Chapter 19 Chapter 19 The Academy Street glowed with a warm golden hue under the twilight sky . 20 vouchers At the very end of the road stood the towering stone gates of Syrria Academy of Arcana , its path lined with neat cobblestones , while the low - lying houses on either side seemed to guide the way like banners . Lorrayne and Troy were strolling along the street , searching for the small figure darting through the alleys . " Weird , where is he ? " Having reached the end of the street without spotting the little boy , Lorrayne gave Troy a questioning look , as if to ask where Troy'd stashed him . Troy's face darkened . " You're the one who dragged me along to buy a house . " So , how could he possibly watch the kid while house - hunting ? "I thought you knew where he was staying ," Lorrayne said , suddenly recalling a place . " Let's go check the alley next to the bakery . " Truth was , that was her initial thought , but she figured the boy wouldn't dare return there after the assassins had been spotted nearby . Now , though , with no sign of him anywhere else , it was worth a shot . Around ten minutes later , Lorrayne spotted a tattered sheepskin jacket beneath a pile of junk in the alley . It looked like it had survived centuries and was barely holding together , with a clump of soft brown hair on it . ' Guess even little kids these days have hair loss worries ! ' With this thought , Lorrayne shifted her gaze back to the jacket . She remembered this was the same one the boy had worn before . It was more of a shabby net with holes than a proper jacket , probably discarded by someone and then picked up by the boy . She tossed the sheepskin net aside and circled the alley , but by the time the sun was almost down , there was still no sign of him . " Let's go , she said , disappointedly . " Guess he's not coming ." Maybe he took off with the money , or perhaps he found a better place and forgot her promise . Troy glanced at the junk pile and followed her out . A the sur . dipped below the horizon , the last rays of sunset faded away . With the light behind them , their slender forms were like silent shadows moving through the lonely lane . Were you looking for me ? " A childish voice , full of unexpected courage , suddenly called out from behind them . Lorrayne spun around to see a frail boy standing by a crack in the wall . He was wearing a fresh linen outfit , his soft hair trimmed to his carlobes , glowing warmly in the final light of the day . If he hadn't spoken , she wouldn't have recognized the filthy little beggar she'd met before . The boy clutched his sleeves tightly , looking up at her nervously , his thin frame shivering in the autumn breeze . Lorrayne smiled , brighter than the setting sun itself . " Yeah " She was answering lus question . I'm here to take my little knight home . " The little boy was still cold , but he wasn't shivering anymore . This eyes sparkled like stars , even brighter than the night sky . He wiggled his frostbitten , red feet and suddenly trotted over to her , like a baby diving into its mother's embrace . Lorayne opened her arms , expecting him to dive into her . But he didn't . He stopped three steps away , asking anxiously , " It's only the second day . Have I passed my test too ? " Lorrayne finally understand what he was afraid of She squatted down to his level , looking into his eyes with a sacred and majestic expression . " Of course , you did great . So your test is over early 13/3 Chapter 19 20 vouchers The little boy pressed his lips together quickly , but couldn't stop a smile from spreading . It made him kick himself a little , like he'd ruined his cool and reliable image . Kids ' emotions were always written on their faces . Lorrayne couldn't help but want to laugh . To avoid actually breaking into laughter , she quickly extended her hand . " Come on , let me hold your hand ." She noticed his little hands were trembling nonstop , probably almost frozen . Surprisingly , the boy stepped back , his eyes full of longing . But he stubbornly refused , " Ma'am , it wouldn't be proper . I can't do anything that might compromise your reputation . " " Pff - Lorrayne burst out laughing , pulling his little hand up , feeling like holding an ice cube . " A qualified subordinate doesn't refuse their master's request . Let's go , little knight , " she said . The boy couldn't hold back . His tightly pressed lips stretched wider and wider until a big , goofy grin spread ear to ear . Warmth from her hand wrapped around his little palm , continuously transferring heat , making his heart feel like it was in a furnace . His whole body felt warm and cozy . He sneakily looked up , admiring the most gentle , kind , and beautiful lady holding his hand , like treasuring a bright moon . Even though his moon wasn't looking at him . Lorrayne was talking to Troy because she noticed Troy's face had been sour since just now , not sure what she did to offend him . " What's up , craving a drink ? " Go ahead , I didn't stop you . " Why no talk ? Born quiet or something ? " she bombarded Troy with a series of questions . Troy's vein was bulging on his forehead . He'd finally had enough . " Yes , I'm going to hit the bar . So you'd better get yourself back to school right now . As for this little punk , I'll drag him back myself . " Lorrayne thought for a moment , realizing this would save time , and since it was getting dark , it wasn't good to stay out late . " Alright then . I'll go back to school first . You take Roman back , " she said . Troy gave a slight nod , aloofly agreeing . Then . Lorrayne crouched down at the boy . " I bought a house nearby . Troy will take you there , and I'll come see you tomorrow . " The boy's eyes showed reluctance , but he nodded obediently . " I'll take good care of myself ; don't worry . " Lorrayne handed him over to Troy , instructing , " Troy , hold him up . He's cold . Use your big cloak to shield him from the wind . Roman , hold onto his neck tight , and be careful not to fall ." When Troy followed orders and picked up the boy , both their faces turned dark . Lorrayne , as if not noticing , walked towards the academy gate with a light step . Troy followed at a distance , watching her enter the school gate until she disappeared , and then immediately put the boy down . The boy struggled , jumping down as soon as he couldn't see Lorrayne . Their separation was so eager that when their eyes met , both were filled with disdain for each other . "Lets go lucky little rat Troy mocked . Stanky drunk , my name's Roman , and you're the lucky one , " the boy retorted . With that , he added , I met the Lady first Without me , you never would've crossed paths with her " Troy glanced at im , snorted coldly , but didn't argue After all , he was a swordbearer What was the point of arguing with a little kid who hadn't even grown hair yet ? Under the moonlight , the two ligures - one large , one small - walked slowly southward , keeping a distance of about four people between then Title: ReelTalk EP 40 - Contract Lovers & Heartbreak CrushReel's ongoing romance series, Miss You After Goodbye, continues to captivate on the latest ReelTalk episode. Haley Lohrli dives into her daring new character, while Ben and Josh share insights into their own memorable roles, promising a blend of laughter and heartwarming moments. Exploring themes of love, loss, and unexpected connections, this episode delves deep into the intricate relationships that drive the narrative forward. 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