CHAPTER 52: NIGHT WATCH

"That’s all we have. There is nothing else to tell. We weren’t able to find anything about the missing children."

Domnhar lowered his head, sorrow filling his eyes.

Selena didn’t say anything and remained silent.

Amon’s face carried a grave expression.

Vixra and Jareth were no different.

"It’s alright. We will try our best to find the culprit behind this... and hopefully the lost children as well."

Selena’s voice was firm and filled with confidence.

Amon also nodded.

"Yes. We will give our all."

Vixra, with her warm yet serious face, added, "Please leave it to us."

Jareth simply gave the old man a reassuring nod.

Domnhar looked up at them in surprise. Knowing these young people were going to help him find his children filled his eyes with hope.

"Thank you... your words mean everything to me."

The group smiled at the old man. Sister Kreta, who was listening from the side, also gave a smile of relief and hope.

"That’s enough talking... you’ve traveled a long way. Also, it’s night. You must be hungry. Sister Kreta, please take them to the dining room and serve them food."

Sister Kreta nodded.

"Please come with me," she said, looking at the group.

Amon and the others got up and followed Kreta, leaving the room.

’I am actually hungry... it’s already past dinner time.’

They walked through the same corridor, then entered the dining room.

Amon scanned the area.

The dining hall was a wide, drafty chamber with a long wooden table stretching nearly the length of the room. Rough benches stood on either side, can be seen that they were old.Use for long time. At one end, a great stone hearth smoked faintly, its fire rarely strong enough to warm the whole space.

"Please take a seat. I will bring the food."

The group sat on the benches side by side.

The nun brought the dishes and started to serve them food.

It wasn’t much—rather too simple. Some bread and warm stew.

"Please forgive us... we do not have food that may be to your liking," Sister Kreta said, bowing slightly.

Amon blinked in surprise, wondering why she was apologizing.

"No. It’s alright. Please don’t bow your head. We don’t need luxurious food or anything. We are happy with what you serve us."

Selena stopped the nun from apologizing further.

"Yes, it’s alright, and it looks warm," Vixra also chimed in.

Jareth didn’t say anything; he simply started eating silently.

"Yes. I am more than used to this food... it brings back memories from my village."

Amon also spoke, his thoughts drifting briefly to his past, his village, and his parents. But then he pushed them away and focused on the current situation.

"Thank you... you students are really kind and humble. Please enjoy the food. If you want more, just tell me," Kreta said.

They all nodded and started to eat.

Amon tore a small piece of soft bread and dipped it into the hot stew. Then, taking it out, he ate it, his teeth munching on it as he enjoyed the flavor.

’Don’t know why... but this food, despite not being tasty, feels warm.’ It felt nostalgic to him.

He glanced at the others and understood why Kreta had apologized. Most academy students were usually from noble families, so it was natural this food might not be to their level or liking. Yet, they were all eating without complaint, as if it were normal.

Since Amon was born in a small village, in a commoner family, he was more used to this food. In fact, it felt nostalgic to him. Since entering the Academy, Amon had only eaten luxurious food.

After dinner, they met Domnhar again in the same room.

This time, Selena was the one to speak first.

"For tonight, we will take turns guarding this house. Two of us will guard from outside, doing night watch, while the other two will rest in the same room as the children. That way, even if something happens, we can intervene."

"Also, don’t worry. Even if I say two will rest, we’ll still try to remain awake. At least one of us will."

Domnhar nodded in understanding.

"Thank you again... I believe in you."

After discussing more, they decided who would take the first watch.

"I and Jareth will take the first. Vixra and Amon, go and stay with the children. One of you can rest while the other keeps watch. If you find anything suspicious, call me through the pager immediately."

Selena, with her cold and strict face, gave the order.

After that, Selena and Jareth went outside into the yard, while Amon and Vixra followed Kreta upstairs.

The wooden stairs creaked with every step they took.

There was no door on the first floor; the entire space was filled with more than twenty straw beds lined up side by side. Children slept there soundly and peacefully.

Near one particular window sat another nun.

She looked around the same age as Kreta and wore the same clothes. Seeing Kreta and the academy students, she stood up from her wooden chair.

"Oh, so the students from the academy finally came. Hello, my name is Lisa. It’s a pleasure to meet you."

She greeted Amon and Vixra with a welcoming smile.

Amon greeted her back.

"Hello, Sister Lisa. I am Amon, first-year student from Arcadia Academy."

Vixra also nodded with a smile and said, "And I am Vixra."

"Well, Lisa, these two will look after the children tonight, so you can rest," Kreta said.

Lisa looked surprised, then nodded in realization.

"Yes. Then I will take my leave. If you need anything, feel free to tell me. My room is on the ground floor at the start of the entrance—the first one."

Saying that, she went downstairs.

Kreta also bowed and said, "My room is just beside hers. If you need something, please inform me. If one of you wants to rest, feel free to use one of the empty straw beds or mattresses in the cupboard."

She bowed again and left Amon and Vixra there.

Vixra turned to Amon.

"You can rest first. I’ll watch over."

But Amon shook his head.

"Let me take the first turn, Senior. You should sleep."

He needed to show his gentleman side to her. He can’t let her work hard.

"No way. How can I let my junior work too hard? You should rest first, and I will not listen to you. Go and take a small nap."

Her voice was kind but firm.

Amon stood there awkwardly, scratching his cheek with a smile.

"Okay. As you say, Senior. Wake me up after an hour."

Amon climbed onto one of the straw beds. Though small in size, since it was made for children, it still perfectly fit his body. Its length matched his height.

Yawning loudly, Amon slowly fell asleep within minutes.

Vixra, watching him, just smiled warmly and sat back on the wooden chair. Watching over the sleeping children.