Aunt.
Krista Wayne.
A girl who liked to wear white dresses, always had a smile on her face, and was very willing to give "him" extra pocket money.
Yes, a girl.
Although referred to as an aunt, Krista Wayne was only five years older than him, the child of his grandfather's third wife. However, like his grandfather's second wife, she unfortunately passed away early.
The only difference was that she was lucky enough to have a child.
His grandfather's second wife was the most pitiful, as she did not have any children after marrying his grandfather. She endured cold and harsh words from "his" mother and aunts daily and died of a broken heart within two years.
The memories that suddenly surfaced in Goethe's mind caused him to be momentarily lost in thought.
Then, he looked at the security chief standing before him.
"What happened to my aunt?" he asked.
"Please come with me. We'll discuss this in detail in your room," the security chief replied, bowing slightly and speaking in a low voice.
The security chief's words and the solemn expression on his face made Goethe suspect something.
He nodded and followed the security chief back to Room 801.
"Would you like some coffee?" the security chief asked.
"Green tea, please," Goethe replied.
The security chief immediately took action. After a hotel attendant brought a cup of green tea and a plate of snacks to the table and left the room, the security chief took three pieces of paper out of his pocket.
Or more precisely, three promissory notes.
Three promissory notes signed by his aunt, Krista Wayne.
One for 100 gold crowns, one for 150 gold crowns, and one for 200 gold crowns.
The collateral was the Wayne family residence at 1 Old Tower Street and the family's only asset, the "Wayne Brewery," a small brewery that was the most important source of income for the Wayne family.
Immediately, Goethe frowned.
The importance of the only residence and the only asset to the Wayne family was self-evident.
Based on his memory, unless his aunt had gone mad, she would never have done this.
"What happened?" Goethe asked, believing that the security chief must have the answers since he had brought out the promissory notes. He also believed that the security chief wouldn't use the notes to deceive him.
"Someone saw your aunt on 'Elm Street.'"
"And 'Elm Street' is a gathering place in Lustre for people with 'extraordinary abilities,'" the security chief answered in detail.
Goethe was taken aback.
Although he had some suspicions before, he was still surprised at this moment.
Because, in his previous speculations, there was no indication that his aunt had ever come into contact with "extraordinary abilities."
Could it be that it wasn't me but my aunt who attracted the "Fog Killer"?
After frowning in thought for a few seconds, Goethe continued to ask, "Is there anything else?"
"That's all we know for now."
"Our boss has many connections in Lustre, but finding this much in just a few hours is already the limit—of course, as promised, we will continue to investigate."
When the security chief mentioned his boss, his face was full of respect.
Goethe understood this.
Finding out this much in just a few hours was enough to show how extraordinary the owner of Pine Hotel was.
"I will take responsibility for these debts," Goethe said, pointing at the promissory notes.
Although he didn't know what his aunt had done, the debts were real.
Since he had become "Goethe" and was enjoying the conveniences brought by this identity, it was only natural to fulfill the corresponding obligations.
He wouldn't shirk his responsibilities in such matters.
Moreover, the one holding the promissory notes was the remarkable owner of Pine Hotel.
Goethe didn't want to make an enemy of him.
"Young Master Goethe, you are far more responsible than I imagined," the security chief praised.
"Could you tell me about 'Elm Street'?" Goethe asked, still curious about it despite the security chief's promise to continue the investigation.
"'Elm Street,' you say?"
"Its history isn't long, about twenty years or so. It started as a 'pharmacy,' owned by 'Lord Freddy.'"
"But as time went on, even 'Lord Freddy' probably didn't expect the pharmacy 'Nightmare's Night' to develop into Lustre's largest gathering place for extraordinary individuals: 'Elm Street.'"
"And 'Lord Freddy' became one of the wealthiest people in Lustre because of it."
"Moreover, in March of this year, it became an officially recognized gathering place."
The security chief's face showed significant surprise as he spoke about the history of 'Elm Street.'
Especially when he mentioned 'official recognition.'
Similarly, Goethe found this particularly interesting.
"Official recognition?" Goethe asked.
"Yes, last June, the Kingdom passed the 'Extraordinary Legalization' Act. As long as they haven't committed any crimes and acknowledge the Kingdom's rule, they can obtain legalized status."
"People like 'Lord Freddy' were among the first to apply."
"To date, many cities across the Kingdom have such semi-official gathering places for extraordinary individuals."
"However..."
"Many still believe they've lost their 'freedom.'"
The security chief explained.
"Is that so?" Goethe murmured softly, his gaze flickering slightly.
Even though it was just a brief account from Regrey, Goethe could already imagine the fierce open and covert battles that must have taken place from the drafting to the implementation of this law—likely a bloodbath.
And it probably wasn't over yet.
What the security chief said next only confirmed this.
"Although 'Elm Street' has semi-official status, it's not entirely safe inside. If you want to enter 'Elm Street,' Young Master Goethe, it's best to have someone introduce you. This can help you avoid unnecessary trouble."
"Of course, our boss would be happy to serve as your introducer."
The security chief said this while looking at Goethe.
"Thank you very much."
"Is there anything I need to do in return?" Goethe immediately agreed.
Although his status as an "apprentice" Secrecy Keeper might grant him some degree of safety, if he wanted to learn more about his aunt, it would be best to explore other avenues as well.
"Of course not. Consider this part of your compensation."
"'Elm Street' is located on Elm Street."
"The entrance is at the 'Nightmare Pharmacy.'"
"It's open on Fridays and Saturdays."
"If you wish to go, our boss will be there on Friday, and you can go together."
The security chief explained.
"Alright."
Goethe naturally had no objections.
"Then I will take my leave."
"Goodnight to you."
With that, the security chief collected the promissory notes, bowed, and left.
As the door closed, Goethe narrowed his eyes slightly.
There was no doubt about it—the owner of Pine Hotel was being overly attentive.
Even if it was under the guise of compensation, it exceeded reasonable limits.
"Is he scheming something?"
"Could there be more hidden secrets in the series of events involving the Wayne family?"
Goethe pondered.
Beyond this, he couldn't think of any other reason.
As for being a Secrecy Keeper?
If it were Morey, this behavior would be expected.
But Goethe?
He wasn't underestimating himself, but as a "trainee" Secrecy Keeper, he certainly wasn't worth such efforts.
After all, his potential was still unclear.
Rubbing his temples, Goethe continued to ponder as he made his way to the washroom. After freshening up, he lay down on the comfortable, soft bed.
The bed, a far cry from the police station's chairs, floors, and sleeping bags, allowed Goethe to close his eyes in comfort.
Almost instantly, Goethe fell asleep.
Then—
He found himself standing on Old Tower Street in a daze.
Unconsciously, he started walking toward "home."
Soon, he saw his aunt.
She was just as she was in his memories, dressed in a white dress, standing in front of the old house with a warm smile, waving at him.
"Goethe, Goethe, come on!"
"Let's go home!"
As she spoke, she reached out to grasp Goethe's hand.
(End of the chapter)