CH 32.1

I checked inside the building.

‘Ah… there is even a fireplace.’

It was empty inside. However, warm seats were prepared for the children to rest at any time.

“…What does it mean?”

I tried not to raise my voice, but it trembled. It wasn’t tears of sadness this time. It was because I was happy.

“Ah, it’s a collaboration between Jade and I. I heard you were worried about the friends you left behind? I wanted to give you a special gift.”

Jade spoke slowly from the carriage:

“Because every time you pass this street, you look upset.”

“…”

“I’ve been thinking. What can I do to keep you from frowning?”

I kept my lips shut. I felt like crying.

“You are still a child. Sometimes the minds of children are easy to read,” Collen said. “Did you want to break your promise with your friends?”

Collen already knew about the promise. A promise to pretend we don’t know each other.

“Did Jade say that?”

Jade shrugged. Collen quietly explained.

“I bought all the houses on this street and generously compensated the owners for this. Everyone agreed. And the houses were combined into one big space. However, only small children can come here. Anytime during the winter.”

“Thank you, really…”

I found it difficult to control my trembling hands.

“You don’t have to be so thankful because I’m your father.”

“Huh?”

“A father who asked you to call me Dad.”

“I like Jade and I like you too.”

Tears flowed from my eyes. At that moment, the last shield of my heart collapsed.

I’m afraid I might get out of this house. I couldn’t call him that because I was afraid that I would really expect a lot like my biological father.

“Oh, dad.”

“…”

“Thank you, Dad. And brother.”

I smiled broadly. With tears in my eyes, I hugged Collen’s neck. Then Jade.

“I’m the happiest person in the world. Because I’m my father’s daughter and Jade’s sister. I’m so happy.”

I never thought that I could find such happiness in this world. A little scary, but still good.

I want to be the family of these people.

“Don’t forget those words.”

Jade laughed. Collen stroked my head.

“In the future, you can live like Lee or Leticia. But leave all the painful things on this street.”

I nodded. Zion kindly added:

“The name ‘Lee’ will stay in this house and warm the children here.”

Saying such sweet things is so much like that flatterer butler. I dried my eyes and nodded.

“You said well, Zion,” Collen laughed.

Jade said:

“Oh, I was looking for a kid named Walter. I sent someone to ask the children and they said they left town some time ago.”

“…I see.”

Walter was four years older than me. Where did you decide to work? Down town?

‘If it’s Walter than I have nothing to worry about.’

Walter survived in a back alley with a handsome appearance and a strong physique.

“Would you like to find him?”

I shook my head.

“Walter is a kid who will do well anywhere,” I smiled.

That day, Walter was destined to die at the hands of the killer James. Walter’s fate changed. I hoped that if we met again, Walter would have a better life too.

And after dinner back at the mansion, Collen said to me quietly.

“Next year, the duke’s family will expand the orphanage business. The children from the back alley where you used to live will be able to enter as many times as they want.”

I nodded, hoping that at least one of my stubborn friends would go to the orphanage.

That day, Lee’s house was built and my winter was finally over.