Chapter 7

"I can't deal with this."

Given the way things looked, Karia Bardonic wouldn't die either way. I was told to watch, but even if I stayed, there was nothing I could do. It was just dangerous.

The fare I received from Grandpa Richard as payment for information disappeared quickly after a light shopping spree. Narrowing my eyes at the feel of the long-awaited chewing tobacco I ended up buying, I walked down the road.

The people on the road were terribly busy. Merchants, guards, adventurers, and maids. Everyone was running around doing something. In such times, no one had the leisure to stroll down the road at a leisurely pace. I, too, back then, probably didn't have such leisure. I was always being chased by hunger, violence, and poverty, and those memories come flooding back.

Even now, I don't have any leisure. Although I have the memories of the past, the degree of poverty hasn't improved. However, at this moment, I want to walk with some leisure. Wouldn't anyone want to do that when heading to their beloved's place?

*

One street off the main road, the sunlight barely penetrates, and compared to the main road, there's a slightly damp feeling that can't be shaken off. The deeper you go, the stronger this feeling becomes. My destination is even deeper in.

It was still a place that couldn't be called comfortable. However, nostalgia and sentimentality are convenient things. Even in such an environment, it feels as if the word "nostalgic" is enough.

"Unusual, brat. I didn't think you'd come here."

"Considering your character, I didn't think you would. What's with that voice, piercing my ears from behind?"

It's been a long time. The voice was so nostalgic that I almost cried. My voice trembled slightly as I responded to the approaching footsteps from behind.

"Mr. Nines. I'm not a brat anymore... Ah, no, am I? I guess I still am."

The way I distorted my face, trying to suppress the words that almost slipped out, must have been funny, as Nines relaxed his cheeks and laughed heartily.

"What, acting all grown up as an adventurer. To me, you'll always be a brat. Welcome back, Ruis."

With an unchanged smile, he welcomed me. He is the head of the orphanage where I and Alyeno grew up, our foster parent and everyone's mother figure. We all call him Mr. Nines. His slightly purple hair stands out even in the dimness of the back alley. But, as I've always thought, he doesn't look his age at all. His appearance hasn't changed much since I was a child.

Handing me the shopping basket naturally, he walked down the back alley as if it were his own, saying, "Come on."

"What's up today? Did you come crying because you lost your place to stay?"

"Who, me? No way. Ah... I came to see Alyeno."

Why is it so, strangely embarrassing? Just coming to see an old friend, and we're both still young. I was sure Nines would laugh at my reaction.

"Well, that's true. You're not the type to cry to others—Alyeno, huh?"

"...Mr. Nines? What's wrong? Why are you suddenly quiet?"

His rare silence made me widen my eyes.

There shouldn't be any news about Alyeno. After all, I know she's alive until the day of the journey to save the future. Even if she were sick, it would be worrying, but not enough to make me panic.

Or so I thought.

"About Alyeno—she's been betrothed. So, it's good today. The girl will be happy to see you one last time."

Betrothed. My body stiffened reflexively. Scratching my nose, I chose my words carefully and muttered softly.

"Isn't it... too early? Besides, she can manage just fine at the orphanage."

"We can't keep her tied down forever. She won't be able to survive on her own."

I had no response. I tried to form words, but they withered.

For a while, we walked in silence. I just followed Nines, who seemed to be walking a bit slower.

Betrothal. It's one of the options that eventually comes to those living in the orphanage.

No matter where they were born, the future of those raised in the orphanage is largely two paths.

One is to become an adventurer, like me. The profession of an adventurer is the only one that can be pursued without any backing or introduction. In this country, it's acknowledged that anyone can become a replaceable life.

Most adventurers are not much different from gangs or bandits. Their lives are always on the line, barely earning a living. Only a few succeed. But many leave the orphanage, dreaming of that slim possibility, just like me.

The second is to be betrothed, which means—being bought by some individual or organization. For children with no backing, this is the only way to find a job. For boys, it's physical labor or sword slaves. For girls, at best, the pleasure district. At worst, a rich man's toy. Either way, it's a life to be used up, with only slight differences in luck.

"...Where is she being betrothed to?"

"That's not for me to say. Ask her directly."

"To Alyeno," Nines said, opening the door to the orphanage, which we had somehow reached.

The orphanage was still tilted, looking like it might collapse in a strong wind. The creaking sound when the door opened was the same as before.

"Alyeno, we have a guest. A rare one. It's good that you saved money from writing letters."

As if the earlier atmosphere never existed, Nines called out to the inside.

Footsteps came from the back. I remembered them. They were hers, Alyeno's footsteps.

Despite all the time I spent thinking while walking down the back alley, I still didn't know what expression to make when I saw her.