Chapter 8
Unlike the usual monasteries carved from polished marble, this one was made of worn-out timber—a clear sign of how little support it received.
It was small, too. The first floor held only a tiny prayer room, a modest kitchen, and a cramped dining area. On the second floor, there were just four small bedrooms.
The third floor had only a large attic, which seemed to be where the children lived.
Even though the influence of the church had declined, Chaser had never seen a monastery so shabby in all his life.
Then again, why would it be any different?
Once the last nun passes away, they’ll probably tear it down right away.
An old monastery, a sick and aging nun, and five young children still too small to live without help.
It was a place where even a flicker of hope seemed out of reach. The fact that Evelyn didn’t resent them for holding her back was surprising in itself.
Will she try to run?
Most people, when their life is on the line, don’t think twice before fleeing.
She had been so terrified just knowing the Luisa family had discovered she was alive. Surely, she understood her situation better than anyone.
Once you realize your life is in someone else’s hands, most people would try to break free from that grip.
But instead of running, Evelyn Bayardo wiped her tears, stood up, straightened her shoulders, and walked back to the monastery.
Chaser waited a long while—but there wasn’t even a hint that she was planning to escape.
From the direction of the monastery, laughter rang out. The children were playing again, loud and cheerful, like everything was back to normal.
Still perched in a tree, waiting for any sign of strange behavior, Chaser let out a quiet chuckle.
So, she really is trying to survive—with all of them.
Watching someone who had nothing—no power, no ability—still fight to survive was strangely amusing to him.
“At least letting her live wasn’t a waste.”
Instead of making the smart choice, Evelyn had chosen the right one.
She’s lucky. If she’d tried to run, I would’ve just killed her.
Evelyn Bayardo was rare—both then and now.
That’s what made her interesting.
Even back then, she cried… but she never let go. Not until the very end.
A vague memory of Evelyn’s past self came to mind, and Chaser shook it off with a flick of his head.
That’s not what matters right now.
He leapt down from the tree, landing softly on the forest floor.
From the treetop, he had seen nothing resembling the object he was looking for.
I was sure it would be near people. Makes sense, right?
Whatever it was, it probably wasn’t small. So where could it be hiding?
This is frustrating.
If he could just set the whole forest on fire, things would be much easier.
His gloved hand twitched.
If he allowed even the slightest bit of will to slip through, flames would instantly burst from his fingers.
And that tiny spark would grow, swallowing the entire mountain in fire.
It would be easy—and efficient. He could end this much faster.
But oddly enough, he couldn’t bring himself to do it.
Maybe I’ll give it a little more time.
His brothers would be shocked to see him so patient. But none of them were here.
Only those who feared him were.
Chaser smiled faintly as Evelyn’s face came to mind again, then turned and walked away.
Whether he truly meant to “check the mountain” or not, Mr. Chain didn’t return to the monastery that day.
“Evelyn! Isn’t the weather great today?”
“Let’s go play!”
Evelyn didn’t want to be alone, so she happily nodded.
She played tag with the children in front of the monastery, helped with laundry, and even gathered dry branches with them nearby.
Maybe because she’d been physically active for a while, but during those moments, she was able to push away all the dark thoughts.
When she brought dinner to Sister Lasagna and asked for permission, she found herself secretly hoping the nun would say no.
“So the guest wants to stay a few more days?”
“Yes. He says he lost something in the mountains and wants to look around a bit more. Is it okay?”
“Of course it is. Helping those in need is one of God’s blessings to us.”
As always, Sister Lasagna gave her kind approval.
It was just like her. Evelyn smiled quietly, but the smile faded just as quickly.
Even if Sister had refused, nothing would’ve changed.
It wasn’t the most cheerful topic for dinner, but Evelyn didn’t forget to give the children a firm warning.
“Mr. Chain is a mercenary. That means he can be unpredictable. So don’t get too close, and always be respectful.”
The kids pouted, disappointed they couldn’t talk to the guest.
“But when have we ever gotten in trouble for listening to you? You’re right—we should be careful around strangers.”
Allen quickly helped smooth things over.
“There’s another guest staying in one of the rooms,” Evelyn added gently. “He doesn’t seem well. He hasn’t woken up today either, so I’m going to bring a doctor. He might be sick, so absolutely no one is allowed to go near his room.”
