Pulse of the Imperium

As unluck would have it, the path up to the original and still main restaurant in the 'Oinomatopoeia' chain Chilon maintained as his place of doing business was all the way up, in a perfect spot between the busy and the remote, high-end and affordable, claiming both accessibility and privacy. The immediate surroundings were alike, and people frequenting them statutorily exuded disinterest in each others' affairs even as the truth of their nosiness may have been entirely different.

The view inside through windows was prevented by elegant tall stacks of the wine fare serving as both decor and quasi-walls. The entrance was lit with smooth globglobes, the light of which undulated as if they were being filled with decanted wine.

Laila was on hand to watch Hadrian's back, basking in the joy of having a cover story that also happened to be what she was actually there to do.

Armed with whatever information they had gathered. Hadrian and Laila approached the shop side. He would first ask if Chilon was available, and then begin perusing the wine collection. Taking note if the selection had changed significantly since the last time he was there. If Chilon were expecting trouble at some point, Hadrian imagined he would have removed the top shelf items. Last time he'd been there the walls and shelves were adorned with vintages he couldn't have hoped to afford. Even at whole sale.

As they waited for the word back on Chilon's availability, what Hadrian could see on the shelves was a confirmation of Evora's account. If he couldn't have hoped the last time, he wouldn't have dreamt this time. If anything, Oinomatopoeia was doubling down on price and prestige.

The place was far, far too fancy.

Luckily, hired muscle looking and feeling a bit on edge was hardly unusual.

Emcas's presence would not be immediate. He remained outside, hiding as best he could.

Business was good. Exceptionally good. If there's a girl nearby to chat up Hadrian would do so. Gently probing for more information on Buenaventura.

The word arrived back as a question, on what the matter of business was, and how urgent. It came delivered by a different person, a bland waiter, one Hadrian might or might not have met before.

The place was quite busy for the hour and while Hadrian's presence wasn't drawing curious eyes just yet, his undetermined lingering without taking a table at some point might.

"Hmmm, I wouldn't say it's too terribly urgent. Just looking to discuss past business. If this isn't a good time I don't mind waiting around."

If he felt it necessary to do so Hadrian would of course ask to be seated at the bar.

Laila made a point of sticking close- and not drinking.

And if she eyed any of the competition with something of a gimlet look, well, that was all part of the job, wasn't it?

"If it's a past thing and not urgent, why should kyrios Chilon make time for it? If you are any businessman of worth, sir, you'd rather take care of current arrangements and look for future opportunities than waste time on bygones." The bland man replied in even tone. "Would you like to order anything?"

"What business will be done will be discussed on the wings of what was done. A businessman of worth keeps his options open, and never shirks the company of like-minded others. Am I to understand that my name was mentioned and summarily dismissed? If I had feelings they might be hurt."

"Your feelings are of no concern here, sir, I am sorry to say, as long as you present yourself as something else than a client." The man replied coolly. "If you don't have a relevant business proposition kyrios Chilon could consider, I am afraid you are wasting time. There is currently no room for journeys down the memory lane in his busy schedule."

Laila's eyes narrowed.

She glanced at Hadrian, but it still wasn't her place to speak, and anyway.... she doubted she'd be any more persuasive.

"Oh... I do. I do indeed have a proposition for him. But he must not be interested. That, or you believe yourself capable of speaking on his behalf?" Hadrian checks the man over. His name tag, looking to see if he's wearing a communication device. "Our dealings have born fruit in the past. And much as I would have enjoyed further expansion with a known quantity. It can't be helped if both plans and people change."

He'll turn and shrug at Laila.

"But, as a courtesy I'll ask one last time. Is he available, or will he be available tonight? Or should I take my money elsewhere?"

___________
(OOC: Does Hadrian recognize him from previous visits? Is any of this out of the ordinary? Or is it indeed safe to say he's Chilon's voice?)

[He looks like a routine gatekeeper. He isn't hostile, just sceptical.]

The name tag simply says 'Ioannis'.

"What kyrios Chilon must is being selective and managing his time carefully. What is the gist of your proposition so that I can pass it over for consideration? The less ambiguous your wording, the quicker the answer on his availability."

Act now, and we'll let your mouthpiece keep his teeth!

It was an idle thought, but it gave her something to do.

"Certainly!"

Hadrian will motion for the man to lean in very close so he doesn't have to say it too loudly. Once he does he'll whisper. "Tell Chilon, Hadrian Martikova is here to see him. And that if he doesn't see him tonight, the kyrios will have to answer to the Ptolemaios." He stands back up and smiles. "Or we can work together. Just. Like. Old. Times."

[Hard Coercion with a Challenge and a Setback.]

Coercion: 2eA+2eD+1eC 0 successes, 4 threat


Setback negated due to 'Plausible Deniability'