This is a vast and beautiful square, at the center of which stands a fountain. Flanking it are residences, with rows of greenery and places for rest and recreation built alongside the buildings. This is where the Angel Protection Association houses the Saint War Angels—a place that, viewed through a modern lens, is exceptionally tranquil, perfectly suited for retirement or for those with steady temperaments.

Only Saint War Angels reside here; even the Association personnel rarely venture inside during their free time. Likewise, the protected Saint War Angels are forbidden from leaving. For them, this place might be better described as a beautiful cage.

The Protection Association provided them with a life of absolute comfort, yet denied them freedom. At least, looking at the hundreds of Saint War Angels before him, Lin Luo could barely detect any genuine joy emanating from them. These maidens, whose appearances suggested they were at most seventeen or eighteen, carried an aura akin to the twilight years of the elderly.

The spiritual emptiness was apparent to anyone who looked.

"I cannot deny that we have indeed deprived them of freedom," Sisca stated in a low voice, a sense of helplessness coloring her tone. Even though she now held the real power within the Protection Association, some matters remained beyond her capacity to change. Granting the Saint War Angels liberty would mean an increase in danger—not just for them, but humanity itself would be threatened by their power.

Malicious individuals lurked like hungry wolves, constantly watching for any stray Saint War Angel. The moment one appeared, they would resort to any means necessary to capture her and sell her for exorbitant prices.

Furthermore, some Saint War Angels were simply too naive and immature. Though inherently kind, under the guidance of those with ill intent, they could easily commit irreversible errors.

It was for these reasons that the Saint War Angels were confined to this place.

"You don't need to explain. I don't know about others, but I know that if it were up to you, you would exhaust every effort to give them a better life," Lin Luo said, patting her shoulder with a faint smile. Sisca wasn't unwilling to do better; she simply lacked the necessary power.

Sisca nodded, falling silent.

At this moment, Lin Luo turned his gaze back to the Saint War Angels below. They were unaware of the reason for this assembly, their eyes showing a degree of curiosity.

"There is no other purpose for gathering you today than to offer you a new environment in which to live." Lin Luo's words caused a stir among the Saint War Angels below. Before they could voice their questions, he continued, "In that environment, you might not have this level of comfort. You will need to work, and there may be dangers in the future. The only three things I can promise you are freedom, equality, and respect!"

When Lin Luo finished speaking, the clamor among the Saint War Angels instantly subsided. They hadn't fully grasped the meaning of the situation, but the three words—freedom, equality, and respect—had instantly captivated them.

Perhaps to some, these words meant nothing, but to the Saint War Angels, their significance was immeasurable.

They had no freedom here, nor had they experienced freedom anywhere else. They had never been treated with equality. In the past, humans treated them as tools and commodities; now, they were merely wards. They had never received respect; humanity used their power while simultaneously discriminating against them.

If they could truly gain freedom, respect, and equality, what did it matter if life became more arduous? Earning their sustenance through their own labor was honorable and entirely right. If danger arose, they were not without the power to resist, provided they were treated with fairness!

The Saint War Angels exchanged glances, noticing that Sisca remained silent. One of the young women hesitantly ventured a question, "Is it truly... possible to have freedom?"

"Of course. I guarantee it with my honor and my life," Lin Luo replied without hesitation.

"Then, if I go to the place you mentioned, can I see the sea every day?" The girl's eyes held a flicker of longing mixed with apprehension, as if fearing that this very question might prevent her from ever seeing the ocean again.

Lin Luo suddenly felt a sting in his nose. Seeing the sea every day—such a small wish, yet so incredibly difficult for her to achieve. He smiled slightly and said gently, "I cannot guarantee you will see the sea daily, but as long as you do no wrong, you can go anywhere. No one will restrict your freedom, and no one will come to arrest you." Hearing this, not only the questioner but all the other girls beamed with delight.

At that moment, a very young girl, perhaps seven or eight, suddenly raised her hand. "Can we also have the freedom to love?"

"..." If it had been any of the older girls, Lin Luo wouldn't have thought much of it, but for such a young girl, who hadn't even fully matured, to already be concerned with romance made him feel awkward. Nevertheless, he replied, "Of course, you can. Who you wish to love is entirely your freedom."

"Then, if I like you, Uncle, is that also allowed?" The little girl was both innocent and startlingly bold, declaring her affection in public.

Lin Luo nearly tumbled off the high platform. He felt a mixture of regret and gratification. Regret that this little girl was doing things that even the post-2000s generation might hesitate to do; gratification that he apparently hadn't grown so old as to lose his appeal to loli figures.

"Is that not allowed?" Seeing Lin Luo remain silent, the little girl chewed her finger with a look on the verge of tears.

Lin Luo sighed in resignation and finally said, "It