I Got Reincarnated As The Ntr Protagonist In An Online Game

"Don't mention it. I'm just happy you're okay and nothing happened to you," Helen said, her voice gentle as a soft smile spread across her face. Her hand reached up to touch Junior's face, her fingers lightly grazing his skin as if checking for any scratches or bruises. Her expression held a mix of relief and lingering concern.

"Thanks, Helen. I'm okay, really," Junior reassured her, gently taking her hand and lowering it from his face. "You can stop worrying. I promise I'm fine."

Helen's smile grew fainter, her exhaustion clearly etched on her face. "That's nice... I'm happy that you're okay—" Her sentence cut off abruptly as her knees buckled. Her body tilted forward, and in an instant, Junior's arms shot out to catch her before she could hit the ground.

"Helen!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with alarm. Holding her securely, he lowered her gently until she rested in his arms. He studied her face, brushing a loose strand of hair away with a careful hand, revealing her peaceful features. Even in her unconscious state, a faint smile lingered on her lips.

"You really pushed yourself to the limit just to protect me and Emma," Junior murmured, his tone both grateful and heavy with guilt.

One of the knights stepped forward, his posture respectful. "My prince, if it's troubling you, I can carry Helen back to the castle."

Junior's grip tightened around Helen as he shot the knight a firm look. "No. I don't need your help. I'll carry her myself." His voice carried a note of finality, and the knight stepped back, nodding silently.

Adjusting Helen in his arms, Junior glanced at her again, noticing the serene expression on her face. He hesitated, then muttered under his breath, "Is she pretending to have fainted just to get me to carry her? No... I'm probably overthinking it."

Shifting his gaze, Junior turned to Emma, who stood quietly nearby. Her hands were clasped tightly in front of her, and though she wore a brave expression, the subtle tremble in her shoulders betrayed her lingering fear. "Are you okay, Emma? I'm sorry you had to go through all of this," he asked, his voice soft with concern.

Emma nodded quickly, her voice small. "Thanks, but I think I'm okay now."

Junior's sharp eyes swept over her, noticing the slight shaking in her legs. She was trying to act strong, but the close brush with death had clearly taken a toll. Letting out a sigh, Junior said gently, "Come on, let's go back to the orphanage. I'll make sure you get home safely."

Emma shook her head firmly. "No, don't worry about me. Go back to the castle. I'll keep looking for Catherine."

Junior's expression darkened as he raised his voice, his frustration evident. "Emma!"

The sharpness of his tone made her flinch, her eyes wide as she looked at him. His anger wasn't born of malice but of deep concern.

"We can look for her tomorrow," Junior continued, his voice softening as he stepped closer. "It's too dangerous to keep searching for Catherine tonight. There could be more of those shadow figures out there. Please, Emma… think about your own safety." His eyes, filled with earnestness, met hers, and the sincerity in his words was undeniable.

Emma hesitated, her lips trembling as if she wanted to argue. But the worry etched on Junior's face and the protective way he held Helen in his arms made her pause. Finally, she nodded, her voice barely audible. "Alright... we'll look for her tomorrow."

Junior gave her a small, relieved smile. "Thank you. Let's go back to the orphanage."

With that, Junior led the way, carrying Helen in his arms while Emma and the two knights followed closely behind.

_______

The walk back to the orphanage was slow and quiet, with only the faint sound of their footsteps echoing through the dark streets. The earlier chaos seemed like a distant memory, but the weight of what had happened still hung heavily in the air. Junior's arms tightened slightly around Helen.

As they approached the orphanage gates, Emma broke the silence. "Junior," she began hesitantly, her voice trembling slightly, "do you think Catherine is okay? What if—what if she's hurt, or worse?"

Junior stopped, turning to face her. "Emma, listen to me." His tone was steady, comforting. "Catherine is strong, just like you. We will find her, and we'll bring her back safely. But you need to trust me on this—rushing back out there without a plan won't help her. It'll only put you, i mean us in danger."

Emma nodded, though tears glistened in her eyes. "I just… I feel so useless right now. Like I'm not doing enough for her."

Junior softened, lowering his voice. "You're doing more than you realize, Emma. Caring about her, worrying about her—that's what family does. And trust me, you're not useless. We'll find her together."

They reached the orphanage, and Emma hesitated at the door, her hand lingering on the handle. "Thank you," she said softly, her voice barely audible.

Junior gave her a reassuring smile. "Go inside and rest. We'll start fresh in the morning."

Emma nodded reluctantly, pushing the door open and stepping inside. Junior watched her disappear into the dimly lit hallway before turning to the knight who had been following them.

"Ensure the orphanage is guarded tonight," Junior ordered one of the knight . "I don't want anything else happening to these children."

"Yes, Your Highness," the knight replied, bowing slightly before taking his leave to arrange the watch.

"Come lets go back home " said Junior the other knight .

"Yes your majesty " replied the knight while he walks behind junior .