This passage has a lot of potential for development, but some parts could benefit from clearer dialogue, character motivations, and pacing adjustments. Here's a cleaned-up and slightly revised version to improve clarity, coherence, and flow while preserving the essence of the scene:
Kin stayed a step behind Sanjay and Commander Lei as they continued their conversation with Madame Bin. Though Kin didn't know much about the enigmatic Madame, he could tell she was speaking in calculated riddles. She was careful not to divulge anything that might endanger herself or her establishment. It wasn't surprising—getting her clients into trouble was bad for business, even if their drunken ramblings were hardly reliable sources of information. Still, it was better than the nothing they had so far.
Frustrated by the lack of progress, Kin stepped forward.
"If I may, Madame," Kin began, his voice firm, "I have a proposal that might interest you."
Madame Bin's sharp eyes turned to him for the first time. Her gaze lingered on the young monk, narrowing in suspicion.
"You brought a child here, Wu Wu? What were you thinking?" she snapped, glaring at Commander Lei.
"Aunt Bin, this is—" Lei began, only to be interrupted.
"I'm not a child," Kin said, his tone cutting through the air like a blade. "I'm the one seeking information about the rebels. These two are merely my escorts."
Madame Bin's lips tightened, her gaze flickering between the three of them. "Since when do monks concern themselves with the affairs of the Kingdom?"
"I'm not a monk," Kin snapped, clearly annoyed.
"Then who are you?" she asked, her confusion tinged with irritation.
Kin straightened. "I am someone who can offer you something valuable in exchange for your cooperation."
Madame Bin raised an eyebrow, leaning back in her chair. "And what makes you think you have anything I need? Something worth risking my neck for?"
Kin smirked faintly. "Because I have firsthand information that could change the course of this nation—and your business—if you play your cards right. Help us, and it's yours."
Madame Bin studied him for a long moment before speaking. "And what exactly is this information?"
"Are you familiar with the World of Beauties?" Kin asked.
Her expression tightened—a subtle, fleeting reaction, but enough to confirm his suspicion.
"It seems you are," Kin continued. "An organization supposedly focused on cataloging the greatest beauties in the world. Innocuous, at first glance. But we both know it's much more than that. You use their network to advertise your girls, don't you?"
Madame Bin frowned deeply. "Everyone in my line of work does," she admitted begrudgingly. "It's difficult to contact them directly, so I use a proxy in Dura. Those bastards charge exorbitant fees." Her eyes glinted with suppressed anger. "If I could bypass them, I would."
Kin nodded knowingly. "And that's precisely what I'm offering you—a chance to deal with them directly."
Madame Bin's gaze sharpened. "What do you know about the World of Beauties?"
Kin leaned slightly forward. "That's where we find ourselves at a crossroads, Madame. I've given you enough to prove my knowledge. Now, it's your turn to share something of value."
Madame Bin crossed her arms, her tone icy. "You've given me nothing."
"I've given you a glimpse," Kin countered. "What happens next depends on you."
Sanjay blinked at the exchange, surprised by Kin's assertiveness. Was this the same spoiled prince he knew? He couldn't help but feel a flicker of admiration. Commander Lei, meanwhile, hid a proud smile.
Madame Bin finally relented. "Fine. But if what you've offered turns out to be worthless, you won't leave this place so easily."
Kin nodded. "Fair enough."
Madame Bin gestured toward her desk. "According to what I've heard, Lady Ri and her men aren't hiding in a single place—they're scattered throughout Dura. However, there's a man who helped them gain access to the upper zones for a mission once. His apprentice was a regular here."
"Was?" Kin pressed.
"He's no longer with us," she replied bluntly.
"How do we find him?"
"When you give me the rest of your information, I'll take you to his location," Madame Bin said smoothly.
Kin exhaled, realizing she wouldn't budge. "Very well. The World of Beauties was once managed by someone who is, like your apprentice, no longer with us. Now, it's run by Jazz, the royal chamberlain's first daughter, based in Pshen."
Madame Bin's eyes gleamed. "Jazz, you say? Well, thank you, boy. This changes things." She stood abruptly, her mood visibly lighter. "It seems I can finally stop those extortionists from bleeding me dry."
"Happy to be of service," Kin said dryly.
Madame Bin gestured for them to follow. "Come. You'll stay here for the night. One of my girls will take you to your contact tomorrow. There's a curfew in Dura—roaming around after dark isn't something you'll survive."
Sanjay stiffened. "You mean we can't even explain ourselves before being executed?"
"Innocence means nothing to the headsman," Madame Bin said over her shoulder, leading them down a dim hallway. She stopped at a modest door and pushed it open.
"This is your room," she announced.
Sanjay's jaw dropped. "This? You expect us to stay here?"
Madame Bin smirked. "This is a whorehouse, not a hotel. Feel free to leave if you'd prefer something more luxurious."
Commander Lei rubbed the back of his head awkwardly, while Kin stepped into the room and took in the modest, yet clean, space.
"Why are they acting like this?" he muttered, confused by their reactions. His gaze fell on an array of unfamiliar items. "What kind of weapons are these?"
Madame Bin chuckled. "Weapons of mass destruction, little monk."
Kin tilted his head in confusion, turning to Lei and Sanjay. "Why haven't I seen weapons like these in any armory?"
Both men turned beet red, unable to meet his eyes.
Before Kin could press further, Ashell's voice rang in his head.
"For someone who's a pervert, I'm glad you're not a lost cause," Ashell teased, leaving Kin even more baffled.