Hope Orphanage.
"Angel sister! Wait!"
The tiny voice stopped me mid-step.
I had just crossed the broken gates when I turned around.
Under the dim streetlight, a small figure ran toward me, uneven steps and thin arms desperately reaching out towards me.
In seconds, she crashed into me.
"Angel sister…" her voice trembled as her arms wrapped tightly around my knees, "Little Doe missed you…"
I softened instantly, kneeling in front of her. I stroked her little face but my fingers paused for a moment. Her cheeks felt too rough for a child.
"…Little Doe is hungry," she whispered.
"You didn't eat?" I asked gently.
She shook her head, lips trembling.
"The madams gave us less food today… They said girls shouldn't eat too much…" Her voice broke. "The others didn't ask for more… I was scared…"
Tears spilled down her face.
"I tried to sleep… but I couldn't…"
I pulled her into my arms.
My chest burned.
"Come," I said quietly, "I'll make you something."
But as I stood up, my eyes darkened as determination seared into my heart.
…
3:07 AM
'KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.'
"Ahhh—ghost!"
'BAM!'
I blinked.
The door flew open seconds later.
Olivia, the head of the orphanage, stood there, hair messy and eyes wide.
"Mia?! What are you doing here at this hour?"
I stepped inside.
"Big sis… some of the teachers are cutting off the girls' meals."
Her expression froze.
"…They did that?" Olivia asked softly after a few moments.
My gaze sharpened when I heard her tone, "You knew?"
She looked away, "I suspected something… just not this…"
"Then fire them, "The words came out instantly.
Olivia let out a tired laugh, "Mia… we can't."
'Silence.'
"The crops failed this season," she continued softly. "We barely have funds. Those teachers may be terrible, but we need them. We can't find better replacements to do the management and teaching in this town on such a small notice."
My jaw tightened.
"So we just ignore it?"
"I'll keep an eye on them. We just… need to endure for now," Olivia reached out to stroke my hair but I dodged instinctively.
Endure. That word echoed bitterly in my mind, along with Little Doe's desperate voice.
"You are like a cat, you know?" Olivia clicked her tongue, "You go cold the moment you are unhappy!"
I glared at her.
"Yeah, those striking green eyes. Just like a cat's... Tsk Tsk..."
I took a slow breath.
I paused for a moment before declaring, "I'm leaving."
Olivia froze.
"You're what?! Mia, you can't just abandon us because of this—"
"I'm going to the Capital City for a day. I will be back soon."
She exhaled in relief as I turned to the door, "Why?" She asked.
My hand paused on the handle, "To meet Killian Volkov."
Behind me, Olivia blinked and slowly pulled out her phone, "Who is Killian Volkov…"
A second later—
Her eyes widened.
"Holy—"
The phone nearly slipped from her hand.
2…
MIA
The Capital City was nothing like Lake Town.
The roads stretched wide and clean, without a single crack in sight. Streetlights stood tall at equal distances, casting a steady glow that made the entire place feel alive, even at this hour.
For a moment, I just stood there, taking it in. Then I exhaled.
I didn't come here to admire the city.
I stopped my bike near a small roadside stall and removed my helmet, rubbing the stiffness from the back of my neck.
"Could I get a cup of coffee?" I asked.
The shop owner, a middle-aged man, nodded quickly and handed me one. But instead of stepping away, he lingered, studying my face with quiet curiosity.
"You're not from around here, are you?" he asked.
I glanced at him, slightly surprised. "Was it that obvious?"
He chuckled softly. "It's not something most people would notice, but the windburn on your skin gives it away. The Capital City doesn't get weather harsh enough to leave marks like that."
His observation was sharp.
I lowered my gaze briefly before taking a sip of the coffee. The warmth spread through me, grounding me just enough to think clearly again.
"I'm here to meet someone," I said after a pause.
"Ah, I see. Do you know where you're headed?" he asked, a little more curious now.
I nodded. "Yes. I need to get to the Volkov Consortium."
The moment those words left my mouth, the air shifted.
It wasn't loud or dramatic but I sensed the change.
The soft clinking of cups slowed. Conversations lowered. A few people turned, their eyes landing on me with subtle but unmistakable interest.
I noticed it all.
And I understood it instantly.
That name carries weight here.
The shop owner hesitated before speaking again, his tone no longer as casual as before.
"That's… not a place people can just walk into," he said carefully, "You might want to make sure you have proper arrangements before heading there."
"I'll manage," I replied, setting the cup aside.
Even if I didn't know how yet—
I would.
…
Volkov Consortium
The building stood like a fortress of glass and gold, towering over everything around it.
I stepped inside and observed the surroundings. The ground floor was mostly empty, which was understandable, considering that I reached here at the crack of dawn.
"Good evening, miss. How may I help you?" The receptionist greeted me with a professional smile.
"I'm here to meet Killian Volkov," I said directly.
Her smile didn't waver but something in her eyes changed.
"The President isn't here yet but you can wait for him. Do you have an appointment scheduled with the President?" she asked.
"No," I admitted. "But I only need a few minutes. It's an urgent matter."
"I understand," she said politely, "but I'm afraid I won't be able to let you through without prior authorization."
Her tone remained gentle but the meaning was clear: GET OUT.
I held her gaze for a second longer, then nodded, "I see. Thank you."
Turning around, I walked out calmly. But the moment I stepped outside—
My expression hardened.
Hah~If the front door is closed… I'll find another way in.