I Got Reincarnated As The Ntr Protagonist In An Online Game
Chapter 41: Anya is Missing

Chapter 41: Anya is Missing

The carriage rolled to a stop in front of the orphanage, a modest, weathered building nestled among tall trees. A small garden sprawled at the front, with flowers blooming in uneven clusters, their colors bright against the dull surroundings. Despite its aged appearance, the orphanage exuded an air of warmth and care. The chirping of birds blended with the soft murmur of the wind, giving the place a quiet serenity.

Junior stepped out first, his boots crunching against the gravel as he surveyed the scene. Helen followed gracefully, her presence calm and composed, while the six knights emerged last, their watchful gazes scanning the area with practiced precision.

The faint laughter of children playing inside reached Junior’s ears, mingling with the rustle of leaves in the breeze. But the momentary peace was interrupted by a loud creak as the orphanage door swung open.

"Your Highness!" Emma burst out, her pale face streaked with tears. Her disheveled hair framed her panicked expression, and she clutched her apron tightly as if to steady herself. She stumbled forward, her voice trembling with desperation.

Junior frowned, stepping forward to meet her. "Emma? What’s going on?"

Emma’s voice cracked as she stammered, her words tumbling out in a rush. "It’s Anya! She’s gone missing. I don’t know what to do anymore!" Her tear-streaked face mirrored her anguish as she looked up at him.

Helen stepped closer, her calm voice cutting through Emma’s panic. "Slow down, Emma. Take a deep breath. Start from the beginning," she urged gently.

Emma nodded shakily, struggling to regain composure. "This morning... Anya was playing in the garden with the other children. I went inside for just a moment to prepare their lunch, but when I came back, she was gone! At first, I thought she might have wandered into her room, but I searched everywhere—in the orphanage, around the garden, and even in town. She’s nowhere! Just like Catherine and the others... It’s like they vanished into thin air!"

Junior’s expression darkened, his gaze narrowing. "How long has she been missing?"

Emma wiped her tears with the back of her hand, her voice barely audible. "Four hours. I was too afraid to leave the other children alone, or I would have gone searching further."

"Four hours is a long time for a child that young to be missing," Helen said grimly. "Are there any places nearby where she might have wandered off to?"

Emma’s voice broke as she pleaded, "Albert... please help me find her. I’m so scared, Your Highness. What if something’s happened to her?"

Junior placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, his tone firm but gentle. "Emma, we’ll find her. I promise. But I need you to stay calm and help us. Think carefully—did anything unusual happen this morning? Did you see anyone who shouldn’t have been here?"

Emma shook her head, her tears flowing again. "No, nothing. It was just a normal morning... until she disappeared."

Junior turned to the knights, his voice steady and commanding. "Spread out and search the immediate area. If you find anything suspicious, send a signal and engage if necessary."

"Yes, Your Highness!" the knights replied, bowing briefly before fanning out to begin their search.

Junior turned to Helen. "Stay here with Emma and keep the children calm. We can’t afford to let panic spread."

Helen opened her mouth to object but was silenced by Junior’s firm tone. "Please, Helen."

Helen nodded reluctantly. "Understood, Young Master. But please, be careful. We don’t know what we’re dealing with."

Junior gave her a reassuring nod before addressing Emma again. "Emma, stay strong. The children look to you for comfort. They need you now more than ever."

Emma sniffled, her hands trembling as she clutched her apron tighter. "I’ll try, Your Highness. I’ll try."

"Where is Miss Yor?" Junior asked, his voice urgent. "I need to speak with her—she might have noticed something unusual."

"She’s in her room," Emma replied, her voice heavy with sorrow. "The thought of losing the children she cares for... it’s breaking her. I understand her pain because it feels like my own."

Junior placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and tilted her face gently toward him, pressing a soft kiss on her forehead. "Don’t worry, Emma. I’ll protect the children and find the missing ones. I promise."

Turning to Helen, he nodded toward the orphanage. "Let’s go in."

Helen stepped forward, gently taking Emma’s arm. "Come inside. I’ll help you keep the children occupied while we wait." The three moved toward the door, the weight of the situation palpable as they disappeared into the dimly lit hallway.

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Inside, the orphanage was filled with muted whispers and the occasional sniffle from the children huddled together, their nervous glances darting toward both Junior and Helen. The warm air carried the faint aroma of cooked food, but it was overshadowed by an uneasy tension that clung to the room.

Helen guided Emma to a chair by the hearth, the flickering fire casting soft, dancing shadows on the walls. She crouched beside Emma, placing a comforting hand on her arm. "I’ll watch over them," she said softly, gesturing to the children gathered nearby. "Just breathe. We’ll handle this."

Junior stood near the center of the room, his sharp gaze sweeping across every detail. The children, sensing his authority, grew quiet, their wide eyes filled with a mix of fear and curiosity.

"Where is Miss Yor’s room?" Junior asked, his voice steady but edged with urgency.

Emma pointed shakily down the dimly lit hallway. "Last door on the left."

Junior nodded and strode toward the hallway. Each step on the creaking wooden floor echoed faintly, adding to the heaviness of the moment. The narrow corridor stretched ahead, When he had reached the door, he paused briefly, his hand hovering over the knob as if bracing for what lay beyond. He steadied himself and knocked lightly.

"Miss Yor, it’s Junior. May I come in?"

After a moment’s silence, a muffled voice replied, "Come in..."

Junior entered the room.