"I..." Shea's little mind raced, and she quickly blurted out an excuse: "I'm heading to the Orphan Haven in the Slums to pack my things! Yeah, that's it."

Half-truths were the closest thing to believable lies.

Shea admitted she really had planned to visit the Orphan Haven.

"The Orphan Haven?"

Abel didn't understand why Shea would go there, but luckily, she knew that too.

So she spent a while explaining to Abel how she'd once called the Orphan Haven home, though she'd since moved out.

"So Shea, you're a kid from the Slums."

After hearing her story, Abel couldn't help but admire this girl. She'd entered the Magic Academy on her own and even moved to the commoner district.

For others, that would be nearly impossible.

But this hardworking girl had done it—no wonder she was so greedy for gold.

"Then I'll go with you. It's not safe here."

Since he was already here, Abel decided to protect Shea for the trip. This mixed area was dangerous.

"Ah..." Shea wanted to refuse, but she'd just made up that lie. She had to go through with it, tears and all, and pretend to pack.

Besides, there were things worth keeping as mementos. She hadn't taken them earlier when she was too upset, so going now was fine.

Shea walked ahead, Abel followed behind, and they threaded through the Slums.

Dressed in bright, clean clothes, Shea drew many ill-intentioned gazes. But in broad daylight, no one dared act.

Most saw the man behind her didn't look easy to mess with. They only watched with greedy eyes.

This sense of security felt strangely comforting to Shea.

Every time she came to the Slums, she was on edge. But with Abel's protection, she felt quite relaxed.

Soon, they reached the Orphan Haven's gate.

It was sealed with a notice, forbidding entry.

Boldly written on it was "Onassis."

This was the surname of the two old nobles who'd adopted Rora.

In other words, Rora had bought this place.

"Onassis..."

Abel murmured the name. He knew this fallen clan, how it had risen again at a terrifying pace these past years.

Its current head was ruthless and merciless, causing big waves in the empire.

Why would they come to this small city?

"Shea, was that sad day because the Orphan Haven was bought by the Onassis people?"

"Mhm."

Shea replied without hiding it. There was nothing to hide—Abel could find out anything anyway.

But her calmness made Abel's heart ache. He didn't know why the Onassis Clan did this, but taking all of Shea's childhood memories was despicable.

"It's okay. You'll see them again later. Don't worry."

That was all Abel could say to comfort her.

"So don't dwell on it. Just grab whatever you want from inside first."

He climbed over the wall, reached down his hand, and said, "I'll pull you up."

"...

Looking at his offered hand, Shea couldn't help but smile wryly. She was a catgirl—did she really need his help?

But she took his hand anyway, and they both climbed into the Orphan Haven.

The place was still abandoned. After buying it, Rora hadn't bothered to maintain it. Maybe she only ever wanted to take the people away.

"Is this where you lived as a child?"

Abel gazed at the dilapidated Orphan Haven, feeling deep sympathy for Shea's childhood.

In this memory-filled place, Shea's behavior grew subdued. She looked almost well-behaved as she gazed around silently, nostalgic.

This sight made Abel momentarily entranced.

He hadn't expected that when Shea stayed quiet, her usual annoying habits vanished. On the surface, she looked like a cute, beautiful girl.

"What are you looking at?"

Noticing his stare, Shea crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him disdainfully.

"Ahem, nothing. Go pack your things first."

Abel turned away awkwardly. He had to admit—he'd been a bit entranced.

Finally, Shea left the hall with a look of disdain, leaving Abel alone.

Moss-covered walls, a hole-riddled ceiling, and crumbling support columns—it was hard to imagine Shea's childhood here.

Those days must have been tough.

"No wonder she loves gold coins so much."

Abel felt like he understood everything now.

The wait was long; Shea had a lot to pack. Bored, Abel sat on the steps, watching the gate.

Just then, the seal tore from outside. Before he could react, the gate opened.

"Uh-oh!"

This was Onassis Clan property—trespassing was bad news.

But it was too late. Outside, a white-haired girl stared in surprise at Abel on the steps.

Abel froze.

This girl... Rico?

She looked identical, but her aura was totally different. Last night's Rico was playful; this one seemed like an iceberg.

A disguise?

He'd heard noble ladies sometimes played phantom thieves to do good. Was this Rico's daytime self?

Abel felt like he understood everything again.

"Who are you?"

Rora calmed down. She'd expected thugs or wanderers might squat here—that's why she'd put up the Onassis seal.

But she hadn't thought anyone would actually break in.

"Who am I? Heh~ Miss Rico, we just met last night, didn't we?"

Abel was clearly convinced Rora was Rico.

"I don't know you."

"No problem. We'll have plenty of chances to get acquainted later."

Abel slicked back his hair with a cool pose, thinking his looks would win her over.

Little did he know—this girl wasn't Rico at all. And she happened to like girls.