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."

was quite a distance away from where I was

the smile I previously had on my face

regarding the orphanage I sent

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

was trying to show me, and closer to

was up with this orphanage and who

finally be able to get out of

me 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 that I know everything

***

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

the mansion, beside a large

"Hear this, dad."

her fork at her father while still chewing on her food with

your mouth

"Shut up."

mouth closed and only consuming small portions of the food in

couldn't stand about Emma, it was the fact that

She hated the sound.

are you always

"Because it's disgusting."

Emma rolled her eyes.

"Whatever."

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

her food, she looked at her father and

someone actually said that Amanda is not fitted for

"Oh?"

and he

what she said

respond. After chewing and swallowing her food, she wiped her mouth with her napkin, and

"Yes, it's true."

"That's rather surprising."

the piece of steak in front of

come out

"No, not really."

Emma answered for Amanda.

That's also the reason

while bringing the slice

with me whether I agreed with that statement or

he cleaned his mouth

said you were fitted for the sword because I believe that you

could be considered at the top of the human race.

and