journey towards the northen duke

Jane remained silent in response to Seon's distrust, choosing not to engage in an argument with him. he stood up and exited the house, leaving behind the suggestion that he should rest for the day. Seon, watching him leave, sneered and then sprawled out on the cot that had been set up for him to sleep. 

Once outside the room, Jane promptly arranged a meeting to contact his subordinates. Upon entering the tent designated for the emergency meeting, he took her seat and got straight to the point. he proposed that there might be human trafficking occurring at the Angels Orphanage. The news took everyone by surprise, but they quickly regained their composure and began discussing strategies to address the issue. They concluded that they should seek assistance from the local police to conduct a surprise operation, ensuring that the Mantis would not be alerted in order to catch the snake.

The conversation then shifted to the operation planned for today, which involved sweeping through informants from other countries. They had received promising news about a significant capture that could benefit the nation. By extracting information from these individuals, they hoped to prevent potential future interventions. Each participant in the operation would be eligible for substantial promotions, which energized the group as they prepared to launch their efforts at the orphanage and report back to the capital.

Meanwhile, these developments were of little concern to Seon, who was lost in a deep sleep.

The following morning, Seon awoke to find a bag of toiletries and new clothes waiting for him. Startled, he stood in a daze until a soldier tapped him on the shoulder, causing him to jump. He inquired about the items, but the soldier simply instructed him to tidy up for breakfast before walking away.

Seon quickly took a hot shower and dressed in the new clothes, which consisted of a white and yellow t-shirt paired with black pants. As he looked at himself in the mirror after getting dressed, he took a moment to assess his appearance.

Sean gazed at his reflection in the mirror, a playful smile spreading across his face as he admired his appearance. "Wow, who is this handsome guy? Of course, it's me!" he chuckled, filled with excitement. He began to jump up and down, reveling in the novelty of his new clothes, a rare treat compared to the second-hand garments he was accustomed to wearing. 

In a moment of whimsical contemplation, Sean mused whether he might be the child of a wealthy young master who had been kidnapped or perhaps swapped at birth, much like the plots of the dramas he enjoyed. "When I grow up, will my life resemble those stories?" he thought, convinced that only extraordinary individuals could have given him life. Despite his fanciful thoughts, Sean understood that his reality would not change; the distinction between a genuine young master and a pretender remained clear. Yet, he allowed himself this indulgence, for despite his mature demeanor, he was still just an eleven-year-old boy.

Meanwhile, a tense atmosphere enveloped Jane as he delved into his investigation. he was taken aback to discover that the location was entangled in multiple illegal activities, including drug trafficking, unethical human experiments aimed at mind control, and organ trafficking—an array of societal taboos. The information revealed the involvement of several significant players in the capital. Concerned for his team's safety, he decided to halt their investigation for the day. Later that evening, Jane visited Sean, who was diligently learning to read from the books he had received that morning. Although he was brimming with questions, he focused intently on the letters he practiced at the orphanage.

Upon entering the house, Jane was greeted by the sight of Sean engrossed in his reading. Clearing his throat to announce his presence, he caught his attention. As he turned to face him, he closed the book and stood up. Jane found himself at a loss for words; he struggled to convey the details of his investigation while grappling with the dilemma of leaving him in such a precarious situation. Before he could gather his thoughts, Sean interrupted him, saying, "It's okay; I know you can't do anything about them anyway. Thank you for the food and the books."

Upon observing the serene expression of the young boy, Jane impulsively inquired, "Would you be interested in accompanying me to the barracks? There will be food available, and you can study anything you wish; there are numerous books there." After posing such a question, Jane reflected on his impulsiveness, questioning how he could suggest that an eleven-year-old boy remain in a military barracks, known for its strict environment. Just as he was about to retract his words, he noticed Sean's eyes sparkling with excitement as he eagerly responded, "Really? Am I allowed to join you?" Sean then began to enthusiastically boast about himself, stating, "You know, I am quite easy to feed; I am not picky at all, and I consider myself rather good-looking. I can run fast too." As Jane listened to Sean's chatter, he found himself uncertain whether to admonish him for focusing on appearances or to commend him for his lack of fussiness regarding food. Closing his eyes momentarily, Jane resolved to speak candidly. "Staying here is not safe for you. We have investigated the issues surrounding orphanages, and if we initiate any action, you will be the first person they suspect. Keeping you in the barracks is an option for your safety, but the situation there can be unpredictable. Once you enter, it is not easy to leave, and there may be unexpected threats. While it is relatively safe, it also poses dangers for you. I can arrange for someone to take you aboard, where you can study freely and live like a normal child."

As Jane concluded his explanation, he turned to the young boy, who remained calm despite the perilous circumstances. Sean then smiled and replied, "Thank you! I thought you would ignore the issue. I am aware of the dangers; from the moment I spoke, I understood. Going aboard is riskier for me because the main supplier is the states, and they have many connections. Therefore, going to the barracks, with food, shelter, 24/7 protection, and the freedom to study, is more than I ever dreamed of. So, let's make a deal."

Jane was astonished by this unexpected turn of events. He had assumed Sean was oblivious to the complexities of the situation, expecting him to agree to go aboard. However, Sean's words revealed his astute mind, prompting Jane to reassess his perspective. He began to take Sean seriously and asked, "What is the deal?"