'He's asking me what I want.'
These were Mamush's unsaid words.
Malakai calmly met the large man's eyes. He lifted his glass of water and drank.
"Pardon me if I'm prying, Ninth Vein, but is it true what they say? That you were put in charge of investigating the disappearances within the group?"
Malakai's gaze shifted to the second son again. Dune.
From what he'd seen, the young man was barely in his early twenties. A quick scan was all Malakai needed to tell he was in the synergy stage.
'Early stage.'
Dune seemed pleasant enough, but Malakai's instincts had never failed him before.
'He's pretending.'
"Yes."
"Wow! To be put in charge of such an important investigation at such a young age, that's incredible."
"…"
"Have you… if I may ask, made any headway in the investigation?"
"That's why I'm here."
"Her—"
"I'm sure the Ninth Vein would like to enjoy his meal in silence, Dune."
Onilia cut in smoothly, giving her son a look.
"Ah! I apologize for forgetting myself."
