Passion: Diaphonic Symphonia Novel - Chapter 56 - At the Bar

The place was subtly located at the boundary between a residential and a commercial district.

It was an alley just wide enough for two cars to pass, with no traffic lights, just cars going by.

Shops and houses faced each other across the street.

It was already late at night, and most of the shops lined up along the sparsely populated street were closed. Faint lights shone here and there between the shops with their security gates drawn.

Among these shops, there was a building that blended in so quietly and naturally, it was hard to notice at first glance.

A building with a simple exterior that looked somewhat secluded.

Its entrance was in a corner on the side of the first floor.

Following Christoph, who descended the stairs through the entrance without a moment’s hesitation, Jeong Taeui clicked his tongue.

He had followed him due to his relentless momentum, but he couldn’t understand what this man, who seemed to be single-handedly charging into enemy territory, intended to do.

If he hadn’t misheard earlier, he had clearly said it was Richard’s bar.

In that case, the people entrenched inside that bar were mostly those under Richard, certainly not anyone who would be an ally to their side.

“…Are you okay?”

When Jeong Taeui spoke, Christoph, who was walking ahead, looked back. His eyes asked, “What?” Seeing his calm gaze, Jeong Taeui could only shrug.

Christoph Tarten.

He had heard countless stories about him being the protagonist of a European Killing Fields, a dangerously insane man beyond compare. But it was only just now that he had witnessed his might with his own eyes.

That overwhelming power, effortlessly tearing apart three or four people in an instant, trampling them without a single scratch on himself, even if he was covered in their blood during the gruesome process.

Even though he had already witnessed another monster and even lived with that monster, becoming somewhat accustomed to such surprises, his chest felt cold.

However, even so, to break through enemy lines alone—Jeong Taeui knew he could protect himself, but he wouldn’t be a significant force for Christoph—his heart felt heavy.

He thought about calling the police and disrupting the bar if things went south, but he also knew that in such cases, the police would be of no help whatsoever.

Jeong Taeui racked his brain for a long time, but without knowing the situation, no matter how he simulated it, he couldn’t come up with a clever solution, and he grimaced.

He didn’t know. Things would work out somehow.

As he thought that, Christoph, who had gone down four steps ahead, unhesitatingly pushed open the wooden door.

All eyes instantly turned to them.

Entering right behind Christoph, Jeong Taeui distinctly felt the piercing gazes pouring down on them.

Those gazes were primarily focused on Christoph, sweeping over him once before flying to his companion, Jeong Taeui.

“…Wow… the bar looks nice.”

Jeong Taeui could say nothing else.

The astonished gazes that fell upon Christoph, who appeared covered in blood, also regarded Jeong Taeui, who entered with him, as the same kind of person, looking at him with similar gazes. Those gazes were truly piercing.

He faintly heard whispers: It’s Christoph, it’s Christoph Tarten.

Following those voices, a mixture of surprise, clear hostility, anxiety, and fear, Jeong Taeui looked around the bar.

It didn’t look much different from any other bar.

Inside, there was a slightly raised counter area, and tables were placed around it. The size was decent.

“Everything’s good, but I don’t really like the clientele. Both the customers and the staff…”

Jeong Taeui muttered, subtly frowning.

He had somewhat expected it, but there were quite a few familiar faces among the people sitting inside. Most of those familiar faces were people he had seen at Seoyik, those under Richard.

Although he only knew three or four faces, it was better to assume the rest were similar. Judging by their gazes at Christoph, it was clear they weren’t on their side.

Just as Jeong Taeui fervently wished inwardly that he could finish the day without incident and took a long breath.

“Christoph!”

A clear voice calling Christoph came from inside.

The man who had been sitting at one side of the counter and walked out to greet them was dressed in a semi-formal suit, neither too stiff nor too casual. Judging by his attire and familiar demeanor, he worked here. And probably held a considerable position.

Christoph, who had been walking ahead, turned his gaze to the person who called his name. And the moment he recognized the person, he widened his eyes slightly and stopped.

“Erich!”

They seemed to know each other.

The man called Erich spread his hands and walked out, laughing pleasantly.

“Well, how long has it been? I mean… this is the first time since we met in Serbia, isn’t it? Good to see you, good to see you. …But what’s this blood, you’re covered in blood, aren’t you? Did you get hurt somewhere?”

The man, who had approached Christoph closely, tried to pat his shoulder instead of shaking his hand, but Christoph glared fiercely at his hand, muttered, “Ah, right, that’s how it was,” and smiled. Only then did he realize Christoph was covered in blood and looked greatly surprised.

But Jeong Taeui realized, seeing his expression devoid of any concern, that his question about being hurt was merely a formality.

In that case, it was highly likely that this man already knew what kind of person Christoph was.

“Why are you here?”

Christoph asked the man, frowning. The man raised an eyebrow, said, “Hmm?” and laughed aloud.

“My life is always wandering, isn’t it? It wouldn’t be strange for me to be anywhere.”

“When did you come here?”

“Here? Oh, I came to Germany eight months ago, and Dresden two months ago. I also came here two months ago.”

The man said, shrugging his shoulders.

