Chapter 12: A Second Best Friend

Trost District: Gate Entrance

Liette really wasn't expecting to be back in the Trost District again, but frankly, this was the last place she was in before she was relocated to the Shiganshina District; before the fall of the Wall Maria a few months back. Some stinging memories flashed in her head, but she quickly refocused on what their next agenda was, finding the Second Crime Lord.

Sleeping quarters were already taken care of. Rivaille and Liette would take homage to their Scouting Legion quarters while Peter and Kristell will flock to the Stationary Guard barracks. Irene has agents stationed in all the districts, so she and Elsa would stay with them. Nelson on the other hand, has a business friend that he can stay with.

To her relief, everyone had a place to stay for the night. It pained her to see people sleeping on the streets, especially now that there are still refugees from the fall of the Wall Maria. While on the subject, Liette couldn't help but think about the children trio, clearly remembering their names. "Eren, Armin, Mikasa..."

Where those three's whereabouts were, Liette didn't know. She only hoped for the best for those three.

After the accommodations were taken care of, Liette took this opportunity to speak with Irene about the identity of the next Lord she was to seek.

Unfortunately, Irene couldn't answer, not because it was against the established rules, but because she didn't know who it was. "I'm sorry Liette, but I do not know the actual identity of the Second Crime Lord."

Liette was a backed by this, "Aren't you supposed to know everything?"

"The word everything is up for speculation" Irene joked in return with a slight chuckle as she poured a cup of tea. Her residence was a somewhat roomy home, established by one of her agents which were used as a secret meeting place for spies to exchange information before dispersing among the districts again. "But even I don't know a few things. If I don't know it, then I seek to know it."

"Really now?" Liette replied, curving her eyebrow in a slightly sarcastic tone.

"I'm just as curious as you are Liette. Trost had no Crime Lord in time for last meeting of the Lords Counsel. So as for whom he exactly is, I know not. But judging from his title that I have heard around, he seems to be the richest man in the district." With a momentary pause to sip some tea, she continued, "It might not seem like much, but it's a start."

"The richest man..." The Trost District was indeed a district thriving for merchants and trade, though not recently with the increase in refugee population from the Shiganshina District. But overall, it was renowned for its commerce. Liette had only been living the district for a few months, and was not familiar with the merchant aspect.

Irene set her cup down before ruffling through the pages of the book she was reading before, "I would suggest you ask around the markets. Gossiping is common in the world of commerce, and what better environment than the merchants home?"

Liette nodded her head in agreement, understanding Irene's logic.

"But, you could also try the bars. "

"Bars?"

"Alcohol is a merchant's second best friend. You could probably find many merchants at bars that are moping about their lost fortunes and wealth." Irene added, crossing her arms, "They might know a few things about who we are looking for"

Without much of anything else to say, Liette bid farewell to Irene to seek out the Crime Lord. But before that, Liette couldn't help but say some last words, "Irene I'm happy that you are helping us." It seemed awkward for the moment to say, but Liette wanted to somehow quell her guilt for distrusting Irene.

Irene did nothing except for a light smile before chuckling, "Sister has such a big mouth." She joked before looking at Liette, "We all have our struggles Liette. Helping you with yours, helps mine also."

Mess Hall Military Commons Area

Taking what she learned from Irene, Liette decided to direct everyone as to what they might do to find out the identity of the Second Crime Lord. Their first option was the Markets. Figuring that the bars were not a place very suitable for minors like Peter and Kristell, she dictated that they go there while she and Rivaille hit the bars.

"W-wiat!" Rivaille profusely objected, "What about Nelson?" In all honesty, he did not want to go to a bar with Liette.

"I talked to him earlier. He said that he could take a look at the Contracting Office and the Merchants Hall" Liette replied. She had forgotten to tell everyone that Nelson was a contractor, someone who keeps tracks of, creates, files, and transfers contracts and shipments between clients from all sectors of society to the government. As to how he ended up with Roger in the circus, Liette knew not.

