"It's a bit big isn't it? I'm never going to use all this space" Lassen grumbled as he passed a massive bay window overlooking an impeccably maintained garden.
"Master you need a secure place that's suited to your activities" Alex replied calmly. "And admit it this is much better than your cramped studio"
"My studio was perfect. Everything was within arm's reach" Lassen retorted, stopping to examine an empty bookshelf. "That at least is a good point. Fill this with books"
[With books you'll never read because you spend all your time on light novels] the system interjected.
"Shut up" Lassen snapped. "So this is where I'm meeting that director right"
"Yes master" Alex confirmed. "The office was specially designed for you. Secure soundproofed and equipped with everything you might need"
Lassen surveyed the room for a moment. The natural light streaming through the windows created a calming atmosphere. Still, he groaned.
"Everything I might need? You mean books and a comfortable chair" Lassen said sarcastically.
[And a jug of juice to go with your legendary laziness] the system added.
Lassen rolled his eyes and collapsed into a leather chair in the center of the office.
"Seriously why do I have to meet him in person? We could have handled everything through the system"
[Because your charming personality inspires trust master. And because Alex insisted that this meeting could establish a lasting bond of trust]
"Yes master" Alex added. "The director is an honest man but he needs to see that he's dealing with a real person not a screen or a cryptic interface"
"Fine" Lassen sighed grabbing a book from the desk. "But he better be worth the trouble"
---
A few hours later, the national police director arrived in a sleek black car. At the wheel was another one of Lassen's assistants—a tall, imposing figure dressed sharply in a dark suit. Acting as both a chauffeur and bodyguard, this assistant exuded professionalism, his movements precise and calculated.
As the car rolled to a stop, the director stepped out, his sharp eyes scanning the imposing villa in front of him. The atmosphere felt strangely calm, almost unnerving.
Alex was waiting by the main entrance, standing beside the bodyguard. As the director approached, he greeted Alex with a slight nod.
"Mr Alex I didn't expect to see you here. I assume you are Monsieur X" the director asked with a mix of skepticism and curiosity.
Alex shook his head, his tone polite yet firm.
"No director. I am the CEO of SpectraSys but Monsieur X… let's just say he is well above my station. Please follow me and you'll see"
The director cast a brief glance at the bodyguard, who simply gestured for him to proceed. Together, they walked through the villa's expansive halls until they reached a large, solid wooden door. Alex opened it and motioned for the director to enter.
Inside, Lassen sat comfortably in a leather chair at the center of an elegant yet minimalist office. A book rested in his hands, and his relaxed demeanor contrasted sharply with the tension in the air. He didn't look up immediately, letting the director take in the room. The walls were lined with bookshelves filled to the brim, giving the space an intellectual yet serene atmosphere.
The director stood silently for a moment, observing Lassen with a mixture of curiosity and caution before finally speaking.
"So you are Monsieur X"
Lassen raised his eyes lazily, a hint of amusement in his expression.
"Maybe. Were you expecting a secret lab with monitors everywhere and people in lab coats"
The director frowned slightly.
"I was expecting someone… different"
Lassen chuckled softly.
"Well appearances can be deceiving don't you think"
The director's tone grew sharper.
"If you truly are Monsieur X why stay anonymous You could be a national hero someone celebrated"
Lassen smirked and leaned back in his chair.
"A national hero Too much work. Being celebrated means being bothered constantly by people who always want more. I prefer my peace and quiet"
The director's gaze hardened.
"And yet you contacted me Why"
"Because I'm patriotic despite what you might think This country is mine and I'd rather not see it fall apart because of spies"
At the mention of spies the director straightened his posture visibly more alert.
"Spies You mean the infiltrations we've suspected for years"
"I'm not talking about suspicions I'm talking about facts Proof Everything is here neatly organized and ready for you to use"
Lassen reached into his pocket and placed a sleek USB drive on the table with an air of nonchalance. The director's eyes narrowed as he regarded the device.
"How can I be sure this information is reliable"
"You don't have to believe me. But if you wait too long this intel will be useless. It's your call"
The director folded his arms his gaze fixed intently on Lassen.
"Why me Why not another department or agency"
Lassen leaned forward slightly his tone growing more serious.
"Because you're honest That's rare you know And if I went through official channels these spies would probably know everything before you even had time to act"
A tense silence hung in the air until the director finally broke it.
"And what do you expect in return"
"Nothing I'm doing this for the country. Well… let's say I'm doing it to make sure my peaceful life isn't disturbed by a pointless war"
The director studied Lassen closely as if searching for a crack in his calm façade.
"You're a… complicated man. And dangerous"
Lassen smiled faintly leaning back into his chair.
"Call me efficient It's more accurate"
The director reached out and took the USB drive his grip firm. He stared at it for a moment before slipping it into his pocket.
"I'll look into this and act on it But don't think for a second that I won't keep an eye on you You have too much power to operate freely"
Lassen shrugged seemingly uninterested.
"Do what you have to do It won't change anything for me Good luck director You're going to need it"
As the director turned to leave he paused at the door and glanced back one last time.
"If this is a trap I'll find you"
Lassen let out a quiet laugh his voice tinged with amusement.
"I won't even leave my chair so you won't have to look far"