Sophia Orphanage. Its located not that far away from the hospital.
From the outside, it appears to be an ordinary standalone house thats been deteriorating. The number of orphans being raised there are: 1 baby, and 8 children anywhere from age 5-12. Its a very small-scale orphanage, being run by a single kindly granny named Sophia.
We arrived at this orphanage about 10 minutes ago. Eris and I greeted the director Sophia-san together, then immediately got to work helping out.
Well, I say helping out, but what Im doing is simple. Sophia is going to meet someone after lunch, so she just wants me to look after the kids during that time. Although since Eris is supposed to help prepare lunch, it looks like we got here a little on the early side.
And now, with the baby over her shoulder, Eris is assisting Sophia with making lunch for the children.
Onii-chan, awesome! Super awesooome!
One more time, do it again!
Heyyy, how do you do that? How does it work? Teach me, Onii-chan!
Please teach us! I want to try it too, Master!
In the meantime, so that these mischievous kids dont do anything weird, Im keeping them in the cafeteria. Im basking in envious and reverent looks from all the children. What exactly am I doing, you ask? its origami.
Hows that? This one is a bird known as a crane.
Awesoooome!
One more time! One more time!
Heyy, how did you fold it? Do you start off with a triangle fold?
Master, amazing, youre amazing!
Having animals steadily come into form as I fold the paper must be a novel experience for the children; theyre staring at my hands and eating it up. Apparently, the culture of playing with origami doesnt exist in this country.
By the way, if youre wondering why Im so good with origami, its because that was my topic of choice during free study in elementary school.
You couldnt even really call it study, it was pretty much just copying an origami textbook page by page, but I generally remember the contents of that textbook even today.
There are patterns in origami. To a certain extent, if its something simple then I can even improvise the folds for it. Classics like the crane are a no-brainer, and with animal faces theres plenty of room to ad lib. I never expected that experience to come in handy this later on.
Frankly, when Eris told me While Im cooking, watch over the children and make sure they dont do anything dangerous I was at a loss for what to do, but when I tried this it unexpectedly worked out.
And, after my origami performance captures their interest,
Alright, Ill give you some paper, so try making whatever you want.
I-Im gonna make a Goblin!
I wanna do a Slime.
Hey, how do you make a bunny? Hey, tell me?
I want to try making Master with origami.
If I give them paper, all I need to do is keep an eye on them. Having them running around roughhousing wouldve been a hassle, but giving them a new toy like this keeps them under control.
The children obediently focus on folding paper. All thats left is for me to occasionally give advice and show them a new origami sample at appropriate times, and that should keep them busy until Eris finishes helping with the cooking.
Well, when Im involved, childcare is a breeze. With this, maybe Eris will feel my paternal side and think if its him, raising children together might be nice
-As Im having those thoughts, I notice Yuel, who had mixed in with the children, stop moving her hands all of a sudden.
Now that I think about it, Yuel-san. She blended in on the orphan side before I noticed, but it was too natural so I didnt say anything.
I wonder if she wasnt able to fold a miniature Master very well, and she wants to ask me for advice? But thats impossible even for me. Its not like my folds are at a high enough quality to distinguish an individual person.
I wish shed stick somewhere in the neighborhood of the cute animal face series, at most.
However, although Yuel stopped moving her hands, she isnt looking at me.
Yuels gaze is fixed upon a young girl who appears to be somewhere around 7 years old.
I wonder whats up with this kid? While the other children are going nuts for origami, Yuel is just staring at that girl.
Looking at that girl, I notice something. Shes not holding any paper. Shes not even looking at it. Rather, it doesnt seem like shes showing any interest in origami at all.
She appears to be holding something in her hands, though, since shes making a stroking motion. But it feels like her mind is elsewhere. Its as if shes just waiting for time to pass, just sitting and staring off into nothing.
Whats the matter? Is origami boring?
Nh
For some reason or other, I try calling out to her out of concern, but her eyes tear up and she hangs her head.
I wonder if shes shy? Well, when a stranger suddenly shows up, I guess some children will react this way too.
Well, theres plenty of paper. You can try it later if you feel like it.
For the time being, I call out to her again, and-
Ghuu uuuwah
the girl buries her head in her knees and starts to cry.
Oi, Dont cry! I-Im not doing anything, okay?
What should I do? I never expected her to cry just from being talked to. Yeah, I guess I still dont know how to deal with these kinds of kids. And maybe shes simply afraid of adult men.
Right, shall I go call Eris and have her handle it instead?
-Then when I go to call Eris, Yuel (who saw the girls reaction) looks over at me for some reason.
Whats with that, those look like eyes of anticipation.
What could she be expecting? For me to handsomely put a stop to the girls tears now, or something?
No, I get the feeling thats not it.
