Chapter 22

Here we are, the day of the promise with Grandfather has finally arrived.

On this day, after a quick breakfast, I started getting ready. Since we would be walking around the city, I decided to dress a bit more modestly than usual. ...But then again, I've been focusing on functionality lately, so it doesn't feel much different.

When I went to the entrance to wait for Grandfather, Tanya, who was also in disguise, was waiting there for some reason.

"Tanya... I'll ask anyway, but why are you dressed like that?"

"I will accompany you."

"But, Tanya. I don't really want to bring anyone with me today."

"Two or three people make no difference."

Well, that might be true, but...

"Miss, please take better care of yourself. Gazel's power is reliable, but in an emergency, it would be difficult to fight while protecting you. So, at least let me come with you."

"But..."

"It's fine, Iris."

"Grandfather..."

"Tanya is worried too. Understanding her feelings is also part of being a master."

...Indeed, if something were to happen to me, it would be very troublesome. After all, the guild and the domain are just starting to get organized. I can't be too selfish.

"Alright. Then, Grandfather, Tanya, let's go. And both of you, please call me Alice in the city."

After emphasizing this, we went out through the back gate and slowly walked down the street. Hmm, the weather is nice and it feels good. My domain, which is always spring, is just right for walking, not too cold or too hot.

The more we approached the city center, the more people we saw. The buildings made of brown bricks had a different charm from Japan. Walking down the bustling main street, I glanced at the shops. Come to think of it, when was the last time I went window shopping...

"Wow, cute. Auntie, what kind of flower is this?"

I stopped to look at the flower pots lined up in front of the shop. It was a pretty purple flower.

"It's an Ajuga flower. It blooms this time of year and is quite easy to grow."

"Really... How much is it?"

"The one in bloom is 1000 bells. If you want seeds, a bag is 500 bells."

"Then, I'll take the seeds."

"Sure thing. Thank you."

I paid and took the bag. Shopping by myself is really fun.

"What are you going to do with it?"

"I thought I'd grow it by the window in the study. That room feels a bit heavy, doesn't it?"

"Haha... Girls are good at paying attention to the little things."

After walking for a while, I felt hungry, so we went into a restaurant a little off the main road. The place I chose on a whim turned out to be quite popular, almost full.

"Welcome. Please sit wherever there's an empty seat."

I sat on a wooden chair and looked at the menu on the wall. There seemed to be a wide variety of dishes.

"Then, I'll have the grilled meat set."

"Um, I'll have the stew and bread set."

"I'll have the same, please."

After the waiter left, I looked around the restaurant again. The lively atmosphere with people coming and going was fun and enjoyable.

"Here you go. Let's start with the stew. You girls look new here."

It was someone different from the waiter who brought our food.

"We're from the capital. We've been here for a while, but we've been busy and haven't had a chance to come to the city."

"Is that so. From the capital, huh?"

"How do you like the city?"

"Hmm? It's a good place, not inferior to the capital. Especially recently, it's been changing bit by bit to make our lives easier."

"That's good to hear."

I was happy to hear the man's opinion. It made me feel that what I'm doing isn't in vain. Sometimes, I get scared... Am I doing the right thing? Of course, there's no right or wrong answer... But because there isn't one, I want one. A clear sense of "rightness."

Putting that aside, the food was delicious. It's nice to have a break from the usual stiff atmosphere. I can understand how Grandfather feels.

After enjoying our meal, we left the restaurant and started walking again. Should we head back soon? Just as I was thinking that, I saw a little girl sitting down and another one looking around.

"Is something wrong? Are you feeling sick?"

The girl, who was looking around, had tears in her eyes and said, "I got lost."

"Oh, that's terrible. Did you get separated from your parents?"

"No. I live with the teachers."

If they knew where they came from, they wouldn't have gotten lost... What a dilemma.

"Alice... These children, could they be from the orphanage?"

Tanya almost called me "Miss" just now... But let's focus on the children.

"Orphanage?"

"A facility in the lower town that takes in and raises children who have lost their parents."

"Oh, what a wonderful cause. Let's take these children there for now."

Grandfather picked up the girl who was sitting down, and I held the other child's hand as Tanya led us there.

The neat streets gradually turned into a cluttered and dirty area. The children's eyes lit up, confirming we were on the right track. As we approached a building that looked like a church, the children ran towards it. A woman who seemed to be looking for them was pacing around with a worried look on her face. When she saw the children, her eyes widened in surprise and then her face contorted as if she was about to cry.

"Really...! You worried us... Where did you go...!"

"Sorry, Miss Mina. We were exploring and got lost."

"Oh... At least you're safe..."

The woman, called Miss Mina, hugged the children tightly. ...I'm glad I spoke to them.

"...Oh, who are these people...?"

The woman noticed us and looked at us curiously. I was thinking about how to respond when the children spoke up.

"They brought us here."

"Oh...! I'm so sorry for the trouble."

"It's fine."

"Since we can't offer much in return, would you like some tea...?"

