"What would you like to talk to me about?" asked Tsukiyama, who, even though he was trying to hide it, still showed how vigilant he was.
After all, an individual capable of entering so easily, going completely unnoticed by the many ghouls with extensive sensory capabilities, is certainly someone powerful.
And even if Tsukiyama didn't want to admit it, Lucian's mere presence was putting immense pressure on him. A pressure that caused a tightening in his chest, as if his heart was going to fail him at any moment.
"Just a simple cooperation, I want some humans and ghouls, and you want a delicacy of unparalleled flavor. I think we could be very happy making this exchange." Lucian gave a sideways smile as he looked at Tsukiyama, who seemed visibly affected.
A complex mixture between the desire to obtain another delicacy and incredulity at the thought of another dish of unparalleled flavor.
"I don't think such a thing could be better than the delicacies I know about."
Yes, Kaneki's presence was the only thing that made him more resistant to such a proposal. Just as he was named, he is a gourmet.
His quest and obsession was to taste the tastiest foods, the rarest delicacies and the pinnacle of cuisine.
And there's hardly a delicacy that beats a one-eyed ghoul.
Something born of a combination considered impossible, whether for social or biological reasons.
And yet, against all odds, such a creature came into being.
The rarity... the meaning it possesses... the duality of the smells... the tastes... all combine to create an unparalleled delicacy.
"I know exactly what you're thinking," said Lucian, taking a handkerchief from his pocket and continuing: "Since you like handkerchiefs so much, I'll give you this one."
The handkerchief then made its way to Tsukiyama, who, although he didn't think much of it, took it in his hands.
However, in a single instant, his thoughts changed, as he looked at the unique bloodstain on the handkerchief.
So small and regular, as if a single drop of blood had been spilled on purpose. Depending on the point of view, this in itself could be considered a work of art.
But that wasn't what changed his mind, it was the smell that penetrated his nostrils, a smell he had never smelled before - something new and even unexpected.
A strange mixture of sweet and spicy. A smell that attracts as insects are attracted to light, and which, like electric traps, causes death when approached.
Tsukiyama, smelling this intoxicating scent, could hardly control himself and immediately said with veiled urgency:
"That blood... where does it come from?! I need to know!"
... Not so well veiled. His tone of voice, trembling hands and expression all revealed his anxiety.
"Who knows in the future? When our cooperation is deeper, unless, of course, Mr. Shuurefuses my proposal." Lucian let out a sly smile, before leaning over the table, putting his hands together and resting his chin on it.
"And what exactly do you want, Mr. Lucian with no last name?" Tsukiyama straightened his suit, as if ready to negotiate.
Lucian, on the other hand, was surprised by the words he heard: 'Is this mockery an attempt to maintain superiority or something? Although he's right...'
But it wasn't a problem for him, on the contrary, there's no fun in destroying an opponent who has already given up fighting.
'The greater the resistance, the greater the feeling of conquest.' Putting these thoughts aside, he quickly continued: "Nothing too complicated, I just want some rare humans and ghouls, more specifically those with some special characteristics. I also want you to set me a meeting with the nutcracker."
Tsukiyama was nodding until he heard the words "nut cracker", then he put on a strange expression as he looked at Lucian.
"That's a very strange fetish," he commented lightly, after all, what nutcracker did was known to everyone who knew her name.
And a man asking to meet her... is strange, to say the least.
After all, even though ghouls can regenerate from almost any injury, no one wants to have their "nuts" crushed.
"..." Lucian's face darkened when he heard this, "It has nothing to do with what you're thinking, you pervert."
There's no denying the fact that Tsukiyama is a pervert, after all, what sane person would think that eating someone who's eating someone else will maximize the taste?
That's something only a perverted mind could think.
"Anyway, keep the handkerchief, I'll give you something a bit more substantial when this transaction is complete."
"Sounds good to me, I hope we have a pleasant cooperation." Tsukiyama stood up, extending his hand towards Lucian, who repeated the same.
And with a handshake, the deal between them had been established.
"I'll be going now," said Lucian, turning to leave, until he seemed to remember something: "By the way, it would be nice if you could do me a little favor..."
........
"Let me guess, you added this girl to the deal because she's hot, right?" asked Shinobu, looking at Lucian with a 'I know you' expression.
"Ahem... of course not, just because of her special abilities, like possessing kagune chimera and the ability to separate it from her body," he justified himself, stating the facts impartially.
"Although I can't deny that your aesthetically pleasing appearance may have contributed to this decision."
"See, he's unable to keep his dick on his pants." Shinobu turned to Mitsuri, his words carrying a didactic tone.
"That doesn't need to be taught, it's just an everyday fact." Lucian took a sip of tea, simply exuding a great naturalness.
As if things were just as they should be.
"Personally, I like it that way." Daki gave his opinion, leaning towards Lucian at the same time. Because, like him, her interest in performing carnal acts is high.
"I find your point of view very interesting," said Lucian, following Daki's movements and hugging her, as if he wanted to be as close to her as possible.
"Sigh~, could you two not do that now?" sighed Kie, helpless at the situation they found themselves in.
"... I got a bit carried away. Changing the subject, how is the process of adapting to using the kagune going?" Hearing Kie's words, Lucian quickly straightened up and started talking about a serious matter.
"It's going well, we've seen a rapid improvement over the last few days, especially in strength and defense, just as you predicted. And at least for me, my body control skills have also increased a lot." Shinobu took the initiative to reply.
"I've noticed the same thing happening to me." Mitsuri followed, telling of her newly improved flexibility.
Shinobu's body control was characterized by the creation of new limbs, as well as the separation of his flesh into new objects and the creation of toxins. Mistsuri, on the other hand, gained great malleability, being able to perform some relatively diverse body deformations.
"For me, the biggest gain was in strength," said Kie.
"And I got more sash." Daki noted, "Now the number that can be deployed and controlled is greater."
Lucian just nodded as he listened, it can be seen that both the evolution of demons and ghouls is strongly affected by the imagination, experiences and desires of the individual.
It strengthens what is in line with the combat style and habits of the individual in question, as it did with Misturi and Daki; or it strengthens what is weak, in an attempt to eliminate weaknesses, as it did with Kie.
'Wait... there's one missing.' Lucian then turned his attention to Nakime.
Noticing his gaze, she finally said: "I've gained defense."
"Good! Now I can continue my analysis: ... eliminate weaknesses, just as I did with Kie and Nakime."