Kurapika's hesitation and inability to immediately find the right words did not surprise Conrad in the slightest. Such a reaction was the most natural one possible, and he had expected it.
If Kurapika had simply accepted the situation without pause, Conrad would have been far more concerned.
"Yes..."
"The reason I wanted to meet with you is this."
"I assume you already know a certain amount about Nen by now," Conrad said, folding his hands together on top of the table.
Kurapika let out a small breath.
"Yes."
"Can you give me more details, specifically regarding this matter?" he asked.
Conrad nodded.
"I have been investigating the Kurta Clan and the Phantom Troupe for personal reasons. I decided to begin my investigation from the most fundamental place possible by visiting the area where the Kurta Clan once lived."
"After exploring the surroundings, I arrived at the Kurta Clan Monument, and there, an old man contacted me through a mysterious Nen ability."
"This staff was given to me."
Conrad reached into his bag and showed the staff to Kurapika.
Kurapika did not react much.
"I know nothing about this matter or that staff."
At the same time, he was constantly thinking, trying to determine how truthful Conrad was being. Yet he could not see any clear reason for Conrad to lie.
"I don't know that much either."
"But the old man told me clearly that this staff had to be delivered to a member of the Kurta Clan and that the recipient had to possess Scarlet Eyes."
"We even formed a Nen contract regarding this matter."
Kurapika nodded and looked toward the waiter.
"Could I have a glass of water?" he asked.
The waiter nodded and went to bring it.
"What do you gain from all of this?" Kurapika asked.
Conrad spread his hands.
"My own affairs concern me, and the details are far too complicated for you to understand at the moment."
"To be honest, I want to understand why the Phantom Troupe attacked your clan, the forces behind that attack, and the misunderstandings surrounding it."
Kurapika studied the glass of water that had been placed in front of him. He took a sip before speaking.
"The Phantom Troupe attacked us because of our Scarlet Eyes. Scarlet Eyes are worth an enormous amount of money on the black market."
Conrad looked at Kurapika and shook his head.
"You're far too inexperienced."
"It makes very little sense for someone to attack a family with over thirty members capable of using Nen, especially a family with such a mysterious history, solely because of their eyes."
"I would like to tell you more, but honestly, I don't think that should be your focus right now."
Kurapika bit his lip.
He was beginning to get irritated, but because of both Leorio's warning and his own observations, he suppressed his anger and calmed himself.
"What happens if I refuse to accept the staff?"
Conrad smiled.
"If you refuse it, the staff will disappear after some time."
"And I will fail to fulfill my agreement with the old man. That means I will never learn why the Kurta Clan was destroyed, what role the Phantom Troupe played in those events, who they acted for, or whether they were even acting on behalf of someone else."
"Also, the new nen knowledge the old man knows..."
Conrad chose his words carefully. If he spoke recklessly now, he could completely alter the future events of the Phantom Troupe arc.
Frankly, he had no desire to change those events. He preferred to watch them unfold and intervene only if he chose to.
Kurapika took a deep breath and rested a hand against his chin.
"If the staff truly came from the old man and is a Nen artifact, it could be useful."
"And even if it isn't useful, I may still have to take it. It could be the only remaining heirloom left behind by my clan."
"I lose nothing by accepting this deal..."
"But I still don't know exactly what he gains beyond information."
"He's hiding things."
"He's withholding information."
Those thoughts continued to circulate through Kurapika's mind.
After a while, he raised his head and looked directly into Conrad's eyes.
"I will accept the agreement and take the staff."
"In return, I have a small request."
Conrad remained silent and folded his arms.
If the request was reasonable, there was no sense in refusing.
"I want you to honestly share the information the old man gives you."
Conrad smiled.
"I accept your request, but on one condition."
This time, it was Kurapika's turn to remain silent.
"One year after I obtain the information, I will tell you what it is and what it concerns."
"If I tell you immediately, then all of my efforts and research will become a free gift to you, and that would not make me very happy."
Kurapika knew he could continue negotiating and push for a better arrangement. However, something inside him warned him not to pressure the man sitting across from him too much. Furthermore, there was no harm in maintaining a somewhat friendly relationship with Leorio's teacher.
"I accept."
Conrad smiled and handed the staff over to Kurapika.
"After taking it, go somewhere secure and use Nen on it. I suspect you'll learn what it is and what it does and perhaps uncover some additional information as well."
After saying those words, Conrad finished his drink and paid the bill.
"My business here is done."
"If anything important happens, you already have my number. Call me whenever you want."
With that, he left the hotel.
Kurapika remained alone with the staff, staring at it quietly.
"An heirloom..."
"I had no idea something like this existed. Why would my clan hide something like this from me?"
"Was it because I was just a child?"
The questions continued to form in his mind.
Without wasting any more time, Kurapika left the hotel and headed back to his room, preparing to investigate the matter thoroughly.