I declined, but the children invited us to play with them, so we ended up staying.

The inside was a bit old and needed repairs, but it was clean and well-maintained.

"Thank you so much today."

"No, it's my pleasure... I'm sorry, but my name is Alice."

"My name is Mina. ...Alice, where were the children?"

"Near the main street. If you're familiar with the area, it's close to the Azuta Guild."

"Oh, I see..."

"See...?"

"Well, it's a bit embarrassing, but the children heard about Azuta Guild's chocolate from somewhere and really wanted to try it."

"Oh... So they went all the way there..."

"They have a lot of energy. They run off as soon as I turn my back."

"By the way, why are you taking care of the children here, Mina?"

"Actually, I was raised here too. My foster parent was a Sister of the Dalia religion who managed this church and took in orphans like me. After the Sister passed away, I took over here."

"I see. Excuse me, but how do you manage financially? With so many people to support..."

"Before, we used donations to the church. But after the Sister passed away, the donations decreased..."

Hmm... There's no one directly related to the Dalia religion here now. The people who are still donating probably do so for the orphans rather than the church. But Mina can't go out to work... This is a problem I should address. I'll talk to Sebastian as soon as I get home.

"...Oh..."

"I'm sorry for bringing up such a dark topic. Please, make yourself comfortable. I'll go prepare dinner."

No, no, no! I can't impose any further! I was about to refuse, but Mina quickly left the room.

...Besides, it's careless to leave me alone with the children when we just met.

Looking around, I saw Grandfather playing with the children in the yard. ...Is he trying to train them?

Tanya was teaching a girl how to tie her hair. Hmm, Tanya is surprisingly good with children.

...But then, more children gathered around me. There were both girls and boys... What should I do? I like children, but I don't have much experience with them, so I don't know what to do.

So, I decided to tell them fairy tales. Simple fairy tales that everyone in Japan knows. The children's eyes lit up as I told the stories, and I got carried away, telling more and more, even acting them out despite never having done so before.

...Oh? When did more children gather? There were only three at first, but now there are eight. Two more are with Grandfather and Tanya. ...Where did Grandfather get that wooden sword...?

Shaking off that thought, I continued telling stories to the children. ...Well, the children with the wooden swords seem to be having fun. Maybe it will be useful in the future, I told myself, making an excuse in my head and pretending not to notice.

By the way, are there no picture books in this world? If not, the Azuta Guild should start making them. It would be good for children's education, and donating the profits would be a good idea.

While I was thinking about this, a loud shouting voice came from outside.

"I know you're in there! Come out now!!"

...What?

A rough man's voice repeatedly demanded that someone come out. The children, naturally, were scared and huddled together. Finally, a stone was thrown, making a loud noise.

"...Everyone, are you okay?"

Mina, hearing the noise, rushed into the room.

"What's going on here?"

Tanya asked, her usual expressionless face showing a hint of anger.

"Actually, we are being asked to vacate the premises..."

"Why?"

"After the Sister passed away and no successor came, the Dalia religion withdrew. The owner of this land bought it. But we have nowhere to go..."

So, the situation escalated to this. Hmm... While their methods are not commendable, they do have a valid point. The location is good, being close to the main street despite being in the lower town...

Since the shouting got louder, I decided to go outside.

On the way, I heard Tanya's voice from behind, "Please stop," but I couldn't just stand by. Tanya would probably knock them out without a word, and Grandfather's presence alone would be intimidating.

"Hey? Who are you...?"

Two tough-looking men were surprised by my appearance.

"I am here to pray. ...It seems you haven't held Mass in a while, but this is still a Dalia church. Throwing stones is not commendable."

"Hey, our employer bought this place."

"So, it's no longer a Dalia church, then?"

"Yes. But these brats are squatting here, so we're trying to evict them."

"I see. ...But throwing stones at a church is a barbaric act that a believer should not condone. If you want to prove your ownership, go to the authorities and show your documents. They will take the appropriate action. Using violence against the weak is unacceptable."

"Shut up!"

"If you continue to cause a disturbance, I will call the guards."

"...It's the children's fault for not leaving."

Another man appeared from behind the two, likely their employer. He was dressed a bit more elegantly than the others, but his character was evident from the men he employed.

"I agree. But using violence is not the right approach. If you want to assert your rights, go to the authorities."

"Hmph. I'm saying that I've been letting them stay here for free since I bought it. I don't have time for such formalities to get them to leave."

I can understand his point. Hmm... But it's not easy to leave suddenly. Besides, what's this "stay fee"?

"...Or are you offering to pay the stay fee?"

"...Huh?"

No, no, what are you saying? "I'll pay the stay fee" doesn't make sense. "I'll be the stay fee" means... you want to sell me?

"I refuse. ...What kind of negotiation is this?"

"You would fetch a good price. I might even keep you for a while..."

"I said no."

"Ha. You want to protect the children, right? It's a win-win. The children get to stay for free, you get to wear nice clothes and eat well, and I make a profit. Alright, let's take her."