It might have seemed like a very high top job, but it doesn't pay as much as they think; according to Nelson. But he seemed very content with his job when Liette spoke with him about it; he feels comfortable managing their things. Of course, through this occupation, he often works with merchants and such.

"Then why don't he go with you to the bar and I go to the Halls?" Rivaille suggested, in a last attempt to wiggle himself out of a rather tiresome day with Liette.

"Eh..?" Liette responded with a tilted head, "I don't think so mister. You and I are going to hit the bars. Besides, you wouldn't want a young lady like me walking into one of those alone now do you?"

Rivaille scoffed as his dull eyes frowned at Liette's attempt at making him feel uncomfortable. It was something she always did to him if she wanted him to do something for her, even back in her younger days of the Scouting Legion. "Alright alright. Fine..." He succumbed to Liette's pestering because he knew that she wouldn't cut it out. As much as he despised it, Liette was his superior, and for as much as his respect for authority and discipline goes, he had to obey.

"Good! Let's get going then." Liette replied as she promptly stood up, tugging at Rivaille's collar.

With a slight sigh, Rivaille stood up also and followed Liette out of the mess hall, much to Peter and Kristell's giggling, which was quickly cut off by a menacing glare shot at them.

"Oi.. .was that Lance Corporal Rivaille?One of the soldiers from behind nudged Peter from behind.

"Uhh...yes it was" Peter replied, rather hesitantly.

"What the hell is he doing here? And was that the Silver Haired Striker with you too?"

"Yes, and he's doing some important business" He answered.

"Wait Are you working with them too?!" Another solder asked.

Peter wasn't sure whether or not to answer, and he sat there, deciding back and forth within the few seconds that passed until Kristell broke his thought.

"Peter! We better get going too!" She said quickly getting up. Apparently, Kristell knew that Peter was being pressured, so she took this opportunity to give him a hand.

Seeing the panel that Kristell had opened for Peter, he replied, "Ah.. yea..."

Central Trost District Market Bazaar

The market environment was a very different experience compared to Kristell and Peters disciplined military life. People were yelling all around, advertising their wares. Laughter, chatter, gossip and such were common all around.

They themselves were stationed in the Trost District for a couple of months, but every other week, they were sent to other Districts to relay messages and shipments by order of the Mayor of the Trost District.

Strangely enough, people were giving occasional stares at the duo. A lot of suspicious things can occur in places like this, and seeing the law enforcement of the district roaming about made them a bit conspicuous.

Most only glanced for a moment, not taking into particular care about Peter and Kristell.

It was quite interesting. Peter had never seen these gadgets and trinkets before in his life; it was like discovering what truly lied behind the walls. Some of them seemed to serve no purpose, which made him wonder what they were for.

Despite the curiosity growing inside him to examine the wares of these vendors, Peter reminded himself that browsing the market wasn't what they were here to do. Their job was to ask the merchants and vendors about the richest man in the Trost District.

"Kristell?" He noticed that she wasn't by his side, and looked around at the rather thick crowd that was moving to and fro in the street. "Where are you?" He asked before his eye caught her, hunched forward in front of a small stand. It seemed that she was staring intently at some of the owners sales.

"What are you doing?" Peter asked as he tugged her hair bun.

"Peter! I want this!" Kristell replied, holding a necklace up. It was a simple accessory, with a green, shiny gem that was tied to a leather rope.

"What happened to your money?"

"I spent the last of it on food for Hooter!" Kristell wined, as if she were asking him to pay for her.

Peter rolled his eyes, "What do you want me to do?"

"Can you buy it for me?" Kristell folded her hands and smiled for Peter.

He wasn't very amused as he sighed, "Aren't your parents wealthy?" He asked while trying to weasel his way out of paying for Kristell.

"Oh yea, like I could ask them for money right now" Kristell replied sarcastically.

"That wasn't my point" Peter said, shaking his head before asking the merchant how much the necklace was. "Looks expensive if you ask me..."