“Is he really sick? Mommy and Daddy were really sick, too… and Sister’s sick now, too…”
Jerry’s eyes filled with tears as he sniffled quietly.
The idea of someone being sick had clearly reminded him of his late parents.
Evelyn gently wiped his tears, then smiled warmly at him and the others.
“Sister will get better. So will our guest. That’s why we need to pray—so that day comes sooner.”
“Okay…”
Thankfully, the mood didn’t turn too heavy.
After sealing a deal that only one person was satisfied with, Evelyn had been drowning in negative thoughts.
Still… I’m the one who has to protect them.
Seeing Sister Lasagna and the children made her feel like she really could endure anything.
With a renewed determination to push through just a little longer, the day seemed to pass quietly.
Once Sister Lasagna and the children were all fast asleep, Evelyn glanced at the clock. It was just past 11 p.m.
“I wonder when he’ll be back,” she murmured to herself.
She sat on the worn-out guest sofa near the front door, her body leaning into its creaky cushions.
A soft light glowed from the lamp on the table beside her, casting a warm halo in the otherwise dark lobby.
Bathed in that gentle light, Evelyn quietly waited for Mr. Chain to return.
There was no real reason to wait for a guest like this—but not seeing him around made her uneasy. She couldn’t sleep.
“Oh… it’s past midnight.”
Had he left the monastery?
Or was he waiting for everyone to fall asleep, planning to set the place on fire and eliminate all loose ends?
Hope flickered briefly, only to be smothered by the darker thoughts that filled her mind even faster.
She began trembling—not knowing whether it was from the cold or from the anxiety wrapping around her like chains.
Please… just let the worst-case scenario not come true.
She didn’t know how much time had passed. Eventually, her head began to nod, and she drifted off, dozing without realizing it.
Which is why she didn’t see them— Those golden eyes quietly watching her from the doorway as he entered.
“Mmnn…”
Evelyn groaned, her body stiff and sore, as she slowly woke from sleep.
Something felt off.
Her bleary eyes focused upward, but the ceiling above her looked… unfamiliar.
This feels like the lobby—wait!
Before she could finish the thought, she shot up.
She must’ve dozed off in the lobby while waiting for Mr. Chain.
Where is he?
Had he not returned?
That small spark of hope vanished the moment she looked around.
Across from where she had been sleeping, on the other couch, Mr. Chain was lying half-reclined—fast asleep.
So, he did come back… but why didn’t he sleep in one of the guest rooms?
She started to rise, but then noticed something covering her.
It was a blanket from one of the guest rooms.
Why is this here…?
She glanced over again—and saw that Mr. Chain had draped his robe over himself instead of using a blanket.
Since she had one, he must’ve— “You’re awake?” he said.
“I was going to carry you to your room, but figured I’d wake you if I did. So, I left you there.”
He must have brought the blanket.
When had he woken up? His eyes were clear and alert—not even a hint of drowsiness.
“Didn’t think you’d sleep through the whole night.”
“The blanket…”
Before she could finish her sentence, Mr. Chain stood up and brushed off his coat.
“Don’t wait for me next time. If you catch a cold, it’s just more trouble for both of us.”
She almost laughed.
How strange it was—to feel thankful just because this frightening man had shown a bit of kindness.
Evelyn didn’t say anything. She just nodded.
She didn’t ask why he’d covered her with a blanket.
Even if he showed moments of kindness, it didn’t change the fact that he was still terrifying. Still dangerous.
“I need to go into town today. I’ll need you to guide me.”
Oddly, Evelyn welcomed the shift in subject.
“I thought you were searching for something in the mountains?”
“It might be in the village instead.”
It was 7 a.m. The sky was still dark, but the sun would be up soon. Sister Lasagna and the children would wake up not long after.
“Would it be alright if we leave after breakfast? I’ll make sure the children know to eat lunch without me.”
“Do as you like.”
“What about you, Mr. Chain? You haven’t eaten since yesterday evening.”
“I’m fine.”
With that, he turned and headed upstairs, telling her to call him when she was ready.
Evelyn watched his confident steps and muttered under her breath,
“It’s going to be cold without a blanket…”
She felt a little—just a little—like a selfish child who’d stolen someone’s warmth.
