Throughout the journey, Persephone's heart pounded, feeling like she had just woken from a dream. Yet, the dream was so vivid she couldn't help pinching her arm.

"If you're uncomfortable, you can still call me Granny Catherine, okay? I don't mind!" The girl laughed cheerfully, placing a hand on her shoulder.

Persephone trembled slightly and gently pushed her away.

"Oh... sorry, sorry." The girl reined in her smile. "She warned me that you don't like people getting too close."

"Who?" Persephone looked up abruptly, her heart skipping a beat.

Besides her, who else could remember these small details...

Persephone's vision suddenly blurred, and her nose felt tingly. Tears streamed uncontrollably down her face.

"Oh my, please don't cry!" The girl was startled, frantically apologizing. "It's my fault, my fault! How did I make you cry, I..."

"Is it her?" Persephone grabbed the girl's hand, her emotions rising. "Is it really her? Is she here?"

"Goodness!" The girl quickly covered Persephone's mouth, warily looking around. "Why make so much noise? Who are you trying to attract?"

She guided Persephone into a deep alley. It was quiet inside, with no streetlights and high walls blocking out the sunlight. A gust of wind made them shiver involuntarily.

She told Persephone to stay there and not move, then crouched to listen for a while. As she got up, she clapped her hands lightly. "We're safe for now."

Persephone seemed to still be in a daze, staring blankly at her.

"Ahem..." The girl cleared her throat. "My name is Catherine, and I'm probably a bit younger than you."

Persephone nodded absently, tears still streaming down her face.

"Is it her or not? Tell me!"

Catherine didn't say anything. She only took out a little rabbit made of straw rope. As soon as Persephone saw it, she felt a dull ache in her chest that spread through her veins.

Back then.

"Miss, if we get separated in the future, let's use this little rabbit as a secret signal, okay?"

"Why this?"

"Because... in your house, you have horses, dogs, even a pet tiger, and a huge hunting ground, but you don't keep rabbits!"

"So, we have to use a rabbit as our sign? Haha!"

"Yes! Because it's unique!"

To Greta, Persephone was unique.

Persephone held onto the little rabbit with tears still streaming down her face.

Catherine crouched down, looking at Persephone by the wall. "If you have anything to instruct me, please do. Don't be afraid. In the future... I'll protect you."

Catherine led Persephone through several small streets until they reached the convenience store's entrance.

Persephone froze, about to ask how Catherine knew this place, but the latter gestured for her to stay silent. They soon entered the convenience store, swiftly reaching the small room where Ryan was recuperating.

Persephone stood at the door and inexplicably began to feel nervous.

Catherine whispered, "Ryan's injuries have mostly healed, but they were so severe that... he's probably disabled now."

"What?"

"Don't misunderstand!" Catherine hastily waved her hands. "When I say disabled, I mean he can't be your bodyguard like before. He's fine in his daily life, so... Madame Bailey gave him some money and sent him away from Flinge to find his own path."

"Then..." Persephone stared blankly at the door. "Who's inside?"

Catherine opened the door with a chuckle. The room no longer had the previous dimness and disorder. Everything inside had been rearranged, with simple, clean, cream-colored furniture.

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