Reinhard followed Lianna's direction, paying no heed to captivated gazes she had captured. It was a sight Reinhard was used to by now.
"...."
Staring at Lianna's delicate back, Reinhard couldn't help but reminisce the first time he had met her.
Meeting Lianna a little over a year ago had changed his course of action. While in the past, when he was sixteen, would often sneak into the backwater alleys of the city, attempting to forge connections with the underbellies of society.
For reasons being, peering out for any information directly connected to his family's murder.
But all he was met with were grubby scams, and attempts on his life.
It was only during the summer break, right before he was admitted into Astrea Academy—when he met Lianna, a peculiar woman who owned most of the establishments in the red–light district, and accepted his request.
That was all Reinhard really ever needed.
Initially, Reinhard was skeptical. Maybe this woman was another scammer?
However, to his surprise, Lianna had shown results.
In just a day, she had managed to easily present the time–frame of when the time occurred, who was around the vicinity, the weapon used at the scene of the crime, officers directly related to the case, and so on.
For that reason, Reinhard couldn't help but trust her.
But that was really it.
Lianna provided him the resources, but couldn't pinpoint exactly who the suspects were.
Regardless, Reinhard couldn't begin to appreciate her from the bottom of his heart.
Lianna had helped him without ever asking for anything in return. How can he leave her when she had done so much for him?
Others may call him gullible, maybe she had a hidden agenda?
But no, Lianna was never that kind of person. He had never seen any hint of malice, nor any hidden intentions.
After all, while Lianna engaged in a rather questionable business venture. Her funds directly went to sponsoring the Imperial Army.
For that reason, she was regarded as an Imperial Army sponsor, and due to her strength, was offered a spot inside the Imperial Army itself.
However, Reinhard had been secretive about the whole thing.
His uncle, and last remaining family member, Bellion, was unaware of his relationship with Lianna.
Now that he thought about it, it was quite peculiar why Lianna decided to help him.
No, Reinhard had several theories in mind.
From what Lianna had told him, she was looking for her brother, who went missing over a decade ago.
Maybe.... she had seen herself in him.
A lost child, trying to solve the mystery regarding their family.
"We're here."
"Ah?"
Her soft noblewoman-like voice reached his ears, snapping him out of his thoughts.
After walking down the sealed basement for a while, they entered the room at the end of the corridors.
Reinhard had been in this room a few times in the past.
It was Lianna's personal chamber—where she kept a lot of hidden documents stored.
Lianna walked towards the desk and lightly traced the wooden fiber with her fingertips.
"Recently, I've discovered something new."
"Hm?"
Reinhard listened attentively, digesting Lianna's words.
"My brother..... he was never missing. I only found out a few days ago."
In his hand was a cigarette.
*Puff*
Seeing Bellion taking a drag, he was reminded of Evelyn.
Evelyn should've been discharged a few days ago. However, not once had she appeared nor contacted him.
But in the first place, why would she even contact him?
"I know I told you to look out for him. But I didn't expect you to blatantly stalk him....."
Bellion, who had just finished scanning the photographs, raised his head and looked at Brandon.
"Still.... I guess I should talk to him."
Clearly, there were miscommunication issues between the uncle and nephew duo. If Bellion had wanted to, he could've asked one of his officers to stalk Reinhard.
However, it was clear to Brandon that it wasn't what Bellion wanted. Giving Brandon the impression that Bellion was being cautious about all this.
Regardless, Brandon paid no heed to it.
He wanted results fast.
But still... since he had already disobeyed Bellion's unspoken instructions, it was finally time to ask.
"I'm still in the dark about all this. What exactly is going on with Reinhard?"
"Has he ever talked about his family with any of you?"
"No."
From what he remembered, Reinhard lived a lavish and happy childhood. But soon afterwards, he had a fallout with his family and lived with his uncle shortly after.
That's at least what he could recall from Raven's memories.
After that, Bellion told him something that was quite unexpected.
"When Reinhard was eight, he lost his family.... I.... lost my sister...."
"...."
This wasn't how things were supposed to go.
It seems like there were variables that had affected Reinhard.
Variables that only existed in this progression.
"My condolences."
"I know you're still a child yourself, but.... I'm pretty sure you're an old man inside your head."
"...."
The fuck?
"I'm sure others think the same way. Whenever I speak to you, it doesn't feel like I'm talking to a 17–year old."
"....?"
But Bellion's statements were quite understandable.
Who in their right mind would think a 17–year old was a member of a mercenary group?
"I know most of your secrets. It's only fair that I share a little bit about myself."
"Yeah, okay. Spill."
However, what Bellion said next had truly taken him aback.
"The perpetrator responsible for Reinhard's parent's demise...."
Brandon's eyes widened in shock, hearing the next set of words that came out of Bellion's mouth.
"Was me."