Chapter 87

〈 Episode 87 〉People I Miss

Asha’s last memory of Konrad was when she met him at the orphanage after giving birth to him. It wasn’t that she wanted to part ways with Konrad, but if Asha had wanted to, there would have been a way for her to stay with him.

“Konrad…”

She could have purchased and used a Subordination Contract like Lucia, or she could have asked Justitia to find another way, but Asha didn’t. It was not only because Konrad hadn’t grown enough to take care of himself like Lucia, but also because Asha didn’t feel deep affection for Konrad.

But that didn’t mean she felt nothing for Konrad. As Asha headed towards the orphanage, she felt her steps getting heavier than when she went to Walter’s house. What kept stimulating her was guilt.

‘In fact, as a mother, all I did was give birth and breastfeed… Can I even call myself a mother after this?’

Asha knew very well how much the love and attention she received as a child affected a child’s personality. It was true that her circumstances were desperate, but that was no excuse. When Asha had a dark look on her face, Walter patted her on the back.

“Why, are you worried about Konrad? He’s grown up well, so there’s nothing to worry about.”

“No… I’m just wondering if I can call myself a mother… Haven’t I done something terrible to Konrad?”

Realizing that Asha’s concerns were deeper than he thought, Walter composed himself. After a moment of silence, he continued the conversation.

“I know that humans usually raise their children in family units, but it’s common for us Orcs to raise them together. Of course, we don’t just leave the child at the orphanage and not see them. We visit them often, once a day at most, and at least two or three times a week. Georg also visited the orphanage often when you weren’t around.”

Imagining Georg going to the orphanage alone without confidence, Asha’s complexion turned even darker. Remembering Lucia’s crying face from the past, her heart ached.

“Did Konrad… look for me a lot while I was gone?”

“Huh? Ahem, well… Ah, of course he looked for you a few times, but it’s a little different from what you imagine. Actually, there’s no need to worry this much, but what should I say… Pfft.”

“…Uncle, are you laughing right now?”

Asha was feeling suffocated as she realized that she had neglected Konrad, but she felt resentful when Walter was laughing frivolously next to her.

“No, I understand your feelings, but… Asha, you’re too kind. Come on, let’s go quickly! When you meet Konrad, you’ll realize that you were worrying for nothing!”

“Huh?”

As Walter strode forward, Asha, who was caught by him, was dragged along. Lucia, who was staring at the scene, followed the two with a nonchalant expression.

When they arrived at the orphanage, Asha squeezed her eyes shut.

‘I’m scared…’

She was disgusted with herself for feeling afraid to meet her child now, but she could no longer avoid the meeting. Walter seemed to have come here often, as he chatted amiably with the Orc inside.

“Walter, you’re here again. And who is this next to you…”

“Famous, aren’t they? Asha and her daughter, Lucia. Is Konrad inside?”

“Ah, of course. I’ll go get him.”

After hearing his name called a few times in the noisy orphanage, the Orc from the orphanage came with a young child.

“…Konrad?”

The young Orc, who was not even half a year old, was already walking quite well. Asha was taken aback when she met his innocent eyes. Georg’s eyes were so sharp that they felt threatening, but Konrad, whom she saw, had a naive expression, no matter who he was born from.

“Woo-ah!”

The child recognized Asha, who hadn’t changed at all, and ran towards her with a bright smile and jumped into Asha’s arms. Asha, who had unexpectedly caught Konrad, was surprised once again by his heavy weight.

“You’ve really… grown a lot.”

“Hehe… Isn’t he bright? Actually, Konrad has been doing so well without you.”

“Is that so…”

Even Asha could see that there wasn’t a shadow in Konrad’s smile. Asha gently rubbed her cheek against the child’s. The soft cheeks, unlike those of a tough Orc, felt awkward, but she felt a little less guilty. Asha held Konrad in her arms and greeted the teacher at the orphanage.

“Thank you always. I was worried because I couldn’t stay here, but I’m so glad he’s grown up so well… Thank you so much.”

“Ahaha… I don’t know what I did, but I feel like I’m just getting praised for nothing. Konrad is always doing well with a bright face, so I don’t really have anything to do for him. My job is just to take care of him so he doesn’t get hurt.”

He said it as if he was embarrassed, but Asha knew that Konrad wouldn’t be smiling so brightly if the teacher in front of her hadn’t taken good care of him. Her complexion, which had been dark with anxiety and guilt, brightened up a little.

“What does Konrad eat? He can’t eat meat yet, right?”

“Usually, our Orcs can eat meat around 3 months after birth. Konrad will be able to eat meat soon too. He’s eating Baby food right now.”

