There were significantly more kids in this place than Layla remembered. But she could tell that most of these kids were not too bright and liked to do foolish things.

Usually, she would have attributed this to these kids being kids, but knowing the Duke's temper and how he liked to collect 'unique' kids through his time outside, it did not seem as if these kids were particularly bright.

Or even picked up by the Duke.

"Hey, may I ask you something? You already told us your reason for sponsoring us, but I don't believe you. Why are you doing all this for us anyway? What do you get out of this?"

The kid who had been Layla's escort all this time finally asked. He looked suspicious of her intentions but hopeful at the same time.

He was also the oldest of the other kids, around 12 years old, and he did not seem to be afraid of Layla.

"Are you saying that I should not have helped you all out? I might have been in a coma for about 12 years, but that does not mean I do not know how to show my gratitude. I am returning the favor to the Duke since he cared for me."

Layla lied through her teeth, but no one noticed. The kid did not see it either, but he bit his lip to show he was agitated at Layla's answer.

His behavior showed he was worried about something more than Layla's gratitude and its cost.

'Tsk, this kid is a tough one to crack for me. At this rate, I might need to force him to keep his mouth quiet by bribing him harder. What else can I do-'

Layla felt a little responsible for these kids, and she was someone who took responsibility seriously.

When she was thinking about what to do, the kid spoke up, and his expression looked serious.

"Hey, I want to clear out some things with you before you go and make any assumptions about me and the kids. Despite what you think, we were not picked to be part of the caregiving system by the Duke.

The one who helped us out and brought us to that house was Henry, who has also been our primary caretaker. And if you want to cause him harm, I will not allow you to do that."

The kid spoke with conviction, and now, many things have become clear.

'Ah, now I see why these kids feel dumber than usual. It is because the Duke was not the one who gathered these talents, but it was Henry. I wonder what happened to other kids that used to occupy the house when I lived there?'

Layla felt curious to know but not curious enough to ask out loud.

But somehow, Raziel seemed to know what that look on her face meant because he quickly replied to Layla.

"Miss, most of those kids were brought to work for our company and now have various locations of action. We decided to take those kids in because they were malleable and easy to teach."

Although it was Raziel speaking, Layla felt like she was talking to Mary. She was now convinced she knew who the mastermind behind this trick was.

'Ah, it does not surprise me somehow. I guess I should have seen this coming. At least, a few mysteries have been resolved in my mind.'

Inwards, Layal thought this, but she did not let any of it show on her face. The kid in front of her waited with bated breath to see what response Layla would give him, but she did not have much of a reaction except for her raising her brows in a little surprise.

"I see. Well, it is good for Henry. He always looked like someone who wanted to establish control over the week…did my words trigger you? Do you feel angry now?"

Layla asked the kid in front of her, and she watched as the kid forced his anger and disappointment to die down on his face.

In seconds, he looked as if he had never said anything to Layla, and he turned around to lead her around.

Layla followed the kid around, knowing that she had won.

______

'W-Why is this happening? I am sure I had a deal with the Duke to leave me alone and only give me some support. Why is he coming after me like this?'

Henry bit his lip as he struggled to escape the burning mansion. He did not have to be a mind-reader to know this was the Duke's doing.

Not only did the man intend to break down this place, but he also wanted to bury Henry under all the rubble he was creating.

'I need to run and get out at all costs. If I am caught, then I will die for sure.'

Henry was sure of this, but by the time he reached the outside, he felt a presence walking behind him and catching up to him.

"L-Leave me alone. We had a deal about it, and you said you were not interested in us 'failed products.' You also promised to leave us alone if we did not ask for support. We did everything you asked, so why are you coming after us like this?"

Henry asked in a small voice. Breathing felt difficult for him as the air inside the room became heavier to process. He clutched his throat, but he refused to lose consciousness.

His eyes continued to look at the incoming Duke, and Henry refused to back down.

"Hmm, I did say something like that, didn't I? But I have changed my mind about it. I recently lost something important to me, and I feel I lost it somewhere around here. Do you mind if I check this place? You cannot even say anything to me because none of it belongs to you. You were borrowing all this from me anyway."

The Duke seemed to be speaking much, meaning that he was angry at the moment.

______

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