Chapter 14

*Lilia's point of view

Alyce has been acting out of character most of the time. She is often busy too. I don't see much of her. Something's been bothering me since we came but I never got the chance to ask her. I tried last night but she was so tired so I didn't bother.

The next morning, people from the central talked with her since she slammed the door on them last night. It took awhile for her to finish with them and it was already time for my training so my chance to ask keeps getting postponed.

Allen is currently training me again and I still can't activate my innocence. He tries to encourage me by saying that he wasn't able to activate it too when he was my age. It did help me a bit since there are times I felt useless. I strive to do better.

"Why don't we take a short break?" said Allen.

"Okay."

"I'll get something to drink. Wait here."

"Okay."

Allen left the room and after a few minutes. Alyce came in after a few minutes.

"So how's the training?"

"It's fine but Alyce…"

"What is it?"

"There's something I want to ask or rather confirm ever since we got here. I didn't want to assume anything just yet."

"Okay, so what do you want to ask me?"

"Is Allen your younger brother?"

"What brought that thought to your mind?"

"It's not that obvious but you slightly resemble each other and well, it's his arm. I overheard something about your conversation with … your friend when both of you brought me to the orphanage. I didn't mean to listen but I heard that you have a younger brother who had a similar arm as mine."

"It's true I have a younger brother who resembles your arm. I'm not sure though if it is Allen. Don't tell anyone since I'm not sure."

"But…"

"Don't argue with me, Lilia."

"Yes, Alyce. I promise I won't tell."

"Good," said Alyce as she patted Lilia's head while holding her in an embrace. Her face slightly showed a look of sadness.

I can't have him know yet. It's true that there are only very few possibilities that there is another person besides him with the same description but I can't tell him just like that. I've heard what he's been through and he might not really want the truth. He was abandoned and left alone. I can't just step in like as if that never happened.

A knock came on the door and then it opened. Lenalee came in.

"Alyce, there's another mission for you. The train leaves in an hour. You can ask Komui-nii for other details before you leave."

"Okay. I'll be going then, Lilia. Do your best."

"Yes, Alyce."

After an hour, the train left. Alyce was already inside and the mission was with Kanda. The train reached their destination in complete silence.

*In the order …

"Lilia, can I have a talk with you?" asked Lenalee.

"Okay, but not now. Maybe later after dinner," said Lilia.

"I guess it can wait," said Lenalee.

…

*Lavi's point of view …

From the way Alyce tried to deny things, she really must have met him in the past. What was there relationship? From the way they spoke, they must have known each other quite well. I could try asking Lilia but I think she might have told her to keep quiet about it since it would be dangerous for both of them if it was known that they've interacted with a Noah at different circumstances besides during battle. I guess I would keep quiet for now and patiently wait for the truth to come itself. As a bookman apprentice, I really shouldn't interfere. I have to just observe and record. I have to remember that they're just ink on paper. I shouldn't be bothered too much.

…

*Lenalee's point of view

I overheard something I shouldn't have. Is it really true? If it is, should I tell him? Or should I keep quiet? He deserves to know yet do I have a right to tell him?

I'm in no position to tell him. I'm just a friend while she might be related to him.

I'll just have to try and confirm if I heard right.

"Lenalee, what do you want to ask?" said Lilia as she came inside Lenalee's room after knocking.

"Awhile ago when I was heading to the training room, I overheard your conversation. Is it really true that Allen is her younger brother?"

"Alyce said she wasn't sure so please don't tell anyone. I promised her that I won't tell so please do the same."

"Alright, I won't. So it's true then?"

"Yes."