“I see… I look forward to your continued care.”

Asha bowed her head.

“Of course. It’s also for the sake of our tribe.”

Asha made eye contact with Konrad while holding him.

“I don’t want to just send him away like this… Should we go out to eat something? Is it okay to go out?”

“Of course.”

Asha had the chance to spend time with another child for the first time in a long time.

Asha walked around with Konrad, Lucia, and Walter, greeting the Orcs in the village. What she realized while walking around with Konrad was that he was, to put it nicely, cheerful, and to put it badly, thoughtless.

‘Is it because I only raised Lucy…’

Unlike Lucia, who had clear likes and dislikes, Konrad always smiled and liked everything. He liked meeting other Orcs, he liked meeting humans passing by, and Asha was worried that he would grow up and follow strangers because he liked them so much. Anyway, she was able to have a good time with her son.

“Okay, I’ll come again next time… Be good?”

Even as he parted ways with Asha, Konrad didn’t cry and waved his hand with a smile. Watching him walk bravely and take the teacher’s hand as he went inside, Asha came out of the orphanage.

“Well, did you have a good reunion?”

“Yes. I’m so glad he’s doing well…”

“I told you not to worry about me. Anyway, I’m glad you’re relieved. Hmm, it seems like Georg will be coming soon…”

When Asha looked at the sky, the sun was already setting.

“That’s right… He’ll be back soon.”

“Then go and have a reunion with him. Lucy, what are you going to do? You can go with Asha or stay at my house.”

After listening to Walter’s words, Lucia pondered for a moment and said.

“I’ll stay at Grandpa’s house. Mom, go quickly!”

“Ah, are you, are you sure? Listen to your uncle!”

“Yes!”

Asha was a little embarrassed that the quick-witted Lucia knew exactly what they were going to do, but she decided to accept her daughter’s consideration.

“Then I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Okay, go and come back.”

Asha glanced at Lucia, who was following Walter, and headed to Georg’s house.

At first, she didn’t think anything of it, but Asha couldn’t help but be bothered by Walter’s comment about them being a couple. She kept repeating the same words in her mind as she walked.

‘Couple, couple, huh…’

Once she was aware of it, the same words kept swirling in her head, making her constantly conscious of it. Asha shook her head in confusion.

“Ugh, ugh! Uncle shouldn’t have said such strange things…”

By the time Asha arrived in front of Georg’s house, the lights were already on. Realizing that he was back, she suddenly felt playful and tiptoed into the house.

Asha, who had slipped in through the open gate, could see Georg, as always, taking care of his equipment. She approached him silently and hugged him from behind. Contrary to Asha’s expectations, Georg wasn’t particularly surprised and turned around.

“Asha, it seems like you’ve become more playful while I haven’t seen you.”

“Ugh! How did you know it was me?”

“Inexperienced Sorcerers aren’t very good at hiding. I guess the old man didn’t teach you because he thought you were still lacking. It’s hard to hide your presence from Orcs, even if you can hide it from humans.”

Asha was disappointed that her attempt to surprise him at their reunion was easily exposed. With a sullen face, she sat down on Georg’s lap, who was sitting on a chair.

“It’s no fun… You could have at least pretended to be surprised.”

“I’m not good at that kind of thing. You couldn’t have come alone, so where’s Lucia?”

“She decided to stay at Uncle’s house. I came to see you. I’m planning to stay here for a while. Oh, I heard you took care of Konrad often while I was gone. Thank you so much.”

“It’s only natural. I know you have unavoidable circumstances.”

Even though it had been several months since they had last met, he was still as taciturn as ever, but Asha knew that he was quite considerate and thoughtful, unlike his outward appearance. Feeling grateful again, Asha turned around from leaning against his back and hugged him.

“I’m so glad I met you, Georg…”

Asha felt endlessly comfortable as their skin touched. She felt his body temperature and realized that her body was touching his bare skin, which seemed to have just been washed, and her face flushed. Asha fiddled with his stomach for no reason.

“There’s no fat at all… You’re really like a rock.”

“You’re just noticing now…”

When Asha looked up at him with a flushed face, Georg kissed her lightly.

“Ugh, ugh?!”

It was usually Asha who clung to him first, but she was taken aback by the unexpected attack. Georg, rarely smiling, lifted Asha up and stood up.

“If you look at me with such a longing face, I can know what you want without you having to say it. That’s why you left Lucia at the old man’s house, right?”

“Ugh, yeah…”

Asha was embarrassed as she remembered the times she had struggled in his arms. Georg gently held her in his arms and went up to the bedroom.