After work that evening, Gothim called Cally into his office. The room was quiet, except for the soft ticking of a wall clock and the distant sound of servants moving through the mansion.
Cally stood respectfully. "You called for me, sir?"
Gothim leaned back in his chair, his expression serious but calm. "I have a business trip to attend," he said. "It will take some time."
Cally nodded slowly, waiting.
Gothim continued, "While I'm gone, I want you and Ray to stay here—with Cloud."
Cally looked surprised. "Sir… with all respect, your guards are here. Why us?"
Gothim's eyes narrowed slightly, not in anger but in certainty. "Because I trust you more than them."
The words hit Cally harder than expected. Gothim rarely spoke emotionally, and when he did, it carried weight.
He reached into a drawer and placed an envelope on the table. "You will also receive enough money to take care of yourselves. If you want, you can find another job until I return. But I prefer you stay close to Cloud and the mansion."
Cally hesitated. Life had never been easy for him, and Gothim's help had always been what kept him afloat. Refusing was not an option he could afford."I understand, sir," Cally finally said quietly. "I'll do as you say."
Gothim nodded. "Good."
What Cally didn't know was that Gothim had not yet told Cloud about the arrangement.
That same day, Cally returned home and informed Ray. The boy listened carefully, his expression unreadable.
"So we're moving again?" Ray asked.
"Yes," Cally replied. "To Gothim's mansion. For now."
Ray didn't complain. He simply nodded and packed his things.
By evening, they had moved into the mansion.
The place felt different from anywhere Ray had ever lived. Large hallways, shining floors, quiet staff moving like shadows through the building. Everything felt expensive, controlled, and almost unreal.
Cloud greeted them warmly when they arrived.
"Welcome," she said with a smile, trying to make them feel comfortable.
Ray gave a small nod. "Thanks."
Cally placed their bags in a guest room while Ray stood near the window, looking out at the vast estate. Something about the place felt peaceful—but also strange, like it was hiding something deeper beneath its calm surface.
That night, they all gathered for supper in a large dining hall. The table was long, filled with food they couldn't finish even if they tried. Yet the atmosphere was quiet, almost too quiet.
Cloud chatted lightly with Ray, trying to ease the silence. Ray responded more than before, slowly getting used to her presence. Cally, however, remained thoughtful, watching Gothim carefully.
Gothim himself seemed distracted, as if his mind was already far away.
After the meal, he finally stood up.
"I need everyone's attention," Gothim said firmly.
The room went silent.
Cloud looked up. "What is it, Dad?"
Gothim took a slow breath. "I've brought you all here for a reason."
He turned his gaze toward Ray and Cally first. "While I'm away on this trip, I need you both here for protection—not just for Cloud, but for the house."
Cloud frowned slightly. "Protection? From what?"
Gothim paused before answering. "From things you don't understand yet."
Ray felt a strange tension in the air. It wasn't fear exactly—but something deeper, like pressure building beneath the surface.
Gothim continued, "This mansion is not just a home. It is also a target. And while I am gone, I cannot risk leaving Cloud alone with only guards I do not fully trust."
Cloud stood up now, confused. "So you brought them here instead of telling me?"
"Yes," Gothim admitted. "Because I needed you safe first before explanations."
Silence followed.
Then Gothim looked at Ray directly. "And you, Ray… there is something about you I cannot ignore. I don't know everything yet, but I know enough to keep you close."
Ray's heart tightened slightly, but he said nothing.
Cally stepped forward. "Sir, we will protect her."
Gothim nodded. "I believe you will."
He looked at all of them one final time. "From tonight onward, everything changes. Stay alert."
And with that, the weight of his words settled over the room like a shadow that refused to leave.