur. His relationship with Doran could be business-related or more hidden.
With its renown and vast clientele, Haven Market might conceivably be a front, or at the very least a nexus point, in whatever operations Doran was involved in, or they could simply have a buyer-seller connection.
There was also a strong sense of irony in the scenario. Erik sat in a luxurious restaurant, and his target, Doran, was associated with a place that sold the same kind of opulence. Both locations were linked by the complicated web of the city's high society, and Erik was now right in the center of it.
After finishing his lunch and taking the last bite of his dessert, he contemplated his next steps. He realized he needed to visit Haven Market but had to be careful.
If Doran and Joonas were running the business together, they would likely be suspicious of outsiders, especially those who asked too many questions.
Erik paid the bill as Mr. Red, mentally preparing for his next destination, Haven Market.
Erik came to the restaurant later. "Elegance's" exterior was a stunning example of modern design, with a harmonious blend of glass and metal interwoven with vertical gardens that offered a touch of green to the urban scene. A neon sign spelled out its name in flowing cursive overhead, giving a gentle glow that invited customers in.Erik was initially struck by the restaurant's promise of refinement. The delicate melody from a live piano, combined with the ambient lighting, produced an ambiance that was both intimate and opulent. The floor was a thick crimson carpet, and the walls were carefully arranged artwork. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their light reflecting off the mirrored walls and brightening the space.The employees received Erik, who went under Anderson Red, with the respect reserved for their most distinguished guests. With a friendly grin, a hostess in a fitted suit with a silver name tag read "Lana" approached him. "Mr. Red," she said softly, "it's a pleasure to have you with us today. Please follow me."Erik surveyed the customers as he was led through the main eating area. Business tycoons and mercenary guild leaders were discussing their latest endeavors, affluent couples were absorbed in quiet chats, and people like himself came to enjoy the environment and exquisite meals. The tables were dressed with crisp white tablecloths and shining cutlery. Large windows provided a panoramic view of the city, while private booths were available for those who preferred more privacy.Lana guided him to a table near a window with a city view. "Your table, Mr. Red," she said elegantly. A waiter approached him as he sank into the luxurious seat, holding a leather-bound menu."Good afternoon, Mr. Red," the server chirped. "May I interest you in today's specials, or do you have a preference?"Erik opened the menu and scanned the outlandish selection of foods. "I'll start with the pan-seared scallops with lemon beurre blanc," he said, recognizing the meal from a previous visit with Amber to another exquisite restaurant, and memories surged in. "Followed by roasted duck breast with berry reduction and lavender-infused creme brulee for dessert." Erik silently directed towards his internal ally.UNDERSTOOD. SEARCHING INTERNET DATABASES FOR JOONAS KOSKINEN. PROCEDURE COMPLETE. The biological supercomputer's response echoed in Erik's mind.The young man waited patiently, taking a sip of his drink, letting the chilly beverage run down his throat, feeling it contrast with the information surges he was experiencing as the information was injected into his brain.Joonas Koskinen's face, details, and associations were laid bare. Erik saw a driven man with excellent business sense. A central piece of his business was the "Haven Market."The Haven Market wasn't just an ordinary place but an opulent emporium. A gigantic architectural masterpiece where top-tier vendors congregated to promote their premium goods and services. Thanks to the injected information, Erik saw enormous passageways filled with exquisite weapon displays, luxurious homes in holographic viewports, top-tier armor models displayed like haute couture, and a parade of high-end automobiles, each a beacon of workmanship and invention. It was more of a symbol of grandeur, an epitome of excess where the wealthy and prominent of Testrovsc's Rest came to satisfy their sophisticated tastes.But Joonas, the place owner, drew Erik's attention more than the market's grandeur. His relationship with Doran could be business-related or more hidden. With its renown and vast clientele, Haven Market might conceivably be a front, or at the very least a nexus point, in whatever operations Doran was involved in, or they could simply have a buyer-seller connection.There was also a strong sense of irony in the scenario. Erik sat in a luxurious restaurant, and his target, Doran, was associated with a place that sold the same kind of opulence. Both locations were linked by the complicated web of the city's high society, and Erik was now right in the center of it.After finishing his lunch and taking the last bite of his dessert, he contemplated his next steps. He realized he needed to visit Haven Market but had to be careful. If Doran and Joonas were running the business together, they would likely be suspicious of outsiders, especially those who asked too many questions.Erik paid the bill as Mr. Red, mentally preparing for his next destination, Haven Market.