Giving a slight chuckle to Peter and Kristell, the merchant replied, "Five will be fine. I've been trying to get rid of this thing for a long time."

"That's it?" Peter asked, paying the merchant in full.

"Well, you two looked cute together, so I figure a discount would be nice" The merchant whispered to Peter.

With a fitful of blushing, Peter hastily took the necklace and looked away.

The vendor did nothing but laugh as he returned to his usual routine of advertising.

"Peter? You look flushed. What's wrong?" Kristell asked, ignorant of Peter's embarrassment.

"N-Nothing!" He replied, holding his hand out, with the necklace sitting in his palm, "H-her e.."

"Thank you thank you Peter!" Kristell exclaimed as she wrapped her arms around him tightly.

"O-Okay Kristell! You can let go of me now!" Peter broke himself from Kristell's hug, rather, timidly. "You always helped me when I was in trouble, even when we were younger. The least I could do was pay you back"

Kristell smiled while pulling the necklace over her head. The gem shone brightly with the sun, green in color and flawless to boot. Peter wondered why he sold it at such a cheap price. It clearly did not look like he knew its worth.

"Oh well" He shook it off. What's done was done. But for some reason, Peter couldn't help but feel that they were forgetting something.

"We're supposed to be asking for the richest man in the District!"

ooo

Peeking through the door to the bar they had heard was a safe haven for merchants, Liette took a step inside. Most sullen merchants that were drinking didn't bother to see who entered, as, they were too depressed about their own misfortunes to care.

"Oi, hurry up and get some info already. I hate the smell of this place" Rivaille whispered a complaint to Liette as they both sat down at the counter. It was indeed apparent that the bar smelled of alcohol and sweat, but that was less obvious to Liette as she quickly ordered a drink.

"Are you even listening to me?" The Lance Corporal asked tapped his knuckles on the side of her head.

Liette shook his hand away, taking a grip of her glass, "We aren't going to get any information if you keep up that attitude. You have to relax and listen in. Gossip can narrow our suspects very quickly." Before Liette took a drink from her beverage, the bartender couldn't help but overhear.

"Suspects now eh?" He said lowly with a slight grin, leaning forward talking to Liette, "You guys aren't the Stationary Guard. Why are Scouting Legion soldiers doing the jobs of those guys?"

"We're in some downtime" Liette replied, trying to keep her profile low. "And the Stationary Guard is too busy prepping the district for another attack."

"Downtime huh..." The bartender went on, examining his just cleaned glass cup, "Still, you guys should be somewhere else. Not hanging out in a bar like this. Unless..."

A glare was shot from Rivaille as he awaited for what the bartender was going to say next, but was met with a shrugging, "Never mind"

Sliding a full cup down the counter to a drinker, the bartender continued, "So you want a little bit of gossip don't you?"

"Yes, do you by chance know anything?" Liette asked.

He simply laughed, "Little lass, I listen to people with lost fortunes ramble all day. I'm bound to know a thing or two. What did you have in particular?"

"I just wanted to know who the richest person in the District was"

The bartender scratched his head, murmuring part of what Liette asked, "Richest person..." His mouth curved up a bit as he tried to recall something, "Rich is kind of subjective if you ask me. But, I can give you a list of some rumored very rich people in the district."

Both Liette and Rivaille focused their attentions to listen carefully.

"Now from what I've heard, Eustace Balto recently hit a big business trade and he's scoring it even bigger than he already has"

"Balto?" Liette asked, unfamiliar with the name.

"You know, that noble that Dot Pixis and his squad are protecting the property of." The bartender added before crouching under to put back the glass he was polishing.

Liette nodded her head, now knowing who he was talking about. Commander in Chief Dot Pixis is the officer in charge of defense administration for all the southern districts. Liette had only met him once or twice, but she learned quickly that he was a man who had much authority.

