'Calm, sharp, and unflustered in the face of danger—'
'And excellent judgment skills too.'
Biscuit looked at Moses with a smile in her eyes.
The word "like" in her statement didn't carry its literal meaning; instead, it represented a high level of evaluation.
Unfortunately, she was already a Double-Star Hunter, so she has no motivation for taking on disciples or train Single-Star juniors. She also found such matters troublesome and restricted her personal freedom in a sense.
Therefore, despite genuinely 'liking' the boy in front of her, she had no intention of getting involved in any kind of relationship with him~~~
"…"
Moses remained expressionless, not easily believing the so-called 'like' nonsense from a Manipulator like her. He simply ignored Biscuit's words and directly asked: "Why are you approaching me in a 'disguised' manner? What do you want from me? But I don't think I have anything worth your efforts."
"Biscuit Krueger, a Double-Star Stone Hunter."
Biscuit did not answer Moses's question, but formally announced her title.
She believed that by revealing her identity, she could straightforwardly answer his question.
After all, given the boy's sharp thinking abilities, he would surely extract the answers from the information about her being Double-Star Stone Hunter.
Upon hearing Biscuit's announcement as a Double-Star Stone Hunter, Moses pretended to have a slightly widened pupils and a surprised expression. At the same time, he instinctively took two steps back and subconsciously covered a certain part of his clothes with his right hand.
As a 'prophet', he naturally knew that Biscuit is a Double-Star Stone Hunter, and he could also guess that Biscuit deliberately approached him for the Rat Jewel's bead.
However, to maintain the facade of being unaware of Biscuit's true intentions, he needed to throw questions at her and continue the charade.
"You realize it, huh? That's right, what I want is that blue gem in your pocket."
Biscuit smiled at Moses, noticing his subtle movements while covering the gem.
As she expected, the boy did extract her intentions and motives from the information about her being a 'Double-Star Stone Hunter', and there was no need to waste any words after that.
"This is something very important to me. I can't give it to you, and it's not a gem..."
Moses covered the Rat Jewel's bead through his clothes.
As Moses expected, the Stone Hunter aunt smoothly fell into the cognitive framework he had woven. From this point on, she probably wouldn't realize that he had not only seen through her disguise, but also knew all about her background.
Who was the real 'pretender'...
The Stone Hunter aunt would probably remain blissfully ignorant.
"…"
"It's true that I am a Stone Hunter, but it doesn't mean I only pursue precious stones and gems. In fact, as long as it's a shiny and beautiful little thing, I will like it. For example, your eyes, I find them quite beautiful too. If I could dig them out..."
Biscuit's smile carried a hint of danger. And accompanied by a subtly revealed aura, it added to her intimidating presence.
Nevertheless, Moses remained unmoved. He looked Biscuit in the eyes, and calmly stated: "Even after revealing your identity, you're still talking to me so 'amicably'. It seems you don't intend to snatch my bead through 'unethical means'."
Hearing this, Biscuit's slightly restrained her smile and sighed: "You are really perceptive."
Moses remained silent, grateful for the decision he made on the airship to bring out Cheadle's name in time.
Otherwise, this aunt wouldn't be so easy to talk to when it comes to what she wants.
Biscuit, realizing that Moses was not going to be easily persuaded, shrugged and said: "I indeed won't take your treasure by 'unethical means'. So, let's discuss the price, young man."
Considering Moses's relationship with Cheadle, she couldn't act recklessly towards Moses.
It's not that she's worried about Cheadle's strength, as in terms of strength, as someone coming from a martial arts background, she can easily defeat Cheadle even if her Nen ability is non-combat type.
Setting aside the Hunter Association's rule of 'not target other Hunters', the reason why she is concerned about the relationship between Moses and Cheadle was her connection with Netero, who is also a practitioner of 'Shingen-ryu'. They had a deep friendship.
And Cheadle is an absolute supporter of Netero, so of course it is impossible for her to be on bad terms with Cheadle.
"Not for sale." Declared Moses, expressing his stance without hesitation
This attitude was beyond Biscuit's expectation.
'It's just a bead made of non-precious stones, yet he's so determined and leaves no room for anything.'
'Could it be...'
"Ten billion."
Biscuit calmly raised her index finger and said seriously: "I will pay 10 billion for that bead of yours. This is not a joke. We can sign a contract for the transaction, or I can bring in an authority for notarization."
"Not for sale."
Moses was resolute and would not give in.
Upon seeing this, Biscuit confirmed her earlier speculation and sighed: "Is it an heirloom? That bead..."
"Yes."
Moses nodded.
It would be best if we could cut off Biscuit's thoughts in this way.
"It's actually an heirloom."
Biscuit frowned and said helplessly: "This is the type I am least good at dealing with."
"…"
Moses wisely kept his mouth shut.
Biscuit propped her chin with her hand, displaying a somewhat troubled expression.
Since she couldn't use 'unethical means', she had to resort to a legitimate method, a 'transaction'.
However, the bead was the type of thing that couldn't be measured with money under normal circumstances.
Then, she saw the 10 billion she quoted earlier didn't even make Moses bat an eyelid.
So it's obvious that money couldn't solve this issue...
Looking at Biscuit's troubled expression, Moses could sense her strong liking for the Rat Jewel's bead.
At this moment, he couldn't help but think of Biscuit's Nen ability, Magical Esthetician.
The ability to eliminate fatigue and accelerate physical recovery could enhance the effectiveness of his training buff.
However, even considering this, Moses had no intention of giving up the Rat Jewel's bead. After all, it is a crucial item for him to confirm Hawk's status.
However…
'Is there any way to make Biscuit willing to assist me in special training without handing over the Rat Jewel's bead?'
Moses's heart moved slightly.
Just then, Lisha, who had finished grooming herself, descended the stairs and saw Moses and Biscuit.
"Hmm?"
Lisha's gaze subtly changed as she fixed her gaze on Biscuit.
'Why is she here…'
Because of Cheadle, Lisha had met Biscuit once before, so she recognized her instantly.
Biscuit, although aware of Lisha's footsteps, ignored her and continued to furrow her brows, contemplating the possibilities of obtaining the blue bead.
Observing Biscuit's reaction, Lisha felt perplexed and silently approached Moses. She then used an inquisitive look on Moses.
Facing Lisha's gaze, Moses whispered: "Airship."
"…"
Lisha immediately understood and exclaimed: "So the woman who wanted to 'hit on' you on the airship was Biscuit?"
"???"
Moses was momentarily stunned.
'Wait a minute,'
'I never said anything like that!'
When Biscuit heard Lisha's words, she immediately raised her head and looked at Moses in disbelief, saying: "You actually..."
"???"
Moses's face turned slightly dark.
'Hey, why does it look like I'm the one 'seen through'?!'