Its just that I cant quite tell what Yuel is thinking. When I tilt my head,
Master, this girl may not be able to see.
Yuel offers a suggestion. The girls shoulders quiver.
Really?
It didnt seem that way to me, though.
Wait, Yuel had a period of blindness, so maybe she would understand.
The girl raises her head slightly, and looks in Yuels direction. Her face is curious, like How did you know?.
I take a closer look, and something does seems slightly off about her vision or focus or whatever you want to call it.
I get it. She cant see, so she cant do something like origami. Is that what it means?
Um, not exactly, I can see a little. But I cant see any small details since everythings blurry
The girl speaks to Yuel in a trembling voice.
So blurry that she cant even see as far as her hands. Ive heard of something like that. Most likely, this kid has extreme amblyopia. It may be that she can vaguely tell the state of her surroundings, but cant focus on minute details or anything, and everything looks hazy, that kind of feeling.
Her eyes, huh eyes are
Having a seeing disability must be terrible.
EX Heal is necessary in order to treat eyes. And since they cant be treated without EX Heal, this mere orphan of a girl may never be able to get them treated for the rest of her life.
She may still be alright while the orphanage is looking after her, but after that she wont have any options. If her eyes dont work, even searching for a job will be awful.
I can pretty much imagine how a sightless girl will end up in this world maybe a slave, maybe a prostitute? Most likely something in that neighborhood.
Perhaps the granny at this orphanage will keep looking after this girl even after she becomes an adult, but that woman is quite old herself. Misfortune no doubt awaits this young girl in the not-too-distant future.
Even as Im mulling it over, Yuel is staring at me intently.
Yeah, those eyes are expecting something.
In the past, I healed Yuels eyes. Theyre clearly telling me shes under the impression that my kind Master would never abandon this pitiful sightless child. Mixed in with the expectation that her master is about to do something cool, as well.
While Yuel is still staring at me with those eyes, the girl begins to speak again with her head downcast.
Back at the festival, um, I heard that if I went to Saint-sama, she would surely be able to heal these eyes. But, um, she stopped after the person in front of me, so it didnt work out.
Ahhh. That, huh?
Now that I think about it, the saint was giving out free treatment since a few days before the festival. Was she hoping to receive treatment that way? But, judging from the fact that the saint couldnt cope with that Earth Dragons petrifying breath, the saint cant cast EX Heal multiple times.
She must have used up her mana right before getting to this kid.
But, um, its okay. Saint-sama gave me this, right, and she said if I have it then something good will surely happen so dont give up.
Saying that, the girl shows us the object in her hands.
This is a ring?
From first glance, the ring looks expensive. Its made of gold, and adorned with a large gem. Plus the decorations are detailed; I get the feeling that in this world it would take quite a bit of money to make a ring of this quality. I bet it would fetch a rather good price.
Its not some kind of weird magic item, is it? Like that earring Ruruka gave me. When I heard she got it from the saint, for some reason my guard went up. And apparently she said that something good will happen just by having it.
First things first, lets try using Appraisal.
Ring
Aint it just a normal ring? Doesnt seem to be a magic item or anything. Nothing unusual about it, just a luxurious golden ring.
Which means, this is just a type of charity? She might have meant for the girl to sell this when shes truly in need.
I heard that, um, Saint-sama is still in town. So as long as I have this, I know Ill get treated.
As she says that, the girl pats the ring.
She must not know that the saint already left town. When she finds that out later, I wonder what kind of face this girl will make?
I avert my gaze from the girl, and Yuel is still looking at me. With sparkling eyes, looking at me.
It cant be helped. I cant betray these eyes of hers.
If I abandoned this girl here, I wouldnt be worthy of Yuels respect.
Happily, that saint has already skipped town. Though Im not saying Ill be completely open about my healing magic, its probably not to the degree that I need to hide it when theres a patient in front of me.
Besides, this girls eyes have always been able to see a little. As long as I make sure to forbid her to speak about it, I should be able to dodge the issue for a while.
Then after some time passes, so long as she isnt told that person healed you, she wont remember who exactly it was that healed her.
Whats your name?
Me? Farah.
I see, Farah.
I have something to tell you. Can you come with me for a bit?
Well, lets hope that she grows up to be a beauty like Eris and comes back looking to return the favor. Ill leave Yuel to keep the children company and go treat this girl.
At the time of treatment, I gave the sightless girl, Farah, two conditions.
The first one is, until she becomes an adult, shes not to let anyone know that shes now able to see. And the other one is that she can absolutely never tell anyone that Im the one who treated her.
Well, since shes such a young girl I have my doubts as to whether or not shell follow them properly, but I said what I had to say. Although she was just jubilantly rejoicing about Something good really did happen! Thank you, Onii-chan!, so Im not convinced she was listening carefully.
