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.
โNice to meet you. My name is Ist Rilos. I used to be under the care of this orphanage a long time ago.โ
โWell, well. You must have had quite the journey to come all this way,โ Gabi replied, keeping his tone gentle.
Butโฆ
I couldnโt help but feel uneasy about his โeyes.โ
He was smiling, but not smiling at the same time. Despite his polite tone, I sensed that he wasnโt 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 Nargโs miserable condition. Not even a simple โAre you alright?โ He likely saw the boy as nothing more than an object.
Filoรฉ discreetly tugged at my sleeve and shook her head slightly, as if trying to convey, โDonโt take this manโs words seriously.โ I understood what she was trying to communicate without saying a word.
I nodded back at Filoรฉ and whispered, โDonโt worry. I know.โ
I couldnโt let Gabi manipulate me. I decided to get straight to the point.
โDirector Gabi, I am planning to take in this girl, Filoรฉ.โ
โThat wonโt be possible.โ
โOh? Why not?โ
โThe children at this orphanage are all under my supervisionโฆ If you plan to take her away, youโll need to show an appropriate gesture of goodwill.โ
โA gesture of goodwill?โ
โHow about four Rio gold coins?โ
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 didnโt respond right away, Gabi revealed his true nature.
โYou donโt seem to understand. All the children at this orphanage are my property. That girl included. If you want to take her, youโll need to pay the appropriate price.โ
โYouโre treating her like a commodity.โ
โOf course. Who do you think is feeding them? If I donโt make up for the expenses, it wonโt be worth it.โ
The smile had vanished from Gabiโs face. He didnโt even bother hiding his dull, lifeless eyes.
This manโฆ 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.
โWell, well, well. I see, I see.โ
Gabiโs face broke into a grin again. This time, it wasnโt the courteous smile for guests; it was a twisted, malicious smirk.
โIt seems this girl has some remarkable skills. Forgive me, it appears I underestimated the value of my property. Iโll need to adjust the priceโfifty Rio gold coins! I expect full payment!โ
I couldnโt 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 wasnโt 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 Filoรฉ out of this orphanage.
โDirector Gabi, I canโt accept that offer.โ
โWhat?โ
โThe previous director of this orphanage asked me to take over Elpida Orphanage. Iโm here today to check on the situation.โ
Gabi froze in shock.
Of course, that was a bluff. But it wasnโt entirely false.
Ten years ago, when I left the orphanage, the former director had told me, โIst, youโre a serious person. Iโd be happy if you could help out the orphanage when youโre grown up.โ It wasnโt a formal agreement, just a parting comment, so it had no real power.
But still, I wanted to repay the former directorโs kindness.
Helping Filoรฉ was the least I could do as repayment.
โBelieve it or not, I used to work for the guild. Iโm quite familiar with the law.โ
โโฆ!โ
โFrom the look of your attire, it seems you arenโt lacking funds. On the other hand, the childrenโs condition is far from ideal. Iโm sure youโre aware that itโs strictly forbidden for orphanage staff to abuse children, right?โ
โThatโsโฆ well, thatโs a common storyโฆโ
Sweat dripped down Gabiโs face as his behavior became increasingly erratic.
Thatโs 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.
โDo you realize the gravity of treating children like objects? Itโs a serious offense. I suggest you stop closing off their futures immediately. Is that clear?โ
โGuhโฆ!โ
Gabiโs 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 didnโt argue back. He likely wanted to avoid any chance of a deeper investigation from the authorities.
I decided to press further.
โOne more thing. That pendant around your neckโit looks very similar to something I saw on a list of stolen goods. Iโve been wondering why it caught my eye from the moment I saw you. Before any suspicions arise, I suggest you return to proper management.โ
โUgh!?โ
I turned my gaze away from Gabi and looked at Narg, who was still sitting dazed on the floor.
I couldnโt afford to take care of them too.
Knowing it was a bit hypocritical, I called out to Narg.
โYouโll catch a cold sitting there. Go back to your room.โ
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 Filoรฉ. Of course, no money was exchanged.
โA successor, huhโฆโ
As I watched Gabiโs back disappear, I reflected on my own words.
Supporting these children, helping them develop their talents, and eventually sending them off on their own pathsโฆ
That was the kind of orphanage the former director had envisioned.
When I called myself a successor, it had been half a bluffโbut 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 Filoรฉ.
Perhaps that would be my way of repaying the director.
Iโll do my best.
Right now, I have nothing.
But today, this is my new beginning.