"Some people are saying that he's getting richer because of his affiliation with Pixis, stealing military funds and supplies and such. But I don't believe that, Pixis seems like an honest man. Besides, with the fall of the Wall Maria, I'm pretty sure he has more important things to worry about." After a few moments, the bartender continued, "The next guy on the list is Lewis Griggs, the head administrator of the Merchants Guild. He's the guy that has the final say on contract fees, payment transfer fees, and market lot fees. On top of that, he also has lots of connections, so that's open for speculation."

"Just how many people are you going to talk about?" Rivaille asked, rather impatiently since the stench of the bar was getting on his nerves; more than it already has.

"Don't rush me, there's a few more that I know about" The bartender said pouring a glass of vine for Rivaille, "Calm your nerves friend. You gotta relax sometime"

"Everyone tells me to relax" Rivaille mouthed in his mind as he rolled his eyes before taking a sip of vine. Vine was an alcoholic beverage that can sometimes be highly addictive. Fortunately, Rivaille wasn't too fazed by the drink and only consumed it on social occasions.

"So, who is the next person?" Liette asked to refocus back on the topic that she ever so wanted to continue with.

Continuing with his casual assent, the bartender spoke on, "Thames Verdalt I've heard has been amassing some money also."

"You mean the mayor of the District?"

The bartender nodded, "The one and only." Before Liette could ask why, he preemptively answered, "Many of my customers complain about the rising taxes on selling goods in the district. They all say that he siphons money from the revenue for himself. That's all I know though."

This continued on for about two more persons of interest. The next person was Jourdan Huson, a successful produce merchant who took advantage of the skyrocketing sales in food towards the beginning of the shortage, and made a huge profit. Possibly the quickest to rise in wealth as of recent times.

The final person of interest was Oswin Fuerguth, a member of the Security Council and in charge of military finances for the Trost District and surrounding areas. Some rumored him to be buying cheap equipment from the black market to mask the illusion of buying standard weapons, and using the rest of the money for private gain.

Each person had a viable connection to a corrupt channel, so it was difficult for anyone to tell without further investigation.

All in all, these were rumors only, and Liette believed that one of these people is the Second Crime Lord, whether or not these rumors were true. The problem was they needed to speak with each and every one of these individuals to confirm if they are the Crime Lord or not.

Liette assumed that if one of these men were a Lord, they would be expecting her at first sight.

Later that night, she called a meeting at Irene's residence explaining the situation about the multiple suspects. "Should we split up into groups and speak to them like that? Or should we all go in one?" Liette asked, wanting everyone's input on what to do.

"Going as one group might intimidate them" Rivaille noted, stirring sugar into his tea, "I say that it would be safer to go in groups assigned to our specialty."

"What do you mean by specialty Levi?" Elsa asked in a somewhat sarcastic tone, implying that he was putting everyone else down to promote his ability.

Annoyed that someone called him by his nickname, especially at Elsa, he replied, "Two of our suspects are related to Commander Pixis. It would only make sense if Liette and I took charge of these two." By the time he said this, Rivaille gagged a bit realizing what he had just said, hoping that no one noticed. It suddenly became increasingly noticeable as to how much more time he was spending with Liette. He didn't know how he felt about this. All this time, he shrugged it off as being part of his job, but for some reason, he wanted to spend more time with Liette.

"Our contracting associate Nelson can speak with the head of the Merchants Guild. The two brats can go to the produce merchant, and you and Irene can have a word with the mayor."

Kristell frowned a bit when he called them brats, but Peter shook his head, telling her to let it go.

"Wait...what happens if they opt to apprehend us?" Peter asked, considering that the Second Crime Lord might not be the friendliest of people in contrast to Irene.

"You need not worry about that" Irene spoke in her most casual speech, "My agents will keep a close watch on everyone. If anything is amiss, they will act accordingly."

ooo

Discerning what to do in order to get a hold of Eustace Balto, Liette figured that they speak with Commander Pixis himself. She and Rivaille had no clue as to the whereabouts of the eccentric man would be, but Liette had a suggestion. She proposed that they see an associate of hers in the Stationary Guard.

