"I really don't know how to thank both of you for everything you're doing for these kids"

Said the older woman, her voice filled with gratitude as she looked at Fujiwara and Leona. I noticed that, for a director's office, that room was probably the worst in the place, even the walls were faded. By the way, I still remained in my bat form, watching them through the window.

"You don't have to thank us. These kids need help, and we just want to help them... I just wish we could do more than this"

Leona said with a sad expression on her face. From what I could tell, neither the woman nor Fujiwara knew Leona's true identity. Or rather, Leona's hair color was completely different from what I remembered, so it's not surprising they didn't recognize her.

"No, you two are doing more than enough"

Said the older woman, her voice filled with gratitude.

"Unfortunately, as time passes, my old bones get in the way. I can't fight for these kids like I used to"

Anyway, since that was all Fujiwara was doing when he went out, I saw no reason to eavesdrop anymore. In the end, I decided to leave. But before I could do that, a few knocks on the door caught my attention. Despite my reluctance to stay, I decided that since I was there, I wouldn't waste any more time and just waited for a few more minutes.

"Come in"

The director signaled as I pondered over it. The door opened, and accompanied by a nun, a man and two knights entered the room. Like Leona, the three new guests were also Demi-humans. For some reason, the situation didn't seem good to me.

"Lord Darian, it is an honor to have you in my humble orphanage"

The older woman knelt, her words sounding respectful as she kept her head down. However, the man I found out was named Darian seemed not to notice her presence. His gaze was entirely fixed on Fujiwara and Leona, completely ignoring the older woman, who remained prostrate on the floor.

Darian slowly advanced toward Leona and Fujiwara, his cynical gaze carrying a lascivious expression. Honestly, his way of looking at the two of them was extremely repugnant. At that moment, my strongest desire was to punch him as hard as I could.

But unexpectedly, both Fujiwara and Leona also crouched suddenly. Honestly, this caught me off guard. I had no idea what was happening there. Anyway, I stood there, just watching the situation unfold.

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"It's a pleasure to see you again, beautiful ladies. Also, please, rise. I don't want to soil you with this dirty floor"

He said. At this moment, I noticed Fujiwara and Leona's eyebrows slightly furrow, but they quickly resumed their normal position. Fujiwara and Aoi stood up, but the older woman remained crouched, keeping her head down.

After this, Darian moved toward the back of Fujiwara. The moment before he touched her hair, Fujiwara moved away, addressing the crouched woman. Although Darian's face twitched slightly at this action, his expression quickly returned to normal.

While Fujiwara helped the woman to stand up, Darian glanced at Leona for a few seconds before returning his gaze to the woman who had just gotten up. His eyes, as he watched her, reflected indifference.

After that, Darian talked for some time with the woman. I could understand that he was in charge of some orphanages located in this poorer part of Anima. However, looking at the place, it was hard to believe he was doing anything to help improve it.

In the end, Darian left with his guards, wearing a scornful expression on his face. Not even as he passed by the children did he glance at them once. It seemed that in his eyes, the children simply didn't exist.

Setting that aside, I flew slowly to the table, catching the attention of the woman, Leona, and Fujiwara. In a somewhat amusing way, Leona approached me, trying to put her finger on my head. Ironically, she seemed nervous, as if she didn't know if she should do it or not.

Fujiwara, on the other hand, looked at me with confusion in his eyes. With this scene unfolding, I was once again surrounded by a black mist and then transformed back into a human. This time, I assumed my true form without changing my appearance, as there was no need for it.

Witnessing this scene, the three of them showed different expressions. While Leona looked at me in astonishment, Fujiwara had a smile on his face. The woman, on the other hand, seemed cautious as she observed me. I couldn't blame her; after all, I was a complete stranger who appeared out of nowhere in her office.

"It took you a while to start following me"

Fujiwara said, letting out a laugh. His casual attitude lightened the mood a bit. Hearing that, I raised an eyebrow, but as I couldn't say anything, I just sighed.

"Although I don't know all the details, the situation seems quite complicated"

I commented as I stood up from the table. Although Leona was still clearly surprised, I decided not to mention anything about our mutual knowledge. It was obvious that she recognized me, but I pretended to ignore the fact. It's amazing how much a person can change just by dyeing their hair a different color.

"I won't deny that"

Fujiwara said, shaking his head in defeat. The woman, noticing our interaction, seemed even more puzzled than before.

"Um... do you two know each other?"

The woman asked, alternating between me and Fujiwara. In fact, I suppose I should introduce myself, as it's quite rude not to do so. While I thought about it, Fujiwara, with a playful smile on his face, approached me and hugged me from behind.

"Of course, I guess you could consider us lovers"

Fujiwara said in a casual tone. Hearing that, the only notable thing about Leona and the woman in the room were their bewildered looks as they watched us.