I was exposed as the strongest magician to my sister, who has severe brother complex. I can no longer hide my abilities at school!

Chapter 34 : Search and Investigation [2]

“I don’t know, man. I’m busy right now, so don’t bother me.”

Meanwhile, Alvin and his team had begun their inquiry in the southern region. For the time being, they approached various people, not knowing where they could obtain the necessary information. However, they had yet to uncover any significant leads. The small boy in front of them, holding a ball, shook his head and gave them a cold look.

“I’m sorry for bothering you when you’re busy.”

“Exactly, now go away!”

“My apologies for interrupting. If you do happen to hear anything, please let us know.”

“Hey lady, there’s something that’s been bugging me! I’ll tell you because I’ve got time!”

“Let go, Layla! I must teach him about respecting his elders!”

“Don’t get angry with a child. It looks unsightly.”

Layla restrained Alvin, who was about to draw his sword in response to the boy’s sudden change of heart. It seemed the boy was captivated by Lieselotte’s beauty and had forgotten his supposed busy schedule.

“Indeed… It seems I lost my composure dealing with a child,” Alvin said, adjusting his collar at Layla’s suggestion.

“Even though today’s commoners act as if they don’t know the crime of disrespect.”

“It’s proof that you’re approachable.”

“Then, I’ll strive to be a bit more mature.”

His previously angry eyes softened. After all, the boy was just a small child, unaware of the world’s vastness and harsh realities. This was a time for an older person to engage with a generous heart. Alvin reprimanded himself internally and turned back to the boy.

“So, what was it that’s been bugging you?”

“You’re annoying, you jerk!”

“Release me this instant! This exceeds tolerable disrespect!”

“Alright, alright, calm down.”

“More than societal norms, he needs to learn basic morality first!”

Alvin seemed ready to draw his sword, wanting to stress the importance of morality over aristocratic concerns.

“Please don’t make fun of Alvin too much. He is an important member of my team.”

“Got it!”

While Alvin was fuming, Lieselotte’s smile seemed to bring out a spirited response from the boy. It appeared that men, no matter the world, could be swayed by a woman’s smile.

“May I ask, what was the thing that bothered you?”

“Well, there was this kid I dislike who disappeared recently. Before he went missing, he was bragging about getting some candy!”

Both Alvin and Layla reacted subtly to the boy’s words. They began to whisper so that Lieselotte couldn’t hear.

“This could be…”

“Most likely about that stall.”

It matched the information Layla had gathered — that the kidnapped children had eaten candy obtained from a stall. This information hadn’t been shared with the kingdom’s knights yet, which made Lieselotte nod slightly in understanding.

“Do you know the name or any characteristics of this stall?”

“No, I don’t. I tried looking for it to get some candy myself but couldn’t find it!”

This also aligned with the prior intelligence — neither the adults nor the children could identify the stall where the kidnapped children had gotten their candy.

“Which means, even if we search randomly, we won’t find it.”

“So, we have to follow someone after they’re kidnapped.”

“But that means…”

“Yes, someone must be kidnapped first.”

Alvin bit his lip in frustration. If their investigation stalled, the culprit would likely continue their crimes. It might be better to catch them at the cost of minimal victimization rather than allowing widespread suffering. Yet, Alvin was unwilling to accept even minor casualties, hence his frustration.

“I wish I could be the bait…”

“No, Layla. I don’t want you in danger. Besides, based on the current pattern, neither of us will be targeted.”

Both Alvin and Layla, despite being young, had distinct hair colors that set them apart. If the crimes continued under the same conditions, they wouldn’t be the targets. Moreover, for someone to be bait, they’d need to eat the candy from the stall, which they couldn’t locate.

“Thank you for providing valuable information.”

Lieselotte approached Alvin and Layla as she left the boy.

“Let’s return to the second squad. This information might serve as a clue.”

With that, Lieselotte led the way. Alvin slapped his cheeks to refocus and followed her.

“Don’t let it weigh on you too much.”

“I know. It’s just frustrating.”

He smiled at Layla’s concern, acknowledging that one person’s efforts were limited.

─In the end, that day ended without any new leads.

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