"I hope you have some sort of lead" Rivaille implied a complaint as he walked by her side.

"Don't worry!" Liette said, knocking on the door of one of the squad leaders dorms, "He's reliable enough to fill us in on Pixis"

After a few moments, no one responded. Knocking again, they were met with the same silence. Liette, somewhat confused, turned the knob of the door to find that it was open. "That's strange, is he on patrol today?" Her question was met with a loud snoring.

Rivaille furrowed an eyebrow in a frown at Liette's nervous chuckling, "Reliable enough huh?" He said sarcastically, glancing at the sleeping man that was supposed to get them to Pixis.

"Maybe he's taking the day off?" Liette responded with a shrug as she went over to wake the man up. "Urdin! Wake up! What kind of soldier sleeps in like that?"

Urdin Bachmeier was a squad commander in charge of helping the defense of the districts in case of titan attack. Unfortunately since there isn't too much to do at the moment other than strengthen the Trost Districts defenses, most squad leaders are left with nothing to do.

"Ah...stop it recruit. I'm on vacation..." Urdin drowsily ignored Liette's complaints.

"Oi! Wake up!" An irritated Rivaille pulled the sheets off the sleeping soldier. "You'll get plenty of sleep when the titans take a bite off your head."

Quickly breaking away from his sleep, "Lance Corporal?!" Urdin said as he quickly stood up, giving a salute. "Squad Commander Urdin Bachmeier reporting for duty!"

"Glad you're awake Urdin" Liette said, slightly nervous at Rivaille's condemnation.

Urdin was quite surprised seeing Liette, "Herrman! What are you doing here? I thought you were a goner ever since the campaign failed."

"Well, I thought I was a goner too but somehow, I still made it out. But, I need to talk to you about something" With that final word, she sat down, explaining to Urdin her situation as thus far.

"Crime Lords huh...?" Urdin murmured, tugging at his goatee, "And you need to speak with Pixis about one of the richies of the district?"

Liette nodded in reply to his question.

"Well, I'm not sure about his exact locations. But, it's still morning, and he usually takes a walk along the wall in the mornings." Urdin guessed, crossing his arms. "You could try finding him there"

"Are you sure about that?" Rivaille questioned, still giving Urdin the benefit of a doubt, but Liette snapped back, nudging him.

"It's better than nothing." She said, standing up to catch the Commander before it would be too late.

"Wait Liette... before you go" Urdin said, catching her attention before she left, "Do you mind if I join you guys? Since the fall of the Wall Maria, there's been a whole lot of downtime since they're still trying to create ways of enhancing the defense around here."

"Are you sure Urdin?" Liette asked in response to his sudden proposal to join them.

"I might lose my edge if I don't get out once in a while" He laughed it off. "Besides, if you're wanting to fight these guy , you're gonna need some connections. I can hook you up with some stuff"

The Silver Haired Striker couldn't help but laugh, "Come see me later."

Southern Trost District Wall

The late morning was quite refreshing as Dot Pixis stood there, quiet to himself, sipping from his canister of wine. "Ah... a nice day..." To his pleasant surprise, the sound of iron wire being pulled could be heard nearby. Turning to his left, his gaze met those of two soldiers that were approaching him. "Scouting Legion..." With an ever content grin beneath his mustache, he turned to greet his visitors.

"Commander Pixis sir!" Liette shouted out, saluting with Rivaille following.

"What can I do for you today Scouting Legion?" Pixis replied, taking a few steps to greet the two soldiers.

"My name is-"

"Staff Sargent Liette Herrman" Pixis interrupted, curling his facial hair, "We've met on a few occasions have we not?"

"Yes sir" Liette replied.

"Introductions are unnecessary" The Commander replied, "Now, what is it that you need from me? It must be important business if Lance Corporal Rivaille is with you"

"I would like to speak with you about Eustace Balto"

Pixis was silent as he turned the other direction to continue walking. He signaled his hand for them to follow, "Lord Balto is it? What is he the concern of?"

