After successfully rescuing the children, we immediately escaped the fortress.
We left the thugs tied up at the scene. Once we return to Minegel, we plan to have the Guild Union send someone to deal with them.
We continued cautiously, mindful of the possibility of pursuit, moving the iron carriage forward for a while.
“Isto, can we stop for a break?”
“Mitera? What’s the matter?”
“Could we let the children out for a little while? They’ve been through a lot, and I think it would help them.”
The children from the Elpida Orphanage had been holding out well. Now, with the newly freed children from Minegel, who were both physically and mentally exhausted, Mitera expressed concern about their stress levels.
She was right.
People aren’t objects, after all.
“In that case, if we go about ten more minutes south, there’s a big river with a wide riverbank. We can rest there.”
Almoa, sitting next to me on the driver’s bench, informed us. She had found the spot while we were searching for the children.
By the way, the seating arrangement on the driver’s bench remained the same—Almoa, me, and Fiole. Why do I always end up being sandwiched between them?
It seemed like Almoa might be a rather stubborn girl, given that she remained on the driver’s bench instead of going inside the orphanage wagon.
Eventually, a large clear stream appeared in front of us, just as Almoa had said. The riverbank was wide, and there was a scenic hill not far away.
“Alright, let’s take a break here.”
“Yay!”
“Hahaha!”
As soon as we stopped Raderia, the children burst out, gleefully relieving their pent-up energy.
Oh? They’re already this lively?
Miti started playing tag with some children of similar age. Meanwhile, the older kids from Minegel were chatting warmly with Fiole and Gloza. When we first rescued them, they looked quite pale, but they seemed to have settled down now.
“It’s thanks to the orphanage kids.”
Mitera explained that the children from Elpida Orphanage had taken an active role in comforting the abducted children as soon as they were brought into Raderia.
The kids are growing up. Knowing that makes this whole mission worthwhile.
Looking up at the sky, there was still plenty of time before sunset. I called out to Gloza.
“About what we talked about earlier, are you ready?”
“Yep, we’re all set, teacher. I had Eiri and the others help me prepare ahead of time, just in case.”
As expected from Gloza. I gathered everyone for a late lunch.
I had asked Elpida’s Head Cook, Gloza, to prepare a variety of sandwiches. With all the colorful fillings laid out, the riverbank turned into a small party venue.
Children could be seen cheerfully, or peacefully, enjoying themselves in different spots.
Over there, Miti and some younger kids were dozing off, resting against Rodo’s large, fluffy body. That guardian spirit certainly takes good care of them.
—Wait a minute. Aren’t spirits that can be touched by ordinary people supposed to be high-ranking beings? And yet, Almoa has one under her command. That’s impressive.
“Speaking of which, where’s Almoa?”
The silver-haired girl who played such a key role wasn’t anywhere in the lively group.
Holding a plate of sandwiches, I scanned the area.
Ah, there she is.
Sitting alone at the edge of the hill, clutching her staff.
“Honestly…”
Why does she keep her distance from everyone, even during moments like these? I made my way over to Almoa.
“Hey, Almoa, why don’t you join the others?”
“You…”
She looked up at me with mild surprise before resting her chin on her knees.
“Someone needs to stand guard. You can see everything well from here.”
“Well, that’s true.”
I sat down next to her, and for a while, we silently watched the children play.
“This time… thanks. For everything.”
Suddenly, she spoke.
“I was only focused on saving the children. I hadn’t thought through what to do after the rescue. There’s no way Rodo and I could manage all those children on our own.”
Almoa added, “Especially me.”
“You’re amazing, though. You and your party.”
Her lips curled into a faint smile, but it was a lonely one.
I handed her the plate I had brought.
“Here. You must be hungry. Go ahead and eat. Our chef may be young, but he’s got top-tier skills.”
“…”
“And by the way, my name’s Isto. Isto Rilos. I’m the head of Elpida Orphanage. Sorry for not properly introducing myself earlier. We’ve both been on edge this whole time.”
Almoa silently accepted the plate. After a brief hesitation, she took a small bite from the edge of a sandwich.
“It’s delicious.”
“Glad you like it. Gloza will be pleased.”
I followed her lead and took a bite as well.
“I’m Almoa Savance, a Clear-class adventurer from Minegel. Officially introducing myself again.”
“Got it.”
“I’ve always been bad with people. I never know how to interact. During battles, it’s fine, but in moments like this, I don’t know what to say.”
“Yeah, I’ve noticed.”
Almoa faltered at my words, and I chuckled.
She seemed to want to say something but couldn’t find the words. So I patted her head. It worked to calm both Fiole and Raderia, so I figured it might work for her too.
“One more thing I’ve noticed—Almoa, you genuinely care about the children. Anyone who saw you at the fortress could see that.”
“Stop it… It’s embarrassing.”
“That’s something to be proud of.”
But then, I added,
“You could have at least accepted the children’s thanks, though.”
“I know…”
Her cheeks puffed out slightly.
I could practically hear the sound of her bashfulness—so different from the person who had effortlessly taken down those thugs with her staff.
She really was bad with socializing, or rather, maintaining a proper distance with others. She was awkward that way.
I gazed at the scene from the hill.
Fiole was giving a brief lesson on spear techniques to some of the older children from Minegel. Mitera was blissfully brushing Rodo’s fur. Sutei was leaning against Domild’s son, sandwich in hand.
Almoa…
If only she could break down those barriers between people and spirits like the others could.
—That aside.
Sutei, you’re going to face the punishment of a pinched cheek later. I’ve decided just now.
