Master's voice lingered in his ear.
Wood nodded. "I feel this sort of thing is better suited for a private setting, although—"
A kiss?
As the words fell, a softness landed upon Wood's lips, a tenderness, much like the warmth of the winter sun, slowly seeped through the union of their lips, flowing through his entire body.
(Boss—)
Wood's body trembled uncontrollably, he clung to Master's back like a drowning man clutching a piece of driftwood, as chaotic images flashed through his mind.
Towering green trees large enough to shroud the sky, silhouettes pinned to the great trees by golden spears, and—
A massive explosion, as violent as rolling thunder.
You were always so obedient before! To win the favor of us nobles, to stay within the sacred realm, you lowly creature were willing to do anything for us! Why are you defying us this time! Why are you contradicting us!
Because—I have woken up! I am no longer deceived by your lies! I will no longer lie to myself! I know clearly now that no matter how hard I strive, I will never earn your love or respect! You enjoy the treasures I bring back through theft and deception, yet you arrogantly despise and mock me, casting me aside whenever it is time to pay the price! As if you, who use stolen goods, are righteous partners!
Another voice cried out in grief and indignation, filled with resentment and indignation.
I will no longer be your slave! I shall raise the banner of flames and set the entire world ablaze!
—Ah!
Amidst his startled cry, Wood woke up and found Boss looking at him with concern, surrounded by a particularly dim and quiet exhibition hall.
What's wrong?
The Boss's voice was exceptionally gentle.
I..
You suddenly fainted just now.
Fainted?
A sudden faint without any warning, his body is burning hot.
Then..
Wood struggled to prop himself up, those eerie and shocking words still echoing in his ears.
——Should I have the Hospital send an Ambulance over?
Master asked with concern.
Upon hearing this, Wood instantly snapped out of it and blurted out, "No! Don't! The Ambulance is too expensive!"
But you..
I'm fine, I'm just, just..
Just what?
Just a bit tired.
Wood looked up, making a suggestive gesture: "Ever since that incident with Set, I've often felt exhausted. It's as if my body's cells have become accustomed to being filled with high energy, no matter how much I eat.. only you, Boss, can, can.."
“You want it?”
Yes, I do.
Because of tomorrow's matters?
“Tomorrow's matters? What matters?”
Wood shuddered all over.
Master looked at him with a half-smile: "You received a private distress message during the day?"
—Boss! You're spying on me! This is a violation of human rights!
“I am not spying on you, I am merely—”
Master's hand slid slowly down from Wood's chin, pressing firmly against his throat and then his chest. "When our bodies unite, my power will partially enter your body, your thoughts will partially flow into my mind—especially that matter you have been repeatedly thinking about in your head.."
“Boss—"
Even without being certain of the truth, you still want to believe that boy who calls himself 'Arthur' and want to rush to Madonna Orphanage as quickly as possible to save him?
Yes.
Wood replied in a low voice, "When I saw that private message, I felt a strong sense of distress, as if I could touch Arthur's pain and unease through the screen.. I want to help him, even though Peterson and the others believe this might just be a child's prank.."
What if it really is a prank?
Even if it is a prank, I must first uncover the truth.
Wood told Master with certainty, "Boss, I am very grateful to you for saving me, for preventing me from becoming a male prostitute controlled by drugs, rotting away, dying.. But because of these experiences, I am very certain that the corners of this city are filled with darkness and suffering. I want to save them, even if it is just one person."
Even if this whole thing is likely a scam?
If it is a scam, I will be very happy, because no children were harmed in this matter.
Wood said gloomily, "I like all cute younglings, whether they are human younglings or animal younglings, I.."
Alright, I promise you—once this matter is successfully resolved, you can bring that annoying puppy back!
—That's wonderful! Boss, you are the kindest Boss in the whole world!
