"Melissa, let me explain..."
In the Moretti family's living room, Klein felt his scalp tingle. He looked at Melissa before him and awkwardly explained to the young girl, who seemed on the verge of tears:
"The Church signed a confidentiality agreement with me, witnessed by the Evernight Goddess. Even with family, I can't disclose information about my work..."
At this point, Klein drew a deep breath:
"Besides, knowing about this might put you in greater danger..."
Leonard and Dunn sat to one side. Although Leonard was pale, he was doing his utmost to keep the corners of his mouth from rising. Both he and Dunn had complicated feelings: amusement at seeing Klein so flustered-exclusive to Leonard-and relief at having survived the ordeal.
Thank goodness everyone made it through... Otherwise, I might have taken on the task of visiting Klein's family and telling them he had died...
Leonard's thoughts wandered as he mused to himself. Suddenly, he heard a scoff in his ear.
His cheeks immediately reddened, and he protested inwardly, somewhat disgruntled, "Old Man, why are you laughing at me again? I haven't even brought up how you lied to me!"
"Lied to you? As a Marauder Angel, isn't it perfectly normal for me to lie to you?" Pallez replied with utter confidence:
"Besides, without me, you would have died that night... Tsk, tsk, tsk. You still thought you were the only one with something special about you and wanted to shoulder everything yourself? Klein, that Saint from the Aurora Order-which of them didn't have something special? Who were you to play the hero?"
Leonard opened his mouth, his face flushing crimson. All he managed was a sullen inward mutter:
"Anyway, you've already spoken with the Goddess's Chosen..."
While Leonard engaged in a heated mental exchange with Pallez, Benson, who