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."

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

the smile I previously

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

wasn't clear enough, I repeated

though I was close. Close to finding what Kevin was trying to show me,

I figured out what was up with this orphanage

be able to get

of its founding, its founders, how it was twenty years ago, just any information that you can find about them. Useless or not

I paused.

trivial it is. It's

***

main residence. The home could be considered one of the largest in the city with more than ten bedrooms, twelve bathrooms, and

mansion, beside a large

"Hear this, dad."

father while still chewing on her food with her mouth

your

"Shut up."

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

there was one thing she couldn't stand

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

she looked

or not, someone actually said that Amanda is not

"Oh?"

raised, and he looked

she said

and swallowing her food, she

"Yes, it's true."

"That's rather surprising."

piece of steak in

anything come out of that

"No, not really."

Emma answered for Amanda.

also the reason

while bringing the slice of

to confirm with me whether I agreed with that statement

cleaned his

then, I said you were fitted for the sword because I believe that you are indeed talented in that aspect…

considered at the top of the

and