Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

"No, just untie them. I'll take them home," Finnegan said, then glanced at the woman on the far side who had passed out. He frowned, changing his mind, "Actually, forget that. Help me send that woman home first."

Reina responded with a bright smile, "Okay, I'll do what you say."

Then, like a scene from a dream, someone untied Esther and the woman next to her, setting them free.

"Thank you," Esther muttered.

The woman beside her, however, just stood up quietly without saying a word. She moved her wrists slightly, then stopped, her calm demeanor unwavering.

Esther took a moment to really look at her. She had short hair and an effortlessly charming presence. There was something familiar about her, but Esther couldn't quite place it.

"Alright, follow me," Finnegan said shortly, without showing any reaction to Esther's thanks.

He led the way, showing them his back as they followed him to his place in silence.

house was noticeably cleaner and brighter than the others in the village, likely a perk of his role as the village

rooms. Finnegan turned

to follow rules, introduced herself first, "I'm Esther

The

her added,

confidence

with Esther's

choose any of these. You'll be

touched by his unexpected kindness. Hesitantly,

puzzled and a bit sad. His

Esther and Amelia were left in the house, along with the woman who was still unconscious. Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the ꜰindNʘvel.ɴet website

Esther's lingering gaze on Finnegan, Amelia teased, "Don't tell me you've fallen

head. "No, I just want to remember his name and thank him properly