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."

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

time over there, the smile I previously had on

everything regarding the orphanage I sent you previously...

wasn't clear enough, I repeated the full name

Kevin was trying to show me, and closer to finding the

out what was up with this

be able to get out

the date of its founding, its founders, how it was twenty years ago, just any information that

I paused.

how trivial it is. It's very important

***

the largest in the city

the mansion, beside a large

"Hear this, dad."

while still chewing on her food

your

"Shut up."

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

thing she couldn't stand about Emma,

She hated the sound.

are you always

"Because it's disgusting."

Emma rolled her eyes.

"Whatever."

and started eating her

she looked at her

or not, someone actually said that Amanda is not

"Oh?"

and he looked at

what she said

not respond. After chewing and swallowing her food, she wiped her mouth with her napkin,

"Yes, it's true."

"That's rather surprising."

the piece of

anything come out of

"No, not really."

Emma answered for Amanda.

still doesn't believe him. That's also the

smiled while bringing the slice of

wanted to confirm with me whether I agreed with that

cleaned his mouth with the napkin

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

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

and Emma