Chapter 67: Each Person’s Growth

Chapter 67: Each Person’s Growth

The former 36 Zouteland Street had its ground floor finished in stucco. On each floor above, two windows were enclosed together by a sealed arch, giving the building the characteristics of architecture from around the year 1300 of the Fifth Epoch. Its lighting had not been especially good.

After reconstruction, however, the ground floor now possessed the shelter of a small porch. On both sides were two-story-high projecting bay windows. The details of their frames included pier-like wall sections and decorative capitals, supporting slender stone beams. Above the tall bay windows was a parapet, carrying the third floor.

This was a three-story architectural style that had become popular only in the last few years.

For a moment, Leonard had the feeling that he had come to the wrong place.

Only after standing stunned for more than ten seconds did he grip the cane inlaid with silver-white metal and step into 36 Zouteland Street. Then he climbed the stairs, rounded the corner, and saw a black door and a vertical sign:

“Blackthorn Security Company.”

Once he reached this place, things seemed to become familiar again. He quickened his steps and pushed open the half-closed door.

The brown-haired girl who had raised the Tingen Honest Man in front of herself, blocking her face, heard footsteps that made no attempt at concealment. She moved the newspaper aside, revealing a smooth forehead, light-brown eyes, and a pretty face.

“…Good afternoon, Rozanne.” Leonard greeted her with a slight hesitation.

Rozanne first revealed a look of delighted surprise. Immediately afterward, her face darkened, and she said in an exceptionally cold voice,

“Good afternoon.

“Congratulations on avenging the captain, Klein, and the others.”

Leonard opened his mouth, not knowing how to respond. Even the action of raising a hand to press down on his top hat could not be carried out, because he disliked wearing hats.

He squeezed out a small smile and nodded slightly. Then, silently, he stepped forward, passed Rozanne, and prepared to enter the door that separated the outer and inner areas.

Just as he was about to enter the office area, he suddenly heard Rozanne behind him say in an extremely soft voice,

“Live well…”

Leonard’s steps slowed slightly, and he nodded heavily.

Arriving at the inner area, he immediately saw Frye standing by the captain’s office door.

This Corpse Collector was still as pale as someone who had not seen the sun for a long time. He had black hair, blue eyes, a high nose bridge, and very thin lips. His temperament was cold, gloomy, and dim.

Leonard seriously looked him over for a few seconds, breathed out, and did his best to smile in a carefree manner.

“Long time no see.”

“Good afternoon. Long time no see.” Frye pointed at the captain’s office. “I have already received the telegram and learned of your request. I will have two team members follow you for the operation. Also, you need to fill out an application form for the Sealed Artifact.”

Leonard laughed with some surprise.

“You’re the captain now? You don’t seem as quiet as before…”

In truth, Leonard had already digested the Requiemer potion and could advance to Sequence 5, Spirit Warlock. But in order to steal the power of that drop of Eternal Blazing Sun’s blood, he had deliberately avoided reporting it. He continued soothing spirits around the Backlund region and, through his own efforts, finally found a chance to come to Tingen.

“Yes.” Frye nodded lightly. “Actually, I do not like speaking this much. But as captain, I have no choice.”

Leonard nodded slightly.

“When did you become captain? How come I didn’t hear anything about it…”

“Recently,” Frye first answered concisely, then explained, “Not long after you left, I became a Sequence 8 Gravedigger. Last month, I finally advanced to Spirit Medium. And the previous captain happened to be transferred away.”

“So quickly…” Leonard had not finished speaking before he clenched his…