The Author's POV

"Don't let yourself be led astray. Choose the right side… Don't let yourself be led astray. Choose the right side… Don't let yourself be led astray. Choose the right side... Hah."

I laughed when I thought back on those words.

'Was she threatening me?'

It sure as hell sounded like one. It didn't matter much to me anyway. Whether it was a threat or not, I already knew which side I was on.

There was no need for her to remind me.

Walking around the empty streets in front of me, I mused back on the words Sister Viviana told me. There was quite a bit of information that I learned.

"So Waylan's wife used to work at the orphanage, huh…"

But most importantly, I came to learn of a very strange fact.

The fact that Waylan's wife formerly held a position at this orphanage was interesting. It clarified why he continued to come here after such a long time, but what remained unclear to me was whether or not they were connected to the so-called Protector.

'A pity I don't really know much about Waylan.'

Emma was the only person he ever mentioned in any of his conversations. Other than that, I didn't really know that much about him.

In addition to that, it wasn't really within my rights to inquire about his wife or his past at all. It wasn't any of my business.

'Things are different now, though.'

When my thoughts paused thus far, I took out my phone and dialed a number.

―How can I help you?

I smiled the moment I heard the voice coming from the speaker of the phone.

It was very polite. A stark contrast to how it was a while back.

"It's nice to hear your voice again, Jerome. I have to say, you've done a good job so far."

―Haha, it is only right that I do this much.

The smile on my face grew larger when I heard his words.

'I did the right thing by getting them on my side.'

They saved me a lot of trouble.

―Ehm… Is there a reason why you've called me?

"Hm, yes."

Although it was quite a distance away from where I was standing,

smile I previously had on my face

sent you previously... Ashton City Community

if the instruction wasn't clear enough, I

Close to finding what Kevin was trying to show me, and closer to finding the key

as I figured out what was up

to get

years ago, just any information that you can find about them. Useless or not useless. I want

I paused.

anything. Regardless of how trivial it is. It's very important that I know everything about the

***

a rather sizable main residence. The home could be considered one of the largest in the city with more than ten bedrooms, twelve bathrooms, and a total floor space of more than 76,000

the mansion, beside a

"Hear this, dad."

fork at her father while still chewing

with your mouth

"Shut up."

next to her, chewing her food with her mouth closed

and if there was one thing she couldn't stand about Emma, it was the fact that she chewed with

She hated the sound.

are you always hounding

"Because it's disgusting."

Emma rolled her eyes.

"Whatever."

she complied with Amanda's request and started eating her food with

looked at her father and

someone actually

"Oh?"

raised, and he

she

her head but did not respond. After chewing and swallowing her food, she wiped her mouth with her napkin, and then

"Yes, it's true."

"That's rather surprising."

of steak in front of

anything come out of

"No, not really."

Emma answered for Amanda.

she still doesn't believe him. That's also the reason why I

while bringing the slice of steak

whether I agreed

steak, he cleaned his mouth with

Amanda. Do what you feel is right. Back then, I said you were fitted for the sword because I believe that you are indeed talented in that aspect… Your results have shown me that my words are right. You're indeed quite

considered at the top of the human race. She alongside a couple

Horton and Emma being