As the trio ventured deeper into the Paramour Hotel, they moved with caution, their eyes constantly scanning for their targets. The final checkpoint passed without incident, allowing them to enter the private area of the function. Here, the atmosphere was more intimate, with subdued lighting and a quieter ambiance that encouraged close conversation.
Kento paused just inside the doorway, turning to his companions. "Deactivate the Rune of Concealment," he instructed in a low voice. They each touched the rune, feeling the subtle shift as their powers reactivated.
With their abilities back, Kento began the operation by heading towards Sebastian. He had two significant advantages against the incubus: first, he wasn't attracted to men, so the pheromones Sebastian emitted wouldn't affect him much; second, with his powers active, he was resistant to any kind of mental manipulation.
Adopting a friendly and flirtatious persona, Kento approached Sebastian, who was engaged in conversation with a small group. "Hey there," Kento said smoothly, flashing a charming smile. "Mind if I join you?"
Adrian turned, his brown eyes narrowing slightly before a welcoming smile spread across his face. "Of course not," he purred, his voice smooth and inviting. "The more, the merrier."
Kento slipped into the conversation with ease, his demeanor light and engaging. He played his role perfectly, not letting on that he was unaffected by Sebastian's allure.
Meanwhile, Jane sat at an empty table, glancing nervously at Adrian as instructed by Kento – through their intel, he knew he had…particular preferences. She felt a flutter of anxiety in her stomach but forced herself to remain calm and focused.
Adrian noticed her glances and excused himself from his companions, making his way over to her. "Is this seat taken?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.
Jane looked up, feigning surprise. "Oh, no, it's not," she replied, her voice steady despite the nervousness nearly suffocating her.
Adrian sat down, studying her with those piercing blue eyes. "I couldn't help but notice you seemed a bit out of place. First time here?"
"Yeah," Jane admitted, allowing a hint of shyness to show. "I've heard a lot about these events but never had the chance to attend."
Sebastian smiled, a hint of intrigue in his expression. "Well, you're in for quite a night. I'm Adrian, by the way."
"Emily," she replied, offering her hand, which Adrian took with a firm but gentle grip.
As Adrian and Jane engaged in conversation, Constantine seized his opportunity. With the bodyguards' attention diverted, Lilith was momentarily alone. Steeling himself, Constantine made his way over to her.
"Good evening," he greeted, his voice smooth and controlled.
Lilith turned her emerald eyes on him, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "Good evening," she replied, her tone laced with intrigue. "I don't believe we've met."
"Not officially," Constantine said, forcing a smile. "I've heard about girls like you, though."
Lilith's smirk widened. "Oh my, only good things, I hope?"
"Mostly," Constantine said with a slight chuckle. "I'm Robert."
"Isabelle," she replied, her eyes studying him closely. He was not the only one giving a fake name; he assumed she had some notoriety about her. "So, what brings you here tonight, Robert?"
Constantine met her gaze steadily, his mind racing but his demeanor calm. "Curiosity, mostly. And the hope of meeting someone interesting."
Lilith arched an eyebrow. "Well, you've certainly come to the right place."
As they continued their conversation, Constantine kept his focus, aware of the mission but maintaining the facade. Nearby, Kento and Jane played their parts, each interaction bringing them closer to their targets. The night was still young, and the operation was just beginning.
Kento had given Constantine a crucial piece of advice before they entered the hotel: Lilith had a domineering personality. He knew the best approach was to stay passive and let her take the lead in the conversation. He had activated the Rune of Illusion with the intent to appear as everyone's ideal type, knowing the rune would adjust his appearance in her eyes to match her preferences.
As Constantine talked to Lilith, he maintained a calm, controlled demeanor. "So, tell me more about yourself." he asked her.
Lilith eyed him with amusement. "I'm afraid that's not a very good line." she said with a soft chuckle.
"Okay, you caught me," Constantine said with a grin. "To be honest, I'm not very experienced."
Lilith matched his grin. "That's surprising," she said, while obviously eyeing him up and down, "but not necessarily bad."
"I hope so," Constantine said with a nervous chuckle. "I'm a bit nervous, to be completely honest."
"Don't worry," she replied, her eyes glinting. "I don't bite," she said, leaning closer to him. "Unless you ask," she whispered in his ear.
Constantine couldn't help but feel a bit flustered; she was good. But his hatred for her and his love for Vicky couldn't be diminished, no matter how well she flirted.
"And if I do ask?" he replied, meeting her gaze.
Lilith smirked. "You don't seem so nervous now." she purred.
"What can I say, you seem to have that effect on me," Constantine replied, smiling nervously.
In the distance, he noticed Kento and Sebastian leaving the room together. Sebastian had given Lilith a discreet signal, which she acknowledged with a silent nod. Constantine took this as a good sign that Kento was moving forward with his part of the mission, which motivated him. Meanwhile, Jane was still talking to Adrian. She was visibly flustered but managing to hold her own. Adrian seemed intrigued by her nervousness, leaning in closer and engaging her with a playful smile.
Lilith, ever forward, suggested they move their conversation somewhere more private. "This room is too crowded for my taste," she said, her tone suggestive. "How about we find somewhere quieter?"
Constantine nodded, maintaining his passive role. "Lead the way."
Lilith smiled, pleased with his compliance. She took his arm and guided him through the crowd, towards a more secluded part of the hotel. Constantine followed her lead, his mind focused on the mission while maintaining the facade of interest and attraction.
As they walked, Constantine glanced back at Jane, giving her a slight nod of encouragement. She caught his eye and gave a small, nervous smile in return. Adrian, engrossed in their conversation, didn't notice the exchange.
Constantine and Lilith reached a private room, which she unlocked with a key she procured, seemingly out of nowhere; the room was stylishly decorated with a large black leather couch, a small bar, and, quite possibly, the largest bed Constantine had ever seen in his life. Lilith closed the door, the noise of the main function now nothing more than a distant hum. She led him to the couch and gestured for him to sit. "Much better," she said, settling next to him. "Now we can talk without all the distractions."
Constantine nodded, still playing his role. "You're right. So, Isabelle, you said that it's a bad line earlier but, honestly, I just want to get to know you better – would you tell me more about yourself." he asked as earnestly as possible. Part of him actually wanted to know what kind of person she was; what kind of person would operate a cult and order the kidnapping and imprisonment of innocents just to show up to events like this for some fun after.
Lilith's eyes sparkled with interest as she began to speak, enjoying the opportunity to take charge of the conversation, and indulge in talking about herself to someone who, seemingly, had a genuine interest in her. Constantine listened attentively, his thoughts on the mission while he maintained the illusion of being completely captivated by her. Kento had told him that the trick to a good assassination is seizing the moment – and he had to wait for his and end it quickly; he didn't know much about her powers, or abilities. He'd let her get comfortable, have a couple of drinks and drop her guard completely…and then she'd have a date with Murasame.