Still Doll

An Unlikely Referral

Roughly a month since his last meet up with Kuroro, Kurapika got wind of some information about another pair of Kuruta Eyes—in a suspiciously coincidental way.

After Linos Escheria's visit, only four more clients requested for some security service from Nostrad's newly-built agency, and none of them were anything major or eventful. It didn't come as a surprise as they were considered green in the industry and they weren't expecting to find and get big-shot customers anytime soon—that was why Kurapika had an instinctive feeling that something was amiss when Linssen announced that he had received a phone call requesting for a security service for an international artist who happened to be a wealthy businesswoman as well.

"They are asking for particular qualifications for the guards that they want to hire, and they are willing to double the rate should those qualifications be met. When I asked how they found our agency, they just said they got our number through a referral but wouldn't divulge any more information. Also, the client herself will conduct the final interview. The secretary warned me about her meticulous taste and said that we shouldn't send anyone who doesn't fit her requirements. She already sounds like a handful, but it also seems like a good deal. I'm sure Nostrad-san would be more than willing to get this chance to serve someone as big-shot as Lady Chu despite her bizarre demands. Unfortunately, though, you're the most suitable for the role," Linssen sincerely looked dreadful on behalf of Kurapika as he handed him the client's file. Kurapika opened it and gave the content a quick scan then frowned slightly at the indicated qualifications for the requested guard.

'Someone who has small physique and androgynous look, regardless of gender, with hair no shorter than nape-length and round, big eyes. Doll-like features are a plus. Must be willing to wear different clothes (ranging from casual clothes to costumes) upon the request of the client. Not older than thirty years old.'

"Ridiculously specific descriptions, right?" Linssen said.

Kurapika nodded. "No wonder they are willing to double the rate. Guards with these qualities are rare. If you have the looks of a cute doll, you'll look for a more suitable job to put it to use like modeling or acting, not something as dangerous as being a bodyguard."

At that, Linssen and the other three guards who were playing cards in the lounge area while secretly listening to their conversation simultaneously gave Kurapika a strange look.

"What is it?" Kurapika asked, bewildered with their reaction.

Linssen chose not to respond and advised instead, "I suggest you run a quick background check on the client. She's known for her paintings with Victorian and dark themes. She's running her own companies that sell other artworks and art materials and manufacture her own brand of paints. She's crazy rich so you should know what to expect once you meet her."

"I will. Thanks," Kurapika said with a curt nod. He left the lounge area and returned to his office to do what Linssen had suggested.

The information that he easily found on the internet was already included in the client's file. Chu Luo, popularly known as Lady Chu, was quite a celebrity in the art industry. She was famous for her hyperrealistic oil and splash paintings and had an obscene obsession with dolls. Apparently, her favorite motif was goth and depiction of the ancient Victorian Era, and most of her subjects were beautiful females.

Aside from being a famous artist, she was also a successful businesswoman. She owned several stores worldwide that sold her artworks, artbooks, art materials and her own brand of art paints. She had her own paint factory and was concocting her own paint colors. According to the latest article Kurapika found online, she was also about to open her own art school this year. And to add cherry on top, she was also an exceptionally pretty and young-looking woman. It now made sense why she wanted to be surrounded only by pretty guards.