Rober took a sip of his coffee, savoring the mild bitterness spreading across his palate. He set the cup down, looking directly at the man opposite him, who was still maintaining a scrutinizing gaze.

"I won't waste time proving my prowess in journalism" Rober said, his tone calm but somewhat provocative. "But if you want to know what kind of information I can access... that's a different matter. You can ask me anything you want, about any information you're looking for. I will answer, and you can verify it yourself." He deliberately emphasized his words, creating a trustworthy tone.

The man was silent for a moment, his eyes still fixed on Rober. The initial annoyance seemed to have turned into curiosity.

"Alright" the man spoke, his voice hoarse. "Last night, there was an explosion at a cotton mill in the northern part of the capital. What happened?"

Rober closed his eyes for a split second, receiving information from the Sage System. He opened his eyes and replied:

"That explosion, according to initial reports from the police, was due to a conflict between two criminal factions. They were fighting over territory, and there was a brawl, which led to the use of explosives, affecting the factory."

Rober deliberately hesitated, creating a pregnant pause. "But... that's just the information from the police. According to what I've learned from the Royal investigation team..." He deliberately left the sentence unfinished, creating suspense.

The man raised an eyebrow. "The Royal investigation team? What do they have to do with it?"

Rober shrugged, feigning secrecy. "That, I'm not at liberty to say here. But if you're truly interested in information related to the Royal Family, then... we can discuss it privately."

The man was silent, thinking. Clearly, the information Rober had just provided, especially the detail about the Royal Family's involvement, exceeded what he knew. The Royal Family's intervention in a case that seemed to be just a conflict between criminal gangs was unusual.

Rober noticed the flicker of doubt in his opponent's eyes. He had succeeded in the first step of creating suspicion and arousing the curiosity of a journalist.

Not wanting to give his opponent more time to think, Rober stood up decisively, extending his hand towards the man, with a formal demeanor:

"Sir, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Rober Naris. You can call me Rober."

The man, after a moment's hesitation, also stood up and shook Rober's hand. "I work for The Edoras Chronicle. You can call me Jacob, Jacob Yasei."

Rober smiled. "Well, Jacob, let's consider that our introductions. I'll pretend no questions were asked, yet." He switched to a more serious tone. "I propose an exchange of information. I will ask a question, requesting a specific type of information. You can answer, or not. Then, you can ask me a question of equivalent value, of your choosing. And I also have the right to refuse to answer."

Jacob leaned back in his chair, crossed his arms, and looked thoughtful. Clearly, he was drawn into Rober's "game." The information about the explosion, especially the Royal Family's involvement, had made him realize that Rober had something.

"Why do you think I have the information you need?" Jacob asked, still maintaining a skeptical look.

Rober shrugged. "I don't know everything. Sometimes, information that seems ordinary, or information that requires connections, might still be beyond my reach" he explained reasonably, without revealing anything about the System. "You're a journalist, working for a major newspaper. You have a network of contacts, your own sources. That's why I chose you."

Jacob seemed a little more amenable, but not entirely convinced. However, curiosity had overcome his suspicion. He asked:

"Alright. So what information do you want?"

Rober didn't beat around the bush, going straight to the point: "I want information about the Royal Academy of Edoras. Specifically, about the teaching staff, and the people with significant positions and influence on the board of directors and shareholders of the academy."

Jacob frowned slightly. "What do you need that information for?"

"That's my business" Rober replied. "Can you provide that information, and to what extent?"

Jacob thought for a moment. "Okay. I can provide you with some information. But first, I want to know, what information will you provide me in return?"

Rober nodded. "What information do you want?"

Jacob took a deep breath and said: "There's a criminal, his name is Peter. He's a human trafficker, operating very discreetly. The police have been hunting him for years, but they haven't been able to catch him. Do you have any information about him?"

Rober closed his eyes "receiving information" from the Sage System. Information about human traffickers named Peter immediately appeared in his mind.

He opened his eyes and looked at Jacob. "You mean Peter Horisderm, the one posing as an agricultural merchant?"

Jacob was startled, his eyes showing surprise. "You... you actually know about him? He's very discreet, very few people know his true face..."

Rober didn't answer Jacob's question, simply saying: "I can provide information about him. But I didn't expect you to be interested in this criminal."

Jacob hesitated for a moment, then replied: "It's... a personal matter. I'd rather not say."

Rober nodded, showing respect. "Alright. Then, we have an agreement. Tomorrow, at this time, we'll meet here again. I will bring information about Peter Horisderm, and you will provide me with information about the Royal Academy."

Jacob said nothing, only nodding. The two shook hands, officially sealing a pact. Rober left the cafe, feeling satisfied. He had made a good start, and he believed that, with Jacob's cooperation, he would be able to gather valuable information.