Part 5

Reiner drove his car down the dimly lit road, following the direction indicated by Elise. When the car stopped in front of a modest yet somewhat shabby house, Reiner glanced briefly at the building from inside the car. Nothing too striking, just a house with a wooden fence that had started to decay. It was a stark contrast to the grand house he lived in.

Elise opened the car door, about to get out. Reiner lowered his gaze for a moment, trying to hide the curiosity that was growing inside him. With some hesitation, he followed Elise out of the car and walked behind her toward the front door. In Reiner’s mind, this house was a world apart from his luxurious, privileged life.

As soon as they entered, the damp smell and stuffy air hit them. The house looked chaotic, with items scattered across the floor. The room that was supposed to be the living room appeared empty, filled only with old wooden chairs and a table that had clearly not been taken care of. Dirty dishes were piled up in a corner of the room.

But what was more shocking was the loud noise coming from inside the house. Reiner tensed. Elise, who had seemed calm before, looked startled upon hearing the ruckus from within.

“Dad, what’s going on?” Elise asked, her voice trembling slightly.

“Don’t come out yet!” came the deep voice of a man. He had a large build, a rough face, and his eyes were filled with anger. He was holding a large, shiny knife, pointing it at Elise. Behind him, an older man appeared frightened, approaching along with a small child who looked confused.

Reiner moved quickly. Without further warning, he stepped into the house, observing the clearly unfavorable situation. Before the man could harm Elise, Reiner was there, blocking the path and glaring sharply at the man holding the knife.

“Let her go,” Reiner said coldly, his eyes fixed on the man.

The man was startled, not expecting someone else to arrive so quickly. He yanked the knife back slightly, then pointed it at Reiner. “Who do you think you are? Stay away!”

Reiner only smiled coldly, moving swiftly. With one quick motion, he deflected the knife with his bare hand, causing the man to lose his balance. In an instant, Reiner struck him with a powerful punch that sent the man crashing to the floor.

“Get out!” Reiner shouted in a low, yet forceful voice. “Don’t ever come back here.”

The man, now unable to resist, quickly fled the house, leaving Elise, her father, and her little brother cornered and frightened. Reiner watched him for a moment, ensuring that he wouldn’t return.

The tension slowly eased. Reiner turned to Elise, who had crouched beside her father and brother, holding their hands anxiously. Reiner could see how Elise’s body was trembling, but her face showed deep gratitude.

Elise looked at Reiner with eyes full of emotion. Yet, no words came from her. Only silence filled the air. For a moment, Reiner felt the unease in Elise’s heart, though she tried to hide it.

Elise slowly stood up and walked toward her family. “Are you all okay?” she asked in a soft voice.

Elise’s father, still clutching his stomach where he had been shoved earlier, nodded weakly. “Thank you, dear,” he said, his face full of gratitude. Her younger brother remained silent, still in shock.

Reiner stood still, watching them. Although he didn’t show any expression, there was a sense of satisfaction within him. For him, this was just another ordinary event. But in his mind, something made him think more deeply about Elise and her family.

Elise, who had seemed so firm earlier, now appeared fragile in front of her family. Reiner, feeling a little uncomfortable, decided to leave. “I’ll be going now,” he said flatly, as usual.

But before he could turn away, Elise quietly called out, “Thank you, Mr. Reiner.”

Reiner glanced back briefly, offering a faint smile that seemed more like an expression of curiosity than a gesture of gratitude. He stepped out of the house, leaving Elise with her family, who now seemed calmer, though still weighed down by anxiety.

For a moment, Elise noticed the cut on Reiner’s arm. Before he could leave, Elise hurriedly followed him.

“Wait, sir!”

Reiner stopped. He winced slightly, perhaps from the pain in his arm. “What now?” he asked curtly.

“You’re injured, sir. Let me treat it.”

“No need. You take care of your family inside.”

Elise stood silently for a moment, then turned to look back. She saw her brother and father still seated, comforting each other. Then, Elise could only bow her head. “I’m sorry again, sir.”

Reiner didn’t respond, instead heading into the car. As Elise bent her head, Reiner turned away as if indifferent.