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.

the village, likely a perk of his role as the village secretary. Although Esther had

house was modest with a few rooms. Finnegan turned to them, his gaze icy. "What are your

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

The

to her

Her confidence

with Esther's

to two rooms. "You can choose any of these. You'll be

was touched by his unexpected kindness. Hesitantly, she asked, "And your name

your concern," Finnegan replied coldly, leaving Esther puzzled and a bit sad. His response seemed filled with surprise, coldness

the secretary calling him away, Finnegan left them to settle in. Esther and Amelia were left in the house, along with the woman who

teased, "Don't tell me you've fallen for

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