The interior of the house was simple—wooden walls faded by time.

  A small shelf held a few old books.

  No emblems. No symbols of past glory.

  Only a wooden table, three chairs, and a window facing the forest.

  Williams stood for a moment before taking his seat.

  His gaze swept across the room without comment.

  This was not where a former chairman was meant to live.

  Yet there was no trace of regret on Kael’s face.

  “Please, sit,” Kael said casually.

  “Sorry it’s a bit… plain.”

  Williams pulled out a chair without haste.

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  “No need to apologize,” he replied flatly.

  “It’s quiet here.”

  Silence lingered for a few seconds.

  Graham went to the bathroom to wash his face, while Alice poured water into wooden cups.

  Williams watched them in silence.

  “How old are they?” he asked at last.

  “Twelve,” Kael answered.

  Williams gave a small nod.

  “They learn quickly.”

  Kael did not respond immediately.

  “You’re training them?” Williams asked.

  “Not entirely,” Kael replied softly. “I only make sure they stay alive… at least.”

  Williams looked down at the wooden table before him.

  “And you’re certain this place is safe enough?”

  It wasn’t a criticism—

  but neither was it a simple question.

  Kael fell silent for a few seconds.

  “So… you already know about those who survived,” he said at last.

  Williams did not deny it.

  “Some of it.”

  No one broke the quiet.

  Then Williams lifted his gaze.

  “What do you intend to do with their future, Kael?”

  At that moment, Alice returned carrying a small tray with three wooden cups.

  She set it down gently on the table.

  The water inside trembled slightly.

  Kael waited until Alice sat down again.

  Only then did he answer.

  “I don’t know yet.”

  His voice was softer than before.

  He looked at the cup in his hand.

  “What I do know… is that they want to join Oblivion.”

  Williams did not react.

  “Not my wish,” Kael continued, his voice lowering.

  “But that’s what they said.”

  Williams remained silent for a moment.

  “I see…”

  He touched the rim of the wooden cup but did not drink.

  “In that case…”

  His gaze shifted back to Kael.

  “I will welcome them in three years.”

  Kael raised his head.

  Williams’ tone remained calm.

  “When they are old enough to understand what they’re choosing.”