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."

at where the orphanage was. Although it was quite a distance away from where I was standing, I was

over there, the smile I previously had

regarding the orphanage I sent you previously... Ashton City Community

I repeated the full name of the

trying to show me, and closer to finding

out what was up with this orphanage and

to get out of

founders, how it was twenty years ago, just any information that you can find about them. Useless

I paused.

Regardless of how trivial it is. It's very

***

be considered one of the largest in the city with more than ten bedrooms,

a large oval

"Hear this, dad."

at her father while still chewing on

your mouth

"Shut up."

next to her, chewing her food with her mouth closed and only consuming small portions of the food in front of

was considerably more refined than Emma, and if there was one thing she couldn't stand about Emma, it was the fact that she chewed

She hated the sound.

you always

"Because it's disgusting."

Emma rolled her eyes.

"Whatever."

and started eating her food

she looked at her father and

someone actually said that Amanda is not

"Oh?"

brows raised, and he looked at

she said

her head but did not respond. After chewing and swallowing her food,

"Yes, it's true."

"That's rather surprising."

the piece of steak in front of

out of

"No, not really."

Emma answered for Amanda.

also the reason why I brought her

bringing the slice of steak

to confirm with me whether I agreed with that statement or

the steak, he cleaned his mouth with the napkin

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 talented for

rank people based on rank, then Amanda could be considered at the top of the human race. She

and