What she saw outside the city—the skeletons in the fields and the circling white dragons—did not change her impression. The workers busy before the city wall showed no fear. Soldier did not stop her either; they watched curiously as the barefoot Nun entered Free City.
Her steps were measured and steady. Only the laughter of children could make her pause. She watched them run past, her expression softening...
"A wandering ascetic claiming to be an old friend of yours is outside," Luoxi reported.
Annan assumed it was an ascetic from Montreal Mountain. But when Luoxi led the tall figure inside, Annan rose in delighted surprise. "Ma'am, what brings you here?!"
Betar City. The abandoned church of the God of Justice and Courage. The Nun who had taken in orphans.
Compared with the Nun two years ago, she looked worn and haggard, but her expression still held a compassion worthy of a god.
"I received your gift," she said.
"I'll take you to see the children!" Annan said excitedly, leading the Nun to the Orphanage.
The children who had been old enough to remember when Annan took them away recognized the Nun, of course, and gathered around her. The children from the Lower Hive did not know her, but that did not stop them from bouncing around her too.
Cathy, for one, squeezed in to bask in the Nun's affection. Being near her felt as comforting as being near Annan.
A gentle Nun, lively children...
"What a beautiful scene."
A clear voice nearby had spoken Annan's thoughts aloud.
"You know her?" Annan looked at Evelyn.
"No."
"Then why are you filming this?"
"I simply have an eye for beauty."
Evelyn vanished as mysteriously as she had appeared.
Just then, the Nun stood and came over to Annan. "You've taken good