Chapter 24

I was an orphan. By the time I was old enough to understand, I was already in an orphanage, taking care of younger children while working.

I dreamed of becoming a guard who protected the city. Even more than the knight in shining white armor I had seen once, the guards at the gate seemed impressive to me.

I was told it would be difficult for a commoner and an orphan, but I studied hard and practiced swordsmanship.

On my coming-of-age day at the age of seven, I was granted skills: 'Swordsmanship,' 'Horse Riding,' and I could also use 'Wind Magic.'

Through diligent training, I became a guard. I was happy. Now I could be someone who protected others.

There were conflicts, but I had pride.

I became the captain of the third squad. In reality, it was a miscellaneous unit made up of commoners. I felt a bit sad, wondering what all that training had been for.

Things changed when the magistrate changed.

They started using the high-speed carriage, which was supposed to be used only in emergencies. The quality of the distributed equipment and food declined. There was bias in the shifts. When I advised against it, I was dismissed with a curt response, saying it was a matter for the higher-ups.

I wondered if this was right. Was this the guard I had dreamed of? But I didn't know what to do.

I met a mysterious child.

He had black hair with a bluish tinge and large eyes of the same color. He was completely covered by a cloak, wandering around with a letter in his hand. He looked up at me straightforwardly, speaking in a mature tone for his age. He seemed to understand my suspicions.

I felt as if he had told me that it would be wise to pretend not to know about the seal and what he had heard at the merchant guild.

I thought it was something that should not happen in this city and tried to advise against it, but I was at a loss. Even my commoner colleagues, following the example of the higher-ups, turned a deaf ear.

I decided to try to advise someone even higher up and left the city. I met that child again. He had a complex look on his face. I thought he understood what I was going to do. He was a smart boy.

My actions amounted to nothing.

I was framed for a minor crime and thrown into jail. When I was released after one day, my status as a guard had been revoked. I was given a bag of gold coins as a severance package. I was told to leave the territory quickly if I valued my life. It was a gag order.

I thought I should be relieved to be alive. But I was at a loss, having been completely negated. I no longer had a place to return to.

Suddenly, I thought of that boy.

What would he say to someone like me? Would he be disappointed, or would he feel sympathy? If he were in my position, what would he do?

I felt as if I could see a path.