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."

and looked behind me, at where the orphanage was. Although it was quite a distance away from where I was standing, I was still able to make out

about my time over there, the smile

the orphanage I sent

wasn't clear enough, I repeated the

felt as though I was close. Close to finding what Kevin was trying to show me, and closer to finding the key to

was up with this orphanage and

finally be able to get out

twenty years ago, just any

I paused.

trivial it is. It's very important that I know

***

one of the largest in the city with

beside a

"Hear this, dad."

father while still

your mouth

"Shut up."

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

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

She hated the sound.

always hounding me

"Because it's disgusting."

Emma rolled her eyes.

"Whatever."

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

food, she looked at her father and

actually said

"Oh?"

raised, and he looked

she said

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

"Yes, it's true."

"That's rather surprising."

sliced the piece of steak in front

out

"No, not really."

Emma answered for Amanda.

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

bringing the slice of

with me whether I agreed with that

his

to mind those words, 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 talented for the sword if

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

Horton and Emma