Christoph was about to say something but closed his mouth again. A displeased expression was clearly visible on his face.

“Did you join Richard too?”

Christoph’s voice suddenly turned cold. The man widened his eyes in surprise and then deliberately frowned.

“What are you talking about? I was just hired by Richard. He said someone suddenly left his staff, and there was no one suitable to look after the bar for a while, so he asked me to take over until he could find someone. As you know, I owe Richard a favor. And since we’re acquainted, how could I refuse?”

“So, you’re saying you joined Richard because of that debt, then.”

“Oh, Christoph. You should listen to people to the end. I am Richard’s friend, but I’m also your friend. Aren’t I? If I weren’t your friend, why would I have risked my life to save you in Serbia? My injured knee still aches on rainy days, but I’ve never resented you or regretted that time.”

“…”

Christoph silently stared at the man. His expression was extremely bleak. It was the face of someone whose plans had unexpectedly gone awry.

“…So, Erich, are you going to use that incident as an excuse to hinder me?”

When Christoph spoke coldly, the man widened his eyes in surprise. He threw up his hands, exclaiming exaggeratedly.

“Oh, me hindering you? No way! I’d rather go out of my way to help my friend than ever hinder them! Of course, aren’t we friends!”

In front of this man who appealed to such a close friendship, Christoph’s expression grew increasingly grim. His pursed lips looked fierce.

Jeong Taeui watched this bewilderingly cheerful man, then glanced at Christoph. Christoph had a very unlucky expression on his face.

From what he could gather, this resourceful man, who seemed to know both Richard and Christoph, had once saved Christoph’s life at the cost of a severe knee injury. At the same time, he seemed to owe Richard something, though he didn’t know what.

Christoph stared coldly at this cheerful man who had greeted him with such a welcoming expression. Then he clicked his tongue, raised his head slightly, and said coldly.

“Bring Richard. I have business with him.”

“Richard? …May I ask what it’s about?”

This lively man, Erich, tilted his head in surprise upon hearing Richard’s name, then asked cautiously. Christoph’s face furrowed.

“That’s none of your business, Erich. I came to settle something with him, and I know he’s here. If he hides and doesn’t come out, I’ll just smash this damn bar to pieces. If you don’t want to see the bar get destroyed, bring Richard to me now.”

“What did you say?! This bastard comes into someone else’s bar and…!!”

That was the shout of a man standing a few steps away from them.

The man, whom Jeong Taeui had brushed past a few times at Seoyik, had been watching them with hostile eyes since they entered the bar, and now, hearing Christoph’s words, he burst out in anger and stepped forward.

Christoph glanced that way. The man pushed away someone trying to restrain him and strode towards them.

“This isn’t your place to be, you crazy bastard! It’s bad enough seeing you at home, what makes you think you can just barge in here?! And then what? You’ll smash the bar if Richard doesn’t come out?! Go on, try it, after you knock me down first, go on, try it if you can!”

Christoph stared indifferently at the man who clenched his fist and shook it in front of Christoph’s nose. Christoph was seen subtly clenching his fist.

He’s the first one, then, Jeong Taeui thought, subtly averting his gaze.

“Oh, what’s wrong with this guy now! My friend has come, how can you be so hostile? What about my reputation, huh! Get out of here, now!!”

The person who slapped the man’s back and shouted was Erich, who had been smiling brightly and chattering incessantly in front of Christoph.

To the man who was about to grumble something, Erich shouted, “Don’t talk back to the manager, just go away quickly, he’s my friend, my friend!” and instantly pushed the man away. Then Erich turned back to Christoph and smiled.

“I’m sorry about this, please try to understand. You know that most of the guys working here are loyal to Richard, right? Huh? Come on, for my sake, please let it go. Ah, right, come here, come here. We just got a very, very rare liquor today! I thought I was incredibly lucky, and it must have been because you were coming. Come on, sit down. —Oh, and you, over there, you’re Christoph’s friend, right? Friend, come here too, come here.”

Erich, without Jeong Taeui even noticing, led Christoph to an empty seat at the counter.

Following them a few steps behind, Jeong Taeui was impressed.

This resourceful man, whoever he was, was leading Christoph to the counter very well without touching Christoph’s body. He seemed to know Christoph’s habit of reflexively avoiding hands that came too close to his body.

How amazing, Jeong Taeui thought with admiration as he followed, and by then, Christoph was already sitting in the chair Erich had offered.

However, rather than being caught off guard, Christoph seemed to have half-willingly followed his lead; he looked displeased but didn’t get angry.

“Alright, alright, the liquor we got today is—”

“I don’t need it. Bring Richard. I need to see him right now.”

Christoph said coldly, overturning the glass Erich offered and spilling its contents onto the floor. Erich clicked his tongue regretfully. Muttering, “Oh, what a good liquor this is,” and shaking his head, he didn’t answer Christoph’s words. Instead, he looked at Jeong Taeui, who was sitting next to him, and smiled amiably, generously offering, “What would your friend like to drink? I’ll treat you, so don’t worry and order.”

“Then give me that rare and good liquor. I’ll drink Christoph’s share for him. Looks like I’m incredibly lucky today.”

