Alvian entered into the Manor with third Aunt. Since the matter was so delicate, they couldn't discuss about it with the servant listening.
Moreover, Alvian's personality didn't allow for him to speak twice, which was why he hadn't said anything to the third Aunt yet and wanted to talk only after the whole family had gathered.
There was a large courtyard not too far from the main family house, the whole family had gathered in there to listen the new Alvian had brought.
Sitting right at the large center table was the family head Zhen Tian, Zhen Chen's father while the two women sitting right on his left and right side was second mother and third mother.
Seated at the other seats were Alvian's supposed younger brothers and sisters. While the cousins and nephews were seated a bit far from the the family head.
Alvian walked through the entrance to the courtyard with second aunt and then paused seeing the gatherings at the courtyard. Seems like they had been informed by the servants about his arrival and had gathered here to hear about the result of his trip to the Watchmen Station.
"Father." Alvian bowed slightly to greet his father. Although he couldn't careless about anything or anyone, screwing up the whole mission because of simple courtesy wasn't being smart.
"Hmm, you are back. Take your seat." Zhen Tian permitted.
Alvian walked and then sat down. He could see the look of anxiety on their faces which they tried desperately to hide but to Alvian, it was as plain as day.
But then, their anxiousness was justified since a family member had already gone missing together with the missing servants.
"I assume you spoke with the Head of the Watchmen, what was his response in the matter relating to the missing people within the household?" Zhen Tian was extremely straightforward and got right to the crust of the matter.
Alvian expressionlessly glanced at Zhen Tian and then at the other family members. He then shook his head slightly. "Although they said they would come investigate the matter in a while, I don't think they would come anytime soon."
Zhen Tian frowned slightly and then gazed into Alvian's eyes. "Did you give them the gold like I told you to?"
"Yes father, I did as you said but they just accepted the gold and told me to head back saying they will keep in touch."
Upon hearing this, the Family head leaned back in his chair and sighed. "Is this it for my Zhen family." he muttered slightly but Alvian could see a trace of despair in his face.
This made Alvian's eyes squint slightly. The old man had sighed as though he knew something.
"Wait! What about my daughter!? Who is going to look for her!?" Third mother screamed at Alvian and Zhen Tian.
Her eyes were already puffy from crying and she seem to be going insane since she wasn't even properly dressed.
"Shut up!" Zhen Tian's voice rumbled through the courtyard as his hand slammed against the sturdy wooden table.
Third wife immediately kept quiet and refused to say a word while the rest of the family held their breathe in fear. Although Zhen Tian seem gentle, he was still the head of the house, his authority was absolute and no one dared disobey him since his anger wasn't easily quelled.
"You can all leave." Zhen Tian waved his hand and was deep in thoughts. The family members immediately stood up and left.
A few minutes later, Zhen Tian raised his head and was slightly surprised his eldest son was still seated before him, he frowned as he asked. "Why are you still here?"
Alvian didn't show signs of being intimidated. He gazed at his father Zhen Tian with a thoughtful look and asked. "You seem to know what's going on, but you don't want to say."
Zhen Tian was taken aback as he gazed deeply at his eldest son. "Has he finally gotten to his senses?" The old man thought.
Ignoring the odd feeling in his heart, he responded. "It's not a matter that concern you, head back to your room and don't go out unnecessarily, can't risk you too getting kidnapped can we?"
His voice gave no room for further discussions as he sent Alvian to his room. Witnessing how resolute Zhen Tian was, Alvian was well aware the old man wouldn't spill the beans soon.
Listening to the old man's words, Alvian headed back it his room, on his way, he could hear the whispers coming from the servants. Shaking his head, he walked into his room and settled on his bed.
Alvian frowned slightly as he thought. The mission might not be as simple so solve as he had imagined. He had no information to go with and neither did he know where to begin from.
All of a sudden, he sat up and moved closer to his door. Although the door was made from iron wood, Alvian's perception was too sharp and he could hear the whispers of the servants through his door.
"... more terrifying? It's that before anyone disappears, the guards within the vicinity could hear the voices of children playing hide and seek!"
"What? But their are no children in this household? How could there be voices of children playing within the courtyard?" One of the servants asked in fear and Alvian could imagine her shuddering in fear.
"I think we should get out of here as soon as possible! This place is haunted."
Bang!
Alvian slammed open the door, scaring the two servants out of their wits. "Go get me something to eat instead of standing here and gossiping all day! You will lose your tongue when next I see you two gossiping."
Seeing Alvian's stern expression the two maids immediately nodded their heads in fear and scurried away.
"Interesting." From their words, this case might actually be completely different than he had thought but then, if the mission was so easy to complete, then Alvian would rather sit at the office doing working. But the difficulty and ths mystery involved in this case makes him more and more excited.