Chapter 29: All Kinds of People

“You’re willing to believe me?”
Bronya couldn’t help but feel touched.

Since coming to the lower district and shedding the glory of being the Supreme Guardian’s heir, she had truly realized that no matter her original status or the authority she held, in this gray land, she was no different from any ordinary person.

They wouldn’t flatter her because of her identity, nor would they twist the truth or spread rumors to curry favor with her.
In fact, if she were to reveal her true identity, it would likely put her in a very disadvantageous position.

Though she was reluctant to admit it, she felt ashamed of how recklessly she had acted, even venturing out without a weapon.
She had assumed that no matter how bad things were in the lower district, they would still adhere to the order maintained under the Supreme Guardian’s rule and wouldn’t be as dangerous as the frontlines.

But in reality, the erosion in Rivet Town was far more severe than the Fragmentum encroaching on Belobog. Trust between people was severely lacking, and there were even criminal organizations dedicated to plundering the fruits of others’ labor.

Even when chatting with Venti’s friends, she often found herself unable to keep up with the conversation, and Seele’s sharp remarks had left her confidence in tatters.

In such a situation, Venti’s offer of help filled her with not only gratitude but also a stirring emotion.
However, the inexperienced young girl didn’t recognize this budding feeling as romantic affection but rather as a mix of friendship and camaraderie.

She quickly spoke with seriousness, “I want to go look for her. If someone really has been living here, there should be traces left behind.”

“Mm-hmm. The story of sisters surviving in the Fragmentum is something I’d love to witness too. Let me accompany you!”
Venti said with a cheerful smile.

“…Thank you, Venti.”
“No need to thank me. We’re good friends, after all.”
Venti’s playful smile helped ease the tension in her heart.

Bronya was deeply grateful for Venti’s support and trust.
Without his company, venturing into the Fragmentum alone would have been extremely dangerous.

While she wasn’t afraid of such risks personally—otherwise, she wouldn’t have accepted Cocolia’s mission to lead an elite squad to the most dangerous part of the frontlines—there was a harsh reality to face.

The glory of her status had granted her many privileges, but it also meant that her life wasn’t entirely her own.
She had a responsibility to the people of Belobog. If she were to go missing or die here, it could indirectly lead to a complete division between the upper and lower districts.

Just the thought of such a possibility made it impossible for her to treat this matter lightly, let alone devote herself wholeheartedly to finding the girl’s sister.

Noticing that Bronya’s spirits had improved, Venti suggested,
“Then, let’s not waste any time. After delivering the medical kits, we’ll go gather some information and then come back here to take a look.”

Of course, the two of them couldn’t break away from the group to investigate the whereabouts of the girl’s sister right now. Besides, they didn’t have to search for clues only in this area.

As the largest human settlement in the lower district, Boulder Town naturally offered more avenues for gathering information.
Otherwise, wandering around aimlessly like headless flies would likely result in Natasha sending someone to look for them before they could even find a clue.

Not only would they have failed to help, but they would also have caused trouble at such a critical moment. That was no way to act.

Quickening her pace, Bronya caught up to Seele, who, despite her earlier annoyance, had still waited for them. This warmed Bronya’s heart.

Though Seele still didn’t give her a friendly look, Bronya understood that if someone truly disliked another, they wouldn’t worry about their safety.
The fact that Seele had waited for her meant that, in her eyes, Bronya might be seen as someone from the upper district who was also recognized by Wildfire, just like Venti.

That made two acknowledgments.
Finding some solace in this thought, Bronya felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted, and she even managed a faint smile.

Seeing her smile, Seele, who had been about to say something, hesitated and decided not to press further.
Earlier, she had simply been suspicious of Bronya’s identity and worried that Venti might be deceived. She had deliberately picked on Bronya to see if she could uncover any flaws, not because she genuinely had a grudge against her.

By the time they returned to Boulder Town, Natasha, who had received the emergency medical supplies, finally breathed a sigh of relief.
After thanking everyone for their efforts, she quickly got back to work, and Seele went to help with whatever she could.

As for Venti, he was dismissed with the excuse, “You’ve already helped so much. Go take a break.”
Bronya, who wasn’t as close to Natasha and the others, naturally received the same treatment.

To gather information and also rest for a bit, Venti took her to the Goethe Hotel in the lower district.

This Goethe Hotel was part of the same chain as the Goethe Grand Hotel in the upper district. When Bronya inquired about the relationship between the two, the hospitable owner, Mrs. Goethe, cheerfully explained,
“Both the one above and this one here are part of our Goethe family’s business. It’s said that our family has existed since before the Eternal Freeze and even had a good relationship with the Supreme Guardian of that time, Alisa Rand.”

“So there’s such a connection?”
Bronya’s curiosity was indeed piqued. She had initially been skeptical of Venti’s suggestion to gather information in crowded places.
After all, what she was most familiar with were the comprehensive written reports prepared by Intelligence Officer Pela.
This was her first time personally going around to gather information!

The owner, now in high spirits, continued enthusiastically,
“Yes, our family was once one of the most prominent families—have you heard of the current ‘Landau’ family? I’d say we were probably as influential as they are now back in those days!”

“I do know one of their members. He currently serves as a Silvermane Guard Captain, fighting tirelessly on the frontlines, living up to the Landau name.”
Mentioning these familiar things brought back the confident, radiant Bronya of the past.

“Hahaha! Then now that you’ve met someone from our Goethe family, you’re only one step below the Supreme Guardian!”
Unlike others in the lower district, Mrs. Goethe didn’t seem to hold much prejudice against the Supreme Guardian and even continued to explain enthusiastically.

“It’s just a shame that later on, a few prodigal sons in our family squandered the family fortune. Fortunately, someone worked hard to rebuild the family business, which is how we ended up opening this hotel in the lower district.
Later, as our business grew, someone wanted to expand to the upper district. Surprisingly, this Goethe was quite capable and managed to secure a shop in the most luxurious part of the Administrative District! That’s how the ‘Goethe Grand Hotel’ in the upper district came to be.”

“I see.”
Bronya was enlightened.

“However, our family also split into two branches, one in the upper district and one in the lower district.”
At this point, Mrs. Goethe seemed a bit melancholic.

“Then, do you know the old Mr. Goethe from the upper district? What’s his personality like? I mean… if I go to perform there later, should I bring him a gift to make a good impression?”
Venti chimed in at the right moment.

“Of course I know him! Even though I mentioned the family split, the two branches still keep in touch. We used to hold family gatherings during festivals like the Sunfire Festival.”
Mrs. Goethe reminisced.

“As for the old Mr. Goethe you mentioned… he’s a very kind person. Just act normally when you go; there’s no need to be too formal. After all, in terms of seniority, he and I are actually of the same generation! Hahaha!”

“Eh!? You’re actually…”
Bronya was surprised. The owner, though not exactly young, was certainly not at the age of a grandmother and still had a charming presence.
But the old Mr. Goethe from the upper district, whom she had met a few times, was indeed an elderly man with white hair, as his title suggested.
Even if he looked older than his age, this seemed a bit too exaggerated.

Perhaps sensing what Bronya was thinking, Mrs. Goethe gave a knowing smile.
“Many people have said that, but in life, there are some things you have to take good care of, right?
Would you like me to teach you some skincare tips, young lady? I can tell you have a good foundation, but for some reason, you’ve been hiding it, haven’t you?
Although your techniques in this area are quite standard, they’re actually a bit outdated.”