There was nothing wrong with having allies.
Their presence made a person's work easier and even more could be done.
This was Alex's thought process as he met Natasha at the Regulus apartment.
Unlike Ambrose, she looked a bit more malleable.
Of course, he didn't miss the fact that despite her naivety, she still had her principles.
If he had bad intentions, there was no way she would help him.
But he didn't and that made all the difference.
Revealing a bit of his heart to her allowed him to establish a sense of camaraderie with her.
It was weak, but it was there.
And like a seed, it would grow with constant nurturing.
Alex by no means thought himself good enough to be able to do everything he had to do in Eventide alone.
From his time on Earth, he understood the importance of a team.
On Eventide, he planned to reap the benefits the same way.
After managing to pry out some information from Natasha, Alex decided against investigating the apartment any further for the time being.
With that, Natasha soon left, taking a look at the officer on guard duty as she passed.
Thinking that he was sleeping, she didn't bother waking him up.
Alex however was more privy to his condition and so left before he could wake up.
After checking to see that Natasha had left, Alex walked over to the waiting coach and boarded it before calling out his next destination, the bank.
***
Two weeks.
That's how long it had been since 'Alex' managed to resolve the Butcher case.
A case that had stumped the entire police force of BoneHaven, otherwise known as the Royal Blue because of their characteristic blue uniform and beret.
It had claimed twelve lives since the period it started late last year.
Through a string of coincidences, he got the evidence needed to implicate Councilman Albion, a leading figure in parliament and one of the greatest supporters of the war over peace movement, regarding the troubles in the Eastern part of the continent.
Of course, his piece was lauded as amazing, while also helping to bring peace to the souls of those that were unjustly killed.
Solving the case brought fame and fortune, but it seemed to have brought its troubles as well with the Regulus family paying dearly for it.
It wasn't assured but for the time being, Alex intended to aim his thoughts in that direction as it seemed the most plausible.
In any case, the reward money the Royal Blue had set aside for any piece of information regarding the case was kept aside for him with a bit more since he helped them resolve everything.
He wasn't sure of the amount but it was good that he would at least have some money with him.
Not planning on staying in the Sanders manor forever, Alex needed funds and the reward money was a good start.
Stepping out of the coach, he was currently in the banking district located on a substantial piece of land between the western district and the central district.
Glancing around, he took in the appearance of the Goldberg Bank, the institution in which the reward money was kept.
According to what he learned, he only had to show his identification to the relevant authorities to receive the reward money which was ready for withdrawal.
Taking a deep breath, he made his way into the building.
Stopped at the entrance by the Royal Blue patrolling the area, he was made to show some identification before he was let in.
Alex made his way into the banking hall, walking over to the counter with a steady gait.
Maybe it was because it was still somewhat early, the number of customers was lesser than he expected considering the size of the place.
He didn't think much of it though as he waited in line with those that came before him.
While waiting, he busied himself listening to a conversation happening behind him between a group of four men.
"Did you hear?... I heard rumors from a colleague that some of those responsible for the troubles in the east have infiltrated our city."
"Huh, are you serious?"
"I heard it too. Honestly, it's quite worrying."
"What is the government doing with all the tax money we pay?... Shouldn't they deal with this before it gets out of hand?"
"Ugh, I do hope the rumors are fake. I really wouldn't want anything affecting the Emperor's birthday this year."
"Hmmph, what's that got to do with anything?"
"I'm planning on proposing to Mary during the celebration, dollop-head, so obviously I wouldn't want anything to destroy my plans."
"Get a load of this guy!... Instead of worrying about the safety of our great Zion Empire, he is worrying about the tail between his legs."
"Well forgive me but I don't think the Empire would allow me fuck it!"
Alex's eyebrow twitched a couple of times, considering how the conversation went from serious to something else entirely.
In any case, it gave him a valuable piece of information.
He finally understood the reason why the Royal Blue was so active.
Chances of an attack happening were high and they wanted to curb it as much as possible.
But then, they only protected the places where the wealthy were present.
Recalling the lack of security in the slums of the Western district, it was easy to tell that they didn't care much about the poor.
"...And that logic could very much lead to unfortunate consequences." He muttered as a certain thought came to mind.
Soon enough it was his turn as he got to the counter which was separated by a glass panel.
Seated on the other side of the counter was a young lady that looked no older than 25 with dark hair and a can-do attitude.
"Good morning, sir. How may I help you today?"
Alex replied earnestly while handing over a paper slip. "My name is Alexander Regulus, journalist working with the Morning Weeklies. I'm here to receive the reward that was kept here for me."
The lady picked up the paper and scanned through it momentarily before nodding. "Alright, sir. Please come with me."
Alex readily agreed as the lady led him away from the main hall and into a smaller office with a desk and chairs on either side.
After ensuring he was seated, she left and came back later with a black bag alongside a blonde-haired man, wearing a suit and looking every bit an aristocrat.
The man reached out for a handshake to which Alex obliged as he accepted it. "My name is Oliver Goldberg, vice chairman of Goldberg Bank."