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."

quite a distance away from where I was

over there, the smile I previously had on my face

sent you previously... Ashton

clear enough, I repeated

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

long as I figured out what was up

to get

twenty years ago, just any information that you

I paused.

how trivial it is. It's very

***

home could be considered one of the largest in the city with more than ten bedrooms, twelve bathrooms, and a total floor space

the mansion, beside a

"Hear this, dad."

her fork at her father while still chewing on

your

"Shut up."

her mouth closed and only consuming small portions

more refined than Emma, and if there was one thing she couldn't stand about Emma,

She hated the sound.

you always

"Because it's disgusting."

Emma rolled her eyes.

"Whatever."

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

her food, she looked at

saying… believe it or not, someone actually said that Amanda is not fitted for

"Oh?"

and

she said

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

"Yes, it's true."

"That's rather surprising."

of

out of

"No, not really."

Emma answered for Amanda.

believe him. That's also the reason

smiled while bringing the slice of steak to his

with me whether I agreed

steak, he cleaned his

said you were fitted for the sword because I believe that you are indeed talented in that aspect… Your results have shown

considered at the top of the human race. She alongside

and Emma being