"Let's go check out the older section of the town." Marie suggested, her voice carrying renewed determination.
Joseph nodded in agreement while Reinhard's eyes slightly narrowed as he noticed Anasha's body flinching at the suggestion.
"Okay! I'll lead the way!" Anasha said, but her voice was slightly shaky.
They headed toward the northern part of town, walking behind the Mayor's Office where the buildings gradually changed.
As they walked, Marie muttered thoughtfully. "Why would they investigate the older sections of the town specifically?"
"Maybe the older sections might have some hidden secret?" Joseph suggested.
Reinhard furrowed his brows before looking down at Anasha. "I heard Mensis was built on an old abandoned town. Did the townspeople ever talk about what happened to it?"
Anasha's expression grew troubled as she considered the question. "I recall my big brother talked about it being burned down."
"Was it burned by people or by beasts?" Joseph asked.
"I'm not sure," Anasha replied quietly. "When I asked about it, my parents or brother would get this concerned look before telling me not to worry about it."
Joseph nodded while Reinhard stroked his chin thoughtfully and he asked. "Anasha, did your brother also visit the older section of town before his disappearance?"
Anasha fell silent, her gaze dropping to the cobblestones as she spoke softly. "Yeah..."
Joseph's eyes widened. "Why didn't you mention this earlier? Maybe there's a connection between your brother and the Inquisitors' disappearance."
Anasha bit her lip lightly and paused in her walking, looking down at the ground while shifting uncomfortably. "I... I wanted to but..."
Reinhard smiled gently and knelt down before her. "Did your brother visit the older section because of you?"
Anasha flinched and looked at him in surprise. "How did you..."
"It was just a good guess." Reinhard said softly. "Are you reluctant to talk about it because you believe it's your fault your brother went missing?"
Joseph's eyes widened while Marie's expression softened while Anasha began to tremble as tears gathered.
"Isn't it?" Anasha whispered softly. "If I hadn't told Ven I was curious about the older section of town, then he wouldn't have gone there and then went missing... It's because of me-"
Marie's hands gently cupped Anasha's face and interrupted her. "Don't be silly, Anasha. No one could have known your brother would go missing by visiting there. Not your brother, not the townspeople, not your parents, and especially not you."
Anasha trembled as tears began streaming down her cheeks. "B-but if I only didn't mention it. If I wasn't curious then-"
Marie placed a finger against Anasha's lips. "But nothing. You can't blame yourself for something completely out of your control."
Reinhard nodded. "Besides, I'm sure Ven wouldn't want you to think like that. After all, if the roles were reversed, would you be fine if he thought he was the cause of your disappearance?"
Anasha's eyes widened before she rapidly shook her head. "Never! I don't want him to feel the way I am now..."
Joseph smiled warmly. "Then you need to accept it isn't your fault. We'll help you get your big brother back, and then you can tell him how brave you were when helping us."
Anasha's eyes lit up as she grinned, rubbing her face to clear away the tears before nodding with renewed determination. She turned around and began walking more confidently, while Reinhard, Marie, and Joseph exchanged smiles before following behind her.
Soon they reached the older section of town, but their progress was immediately halted. A barricade of wooden and rope blocked the street, while several town guards in their distinctive uniforms stood watch.
The architecture beyond the barricade was noticeably different. Reinhard saw the blackened stone walls and crumbling wood, while some structures had been partially rebuilt with mismatched materials that created a patchwork appearance.
Workers moved through the restricted area, carrying tools and building supplies. Some hauled debris in wheelbarrows while others examined damaged foundations. The activity suggested extensive renovation efforts were underway.
"Excuse me," Marie approached one of the guards with a smile. "We're visiting Inquisitors, and we were hoping to look around this area."
The guard, a middle-aged man with a weathered face, shook his head firmly. "Sorry, Miss, but this entire section is off-limits by the Mayor's order. We've got construction and repair work happening throughout the district."
"How long has it been closed off?" Reinhard asked, moving closer to get a better view of the damaged buildings beyond.
"Just two weeks ago," the guard replied. "The mayor decided it was time to properly restore the old sections instead of letting them sit around."
Joseph gestured toward the workers moving between the buildings. "Seems like extensive work. What kind of damage is it?"
Another guard joined the conversation. "Fire damage, mostly. Some of these buildings have been in poor condition since the original settlement was destroyed years ago. He wants us to tear it down and then we began rebuilding"
Anasha stepped forward, her voice carrying a note of frustration. "But people used to be able to walk through there. My brother-"
"I'm afraid not anymore, little Anasha." The first guard interrupted gently but firmly. "The mayor's orders are clear. No unauthorized personnel in the construction zone, especially a child like you Anasha. It's too dangerous with all the work going on."
Marie placed a calming hand on Anasha's shoulder as the girl opened her mouth to argue further. "That's perfectly understandable," Marie said with a bright smile. "Safety first, after all. Thank you for explaining the situation to us."
The guards nodded and then crouched down to Anasha before gently caressing her head. "Don't worry Anasha. Some of us are still searching for Ven, believe in us… Okay?"
Anasha bit her lips but nodded as she said. "I do believe in you all…"
"But it's hard? I understand, why don't you distract yourself with the other kids?" Another guard spoke up with a smile, making Anasha slowly nod her head and then walking away.
Anasha looked back over her shoulder with obvious disappointment. Her eyes lingering on the damaged buildings where blackened stone and hastily patched walls. She then sighed before walking next to Reinhard who caught glimpses of the workers through gaps in the barricade.
Some were examining foundations with careful attention, while others carried what appeared to be excavation tools rather than typical construction equipment.
"Two weeks ago," Joseph murmured once they were out of earshot from the guards. "That's interesting timing."
Marie nodded thoughtfully while keeping her voice low. "And did you notice how quickly they had an explanation ready? Almost like they'd been asked about it before."
Anasha walked silently beside them, her earlier enthusiasm dampened by the setback.