The others nodded before they began talking about the places they’d investigated. Gran shifted in his seat, pulling out a small notebook. Roana’s posture straightened as she prepared to report.
Scáth’s expression carried visible boredom despite the gravity of their situation, and Nikki’s usual grin had faded into sothing more serious.
Gran spoke first. "I investigated the other Bolner Storage building in the city, the one in the western district." He flipped through his notes, finding the relevant page. "The reports docunt extensive benefit plans for those who join Bolner Storage and Mover. Good wages, housing assistance, free als at work, and scheduled days off like other high-paying jobs."
He paused, adjusting his glasses. "Then I found another report requesting Beast Masters from the main base. I believe they want the Sinners’ direct Beast Masters to help in the Storage Building and act as security."
His expression grew more troubled. "I was confused at first, but with Reinhard’s report about the beasts underground at the clinic, I believe there may be beasts stored underground at that storage building too."
Silence fell over the room.
Reinhard brought a wine glass to his mouth, and he sipped slowly, letting the information settle.
Roana took her turn as she spoke softly. "The Hugh Orphanage was clean. It was well-maintained and organized." Her fingers drumd against her knee. "I couldn’t find any sight or ntion of Anasha. None of the children recognized a girl with her features, and apparently, Phineas hasn’t visited the orphanage in months."
She paused, her expression darkening. "But I did find out that all the children who’d just turned eighteen and left the orphanage were recruited by Phineas and taken away. And we already have an idea what they’re doing."
Young people desperate for opportunity, recruited into the Sinners’ operations without understanding what they were joining until it was too late.
Scáth scoffed as she rolled her wine-colored eyes. "Well, as expected, there wasn’t anything at Jenny Construction. All the reports and files I read are just about building new structures and hos. It’s highly likely Jenny Construction might just be one of the ways Phineas gains golds."
Joseph nodded, his fingers tapping his knee. "They would need a way to cover their massive expenses, so that makes sense."
"Who cares?" Scáth said, frustration bleeding through her tone. "Damn, it was boring. I was even hoping the Director would show up, but they didn’t."
Roana’s gaze fixed on Scáth with patience. "So, you didn’t see anything suspicious?"
Scáth sighed heavily, her shoulders slumping. "Nothing. I even entered every room and went down to the bottom and up to the top floors, but nothing. I even went to so of the places where they’re doing construction work and still nothing."
Niki said with a faint smile. "I’m sorry about that, Scáth. But think of this as just one of those missions."
Scáth sighed again, then her gaze sharpened. "Was there anything at the theater?"
Niki scratched her cheek nervously, her crimson eyes not eting anyone’s gaze directly. "Well, how do I say it..."
Roana frowned while her eyes narrowed. "When you delay your words and get nervous like this, it ans what you’re about to say will be offensive. What did you see?"
Niki’s nervous glance shifted to Marie, Joseph, and Reinhard. All three of them frowned imdiately as they tensed up and leaned in slightly.
"They’re enacting a play of nsis Town based on the story you told us," Niki said finally.
Reinhard fell silent while his hand moved to gently tap his wine glass, and his expression remained calm except for the coldness in his eyes.
"Did you see anyone in the theater who seed badly affected by it?" Reinhard asked quietly.
Niki blinked in surprise before she nodded. "I recall a little figure with tears streaming down her face. When I took a good look at her, she was blonde with green eyes, not blue hair and blue eyes."
Reinhard, Marie, and Joseph all fell silent as the temperature in the room seed to drop despite no actual change.
Gran frowned as he held his chin. "It might be that she used an illusion to change her looks."
Niki blinked again, processing. "That might be true... It would explain her reaction." She paused, confusion evident. "But I’m surprised you aren’t even more angry."
Reinhard sighed while Marie’s smile appeared, but it held sadness rather than joy as she said. "I can’t really get mad when Anasha isn’t mad either..."
Niki’s surprise intensified. "Are you saying she’s gotten over what happened in nsis?"
"No," Scáth said bluntly, her voice cutting. "It ans that the girl is willing to overlook Phineas’s crappy actions if it ans she can relive her ti in the town... Even if it’s just in theater lights and her just being an observer."
The room descended into silence.
Reinhard swirled the wine glass in his hand, watching the liquid catch lamplight. He brought it to his lips and tasted the wine, which was bitter with undertones that suggested an expensive vintage.
"At least she’s okay, and so Phineas’s words before about not harming her still hold true." Reinhard said quietly.
Joseph nodded, but then a troubling expression appeared. "Do you think we can look around the theater and see if we can take her away?"
Roana shook her head imdiately. "I doubt he would let her be in the theater without soone watching over her."
Gran nodded in agreent. "And there’s a possibility he has one of his strings inside her. So he can control her, leading to..." He paused. "Unreasonable situations."
Scáth laughed with a mocking look. "You an her screaming we’re kidnapping her? Or that we’re dangerous people taking little kids?"
Gran sighed and nodded. "And that might push us to be watched directly by the City Guards, even if we can prove our identity as nto Mori students."
Reinhard brought the wine to his mouth again, understanding Gran’s point perfectly. But the desire to take Anasha away remained, burning in his chest despite logical argunts against it.
Niki chuckled nervously. "Well, even if we decided on taking her away, I doubt she’ll be back at the theater. They ntioned the show, like the one today, wasn’t appearing again. It was a one-night performance, and one of the actors told Phineas did it for soone special."
Reinhard and the others said nothing, but they all thought of Anasha. Reinhard idly wondered if Anasha had asked for this in exchange for cooperating, then pushed those thoughts away forcefully.
Vanna’s projection humd thoughtfully. "What is your plan for tomorrow?"
Gran tapped the table. "We should go to the clinic to see if Miss Martha knows what supplies are being shipped."
Marie’s brows furrowed, concern evident. "You don’t think Miss Martha is involved?"
Gran shook his head firmly. "I doubt it, especially given those workers’ words. But I’m hoping we can get her on our side just in case."
Roana nodded. "With Miss Martha’s help, we could push against Phineas overwhelming influence and trust from the people."
Reinhard said nothing, his gaze fixed on the wine in his glass while his mind glanced over the problem from multiple angles.
Martha was undeniably good with her desire to change the dical industry, and her thods ca from trauma, and her dedication to wanting to prevent others from experiencing what she’d suffered.
But for that dream, she needs Phineas help, the person who supported her impossible dream when no one else would.
She saw him as a benefactor, possibly even a friend, and learning the truth would devastate her.
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