Anonymous [Bungo Stray Dogs [BSD]

32:

"...I already got my compensation." Rose told Mori making him look a little surprised not expecting the answer. He was going to expect money or information like the rest but this time, she already got her compensation? Her reward?

"I see..." It's true that Mori was curious since Rose was still mysterious and unknown to Mori but he knows that sooner or later, he might get his answers to her unknown side...

———

"Wow... Is this really all for me...?" The child's eyes were filled with light as she opened the paper bags that I was carrying earlier before arriving. I rested my chin on my palm watching her shy and timid disappear and being replaced by an innocent child's face as she received a gift from me

I tilt my head, slightly smiling "yes. A cute girl like you needs cute things." After a moment, the light from her eyes dulled for a moment before going back to her shy and timid self

"But... This is too much... I can't accept it... You already gave me a lot of clothes, foods and accessories..." I noticed her grip on the paper box tightened making me feel concerned and a little sad...

After hearing her backstory, it made me feel sorry for her. Such a small child not older than 6 years old should not be given that treatment and life...

I slowly placed my hand on her head "don't worry, this costs won't even take a big chunk of my money. No, to be exact, it won't even take almost half of it..." I smiled assuring her but she still feels guilty and sad

I frowned for a moment before softly smiling "follow me, Charlotte," I slowly stood up from my chair walking towards the living room. I did not look back expecting her to follow me

When we were finally in the living room, I stopped walking for a moment before sitting down on the sofa. I patted the empty space gesturing her to sit down to which she complied

My hand grabbed the tv remote that was on the table before turning on the tv. The first thing that popped up on the screen was the news. Charlotte was confused at first but concluded that I just wanted to watch the news with her but something interesting was in the news

The news was talking about an illegal operation in Japan. Several cases of abduction/kidnapping increased during the last month. The police were investigating a businessman that was suspected of operating this. The man was well-known in several hospitals and medical organizations because he found several cures and etc. When police further investigated him, the more they realized that this was not a simple case. Several underground cells were found around Japan that were used to experiment on humans including human trafficking, Lobotomy, illegal operation and etc

I slightly cringe when I hear this news. That secret underground cell was part of that operation. Those bodies I saw chained up, decaying...

One specific image the news showed caught my attention. But when I saw that the news about the venue we went last month ago finally made it in the News's ears, I quickly turned it off. I don't know if Charlotte can handle it after the previous news... I never should've shown her this but at least she knows that the case is almost solved

I sigh, relieved before glancing at Charlotte...

"Charlotte?" I called out her name. She was startled but looked at me before answering "...yes, Ma'am...?" I calmly smiled "No need to be tense," I chuckled "from now on, call me whatever you want if you want." *I smiled at her. She was touched by my words. It has been one month since I took her in, i thought that this is the best time to ask her more questions now that she's comfortable

"...I don't know..." She hesitated. I sight at her hesitation, smiling. "You have to learn how to choose and make your own decisions. You have to one day make decisions when you grow up but I'll let it slide, for now since you still have plenty of time to grow up."