Martha. I remembered this name well. She was the only person who died in the orphanage fire, the only person whose body was found mutilated.
Of course, I knew it was Kael's doing. Martha must have really done something unforgivable for him to personally ensure her death, unlike the others whom he had simply left to the flames.
The reason didn't particularly interest me. She might have treated him badly, crossed some invisible line, or committed some cruelty that pushed him past his breaking point. Either way, the reason wasn't mentioned and that wasn't why I was interested in her.
The reason I cared about Martha was because I knew she would be perfect for the role I was about to give her.
I took out a badge from my pocket and showed it to her once we were alone in her small office. We were away from the children's ears and eyes. I needed this conversation to remain absolutely secret. Kael could not know about this under any circumstances.
The moment she saw the badge of being a platinum citizen which were only given to those with status, her entire demeanour shifted. Her back straightened, her casual tone disappeared, and genuine respect replaced her polite but distant courtesy.
I could have showed her my blackwood family crest, but that wouldn't be ideal. If anything went wrong, and things were accelerated in the timeline and Kael somehow found out about it, I would be putting myself and my family in danger.
I had to be very careful. I was so careful to the point that I had even temporarily dyed my hair black. My white hair was very rare and I would be easily recognisable after some basic descriptions.
"May I know whom I'm speaking with, sir?" she asked, her voice much more deferential now.
Adrian had never involved himself with charity work or the impoverished districts of Luminara. My anonymity here was a valuable asset. It was difficult for Martha to recognise me when I had put some effort into hiding my identity.
I could have used the mask, but that wasn't ideal. I wanted to save it for a better cause later on, for now this was sufficient enough. Nobody here has the capability to figure me out.
I responded with a cold tone. "No, you cannot."
She nodded immediately, understanding her position in this power dynamic without needing further explanation.
I placed several golden coins on her desk, watching as her eyes immediately fixed on them with unmistakable avarice. The way her pupils dilated and her breathing quickened confirmed what I had suspected. This woman was driven by greed above all else, which made her perfect for manipulation.
"I have one job for you, and one job only," I began, my voice remaining steady and mighty. "If you do it correctly, I can promise you a comfortable life. I will ensure you can leave this place without having to resort to stealing donations meant for the children."
Her eyes widened in shock at my casual mention of her hidden embezzlement. To be honest, it had been an educated guess rather than concrete knowledge. Such details weren't part of the novel's plot, but they weren't difficult to deduce either.
I could see the way she looked at money with desperate hunger. Her clothing was slightly too fine for someone supposed to be living in poverty while caring for orphans. The small luxuries in her office, the quality of her shoes, they were all signs of someone skimming funds meant for necessities.
"I would never—" she started to protest.
I cut her off, raising my hand to stop her lies before they could fully form, I had no time to waste.
"Save it. I'm not here to judge you or drag you to court. You don't need to worry about legal consequences. Like I said, I'm here to offer you employment. Once you accept, any mistakes on your part will result in consequences you definitely don't want to discover."
The threat hung in the air between us, unspoken but perfectly clear. My power and family's influence could certainly make people disappear if necessary.
"May I ask what the job entails?" Martha asked, her curiosity overriding her previous fear of being dragged to punishment.
Money to live comfortably without constantly worrying about maintaining appearances? If the task was within her capabilities, she would certainly accept and ensure she didn't disappoint her mysterious benefactor.
Finally, a chance to live lavishly without constantly dealing with those demanding children and their endless needs. Especially that silver-haired freak whose very presence always set her teeth on edge.
"You can learn the details, but once you do, you will be committed to accepting the mission," I explained carefully. "It's neither difficult nor particularly dangerous. Simple information gathering within this orphanage. You won't need to travel anywhere or take any physical risks. I want you to observe one specific child. Once I tell you the name, you must accept the assignment. If you refuse after learning the details..."
I let the sentence trail off meaningfully, allowing her imagination to fill in the unpleasant possibilities.
She raised her eyebrow, clearly puzzled by the request. Why would a platinum citizen pay her substantial money to watch some random orphan and report back? These children were nothing but pathetic charity cases with nothing to offer and everything to take.
I could see the confusion written across her face, but from her perspective, the mission seemed remarkably simple. Watch a child and occasionally send reports? For the kind of money I was offering, she'd probably watch paint dry if asked.
"I accept." Martha nodded after a quick thought.
"The child's name is Kael," I said, watching her reaction carefully. "The silver-haired boy you clearly despise."
Her expression soured immediately at the mention of his name, confirming my suspicions about their relationship.
"That cursed little demon?" she spat before catching herself and attempting to look more professional. "I mean, yes, I know which child you're referring to, sir."
"Perfect. Your job is straightforward. I want detailed reports on his daily activities, his interactions with other children, any unusual incidents involving his... abilities, and most importantly, any visitors or strangers who show interest in him specifically."
Martha nodded slowly, processing the requirements. "How often would you want these reports?"
"Daily, unless something significant occurs. In that case, you contact me immediately." I placed a small communication crystal on the desk beside the coins. "This will allow you to reach me directly if needed."
Her eyes lingered on the gold coins, and I could practically see her calculating how much comfort that money could buy her.
"There's one more thing," I added, my tone becoming even more serious. "Under no circumstances should Kael or any of the other children become aware that he's being watched. If he discovers your surveillance, the deal is off and you'll face consequences far worse than losing this opportunity."
"I understand completely, sir," she replied eagerly. "He'll never suspect anything. That boy barely acknowledges my existence anyway."
That was exactly what I was counting on. Martha's natural dislike of Kael would make her observations seem completely normal. She already avoided him when possible and treated him with obvious disdain. Nothing about her behaviour would change enough to raise suspicions.
"Excellent. Your first payment." I gestured to the coins on the desk. "You'll receive the same amount each month as long as your reports remain useful and accurate. The way you treat him should remain the same, any more or any less and you will lose a lot.
You will not get in my good books if you treat him well, or treat badly, you will not get on my bad books. Is that understood? Stay the same."
"Yes, Sir. I will make sure of that." She nodded.
Martha's hand moved toward the money almost involuntarily before she caught herself and maintained her composure.
"When do I start?"
"Immediately.