Between Two Souls (English)

The Ancestor Order

Between Two Souls, Chapter 9

"This sounds interesting, but..." Bridgette stood up.

"Sorry Erika, I have to take care of something at my restaurant. I'll be going now! Adrien, stay strong! You were so brave during the debate! Bye!" Bridgette excused herself and left the garden.

"I'll be going too, Erika. I have something I need to finish. But don't worry, I'll join you next time. I'm curious too."
Felix followed, taking his leave.

"Well, looks like it's just you and Vino. Alright, follow me," Erika said.

"To where?" Adrien asked, intrigued.

"Just follow me."

.......................
The sun was directly overhead as Adrien and Vino were led by Erika out of the palace. They mounted their horses and headed toward the city, traveling through the residential areas. They took a turn onto a narrowing road and arrived at a run-down part of Adrestia. Adrien, puzzled, couldn't help but ask.

"Does the Ancestor Order have a base here? What exactly is this Order's purpose?" His curiosity was piqued.

"Be patient, you'll find out soon," Erika replied as she dismounted her horse.

Both Adrien and Vino following Erika. They navigated through the gloomy, dilapidated streets.

"Good grief, it really smells here," Adrien said instinctively, covering his nose.

The place was indeed dreary, yet there were still children playing happily in the streets, and cats busily keeping the rat population under control.

As they walked through narrow alleys, Adrien happened to spot a familiar face—an old friend whom he once helped escape hardship.

"Blake?"

The person who heard his name turned around. After bidding farewell to an elderly lady he had just assisted, he made his way toward Adrien.

"Adrien? Wow! Hello, my old friend! Great to see you again."

"Blake! How have you been? It's been four months since we last saw each other."

Adrien stepped forward to shake hands with his old friend, both laughing happily. Blake, Adrien's old friend, was a dark-skinned man with brown hair, formerly a slave who Adrien had bought and freed.

"Are you alone, Blake? Where's everyone else?" Adrien asked.

"The others either left to chase their dreams or returned to the orphanage to care for the freed slaves. The orphanage is doing well. Everyone is grateful to you."

"You deserve to lead that orphanage, Blake. Thank you."

"No, it's all thanks to your initiative and funding. I owe you a great debt. Because of you, many freed slaves now have the knowledge to live their lives. Next time, I'll take you to visit them."

"Haha, no need."

Many of Adrien's friends were once disadvantaged people, unfortunate souls, but Adrien helped them. Initially, they were suspicious of Adrien, but his sincerity won their loyalty over time.