Liette and Rivaille followed him on his leisurely walk, "I'm conducting an investigation, and his rising wealth is becoming a growing suspicion. As, I want to confirm that it was not the result of corrupt play."

"Ah... so that's what it's about..." Pixis said as he nodded his head, "I've heard about this new 'squad' Irvin created in order to combat those rumored corrupt masterminds on the inner wall. You seem like a bright soldier Liette. I understand his reasons as to why he chose you."

Uncorking his canister, he took a large gulp of his drink and continued, "Lord Balto is a greedy man. A selfish man who indulges into many things. But corrupt, he is not."

Liette listened to him, still giving her word of doubt, "Are you sure Commander?"

Pixis laughed, "I'm sure you have your doubts, but rest assured. I keep a close eye on that man, he's harmless."

The Commander sounded quite sure about what he was saying, and Liette couldn't doubt him. "I see"

"I assume that everything about his activities has been cleared as legal?" Rivaille asked Pixis.

Pixis nodded, "I've done what I can to keep that man in check. Besides, I don't believe he has the guts to do anything suspicious while under my watchful eye."

Rivaille nodded, "Understood. Then our business here is done."

"Hold, I would like for you two to accompany me for just a while longer" Commander Pixis said, holding his arm out in the direction of the Wall Maria. Turning his head to look at the two, he began to speak again, "Two of humanities strongest soldiers stand in my presence today. But you in particular, Staff Sargent."

"Me?" Liette asked as he turned to her.

"Yes..." Pixis said, holding out his canister, "This is a big burden you are forced to carry. A nice drink once in a while will do you good"

Rivaille crossed his arms, and leaned on one leg, waiting for Liette's next reaction. He slightly rolled his eyes, not believing that he was wasting his time over something that Liette did not even an hour before.

Reaching forward to take a drink, Liette felt a sweet, but sour liquid enter her mouth. It was unlike anything she had ever tasted before, but it was very refreshing. Sighing out of relief, she began to feel rejuvenated. For once in a long time, her mind steadily felt lax.

Sliding his drink back into his jacket, Pixis laughed heartily. "For a woman, you sure aren't a stranger to alcohol. Maybe one day, we can catch a drink together." Turning back towards the Trost District, he turned to Rivaille, "You could learn a thing or two from her Rivaille"

The Lance Corporal scoffed a bit before turning away slightly from the Commander. He didn't like being compared to Liette. "I'd like to see that someday."

ooo

With one person cleared, Liette and Rivaille opted to seek out their next person of interest. Oswin Fuerguth had an office located at the Stationary Guard HQ towards the entrance of the District from the outside. Liette assumed that a Crime Lord didn't necessarily have to reside within the walls of the district, just in the general area.

They entered the Security Council building. It was bustling with people walking to and fro, chattering , carrying papers, contracts, small disabled arms and the like. Ever since the fall of the Wall Maria, defense agencies and resource providers have been frantically clamoring about, trying to meet the demands of the military as fast as possible.

Steadily dodging their way through the passing executives, Liette leaned slightly on the counter of the front desk, "Excuse me, but is Oswin Fuerguth available right now?"

The secretary replied with his back to Liette, organizing some files while hastily trying to keep up with the half a dozen of peoples questions thrown at him, "No I'm sorry, he's not in right now." He turned around to speak with Liette face to face, "But I can try to answer any questions that you have at the moment."

Liette's eyebrows raised with surprise as she saw who she was talking to, "Zackley?" That unmistakable messy black hair accompanied with wooden framed glasses gave the ticket away for her.

Zackley Kelsin tilted his head as he asked in reply, "Commander Liette?" It had only been about two weeks since Liette departed to the Karanese District, and three weeks since returning from the failed campaign, but he was still surprised to see Liette. "What are you doing here?"

