Chapter 55

Amber had been raised in a biased environment, which I could sense from the way she spoke. To her, it was "normal," so unless it took a visible form like littering, it was hard to point out.

Things like not killing people or not stealing. She had only recognized right and wrong to this extent and remained a child. Of course, I believe she has now started to acquire the common sense necessary for social life.

Since Amber herself doesn't remember the details of the interactions, my speculations are mixed in with the information I've heard. Even the trouble at the temporary party I first saw her in. It seems she was talked into accepting a request, and indeed, Amber couldn't even calculate the reward, but I can sense that the background involved using this to forcefully push the deal through.

Firstly, with proper instructions, Amber, with her abilities, should have been able to take down the target without causing any harm. The horns, eyes, and throat are the most valuable parts, so "aim for the torso, in as small an area as possible" or something like that.

Indeed, Amber lacks knowledge, but if you understand that, just telling her to "take down the monster cleanly" won't get the results you want. I think it's also bad that the person giving the instructions didn't think about it.

As I spend more time with Amber, I can't help but think from her perspective. I'm aware of this, so when considering problems, I consciously try to be fair.

At any rate, I'm confident that Amber won't do the same thing again.

Even though she felt that doing things outside of common sense and angering people around her was unpleasant, she didn't know how to avoid it. But so far, by following my advice, she hasn't been scolded by anyone and has even been praised, and she is learning smoothly.

She must have been feeling sad and painful, which she probably couldn't name.

As she interacts with more people, I hope she continues to progress in a good direction.

"Sister Miel, I have a consultation regarding Amber."

"About Amber? What is it?"

After lunch, we visited the orphanage. While keeping an eye on Amber, who was being introduced to the children as "the adventurer who saved us like a hero in a hero's tale" and looked uncomfortable, I called out to Sister Miel. From the looks of it, there won't be any fights or trouble, but as a supervisor, I'll keep an eye on things from a distance.

Sister Miel, who was called in a slightly formal manner, showed a slightly tense expression, wondering what it was about.

I explained to her the somewhat special circumstances of Amber, who has been gradually growing. I mentioned that helping the children yesterday had brought a significant change in Amber, and that I would like to give her the opportunity to spend time with the children here if possible.

"I can't imagine that the Amber who helped the children yesterday had such a violent side until recently. I did think she was a bit special..."

"I also feel that she has changed a lot in this short period. She was always willing to listen when I pointed things out, but I think the main reason is that Amber herself wanted to change."

Sister Miel nodded in agreement with my words. I don't want to completely negate the information I have about Amber's upbringing, but it was certainly not a good environment for her.

In fact, in Lindemen, she is treated as a promising new recruit who has apprenticed under Reina. I was asked when she would register with the guild the last time I visited. The shopkeepers and restaurant staff where we go shopping and eat also greet Amber, and she doesn't seem to be disliked. Since meeting me, Amber hasn't been involved in any fights.

It's not that I'm providing her with a wonderful education that would make her feel reborn. She simply hasn't been taught these things.

"I want Amber to make friends here."

"I think the children, especially Nero and the others, would be very grateful, and everyone would be happy..."

I continued, sensing that Sister Miel was wondering why I was making a request.

I explained that Amber had expressed a desire to help the children here. I proposed that she be given educational support to help her learn in a healthy way, creating mutual benefits. To alleviate any concerns, I offered to provide food and educational materials as compensation, framing it as a request.

Sister Miel, who initially said, "Just teaching a little while playing with the children as a friend wouldn't require any compensation," eventually nodded in agreement after my persuasion.

I'm glad she didn't refuse the compensation. I had a bit of regret for declining Fred's offer to go with me, but I managed to conclude the discussion successfully and felt relieved.

The operation of this orphanage, like others, is largely funded by the lord. There are also management fees allocated from the church headquarters and donations from former orphans, but the amounts are not significant.

There is some income from selling items made by the sisters and older children, and from running errands for children, but it is minimal.

Especially this year, the weather has been poor, and the crops in the surrounding area have not grown well, leading to a general economic downturn. I have studied economics and have the grain price fluctuations for several years in various countries in my head, but the prices in Lindemen have clearly been rising compared to before last year. While there may be variations by region, I believe the prices have increased overall.

As a result, the orphanage is struggling to maintain its current state, and even the food budget has to be cut. Repairs to the building are not being made, and there are no reserves to deal with unexpected situations. If a patient were to fall ill, it could lead to a financial collapse.

While there are concerns about relying on the lord's funding and donations, the staff and older children can only gather forest produce to a limited extent, and they were stuck. Honestly, they said that this proposal would be very helpful.

I'm not used to being deeply thanked by a woman older than my mother, and I become a bit awkward, though not as much as Amber.

"No! I proposed this because there is a benefit for me!"

"Hehe, then I would like to gratefully accept your help. Thank you very much, Reina."

It's not something that deserves such gratitude; rather, it feels like I'm using it for Amber's growth, but I said this, and Sister Miel only smiled warmly.