Chapter 250 – Nosy Officers

Chapter 250 – Nosy Officers

 

The more Kai studied him the more certain he became. Lou had grown as tall as Flynn and twice as muscular, but behind his short beard, his studious gaze was the same—especially when he looked at him disapprovingly.

Hmm… maybe I should stop staring at him.

Kai hung his head low, his ears burning for such an embarrassing mistake.

It’s normal to stare at strangers if they’re so freaking huge. Why did no one warn me he would come here? Is he not part of Valela’s plan?

He searched Lou’s face for an answer, but what he saw was a visage of cold professionalism. There was no hint of recognition or common understanding.

I guess his silence is already confirmation, though it wouldn’t kill him to flash a smile after two years. It’s nice to see you’re doing well.

Whatever awkwardness Mat showed, it would fit with the image of the timid young alchemist he was trying to cultivate. His supposed father had kept him hidden from the world since his mother tragically passed away. It would be strange if he acted like an ordinary teenager.

The leading enforcer snapped his fingers in front of his face. “Are you listening to me, boy? You’re really mage Cyrus Veernon’s son?”

Mat mutely nodded, hands nervously crumpled the hem of his shirt.

The struggle between the political and military wings of the Republic had continued to simmer during his disappearance. While the council guards had taken over the security of towns and cities, the military enforcers held the jurisdiction over major investigations—such as the passing of a third circle mage.

I just have to hold on till Valela can take over my case.

“Can’t you speak boy? Why were you never registered?”

Bel threw a scolding glance at the officer. “There is no need to shout. Matthew has always been a bit shy. His father didn’t let him out of the property for his safety.”

“It’s okay…” Kai mumbled, still focused on his hands. “Father saw no use in registering me. Said the clerks wanted to get him out of the house, so they could steal his work.”

“What…?” The officer looked unsure of how to react to the nonsense.

“Master Cyrus was always a bit of an eccentric man.” Bel smiled with a look that said eccentric didn’t even scratch the surface. “Is there anything else you need to know? Matthew has already lost his family. I can show you where we buried his father.”

“Do you have any proof he’s mage Cyrus Veernon’s son?”

“What more proof do you need?” The old woman waved at Kai’s face. “He’s right in front of you, the spitting image of his father.”

“Unfortunately, we don’t possess any description of the deceased, ma’am. What about his mother?”

“What do you think?” Bel pursed dried-up lips in disapproval as if in front of a particularly dumb child. “Do you want me to spell it out in front of the boy?”

“Ehm, it’s my duty to investigate every possibility.” The officer lost some of his certainty. “The Republic can’t let the boy inherit the estate without verifying his claim and the proper documentation.”

At least they don’t suspect the truth.

No one would ever imagine Kai impersonated a fictional boy to acquire a background free of scrutiny. A sham to steal the inheritance was a much easier motivation. Or maybe the Republic just wanted to use the lack of paperwork to confiscate everything.

“I don’t have anything…” He bit his lip. “But Father taught me to brew…”

The man looked at him dumbly. “Brew…?”

“Yes, alchemical potions.” Kai wore what he hoped was an embarrassed smile. “He said I was quite good and had taken after him.”

It wasn’t orthodox proof, but what were the chances a mixed kid also knew Alchemy? He just had to get over this nosy officer to let Valela take charge.

The enforcers headed back to the porch to convene among themselves. Lou stood aside for a while before leaning in to whisper something that made them splutter.

“You’re only here as an observer,” the second enforcer hissed.

“You can check for yourself,” Lou said before returning to his impassive position.

What’s that about…?

Two clumsy skills touching his aura answered the question. Instead of retreating, the officers grew more insistent, double and triple-checking, disbelief growing on their faces.

Well, this works too. I’ve got a higher grade than them at half their age.

Even if they thought Cyrus had used elixirs to enhance his grade, that was already proof that Mat was his son. No one else could have reached that level.

“How old are you, boy?” The lead enforcer weighed him, suspicion swapped for a mix of surprise and greed…?

“I— I’m fourteen, al— almost fifteen.”

“If that’s everything, why don’t we get going? I can answer any more questions.” Bel thumped her gnarly cane between them with an air of finality. “Matthew has been through enough.” Then her tone softened at him. “Why don’t you go grab your things, dearie? It’s not good to stay in this big house alone.”

Seeing that none of the officers complained, Kai bobbed his head and headed upstairs to his room. He slumped on the dusty bed, while Mana Observer discreetly kept track of their position.

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Why is this so stressful? I hope Lou knows what he’s doing.

The reveal of his grade erased any doubt about his identity, though that would attract a different kind of attention. The old housemaid led the group to Cyrus’ burial site. The enforcers glowed with a series of skills before nodding, satisfied.

Time to leave.

Kai rubbed his eyes red and went to wait by the main entrance with his bags.

“My condolences for your loss.” The investigator offered an empathetic smile that stank of fakeness. “It must be hard for you.”

“Uhm… thank you.”

“You can come with us to the precinct. You need to be registered and have proper documents to inherit the estate. Just some routine paperwork, it won’t take long.”

Yeah, I’m sure you find teenagers isolated on an island every other week.

“I…” Kai looked at Bel with wide eyes. In the mad rush to get him here, Valela’s instructions couldn’t cover every detail and eventuality.

“Don’t worry, dearie. I’ll stay with you till the situation is resolved.” The old woman gave him a motherly smile.

Perhaps put off by the state of disrepair, the officers showed no interest in the house. They headed down the dirt trail to the beach. Mat threw frequent looks back at the place of his childhood, letting himself get consoled by Bel. He was leaving behind the only home he had ever known with a bunch of intimidating strangers.

How do you act like that? I can’t exactly cry on command.

There were two boats docked at the crumbling pier. The larger one sported the soaring hawk of the Republic, while a tanned young man with a wide nose sat in a rowing boat.

“Grandma, is everything alright?”

“Yes, I’ll be accompanying young Mat to Pearldive.”

“If you already have passage, you should sail with your nephew.” The officer barred her path. “Our vessel is for official duty only, I can’t let you on board.”

“You— Matthew can ride with us. We’ll follow your boat to the port.”