Gabi, the current director of the Elpida Orphanage, maintains a cheerful expression. His gaze is fixed directly on me.
I responded as if nothing were amiss.
“Nice to meet you. My name is Ist Rilos. I used to be under the care of this orphanage a long time ago.”
“Well, well. You must have had quite the journey to come all this way,” Gabi replied, keeping his tone gentle.
But…
I couldn’t help but feel uneasy about his “eyes.”
He was smiling, but not smiling at the same time. Despite his polite tone, I sensed that he wasn’t welcoming me at all.
Internally, I sighed. Perhaps it was due to my time working at the guild [Barba], dealing with all sorts of shady people, but I had become somewhat sensitive to detecting malice from others.
Gabi showed no concern for Narg’s miserable condition. Not even a simple “Are you alright?” He likely saw the boy as nothing more than an object.
Filoé discreetly tugged at my sleeve and shook her head slightly, as if trying to convey, “Don’t take this man’s words seriously.” I understood what she was trying to communicate without saying a word.
I nodded back at Filoé and whispered, “Don’t worry. I know.”
I couldn’t let Gabi manipulate me. I decided to get straight to the point.
“Director Gabi, I am planning to take in this girl, Filoé.”
“That won’t be possible.”
“Oh? Why not?”
“The children at this orphanage are all under my supervision… If you plan to take her away, you’ll need to show an appropriate gesture of goodwill.”
“A gesture of goodwill?”
“How about four Rio gold coins?”
The sum he was asking for was absurd. Four Rio gold coins, a high-value currency, could sustain a family in the capital for two months. It was an outrageous demand.
He probably thought I was just an inexperienced fool, unfamiliar with the going rates.
When I didn’t respond right away, Gabi revealed his true nature.
“You don’t seem to understand. All the children at this orphanage are my property. That girl included. If you want to take her, you’ll need to pay the appropriate price.”
“You’re treating her like a commodity.”
“Of course. Who do you think is feeding them? If I don’t make up for the expenses, it won’t be worth it.”
The smile had vanished from Gabi’s face. He didn’t even bother hiding his dull, lifeless eyes.
This man… was he using the orphanage as a front for human trafficking?
At that moment, two children standing behind Narg whispered something to Gabi. At first, the director frowned in annoyance, but after a moment, his eyes widened in surprise.
“Well, well, well. I see, I see.”
Gabi’s face broke into a grin again. This time, it wasn’t the courteous smile for guests; it was a twisted, malicious smirk.
“It seems this girl has some remarkable skills. Forgive me, it appears I underestimated the value of my property. I’ll need to adjust the price—fifty Rio gold coins! I expect full payment!”
I couldn’t help but look up at the sky in disbelief.
Not only had he raised the price by more than ten times, but he shamelessly said such a cruel thing without a hint of remorse.
I wasn’t just angry or appalled anymore. I felt empty.
There were people in this world worse than the colleagues I had at the guild. I understood that now. It was quite the lesson.
I made my decision.
I would at least get Filoé out of this orphanage.
“Director Gabi, I can’t accept that offer.”
“What?”
“The previous director of this orphanage asked me to take over Elpida Orphanage. I’m here today to check on the situation.”
Gabi froze in shock.
Of course, that was a bluff. But it wasn’t entirely false.
Ten years ago, when I left the orphanage, the former director had told me, “Ist, you’re a serious person. I’d be happy if you could help out the orphanage when you’re grown up.” It wasn’t a formal agreement, just a parting comment, so it had no real power.
But still, I wanted to repay the former director’s kindness.
Helping Filoé was the least I could do as repayment.
“Believe it or not, I used to work for the guild. I’m quite familiar with the law.”
“…!”
“From the look of your attire, it seems you aren’t lacking funds. On the other hand, the children’s condition is far from ideal. I’m sure you’re aware that it’s strictly forbidden for orphanage staff to abuse children, right?”
“That’s… well, that’s a common story…”
Sweat dripped down Gabi’s face as his behavior became increasingly erratic.
That’s when I noticed the pendant around his neck. The flashy decoration jogged my memory, and I finally understood the source of the discomfort I had felt about him.
Looking him straight in the eyes, I spoke each word deliberately.
“Do you realize the gravity of treating children like objects? It’s a serious offense. I suggest you stop closing off their futures immediately. Is that clear?”
“Guh…!”
Gabi’s face twisted as if he had just swallowed something bitter.
He was probably aware that I was bluffing. A man this greedy would be able to sense it.
Still, he didn’t argue back. He likely wanted to avoid any chance of a deeper investigation from the authorities.
I decided to press further.
“One more thing. That pendant around your neck—it looks very similar to something I saw on a list of stolen goods. I’ve been wondering why it caught my eye from the moment I saw you. Before any suspicions arise, I suggest you return to proper management.”
“Ugh!?”
I turned my gaze away from Gabi and looked at Narg, who was still sitting dazed on the floor.
I couldn’t afford to take care of them too.
Knowing it was a bit hypocritical, I called out to Narg.
“You’ll catch a cold sitting there. Go back to your room.”
The boy, who had lost all his initial bluster, quietly retreated with his companion.
Afterward, I came to an agreement with Gabi to take custody of Filoé. Of course, no money was exchanged.
“A successor, huh…”
As I watched Gabi’s back disappear, I reflected on my own words.
Supporting these children, helping them develop their talents, and eventually sending them off on their own paths…
That was the kind of orphanage the former director had envisioned.
When I called myself a successor, it had been half a bluff—but maybe, just maybe, I could actually do it.
Using the knowledge and experience I gained from the guild, and my Gifted Skill, Awakening Appraisal, I could save children like Filoé.
Perhaps that would be my way of repaying the director.
I’ll do my best.
Right now, I have nothing.
But today, this is my new beginning.