Author's Note:
----------------------
Thanks to readers Little Rabbit Not Well-Behaved, Ruo Yue Liang Mei Lai, Yang Yi Fei ing, Shi Yi, Li Yu, Lian Feng, Yuan Zhong Ren De Yi Yu Zhong Li, Ri Yue Tao San Huan for their nutritional solution.
Halloween is coming soon, remember to bring candy~
Chapter 16 Gabriel and Gargoyle (3)
Hello.
“H-hello?”
The Nun looked at the handsome blond visitor in surprise: "Mister, you are.."
Hello, my name is Wood. I am a missing persons detective. A while ago, I took on a commission; the clients want me to help them find their grandson. They can provide very few clues regarding this child; they only know that he lives in a Madonna Orphanage in New York, his name is Arthur, he is currently around twelve years old, no more than fifteen.
As Wood spoke, he took out the detective credentials issued to him by the Special Events Investigation Department.
The Nun took the ID, comparing and verifying it repeatedly, explained while asking questions, "Mister Wood, I don't want to doubt your identity, but your looks make it impossible for me to believe you are a detective.. You look more like a celebrity, an internet celebrity.."
My client often says the same about me.
Wood gave a dry laugh, trying his best to coax the Nun—the Nun's cautious attitude indicated that a qualified "Arthur" existed within this Madonna Orphanage.
About five minutes later—
The Nun returned the ID to Wood: "Mister Wood, please follow me to the Principal's Office."
Thank you.
Wood hurried into the Orphanage, Little Anubis squeezed in right behind him—even though he was being fostered by Peterson, the fellow still followed Wood closely every day, only appearing at Peterson's apartment when he rested at night, leaving Peterson filled with resentment yet not daring to complain.
The Nun quickly spotted Little Anubis at Mister Wood's feet, looking astonished. "Is this puppy Mister Wood's pet?"
“Yes, he is my favorite child. I named him Little Anubis because he has a pair of pointed ears that look just like the Jackal God of Egypt.”
Pointy ears.. they are indeed very cute..
The Nun gave a subtle smile and pushed open the door to the Principal's Office: "Margaret Matron—"
“What is it?”
The kind-faced Principal smiled and came out to meet him.
Upon learning the purpose of Wood's visit, the Principal operated the computer somewhat clumsily, pulling up all the "Arthurs" in the Orphanage who matched Wood's description: "There are currently five 'Arthurs' in Madonna Orphanage. They are all between ten and fifteen years old, they are all very well-behaved and obedient.."
The 'Arthur' I am looking for was lectured by Theresa Matron a few days ago for wetting the bed.
Wood added.
Hearing this, Margaret Matron revealed a wary expression: "—You cannot describe his specific appearance, yet you can say that this child wet the bed a few days ago?! Are you truly a missing person detective, or a pervert who kidnaps children?"
“..”
Father Matthew said that a new type of deviant crime targeting children in orphanages has appeared online—these deviants pretend to be kind-hearted people on the internet to deceive the children in the orphanage. Once they obtain certain information from the children, they pose as relatives or friends to pick them up from the orphanage! After that, the children mysteriously disappear and can never be found again!
The Matron grew increasingly furious, as if the blond youth before him was the very pervert from the internet who specialized in kidnapping orphans.
What is your client's specific name! Where do they live! What is their phone number! I demand to speak with them on the phone immediately! To verify your identity!
I—
Wood was speechless.
He simply—
Buzz—
The phone suddenly vibrated; it was a call from the Boss.
Wood did not dare not answer the call. After saying "Sorry," he walked to a corner of the office: "Boss—"
Is everything going smoothly?
I've run into a very, very tiny bit of trouble..
Wood's voice was as quiet as a mosquito's buzz.
—Refused to let you see Arthur because his identity and origins are unknown?
The man's voice carried a sense of effortless playfulness.
Wood: ".."
("Give the phone to her, I'll help you solve this problem.")
“..”
Wood thought for a moment, then held the phone out to Margaret Matron: "The Boss said he wants to explain it to you in person."
Oh?