When Jeong Taeui muttered, Erich paused, then burst out laughing. And he slapped Jeong Taeui’s shoulder hard.

“An interesting friend, an interesting friend! Alright, I’ll give it to you. Now, this liquor is—”

“Erich.”

Interrupting Erich, Christoph said coldly. His low, icy voice contained the will to flip everything over if Erich ignored him one more time.

Jeong Taeui felt that will keenly, and Erich also seemed to feel it, as his face suddenly clouded, and he let out an exaggerated sigh as if the ground were collapsing. Strangely enough, if anyone else did that, it would look ridiculous, but this man genuinely looked dejected and powerless, making one feel sympathetic.

I somehow understand this man’s ability… Jeong Taeui thought, silently fiddling with his glass, while Erich sat in front of Christoph with a heavy expression.

“Christoph. Can’t you just give me a break this once? Richard is definitely inside this bar right now. But he’s meeting a very important guest. I really can’t ask him to come out right now.”

“That’s none of my business. I need to finish my business and leave immediately.”

“Hey, Chris. Please understand me. You know I owe Richard a lot. He trusted me and left the bar to me, so if something unfortunate happens to this bar while I’m in charge, how can I face him? Please, just give me a break this once. I’m not saying I won’t bring him. I’m saying I’ll let him know as soon as that important guest leaves. Huh? Just wait a little, just a little.”

“I said that’s none of my busi—”

“Oh, oh, oh… My knee, my knee… I can’t properly work anywhere because of this knee… And how grateful I am to Richard for entrusting me with this bar… Ah, but of course, I’m truly glad I could save you by sacrificing my knee!”

“…”

Christoph’s eyes seemed to burn with a fierce blue flame. His fist, clenched tightly on the table, trembled slightly.

After a few seconds, Christoph finally let out a bitter sigh and relaxed his fist. And he asked, openly displaying his displeasure.

“When is that ‘important’ guest leaving?”

“Hmm? Oh, that… They just arrived, so I think it’ll take a while… Wait, I’ll go tell Richard if there’s a suitable opening, even if the guest doesn’t leave. He’ll probably rush out if he knows you’re here.”

He made it sound like they had a good relationship, but Jeong Taeui quietly sipped his drink, recalling the relationship between the two that wouldn’t be strange if they threw cross-counters at each other as soon as they rushed out.

Christoph glared at Erich with a hateful look—it seemed this wasn’t the first time he’d been roped into something like this—and let out a rough sigh.

“One hour. I won’t wait longer than that, so you handle it.”

“One hour? That fast?! Oh, no, no, of course, there’ll be an opening within that time.”

Erich, who had shouted, flipping his voice, quickly changed his words and smiled brightly upon seeing Christoph’s face, whose patience was about to snap.

Jeong Taeui thought he somehow understood why Richard had hired this man as a manager, and holding his glass, he looked around the bar once more. But no matter how much he looked, he didn’t see anyone resembling Richard.

…Ah. If he’s with an important guest, he must be in a private room. Is that corridor over there it?

Jeong Taeui thought, looking at another corridor right next to the small corridor marked “restroom,” almost hidden by a large potted plant.

But…

“What’s wrong?”

Perhaps sensing Jeong Taeui looking around, Christoph, who was drinking water he had asked for, asked. Jeong Taeui shrugged and said, “Nothing.”

“I just thought the structure was a bit strange. If you go into that corridor, there must be rooms, right? The atmosphere of the bar is subtly…”

Jeong Taeui trailed off.

The atmosphere of the bar was subtly… dangerous.

The people working in the bar, the structure that seemed to allow for multiple emergency exits, and the surveillance cameras hidden in invisible corners of the ceiling and walls.

Moreover, the bar’s width was much narrower than he had expected when entering the building. The bar itself wasn’t narrow, but considering the size of the building, it was much narrower than average. This meant there were quite a few unseen rooms.

It felt a bit off to simply consider them facilities for safer liquor sales, where some illegal activities took place.

When Jeong Taeui muttered that, Erich, who was mixing cocktails across the table, subtly raised an eyebrow. He glanced at Jeong Taeui, then dropped his gaze without a word.

Next to him, Christoph said casually, “Ah, right.”

“Because it’s a dangerous bar.”

“A dangerous bar…”

“Although Richard owns and manages this place, in a broader sense, it’s owned by Tarten. It’s a place often frequented by customers who use Tarten. So… of course, there would have to be several rooms that are almost secret rooms.”

Only after hearing Christoph’s nonchalant words did Jeong Taeui recall Tarten’s family business.

Information brokerage. Private intelligence agency.

“Aha… I see.”

Jeong Taeui nodded. In that case, the strange structure of the bar made sense.

Christoph added to Jeong Taeui, who was nodding.

“It was originally a club that dealt extensively in drugs under the table, which was bought and renovated, so the structure is a bit odd.”

“Ah… …Can you really tell me such things, though?”

Jeong Taeui stopped nodding and looked at Christoph suspiciously.

Somehow, judging by the content of the story, it didn’t seem like something to be casually told to an outsider.