Im guessing its one of those subordinates that the archbishop mentioned earlier. They must be whispering since I cant make out what theyre saying, but I can tell theyre having a discussion
Really!?
After a short while, the archbishop bellows in excitement.
You really found one!? Theres no mistake, right!?
The archbishop goes on and on in a loud voice. I wonder whats up? Did something happen? Im a bit interested.
I glance around a little, and inside the closet, I find a place where a sliver of light reaches. Its probably a ventilation hole so the clothes dont get mildewed. I decide to peek through it.
Yes, of course.
Although, Archbishop-sama, if I may, a slightly lower voice would be
Yeah possesses saint moreover, a woman?
When I take a peek, I can see the archbishop and his subordinate having a conversation. But since their voices are low, I can only hear bits and pieces of it. All I heard were the words saint and woman.
Man he sure is chubby, that archbishop. Especially around the waist. His girth is pressing against his priest robes, and seems like it could break free at any moment.
Whats more, perhaps because of all the rings hes got stuffed onto his hands for whatever reason, his fingers poking out from his sleeves end up looking like boneless ham. Its not very becoming, in fact its a little unsightly.
Yes. I doubted my ears at first, but its reliable information.
The subordinate speaks. Although, what are they talking about? Is the information that made him doubt his ears related to what the archbishop said about the saint and a woman? For a moment I was worried that they found out about my EX Heal, but I dont get the part about a woman.
And something tells me its not related to me.
Rather, those rings the archbishop is wearing. I decided to use Appraisal on them, and theyre mana capacity raising magic tools. All of those rings jangling around on his hands, every last one of them. Thats insane, oi.
It explains why that archbishop can use EX Heal, too. With a collection that big, just how many times can he cast it?
Archbishop-sama, whatever is the matter?
Perhaps suspicious of the archbishops state of affairs, the granny calls out to him.
No, nothing at all. However, it would seem Im going to be a bit busy, so I shall be taking my leave at this juncture.
The archbishop announces that as he hastily rises from his seat. I wonder if the orphanage survey is done already? Doesnt seem like it is, though.
Um, Archbishop-sama, the papers are still!
Hmph such things will no longer be necessary.
In contrast to the flustered granny, the archbishop leaves the room in a chipper mood.
What the heck was that all about? And that granny is standing frozen in place with papers in hand, too. Besides, I thought that those papers were most likely a relatively important item to be delivered to the lord, but is that not the case?
Or perhaps I should say, wont you hurry up and leave the room too, granny? I kinda need to use the toilet Id like to leave this closet soon.
Weve finished taking care of the children, and were on our way back from the orphanage. The three of us, Eris, Yuel and I, are walking down the road to the hospital.
After I left that closet, I soon understood the meaning of the archbishops conversation. The ring Farah had, which she received from the saint. Apparently it was taken by the archbishops underling.
Taking things from children, how horrible
Eris says with an angry-looking face. Eris realized that Farahs ring was taken after the archbishops group had left. Doesnt look like she was able to get it back. Well, as far as I could tell from eavesdropping on them, it sounded like something fairly important.
Even if she had asked him to return it, he probably wouldnt have given it back.
Yeah, I know.
Well, its a shame about Farahs ring, but theres nothing I can do. It was an expensive ring, but in the end a ring is just a ring. I dont want to make an enemy out of a powerful person over a mere ring. The risk is too great.
And Farah herself wasnt bothered about it at all, saying Something good already happened, so its fine. She also didnt understand how much it was worth, though.
Eris most likely didnt directly see the ring either. Shes a little angry, but just a little. She thinks that what was taken was just a ring the children were using to play house, though. If I told her it was a golden ring, she would likely flip out.
Eris is scary when she gets truly mad. One slip of the tongue and she seems like she would go storm the archbishops place. Lets change the subject.
Hey Yuel. That reminds me, what were those strange signs you mentioned?
I remembered something. At the same time the archbishop arrived, Yuel jumped out the orphanage window and went somewhere. Although by the time I left the closet and met up with Eris, Yuel had already returned. Leaving Farah aside, I wonder what exactly Yuel was up to?
Err, there was a beast girl on the roof of the orphanage.
A beast girl?
Yes, with doglike ears, a girl around the same age as me. She seemed to be monitoring the orphanage.
Why would a beast girl be on top of the orphanages roof? For a moment, I wonder if Im being watched by somebody connected to the saint, but the saint already returned to the royal capital. Besides, Yuel only detected the signs after we came to the orphanage.
If I was under some sort of observation, I assume Yuel wouldve detected it while we were in the hospital, or the instant we went outside.
Dont tell me it was just a neighborhood kid who wanted to play with the children in the orphanage? In that case it would all fit.
And then what happened?
When I chased her, she ran away.