"Commander?" Rivaille said to himself as he eyed Liette. There was a slight smile of sarcasm that crept upon his face, as, he thought it was amusing to hear someone call Liette commander. Even though she is considered his superior for the moment, he didn't take the obligation to call her commander at all.

"Well, I did want to talk to Oswin Fuerguth. But you did say he wasn't in at the moment so..." Liette said tapping her chin with her arms crossed. "I was wondering if you can answer one thing for me"

Zackley held a finger up to signal to wait a moment while he assisted another person, "What did you need?" he asked as soon as he got back.

"I heard rumors that Oswin bought cheap supplies through the black market, and used it to trick the Security Council into thinking he used up all his allotted funds. Then using those extra funds for himself." Liette explained.

Zackley rubbed his temples for a moment before sighing, "Oh dear, I suppose the rumors are getting quite out of hand"

"Out with it" Rivaille said impatiently, as he tapped the desk repeatedly.

"Well, it turns out that the manufacturing company in the Nedlay District to the north shipped us defective equipment. Some say it was due to corrupt interference with the shipping companies, so we're requesting a refund and conducting an investigation." Zackley said, shaking his head while fixing his glasses, "I think that's why the rumors began to spread."

Liette nodded her head, seeing the connections that would rule Oswin out.

"Err... Can you come back later?" Zackley requested, "I'm a little bit busy."

"Sure thing" Liette obliged, waving to her former second in command.

ooo

Nelson was quite grateful that the Merchant's Guild had an extremely high level of transparency when it comes to sales contracts and agreements. What made it even better was that they also had a record of income gain through said agreements as well as tax revenue designations.

To make things less complicated, Nelson requested that he see a list of the districts most wealthy men, in terms of cold money and assets.

Earlier, he had spoken with Lewis Griggs. Even though it sounded as if he were being accused for corruption, Griggs took it very lightly, stating that taxes and fees have not gone up since the year before. The proof was on paper, sealed with his signature, so Nelson took his word for it.

Unfortunately, when inquiring about the paperwork on the highest gross incomes of the Trost District, the librarian said that they were buried somewhere in the archives. The guild itself was having difficulties recently as, there has been a report of a mass amount of money being stolen from circulation, and they haven't been able to track down where it's being taken. So no one had the time to assist Nelson.

The only thing that he figured he could do was search for the documents himself. With permission, Nelson was allowed access to the archives.

"I'm sorry we can't help you for the moment, but this is the best we can do for now" The associate said as he led Nelson to a bookshelf, filled with books and loose papers. "It's a lot of stuff, so if you need to return later, just look for me."

Nelson nodded his head, "Thank you very much, but I think I'll be fine for now"

As the associate left, Nelson immediately got to work. He had a small lead, the title of the book contained the word "anthology", which was given to him by the associate. It seemed quite strange to him, since the word anthology meant a collection of poems and writings, but he figured that it sort of applied here.

After about an hour or so of searching, he managed to narrow down his search to a dozen books. Now came the difficult part. He had to go through each individual book and search for the contents himself. Enduring through hours of reading and taking notes, Nelson caught hold of something that might have just given him the identity of the Second Crime Lord.

"Wait... this is..." He murmured to himself, hastily jotting down a few more notes onto his paper. "I think I found it!"

A/N: Hello everyone! I'm back with another chapter, and for now, we are starting the second series of Crime Lords that we will encounter on our journey around the Walls. So? Who do you think is it? We already have a few cleared, but that doesn't rule them out competently compared to what Nelson found out.

I apologize if my events as of late have been rather... cloggy? I dunno, but there seems to be something wrong about my dialogues, or maybe it's my events in general, or maybe I'm just overthinking. I guess maybe because the environment so far has been calm and somewhat less action packed. On that same token though, not too much action planned for the next few chapters, but I can guarantee that you'll get a change of pace by the 4th District.

Also, to answer one of my reviewer's questions, I estimate around 20 chapters until the end of this arc. So it'll be a longer read, hopefully I'm up to the task!

Otherwise, I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and I will see you next time!