Tower of Paradise

Chapter 38: Hidden passageway

The next day, after finishing cleaning up after lunch, I knocked on the door and, after she told me to come in, I stretched, turned the handle, and entered.

Once the door was closed, I put my hands in my pockets and approached Emilia, who was standing while looking at me with a gentle smile.

—You're late.

Emilia spoke with her arms crossed, while a pile of documents adorned her desk.

—I was talking to Cassie.

I replied while approaching her.

—And? What's going on with her?

—Nothing out of the ordinary. She's focusing on escaping as soon as possible.

—I see, she's still a naive child.

I met Emilia's gaze and tried not to roll my eyes.

—Do you really plan to hand her over just like that?

I narrowed my eyes while staring fixedly at Emilia.

—Oh, don't look at me like that. You're too young...

She let out a sigh.

Forcing what I hoped would be an understanding but slightly incredulous smile, I opened my mouth.

—Come on, we both know how important Cassie is to you.@@@@

My words made her smile dangerously and she raised her head to look me directly in the eyes.

—And here I thought that of all the children here you were the most rational one, Arceus.

Emilia smiled sadly and looked away.

—Between the girl you raised as if she were your own daughter and your life, which would you choose, child?

Rage, anguish, helplessness, and pain invaded Emilia's face when she laughed mockingly.

There was no right or wrong answer to that question. I wasn't one to judge this woman's actions, she was simply someone else wanting to survive...

I stuck my tongue out at her.

—I bet you won't!

Annie accepted the challenge and quickened her pace. As soon as I was within her reach, she gave me a blow to the waist hoping to grab my shirt, but I escaped without problems.

I let out a victorious laugh.

—You're going to have to try harder than...

I lunged to my right, just in time to avoid little Thomas's hand.

The rest of the children Annie had been playing with joined in, deciding that they were all "the protagonists" of this improvised game of tag.

All the children wore the same uniform every day, which consisted of a white long-sleeved buttoned shirt, a white skirt or pants, and brown boots.

The children were made to believe they were orphans living in a happy orphanage and that when they were "sent away" they were sent to live with foster families.

Our days consisted of taking a daily exam, eating delicious gourmet food, helping with household chores, and playing with our siblings. The older children were assigned tasks such as washing clothes, washing dishes, and taking care of the younger children while the rest of the children helped clean the house while we took turns preparing meals for everyone.

While the boys and girls approached me with their arms wide open to cover more ground, I ducked and easily dodged my companions. They desperately waved their limbs while trying to use all parts of their bodies hoping to catch me, but it was useless.

Annie and her friends got smart and surrounded me, approaching slowly while laughing excitedly.

Once they were close enough, the children grew impatient and jumped toward me.

Just when their hands were about to touch me, I jumped and grabbed onto the broken chain that held an old chandelier. Taking advantage of my jump's momentum, I swung from the chain, holding on tight to avoid slipping.

Annie, Thomas, and their friends stumbled among themselves for not having reached their target.

Swinging from the old chain, I landed a few feet away and planted my hands on my hips, laughing victoriously.

—You are three to five years too young to defeat the mighty Arceus!

—It's not fair!

Thomas growled, rubbing his head.

—Yeah! You're too fast!

Agreed Annie, while moving away from the tangle of children.

—Silence! Only the weak complain when faced with defeat! —I said, making my voice deeper—. Now I'm leaving! My heroic powers are needed elsewhere!

I ran off while the children laughed among themselves.