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. Helpsend that woman hfirst." 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. Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

"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.

Finnegan's house was noticeably cleaner and brighter than the others in the village, likely a perk of his role as the village secretary. Although Esther had never been in such a hbefore, it was clear that Finnegan was a no-nonsense kind of person.

Inside, the house was modest with a few rooms. Finnegan turned to them, his gaze icy. "What are your names?" Esther, more inclined to follow rules, introduced herself first, "I'm Esther Sanders." The woman next to her added, "I'm Amelia ian " Her confidence contrasted with Esther's nervousness. Finnegan pointed to two rooms. "You can choose any of these. You'll be staying here for now." Esther was touched by his unexpected kindness. Hesitantly, she asked, "And your nis...?" "That's not your concern," Finnegan replied coldly, leaving Esther puzzled and a bit sad. His response seemed filled with surprise, coldness and perhaps disdain. ŚwWith his duties as the secretary calling him away, Finnegan left them to settle in. Esther and Amelia were left in the house, along with the woman who was still unconscious. Noticing Esther's lingering gaze on Finnegan, Amelia teased, "Don't tellyou've fallen for him?" Esther shook his head. "No, I just want to remember his nand thank him properly once I leave." Amelia looked surprised. "Eh? Do you think you can leave?" Esther felt an unexplainable optimism, feeling she might leave very quickly.