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Adrian suspected his grandfather-in-law, the Principal, was well aware of Aria\'s breakthrough and had likely preempted any potential issues by smoothing things over with the staff. The entire situation left Adrian both grateful and slightly amused at the Principal\'s foresight.

As they made their way toward the Wild Heart Sanctuary, a familiar voice pulled Adrian from his thoughts.

"Sir Adrian, are you feeling okay today? If not, you didn\'t have to come," Irithel\'s voice was soft, tinged with concern.

Adrian turned to her and smiled, his expression warm and reassuring. "Haha, don\'t worry, I\'m all good now."

Irithel nodded, though her hesitation was evident. "It\'s good that Aria was there to take care of you."

Adrian couldn\'t help but chuckle at the irony of her words. "You\'re right," he replied, though in truth, he considered telling her that it had been the exact opposite. Still, the Principal likely didn\'t want to make his granddaughter look bad, so the details remained unspoken.

"But are you okay yourself?" Adrian asked, his tone shifting to one of genuine concern. "With everything going on with the sanctuary, I mean."

Irithel\'s anxious expression betrayed her attempt to hide her worry. Her voice wavered slightly as she responded, "A-Ah, o-of course… Everything is fine."

Adrian could see through her façade. After all, today was the day the sanctuary would be closed—a situation that had undoubtedly weighed heavily on her.

He stopped walking and turned to face her, his eyes meeting hers with a steady, reassuring gaze.

"Irithel, would you believe me if I told you that everything will be okay?" Adrian\'s smile was calm and confident, radiating a sense of assurance that seemed to catch Irithel off guard.

Irithel looked up at him, her eyes searching his face for any hint of doubt. "What do you mean?" she asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Adrian\'s smile grew a bit mysterious and calm, filled with a quiet confidence that seemed to soothe her nerves.

"You will see soon," Adrian said not wanting to spoil it.

"O-Oh, alright." Irithel wanted ask more but since Adrian didn\'t say it, she didn\'t press any further.

Soon, they arrived at their destination.

As they entered the Wild Heart Sanctuary, the atmosphere was thick with despair. The usually vibrant and bustling space now felt heavy, the air thick with a somber mood. Workers moved sluggishly, their heads hanging low. Some leaned against walls or sat with shoulders slumped, their faces clouded with worry and uncertainty.

Adrian and Irithel\'s arrival didn\'t go unnoticed. Heads turned to them with a mixture of hope and sadness. Miss Jenny, the sanctuary\'s chief caretaker, gave them a weary nod, her eyes filled with concern.

Mrs. Rena, standing near a small group of workers, met Adrian\'s gaze. There was a silent understanding between them, a shared acknowledgment of the gravity of the situation. Adrian nodded back, his expression reassuring.

Before Adrian could take another step, two smaller figures rushed toward them. Mia and Finn, Mrs. Rena\'s children, ran up, their eyes wide with fear and confusion. Mia flung herself at Irithel, clutching her waist tightly, her small frame trembling. Irithel bent down to comfort her, her hand gently stroking Mia\'s hair.

Finn, on the other hand, grabbed Adrian\'s sleeve, his grip tight and desperate. "Adrian," he pleaded, his voice cracking with emotion, "what\'s happening? Why is the sanctuary being closed?"

Adrian crouched down to Finn\'s level, his expression gentle yet serious. He exchanged a glance with Irithel, who gave a small nod, silently encouraging him to speak. "It\'s okay, Finn," Adrian said softly, placing a reassuring hand on the boy\'s shoulder. "We\'re here to help. Everything\'s going to be fine."

Mia\'s small voice cut through the somber silence, filled with confusion and tears. "But… why is our sanctuary being closed?" she hiccuped, her words barely audible through her sobs. "Why? Half of the workers left already… They said it\'s hopeless…"

Adrian glanced around, taking in the scene. He noticed that the number of workers had indeed diminished significantly since his last visit.

The once fully staffed sanctuary now seemed understaffed, with only a handful of workers remaining. Many of them looked as if they were just waiting for the final word to leave, their loyalty wavering in the face of uncertainty.

He gently patted Mia on the head, his voice calm and soothing. "Mia, sometimes, when things get tough, we find out who truly cares about a place, who truly considers it dear to them," Adrian explained, his tone thoughtful. "This might be a blessing in disguise, a way to sort out who really wants to be here for the sanctuary."

But in his mind, Adrian couldn\'t help but think about the others. There were still those who stayed, not out of loyalty but out of a morbid curiosity to witness its fall. He smirked inwardly, a flicker of mystery sparking in his eyes. \'But they won\'t get to see that. Not today, not ever.\'

Adrian stood up, his posture exuding quiet strength. "I promise, we\'re going to turn things around. You\'ll see." His words, though simple, carried a weight of conviction that seemed to light a small spark of hope in the eyes of those around him.

Irithel, still comforting Mia, looked up at Adrian, her own expression softening. She could see the resolve in his eyes, and it gave her the courage to believe as well. "Listen to Sir Adrian," she said gently to Mia. "You know he\'s always been someone who keeps his word."

Mia sniffled and nodded, her grip on Irithel\'s waist loosening slightly. Finn, still clinging to Adrian\'s sleeve, looked up at him with wide, trusting eyes. "Really? You can save the sanctuary?"

Adrian smiled down at him, his expression full of confidence. "Yes, Finn. Really. But we\'ll need everyone\'s help to make it happen. Can I count on you?"

Finn nodded eagerly, his earlier fear replaced with a spark of determination. "Yes, Adrian! I\'ll help however I can!"

Mia, still nestled against Irithel, looked up at her and then at Adrian. "Me too! I want to help too!"

Adrian chuckled softly. "Good. We\'re going to need all the help we can get."

"Haha, you are still thinking about such delusions?"

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hope that Adrian had kindled. Heads turned toward the source of the voice, and there stood Mr. Hawke, his arms crossed over his chest and a sneer etched across his face.

Adrian\'s gaze hardened as he locked eyes with Mr. Hawke. He wasn\'t surprised to see him here, but the timing was impeccable, as if he had been waiting for this moment to deliver his next blow.

Mr. Hawke took a few steps forward, his boots echoing against the stone floor of the sanctuary. "Look around you," he said, sweeping his arm in a grand gesture that encompassed the dilapidated state of the sanctuary. "Most of your workers have already abandoned this sinking ship. You think a few words of encouragement will change anything?"

Adrian kept his expression neutral, refusing to rise to Mr. Hawke\'s bait. "It\'s not just about words," he replied calmly. "It\'s about action, about what we\'re willing to do to save this place."

Mr. Hawke let out a scoff, shaking his head in disbelief. "You\'re wasting your time. The sanctuary is already doomed. Why fight a battle you can\'t win?"

"Hehe, it\'s actually the opposite." Adrian smiled. "I am fighting because I can win, you nasty old man."

______

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