OJTTEG-Chapter 7: A Strange Agreement (Patreon)

"I don't really think I need any company," An brings up the topic again as they walk up the building.

"Why?" Ormond recalls having already discussed this with her.

"I can take care of myself," she says earnestly, tugging on Ormond's sleeve. "I will become the best investigator and won't need anyone else."

"Humans are social creatures, regardless of the conclusion..." Ormond sighs, gently patting her head. An seems a bit resistant but allows it.

Having lost both her mother and her best friend, it's unclear when these emotional wounds will heal.

What’s more concerning is that this little one unexpectedly possesses the ability to lethally overpower humans. To put it simply, there is a mysterious creature's heart transplanted into her, and without proper guidance, who knows what the future holds.

"I've taken Haunter's resume from the orphanage. He's a good kid, and if things don't work out between you two, I'll send him back."

"Sometimes you just have to try, right?" Ormond comforts.

An reluctantly lets out a small huff.

……

Back to the present.

"He's indeed a 'decent' kid," Ormond thinks to himself, comparing the orphanage resume in his hand with the person he's met. Why does it feel like he's found a terrorist?

"Sir," Haunter suddenly speaks up. "Judging someone by first impressions is quite shallow."

As soon as he finishes speaking, two wires drop to the ground. Oh dear, those are the tools used to pick locks earlier this morning.

What can he say now? Surely not: I'm not a student here, carrying lock-picking tools is perfectly normal, right?

"Honestly, do you think you still have a first impression left?" Ormond sighs. "But I'm still willing to give you a chance. The principal seems to have a good impression of you; he hasn't chosen to call the police. Your actions were driven by a desire to learn, which I don't see as a bad thing."

No, he did call the police, and he even wants to harm your relatives.

Haunter sneaks a glance at Principal Bristol, whose face is drenched in sweat but still maintains a gentle smile. You've had a tough time.

"What this gentleman says is true. Having a love for learning is a good thing, and I hope you have a better educational environment," Bristol says, wiping his forehead and smiling awkwardly.

In reality, no paperwork is needed because Haunter hasn't been officially enrolled. The so-called paperwork is merely to appease Megan, the son of a wealthy businessman.

"Alright, I've already informed the orphanage about the procedures, but they haven't had the chance to contact Haunter yet. So, I'll have him return to the orphanage to pack his things."

Ormond takes out a folder he carries with him, containing the papers authorizing Haunter's release from the orphanage.

"Ah, very well, sir. I won't intrude on your family reunion any further." After a friendly handshake with Ormond, Bristol adopts an especially respectful posture.

"This way, sir, you can take your child home now."

"Wait," An suddenly speaks up from her seat. Her voice, sharp like a bell, reflects the typical tone of someone in the midst of puberty.

What's up with this sudden interruption? Haunter looks at her, puzzled.

"What is it?" Ormond turns to his daughter. "Do you have any suggestions?"

"I don't want this guy coming to our house."

"Why?" Bristol asks, eager to rid himself of Haunter, this mysterious hot potato.

"He's a good kid, though he has beaten classmates, stolen property, and despite his charming looks, he's a real jerk and a social misfit..."

Seriously, do you even know how to talk?

"But all this is due to the current social circumstances. He couldn't attend this school, so he resorted to such measures. He's still a good kid. I initially planned to enroll him as a formal student and cover all his tuition fees."

Haunter figures he should play along at this point.

"Oh, Principal, I'm truly grateful to you," Haunter says, his eyes brimming with tears of gratitude. If he doesn't vent his emotions somehow, he'll burst out laughing.

"Ah..." Ormond covers his face, suddenly feeling a wave of discomfort.

"That's the issue," An points sharply at Haunter, her voice piercing. "I don't want someone with poor character—or you could say a criminal—coming to my home."

This child is really hard to handle.

"An, first impressions don't tell the whole story," Ormond pulls her aside, turning his back to Haunter, trying to counsel her.

"Yes, I'm sure Mr. Haunter is a very decent person," the principal gently persuades, careful not to provoke any negative reactions.

"An, we've already agreed. Even in work, employees have a probation period... right?"

"Exactly, you can't judge a person at first glance. Who knows, you might get along really well?"

"An, you need to learn to get along with all sorts of people. When you grow up, you'll encounter many different individuals, and I can't protect you forever," Ormond says earnestly. "I'm sure your mother would want to see you happy and lively, wouldn't she?"

It's hard to argue against two people at once. Ultimately, under the dual persuasion of the principal and Ormond, An reluctantly agrees to their proposal.

Well, agreeing is more like remaining silent.

The atmosphere lightens up again.

"Principal," Haunter calls out to Bristol.

"What is it?"

"What's on the menu at the cafeteria today?" Haunter asks suddenly, gazing out the window.

"Sandwiches and fries," the principal replies. "Why? Do you want to take some with you? Feel free to grab as much as you like; I’ll cover it, even if you want to fill a whole bowl."

Look at this old guy, wishing I'd leave sooner.

"No, it's nothing. I just wanted to say goodbye to the school. I hope you can be a bit understanding," Haunter says, his eyes fixed on a figure downstairs, full of resentment, clinging to a slightly older figure and complaining about something. It seems to be Megan and his unfortunate father.

"Oh, by the way," the principal suddenly adds, "Mr. Haunter."

"Yes?"

"About Liao Sha... please remember that."

Liao Sha is the name of his lover.

"Don't worry, Principal."

I wonder how colorful his expression would be if I told him I actually have no evidence in my hands right now.

……

The visit concludes with both sides parting happily.

"Crunch." Ormond casually closes the door to the principal's office. His gaze falls on the young man in front of him, this kid named Haunter, who is about the same age as his daughter.

Though his actions were somewhat extreme, they didn't cause any major trouble. To Ormond, Haunter is just a young man lacking sufficient guidance.

"Now that we're alone, do you need me to explain the situation to you again?"

"No need. Uh, you're my distant uncle, and you've come to take me back to the family..."

"That's the gist of it."