Magic Academy's Bastard Instructor

Chapter 110: Loose Ends [2]

Chapter 110: Loose Ends [2]

On a certain day, while following her usual routine at the orphanage, teaching the younger orphans and helping the nuns, 17-year-old Selena, too old to be adopted, saw the High Priest unexpectedly visit the orphanage.

——High Priest Erwin, it's an honor to have you visit our orphanage.

Sister Lilia, one of the nuns of the orphanage, greeted the High Priest with a deep bow. The Head Priest, who normally managed the orphanage, was out that day.

"....?"

Selena, curious, began to eavesdrop. She wondered if it had anything to do with the incident a few days ago.

She had dreamt of a murder in the village. A farmer girl named Ellen was the victim in her dream. Feeling a sense of unease, Selena convinced Ellen to stay home that day.

Perhaps, because of that, crime shifted. 

Another village girl was murdered instead—on the route Ellen would have taken if she hadn't stayed home. 

A few days later, the killer, responsible for the deaths of four other girls, was caught.

Ellen had thanked Selena, saying she would have been the victim if not for Selena's warning.

This wasn't the first time. For years, Selena had vague dreams that helped her prevent dangers and crimes in the village.

Even though her dreams were unclear and often hard to interpret, rumors began to spread that Selena could see the future.

——Is that so? Yes, Selena is here. Let me call her.

Hearing Sister Lily's words, Selena quickly ran back inside the orphanage, acting as if she hadn't been there.

——Selena!

Sister Lily called, and Selena walked out, feigning innocence.

"Yes, Sister Lily?"

"The High Priest wants to adopt you, Selena."

"...."

Selena froze. Indeed, the High Priest was interested in her.

The orphanage was home to her. The children, the nuns—they were her family. But the priests who owned the orphanage were a different story. Despicable, even.

A memory of a vague dream came to mind, one she had months ago. If it were true, and she was meant to become the Saintess, this could be her way out.

Life at the orphanage wasn't easy. 

The priests often asked for questionable favors from older girls like Selena—attending to visiting Head Priests, giving massages in skimpy outfits, and more. 

It was humiliating and degrading. Selena feared the cycle would continue with the younger children if nothing changed.

"...."

Selena didn't trust priests. But she trusted her abilities. She had a talent for magic, and with proper education, she believed she could become a powerful mage.

"You want to adopt me?" Selena asked, looking directly at High Priest Erwin.

But High Priests were different. 

Unlike regular or even Head Priests, High Priests were appointed by divine blessing from the Goddess Lumine herself. They were powerful and respected.

Even so, Selena couldn't shake her lingering distrust. 

But this was an opportunity—either to escape and leave the children to fend for themselves or to seek a better path under the High Priest's care.

Once they were alone in a room, Selena spoke.

"I don't mind being adopted," she began. "But I have a favor to ask."

…..

A month passed, and the adoption paperwork was finally completed. Along with it, the favor Selena had requested had been fully carried out.