Chapter 82

I don't need to make an appointment to meet the emperor. Normally, this would apply to those of the rank of Duke or higher, but as a Marquis and a hero of the nation, I am allowed to meet him at any time. In the morning, I had a meeting with Dalish and asked him to look for good real estate in the capital. I decided to go to the castle in the afternoon.

"I'm sorry for coming without notice."

"No, no, Tōya, you are like a son to me, so you can come anytime. I want to see my grandson soon."

Sharu is still my fiancée, but I can't help but smile wryly at the emperor's eagerness. Recently, it has been difficult to find time with Sharu, and we have been meeting less often. The capital is still in the process of reconstruction, and she is fulfilling her role as a princess by visiting various places to encourage people.

After a bit of small talk, we moved on to the main topic.

"Actually, I have a friend who plans to open an orphanage in the capital—"

As I explained the situation from yesterday, the emperor put his hand to his chin and thought for a moment.

"I believe the management of the orphanage is handled by Viscount Maggler. Given that the capital is still in the process of reconstruction, it's understandable that the budget for the orphanage is insufficient due to the increasing number of children being cared for. However, the difference is quite significant. I will confirm this from my side. If you are to run the orphanage, I will ensure that the necessary permits are issued promptly."

"Thank you. I am currently looking for a building, so I will report back once I have a decision."

"I am sorry, but there are many things that I cannot oversee in the capital."

I thanked the emperor and left the castle. It would be best if I could find a suitable building. When I returned to my mansion, Dalish had just finished a meeting with a guest.

"This is perfect timing. I have been introduced to some promising properties and was about to show them to you. Mr. Rūhan, this is Lord Kisaragi."

Rūhan, who was introduced as a real estate agent, showed a slightly surprised expression at my youth but quickly composed himself, as if he were a merchant.

"It is an honor to meet the hero of the nation, Lord Kisaragi. I have prepared the property you requested and have come to show it to you as soon as possible."

Rūhan bowed deeply, and I greeted him lightly. I then spread out the documents Dalish had shown me on the table.

"This is the property we recommend the most. It was originally an inn, but it was abandoned due to a conflict and is now available."

The paper on the table showed a simple floor plan. The first floor had a dining room, kitchen, office, and a bath. The second and third floors were guest rooms, with toilets on each floor. It was spacious enough to serve as an orphanage. Even if all the children currently living with Saya and the others were to move in, there would still be plenty of room, and it could accommodate more children if needed.

Noticing my satisfied nod, Rūhan continued.

"The location is also in a safe area, and there is a small garden at the back. The building has been well-maintained as it was previously an inn, and it is our top recommendation."

"Yep, the location and layout are fine. Dalish, you can proceed with the negotiations."

"Thank you very much!"

I left the negotiations to Dalish. Since I only needed to sign the final contract, I returned to my room after saying goodbye. I had already provided enough funds for the renovation and preparation of the orphanage.

Leaning back on the sofa, I thought about the orphanage I had visited a few days ago. There must be something suspicious about that orphanage. I could tell from the children's expressions. I couldn't just investigate it on my own, though.

As I was pondering, Felis and Tyl peeked into my room.

"Tōya, what's wrong?"

"..."

Tyl still doesn't speak, I see. Well, as long as she is with Felis, it's fine.

"Hmm? Just thinking. It's nothing, don't worry. Thank you for your concern, Felis, Tyl."

"That's good to hear."

Felis smiled and nodded, while Tyl tilted her head. I couldn't help but smile at her gesture. There's no point in worrying about other things now. I need to visit other orphanages and learn more until the new one is ready.

I visited several orphanages over the next few days, but they were all the same except for that one. The orphanage with the wealthy priest was definitely different. Maybe I should visit it again.

The contract for the inn I bought was completed, and the renovation for the orphanage was underway. I wandered through the city and headed to the orphanage in question. Upon arrival, it was clear that the expenses were much higher than those of other orphanages, from the size of the land to the size of the building.

As I approached the gate, a man dressed like a bureaucrat came out, apparently to see a guest off.

"Then, as planned. I look forward to it."

"Of course. I will continue to favor the inspector."

The priest was rubbing his hands together, as if greasing the wheels, and seeing me off. Our eyes met, and his expression changed as he glared at me.

"...What is a mere adventurer looking at? Who do you think I am? I am a senior inspector."

I knew about the senior inspector. He was a high-ranking official among the many bureaucrats serving the nobility. In my previous life in Japan, he would be equivalent to a department head.

However, I had no reason to be scolded.

"Inspector, this person is an adventurer, but he mentioned that he plans to open a new orphanage."

"Is that so... A new orphanage, you say... Hmm. I see..."

To open an orphanage, one needs permission from the government. With connections, the approval process is faster, but without them, it takes time. In my case, I already had the emperor's permission, so there was no need to go through the government. However, it might be better to probe the situation by playing along.

"...Actually, I have a friend who used to run an orphanage and is considering opening a new one in the capital."

"I see. Many new orphanages are needed after the war... Still, at your age... If you need any help, I can put in a good word. It requires some maneuvering, you know."

"I see. Thank you. I will definitely ask for your help if needed."

"Alright, then."

The inspector raised his hand and left. After seeing him off, the priest and I faced each other again.

"So, what brings you here today? You already visited the orphanage, didn't you?"

"Yes, I heard that this orphanage is well-managed, so I thought I might learn something from you."

As I flattered the priest, he became pleased.

"I see, I see. If you need anything, just ask. I have a good relationship with the senior inspector, you know."

"Thank you."

I followed the priest into the orphanage. The interior was as luxurious as before, completely different from other orphanages. Even with a lot of donations, it was unusual for an orphanage to be this opulent. I walked down the corridor, admiring the decorations, and was led to the reception room, where I sat down as offered.

"To run an orphanage successfully, you need to have a good relationship with the nobles who manage it and the inspectors. You understand that, right?"

The priest poured wine into a glass and started drinking.

Indeed, it must be bribery... However, if they are bribing, the orphanage's budget should be even more insufficient. There must be something else going on. I can't figure it out. Even if the children sell items to the guild, the income would be limited. And I haven't heard any children's voices since I arrived. There must be something different about this orphanage.

After listening to the priest's boasting, I was exhausted but decided to donate a gold coin. Knowing the exit, I said goodbye to the priest and left the reception room. I decided to check on the children. I walked down the corridor and peeked into the room where the children had been working before. Inside, dozens of children were silently working at tables, their expressions still dark. Upon