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

there, the smile I previously

orphanage I sent you previously... Ashton City Community

instruction wasn't clear enough, I repeated the full

trying to show me, and closer to

out what was up with this orphanage and

finally be able to get

founding, its founders, how it was twenty years ago, just any

I paused.

anything. Regardless of how trivial it is. It's very important

***

in the city with more than ten bedrooms, twelve bathrooms, and a total floor space

the mansion, beside a large oval wooden

"Hear this, dad."

her father while still chewing on her

with your mouth

"Shut up."

mouth closed and only consuming small portions of the

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

She hated the sound.

always hounding me

"Because it's disgusting."

Emma rolled her eyes.

"Whatever."

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

food, she looked at her

or not, someone actually said that Amanda

"Oh?"

and

she

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

"Yes, it's true."

"That's rather surprising."

piece of steak in front

come out

"No, not really."

Emma answered for Amanda.

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

slice of steak to his

whether I

cleaned his mouth with the napkin on

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

based on rank, then Amanda could be considered at the top of the human

and Emma being