Ch.9494. Fate

After the investiture ceremony, I would be leaving Lindvale immediately. While I’d like to rest for a full day before departing, Charlotte was a woman of impatient temperament.

Her words echoed in my mind—to resolve any remaining matters before the investiture ceremony ended.

In truth, I could leave anytime I wanted. When I left my hometown, Rex’s belongings consisted only of a zweihander, extra provisions, and a small backpack. Since becoming an adventurer, I had purchased various items including weapons, but when gathered together, there was less than I expected. Just enough to carry comfortably by myself.

That was the extent of my physical possessions.

But the relationships I had formed until now were not so light.

“Mr. Wolfram.”

“I’m busy, so if it’s not important, tell me later. If you want to use the well, just leave a coin over there. Or are you hungry?”

Wolfram spoke in a gruff tone while wiping plates with a dishcloth. I glanced at the neatly arranged plates and opened my mouth.

“You know I’m having my investiture ceremony tomorrow, right?”

“Of course I know. Well, once you become a knight, I won’t be able to speak casually like this anymore. Nobility is nobility, so I’ll have to use honorifics from now on. When I first saw you, I thought you were just an impetuous little brat, but you turned out to be quite an extraordinary one.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

I let out a bitter smile. I knew that although Wolfram appeared gruff on the outside, he was a warm-hearted man inside. He always waited for me when I returned at late hours and made sure I had meals. Come to think of it, I initially met him thanks to Dunstan’s introduction, but that relationship had lasted longer than with anyone else I’d met in Lindvale.

And today would be the last day of that relationship.

“Thank you for everything.”

“…What didn’t you like? If you had complaints, tell me. I won’t know unless you say it directly.”

“No, I had no complaints. Your stew was delicious, Mr. Wolfram. The lodging was comfortable too. It’s just that I’ll be leaving Lindvale starting tomorrow, so I wanted to let you know.”

“Leaving?”

Wolfram put down the plate and raised his head. He stared at me with wide eyes for a moment, then tapped the table and grinned.

“Judging by your expression, it’s not a bad thing.”

“Yes. I’ve connected with a good person, and I’ve decided to follow them.”

“That’s great.”

“So, I wanted to pay this month’s fee in advance…”

I opened my pouch and counted out silver coins. But suddenly, a hand pushed my pouch away.

“Don’t bother.”

Wolfram shook his head and waved his hand.

“This inn is half a hobby for me anyway. We’ve built up some goodwill, so I won’t take your money.”

“But—”

“I said don’t bother. If you really insist, when you become successful, spread the word that there’s an amazing inn in Lindvale.”

I awkwardly scratched my chin. Finding this quite amusing, Wolfram burst into laughter and shrugged. Finally, I put my pouch back inside my clothes.

“You’re staying here tonight, aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Then have dinner here. I’ll prepare a feast that will make the table legs bend.”

“…Thank you.”

“It gives me goosebumps to hear that from a man. Anyway, you must have other people to talk to besides me, right? Go on now.”

Wolfram shrugged and pointed to the inn’s door with his finger.

“Looks like you have a visitor.”

I turned my head with a puzzled expression. Chloe, who had peeked her head through the half-open door, awkwardly waved her hand.

“Lucky you, having so many girlfriends.”

“Come on…”

The touching moment crumbled instantly. I looked at Wolfram with an incredulous expression and approached the door.

“You came early.”

“…Yeah.”

“Shall we go?”

Chloe nodded.

Just as I had relationships to wrap up, Chloe also had relationships that needed closure.

***

This was my second visit to the orphanage. I had thought about visiting after dealing with the Underhand Clan, but Chloe had refused. She said she needed to resolve her own matters herself. Of course, while I hadn’t intervened directly, I had heard what happened through Chloe and Berger.

All the girls who had been captured by the Underhand Clan returned to their homes and received compensation for the damages they had suffered. The wealth that the Underhand Clan had accumulated while monopolizing Lindvale’s entertainment industry was enormous. They had received enough money to easily afford at least one house in Lindvale. However, the scars etched in their memories wouldn’t fade so easily. The girls hadn’t left the orphanage and continued to stay there.

Despite my concerns, the atmosphere at the orphanage was harmonious. The children’s faces showed smiles instead of anxiety as they ran around playing. I also noticed some older girls who hadn’t been there before.

“Should I speak?”

Rex asked in a careful tone. Chloe stopped at the front gate of the orphanage. After staring blankly at the orphanage for a while, her lips slowly parted.

“It’s okay.”

Chloe clenched her fist and took a deep breath. As soon as they passed through the main gate, children who recognized her flocked around, chattering.

“Big sister Chloe! Where have you been?”

“Who’s that beside you?”

“It’s the handsome big brother we saw before. Her boyfriend.”

“…Boyfriend?”

I tilted my head in confusion. Chloe’s face turned bright red as she shouted.

“Th-they’re just joking! Have you all finished your homework before playing? Should I tell Mr. Lucas?”

“Eek! She’s angry!”

“Run away!”

The children scattered in all directions with playful screams. Chloe watched them with narrowed eyes, then sighed deeply and slumped her shoulders.

“Let’s go.”

“They seem so full of energy. It’s nice to see.”

