The thrum of a helicopter resounded throughout the outskirts as Julius stepped into the clearing, his hair unkempt and his clothes caked with grime.
"If I didn't know any better, I would have thought you were a beggar."
"…Father."
Waiting for him in a place where no one would notice his return was Johannes Sievernich Schneider.
"You try so hard to grow up on your own, Julius," Johannes continued. "Yet in the end, you're still a child looking for his father. I'm quite appalled that I'm the one you reached out to."
Julius said nothing. He nodded, stepped past him, and climbed into the helicopter.
Johannes followed without another word.
Seated across from Julius, his posture as authoritative as ever, Johannes finally spoke.
"Do you have anything to show for this? Papers, documents, any results? Did I assist you only for you to return empty-handed?"
"Relax, Father. I'll have everything prepared soon."
