Chapter 54

-- West District. A place with a port and slums, it's one of the more crime-ridden areas in Termwill. The orphanage that Sheila and Ilmhirilt mentioned is also located here.

However, the orphanage is quite far from the slums and the port, and it is a relatively calm place even within the West District.

"Are you two involved with that orphanage in some way?"

I ask Ilmhirilt, who is sitting in the driver's seat of the carriage. Even if Ashley and I vouch for her, we need a reason or a pretext. In this case, it makes sense for her to work around us, which is why we settled on this arrangement.

"I used to be taken care of there. I would bring them supplies out of gratitude, and the children grew fond of me."

"Does that mean being cooped up in the guild was rather painful for you?"

"Yes. I'm really happy to be out again."

She smiled happily and said, "Thank you."

The carriage continued down the road leading to the West District. Gradually... the carriage's jolts became more severe. It feels like the road has become rougher.

"There are still a lot of patrols."

Sheila, sitting next to Ilmhirilt, turned her head over her shoulder and muttered. In front of her, the figures of patrolling soldiers could be seen. Indeed, we've encountered similar patrols several times on our way here.

"Hmm. That's true. I don't usually come to the West District much."

...Since the incident with the demons, I suppose.

The idea is that if suspicious outsiders were to hide, they would likely choose the West District. However, considering that demons were found in Cardiff's mansion, it seems a bit late now.

The carriage eventually entered a relatively sturdy building with a large courtyard, even within the West District.

"Oh, it's Ilm!"

As the carriage stopped at the stable and we returned to the courtyard, a child's voice echoed.

"Eh, it's Ilm-nee!?"

Soon, other children heard the voice and ran out from inside the building. There were quite a few non-human races, such as beastmen and elves. From the looks of it, Ilmhirilt is quite beloved by the children.

I quickly scan the children, but there doesn't seem to be anything unnatural, like being too thin or wearing shabby clothes.

"Who are the big brothers?"

Another child tilted their head and asked.

"Um, friends of Ilmhirilt, I guess?"

"Really! Nice to meet you, big brother!"

"Sure."

I shake hands with the child who extended their hand.

"What's going on? Why are you all gathered here?"

An elderly woman in the moon temple's robes came out from inside the building and brightened up when she saw Ilmhirilt at the center of the crowd.

"Oh, Ilmhirilt!"

"It's been a while, Headmistress."

"Delicious!"

A child who tasted the Whispermarsh dish showed a bright, happy smile.

We accompanied the children to the orphanage because we had too much Whispermarsh. While it can be dried and preserved, we thought it would be better to serve it in various dishes like sautéed, fried, and soup, and share it with the children. With the help of the orphanage staff, we organized a standing party.

"How is Grace? Has she settled in?"

"---Yes. I'm sorry for the trouble."

She pressed her lips together and smiled wryly.

"Ilmhirilt, what do you plan to do from now on?"

The Headmistress and Ilmhirilt were talking.

It seems Ilmhirilt has been hiding the fact that she is a lamia, but it's unclear from their conversation whether the Headmistress already knew.

Now that it has been discovered, the news has likely reached the ears of the orphanage residents, but the Headmistress's response to Ilmhirilt was not harsh.

"Hmm. I'd like to continue being an adventurer, but it seems that's not possible just based on my wishes."

When asked, Ilmhirilt tilted her head. Her personal wish is to explore the dungeon like before, rather than building up her skills outside first.

However, given the situation with the demons and the Moonlight Temple, it's a bit difficult to fulfill her wish. But if Ashley and I take responsibility, the situation might change.

Considering the materials we can obtain and the ease of leveling up, we plan to focus on gathering and hunting in the Twilight Forest. If Ilmhirilt can keep up with that, it would be ideal. Otherwise, she might help with household chores or focus on the healing team at the guild with the other two.

First, we'll go into the dungeon together and see how it goes. Ilmhirilt will need a bow and arrows, so we'll have to go shopping.

"Mr. Theodore? Please take care of Sheila and Ilmhirilt."

The Headmistress bowed to me.

"Understood."

Once the conversation was settled, Ilmhirilt left her seat and returned with a lute, which she began to play while holding it on her lap.

Although she humbly said she was a step behind Dominic and Justia, it seems she enjoys playing music. Closing her eyes and smiling, her slender fingers gently plucked the strings, creating a simple yet soulful melody that filled the dining hall.

This time, it wasn't a cursed song but a regular performance. The children, who had been noisy earlier, listened quietly.

Hmm. Lute and harp.

Regarding her weapon... I had an interesting idea. I'll try to arrange it in time for our next dungeon trip.

After leaving the orphanage, we went shopping and returned home.

Ilmhirilt, still in the guild's custody, returned to the adventurer's guild, and Sheila went back to her nest in the West District.

If everything goes well with Ilmhirilt, those two might live together, I suppose?

I, on the other hand, am relaxing in the bath.

"Teo, would you like me to wash your back?"

Grace's voice came from the other side of the changing room.

"Hmm... Sure, thanks."

I had a feeling she might say something like that today. While my impulses are mainly related to hunger, it's clear that I lean towards the vampire side, so it's necessary to address them.

"Alright, I'll come in."

Grace entered the bathroom, not in her usual maid outfit but in a swimsuit she bought for the beach.

"Oh, you're in a swimsuit too, Teo?"

"Yeah. It's good for getting wet, and since we bought it, might as well use it."

I bought a fishing rod and swimsuits, thinking we'd need them if we went to the beach.

I don't know when swimsuits first appeared in Earth's history, but they are quite common in this world.

This is because there is a certain level of interaction with friendly aquatic creatures like mermaids and sirens. In other words, what we call swimsuits are actually adapted from their everyday wear to be more suitable for humans.

These are reportedly woven by mermaids using water spider silk. In BFO, higher-ranked enemies have strong water magic resistance and other defensive barriers, but we're not at that level yet.

I'm wearing a trunks-style swimsuit.

...Grace was impressed by the idea of having clothes for getting wet.

I expected she might want to try out the swimsuit while addressing my impulses, so I came to the bath.

Grace's swimsuit is a two-piece with a pareo wrapped around her waist.

It's not overly revealing, but her chest is clearly visible, and her pale, translucent skin and slender waist are quite distracting.

Her thin shoulders, small navel, and smooth legs... Ah, I shouldn't think too much about it. I'll face away and let her wash my back mindlessly.

"Since we're here, I'll call Ashley. It would be good to take baths together from now on. It's economical and saves on magic stone consumption."

Grace said happily. Well, I'm not sure about that. I feel like I'm digging myself into a hole...

No, wait. Don't lose it over a swimsuit. Calm down, me. It's like going to a pool together.

"Excuse me."

Grace called out, and Ashley came in, also in a swimsuit.

"I like this swimsuit. It's cute."

"Since Teo picked it out, we should take good care of it."

"Yes!"

I didn't really pick it out; I just gave my opinion.

...By the way, Ashley's swimsuit is a one-piece with frills around the chest and waist, a more modest design.

I'm glad it's not too revealing.