“…Yeah. It’s quite exhausting for someone who sees them every day. But it’s not bad. All of this… thanks to Rex, um. It’s nothing.”

Chloe trailed off and entered the orphanage. The dark corridor remained the same, but unlike before, there were no cracks in the windows. The fallen ceiling had been reinforced, and most importantly, laughter could be heard from all directions. I wore a faint smile.

“Sir.”

Chloe knocked on the director’s office door. After hearing permission to enter, she swallowed hard. Her hand on the doorknob trembled slightly. I silently nodded to her.

Creak.

Chloe opened the door with a tense face. The first thing visible was a mountain of documents. Soon, a man rose, pushing the documents aside.

“Chloe? And you are… Rex, no, Sir Rex!”

Lucas, whom I hadn’t seen in three months, looked terrible, to put it mildly. Dark circles hung under his eyes, and the wrinkles on his skin were noticeably more pronounced. He looked like he might collapse at any moment, yet his eyes were full of vitality. Lucas jumped up and rushed over to grasp my hands.

“I had promised myself to visit you personally, but I had so much work to do. I’m truly sorry I couldn’t even thank you properly.”

“What is this…”

“I heard what happened to the Underhand Clan. They say you eliminated them. Thanks to you, all the children returned, and we were able to pay off our inflated debts. Really, truly… thank you.”

I looked down at Lucas with a disgruntled expression. His sudden intense reaction was quite bewildering.

In truth, I had forgotten about the orphanage’s situation. The matter had been resolved well, and in a way, I had eradicated the Underhand Clan to help Chloe. Since I hadn’t done it expecting gratitude, I hadn’t paid much attention to it. I hadn’t even visited to convey my regards, assuming they were getting along fine on their own.

Apparently, that wasn’t the case.

“I’m ashamed, but if I may explain, I’ve been overwhelmed with work. Thanks to you, the orphanage’s situation became known to the Church of Mercy headquarters, and we’ve received various sponsorships. It’s a good thing, but I couldn’t handle the flood of work alone, so I’ve been quickly dealing with only the most important matters, intending to visit you afterward…”

“I understand, so please stop apologizing now.”

“Thank you. No, this isn’t right. I should bring the children to express their gratitude to you. If you could wait a moment…”

“No. That’s not necessary. Please don’t do that. It’s enough that everyone is living well. And please don’t call me Sir Rex. Honestly, it’s burdensome.”

I shook my head in distaste.

“But you’re our benefactor, and soon to be a knight. How could I possibly…”

“Anyway, we came here today for a different reason.”

It didn’t seem like he would listen no matter what I said. I changed the subject, nudging Chloe’s side with my elbow. Chloe, who had been watching the conversation with an awkward expression, drew in a sharp breath.

“…What reason?”

“Sir.”

Chloe stepped forward, biting her lip tightly.

“I’m planning to leave Lindvale tomorrow.”

Lucas’s expression changed. Chloe lowered her head under his surprised gaze and clutched her skirt.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier. I should have, but somehow I couldn’t find the courage… I kept putting it off, and now I’m telling you only the day before. I’ve saved some money. It’s not much, but it should help a little. So—”

“Go ahead.”

“…Huh?”

Chloe raised her head, looking as if she had misheard. Lucas was smiling.

“It’s your life; you don’t need anyone’s permission. Do as you wish. If anything, I’m sorry for tying you down to the orphanage’s circumstances all this time. From now on, don’t worry about us and live freely.”

Lucas stroked his chin with a sorrowful expression.

“You don’t need to give us money. Our debts are gone, and we’re receiving sponsorships. We’re not in such dire straits that we need your help. What a shame. If you had told me earlier, I would have prepared something for you. Fortunately, I have some money saved up.”

“What do you mean?”

Instead of answering Chloe’s question, Lucas opened a safe placed in the corner. After rummaging through it, he pulled out a heavy pouch. The pouch contained several gold and silver coins.

“After the Underhand Clan disappeared, I saved this bit by bit. For you. In preparation for when you would eventually become independent, Chloe… Though I’m embarrassed to say the amount isn’t much. Take it.”

“But this… would be better used for the orphanage…”

“Stop sacrificing yourself for the orphanage. From now on, live for yourself.”

Chloe stared at the pouch with an anxious face, hesitating. Finding her both pitiful and frustrating, I grabbed the pouch and forcibly placed it in her hands.

“Take it. It will make Lucas feel better too.”

“That’s right.”

Lucas affirmed with a pleased smile. Finally putting the pouch inside her clothes, Chloe stammered.

“…Thank you.”

“You’re going back out now, right? Come back early today. I’ll tell the other children, and we should have a party. Don’t worry. There’s no reason to be sad unless you’re never coming back at all.”

“Yes.”

Only then did Chloe’s expression brighten. She left the director’s office with a radiant smile.

“Chloe looks good when she smiles.”

As I chuckled and muttered, Chloe glared at me with narrowed eyes.

“Don’t tease me.”

“I wasn’t teasing?”

“…Never mind.”

I stretched and looked up at the sky. It was still daytime, but the sun would set soon. There wasn’t much time left.

Too short to say goodbye.

“Now we should meet the others.”

“Yeah.”

Only one relationship remained.

Once that was wrapped up, everything in Lindvale would be finished.

That fact felt rather bittersweet.