I can just imagine Hunter Yuel-san chasing down a beast with a knife, but thats probably not how it went down. She probably ran off when Yuel tried to talk to her, or something. And according to Yuel shes still a child, so maybe she was just shy.
As my conversation with Yuel carries on, Eris sighs deeply.
Whats the matter?
No its just that Archbishop-sama, I really do hate him. And theres Farahs ring, too he passed by me on his way out, and he gave me this incredibly repulsive look for just a second.
Do you hate being looked at with lascivious eyes? Well, as for me, I cant help but look at Eris nicely plump hips or her giant tits, though.
For the time being, I should be careful too. However, Eris expression quickly shifts to one of amazement.
At any rate, the children sure loved you. They were saying how they want Onii-chan to come teach them origami again.
She must have realized that talking about it wont change anything. Eris changes the subject. Apparently the kids properly reported my activities to Eris. Nice.
With this, Ive achieved my goal for the day.
Moreover Farah-chans eyes, you healed them, didnt you?
Whoa, how do you know about that, Eris-san?
Did Farah tell you that?
I could tell from how delighted her face was. I told you, didnt I? Ive been coming to this orphanage every now and then.
For a moment I doubted Farah, but looks like thats not what happened.
Well, since Eris visits the orphanage regularly, I guess she would notice the change.
It seemed like you didnt want your true healing ability to be seen, so I didnt ask you before, though You know, Ive been worried about that girl for a long time.
Eris remarks with a gentle expression.
I wonder if Eris, knowing that I want to hide my healing magic, has been troubled this whole time with the desire to ask me to treat Farah?
It wasnt really that big of a deal.
But well, in terms of effort, it really wasnt a big deal. It would be bad if I was discovered, but its not like there will be any problems from Eris finding out that I used EX Heal. However, Eris is staring directly into my eyes as if to say that it was an incredibly important thing.
Thank you for healing Farah.
Then, Eris says that and smiles softly.
Sure.
Maybe its because Eris rarely shows me such a genuine smile, but my heart skips a beat. This is bad. Even though it shouldnt be a big deal, my face is getting a little warm. Im having a little trouble looking her directly in the eyes, and I unconsciously end up averting my eyes.
Master?
Perhaps having doubts about the state Im in, Yuel comes to peer into my face.
Danger, danger. I cant let Yuel realize that Eris smile got my heart all aflutter.
I dont know if shell cry or what, but doubtlessly it wont have a good effect on her. I hide my face behind my hands for a second to reset my expression.
Dont worry about it. Lets hurry back.
After that, I lightly pet Yuels head to dodge the issue. Yuel is still tilting her head, but when I pet it again, she contentedly nestles her head into my hand.
Yes, Master.
For some reason, Yuels high voice echoes in my empty head.
Its late at night on the same day we returned from the orphanage.
A knocking sound on the door of the hospital awakens me. The room is dark. Judging from the moonlight streaming in from outside, its most likely still around 2 am. A visitor at a time like this?
Mm perhaps someone needs urgent treatment. Ill go have a look.
Yeah.
Looks like Eris woke up as well; she puts on her coat and leaves the room.
Although, treatment at this time of night? I remember the time Ruruka came to ask me to heal Fran and Sera. Dont tell me its her again?
No, Ruruka should be at the lords place right now. She shouldnt need to go out of her way to ask me, there ought to be one or two excellent healers there already.
The knocking sound at the door stops.
Most likely, Eris is dealing with it.
Should I go too? Eris ought to be able to manage it by herself if its a cold or a minor injury, but its someone expressly coming this late at night. It might be a severe illness or a wound on the level of a missing body part.
After I softly peel Yuel (whos clinging to me in her sleep) off of me so as not to wake her up, I head downstairs.
Huh, Eris where are you?
However, Eris isnt in the treatment room. Actually, there isnt even a light on in the room. Even though this is where she always listens to the patients symptoms and casts her healing magic
Shes not in the hallway either, nor is she at the entrance.
And then I notice.
For some reason, the front door is slightly ajar.
Eris?
Is she outside? But why would she go outside? I wonder if, by some chance, someone was transported here on a stretcher or something and she went outside to treat them? But wait, for the kind of wound that would require transportation via stretcher, she would have come to call me over right away.
I peer out from the entrance, and nobody is there.
Eris, seriously, where did you go?
I go out as far as the alley, and look around.
When I do, theres something there. But not Eris.
Its dark and theres some distance between us, so I cant see that well but there are the figures of about 5 men. I see their silhouettes running off towards a back alley.
Eris isnt in the hospital. The front door has been left open. The silhouettes of a group running away.
Its not like theres positive proof in that direction. But, the moment I spot that group running off, my whole body breaks out in goosebumps. I have a bad feeling about this.
Most likely, thats what happened.
Eris has been kidnapped.