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."

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

time over there, the smile I previously had on my

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

the instruction wasn't clear enough, I repeated the full name of

trying to show

as I figured out what was up with this orphanage

to

the date of its founding, its founders, how it was twenty years ago, just any information that you can find about them.

I paused.

it is. It's very important

***

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

the mansion, beside a large oval

"Hear this, dad."

her fork at her father while still

your

"Shut up."

food with her mouth closed and only consuming small

couldn't stand about

She hated the sound.

are you always

"Because it's disgusting."

Emma rolled her eyes.

"Whatever."

complied with Amanda's request and started

looked at her father and

not, someone actually said that Amanda is not fitted

"Oh?"

raised, and

what she

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

"Yes, it's true."

"That's rather surprising."

the piece of steak

come out of

"No, not really."

Emma answered for Amanda.

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

smiled while bringing the slice of steak to

with me whether I

his mouth

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

could be considered at the top of the human race.

and Emma being