In the afternoon, at the Sunflower Cafe.
This place was several streets away from Daffodil Street, and choosing to meet here meant Lex didn't have to worry about stumbling into a 'story.'
He arrived early, and not long after, he saw Kyle come in. Strangely, a colorful parrot was perched on the former Adventurer's shoulder.
Lex was a bit dumbfounded; this scene was too peculiar. If Kyle wore a captain's hat and an eye patch, wouldn't he look exactly like a pirate captain?
After the former Adventurer took his seat, the parrot hopped onto the table, curiously observing the street outside through the window.
Lex cleared his throat and went straight to the point: "Mr. Kyle, what are your plans next?"
Kyle clasped his hands over his abdomen and said calmly, "I won't be a Hunter or Adventurer anymore. I think I'll live a peaceful life."
"If Lanci's condition allows, I should prepare to add a new member to this family."
Was he referring to a child?
Lex nodded imperceptibly: "Then what kind of work do you plan to do?"
Kyle thought for a moment and said, "My experience as a Hunter might allow me to become a private Detective. This profession offers more freedom and decent pay."
"But it's unstable."
Seeing that the conversation was wrapping up, Lex cut to the chase: "If I offer you a job with a stable income, would you be interested?"
Kyle paused, then said, "That depends on the kind of work."
Just then, a waiter approached. Lex ordered two coffees and continued, "I'm planning an investment in Tingen, a private investment, but I might not be able to stay in Tingen for too long."
"When I leave, I'll need an agent. And I think you're very suitable."
"Also, for some reasons, I need to sign some contracts in your name. If you agree, I'll pay you 10 pounds a week, and you'll get a share of the profits once the investment yields returns."
Kyle said with a smile, "It seems you don't want your family to know about this."
As expected of a former Hunter!
Lex adjusted his sitting posture and said, half-truthfully, "Yes, I hope to give them a surprise then."
Perhaps for some, it would be a scare.
"A weekly salary of 10 pounds is indeed much more stable than being a Detective, and you are very generous. Unless one's mind is broken, I don't think anyone would refuse such a good offer."
Kyle leaned forward slightly and said, "You previously gave me 300 pounds; let's consider that as my salary paid in advance for a year. If you agree, I'll accept."
Lex spread his hands and said, "How can I do that? Besides, even if I agree, I should still pay you at least 100 pounds."
"No need, you've done enough for us. One shouldn't be insatiably greedy," Kyle said in a firm tone. "Let's settle it this way. Now, it's your turn to do me a favor."
Lex leaned back in his chair: "Please tell me."
Kyle looked at the parrot beside him: "Help me take care of this thing for a while."
Before Lex could respond, the parrot suddenly turned around and squawked at Kyle in a protesting tone: "I am not 'this thing'! Before you stands an evil Dragon, a true evil Dragon!"
"Insignificant Hunter, do you want to try... *muffled*..."
Kyle covered the parrot's mouth with one hand and said with a headache, "You see? This thing is too noisy. If it stays at home, Lanci won't be able to rest."
Lex stared at the parrot, dumbfounded: "It doesn't seem like an ordinary parrot."
Kyle glared fiercely at the parrot, threatening it: "If you make another sound, I'll pluck all your feathers!"
Then he nodded helplessly: "Yes, it's a magical animal. It belongs to a friend of mine, a friend I haven't seen in a long time, with whom I used to go on adventures."
"That guy seems to be in some trouble recently and can't take this annoying parrot with him, so he's boarded it with me."
"He promised that once he solves his troubles, he'll give me the 'Pyromaniac' formula. Hmm, only a part of it; he only knows a part."
"He even gave me one of the auxiliary materials in advance, but you know, I've already left this circle. So, perhaps you need this formula more than I do."
There's such a thing.
A magical animal?
This is my first time seeing a living magical animal!
Kyle let go, and the parrot squawked again: "Stupid Hunter, you can't just give me away like cargo! Be careful, I'll turn you into ashes with my Dragon breath!"
Kyle's lips curved slightly: "The guy opposite me is very rich. If you follow him, you'll eat and drink well every day. Who knows, he might even get you a few females."
"Ah, this..."
The parrot looked at Lex, raised its head, and said in a proud tone, "If that's the case, then I'm not entirely unwilling to consider your suggestion. I might consider giving him a chance."
Lex whispered, "Mr. Kyle, I've heard my mother say that magical animals usually come into being by accidentally drinking a potion."
"So, what Path is this parrot from?"
Kyle shook his head: "I don't know either. My friend didn't have time to tell me before he left in a hurry. Anyway, you just need to take care of it for a while. As for that auxiliary Material, listen carefully: it's three tail feathers of a 'Blazefire Bird'!"
On the way back to the hotel, the parrot looked around and pecked at things in the carriage, seemingly having never ridden in one before.
Lex was in a good mood. Kyle had agreed to be his agent in Tingen. This way, even if he left, the investment project wouldn't be delayed.
Additionally, he could sign contracts in Kyle's name, so he wouldn't have to worry about Bison discovering that he was making investments on his own outside.
Besides that, he had also obtained one of the auxiliary materials for the 'Pyromaniac' formula, which was a good start.
After returning to the hotel, Lex asked Matthew to prepare some fruit daily, which was the parrot's 'feed.' He also asked him to buy a birdcage, a sufficiently large one, to house the magical animal.
Gru also returned and reported his findings.
He had found Henry, but the Detective had another case and couldn't spare a Clone, so he introduced a colleague and arranged to meet Gru tomorrow afternoon.
After dinner that evening, Lex entered his bedroom and took out the birdcage.
"No, no, no, what are you doing?!"
The parrot flapped its wings and squawked in protest: "You can't stuff an evil Dragon into a birdcage! This is an insult! This is too much!"
It even flew to the ceiling, refusing to come down.
Lex shook his head, ignoring it for now, and took out his 'Duke' clothes to change into.
"Are you going out? Excellent! Take me with you! I want to make the Mortals of this city tremble under my roar!"
The large parrot spread its wings, proudly raised its head, and let out a series of raucous squawks.
Lex put on his Shadow Gauntlets and took out his revolver, preparing to threaten it into the birdcage.
Suddenly, the parrot shrieked: "What did you do?! You suddenly gave me a very unpleasant feeling! Oh my god, I think I saw a pile of excrement, the kind pulled out of a butt!"
The muscles on Lex's face twitched. Could this guy have drunk a 'Provoker' potion?