A Wish to Grab Happiness

"You can't go out with me."

If that looks like it, Karia Birdnick won't die either way. They told me to watch, but there's nothing I can do about it if I stay. It's just dangerous.

The price Richard's grandfather gave him in lieu of information fees disappeared as soon as he made a light purchase. I narrow my eyes to the feel of the first bite of tobacco I've bought in a long time, and walk down the street.

People on the roads are terribly busy. Even small-time use for merchants, guards and adventurers. Someone is running around to do something. Nobody can afford to walk the streets loosely for a long time, in these times. Neither did I. I'm sure I couldn't afford that. Hungry, violent, impoverished, there are many memories that were always chased by something.

Even now, it's not like I can afford anything. Because the extent of poverty has not improved, as many memories of the past have. But.

At this time or so, I want to walk at my leisure. Wouldn't anyone? To my own thinkers, about when I'm on my way.

One way off the street, there is only a slight light of day in there, and I can't wipe away the sensation of stiffness compared to the street. The more you get in the back, the stronger that feeling becomes. The destination is even deeper.

As always, it was a very uncomfortable place. But things like homesickness and nostalgia are convenient. Whether it's in this environment, I miss it, it just seems like that one word is a good one.

"That's unusual, kid. I can't believe you put your foot here."

Given your character, I didn't think you'd come. Such a voice pokes his ear from behind.

Long time. I really missed him, and he was about to cry. It slightly trembles and responds to the impending footsteps from behind.

"Mr. Nines. I'm not a kid anymore... oh no, year. No, it's still that kind of year."

Was it funny to distort her expression while chewing the words out for a moment, Ms. Nines laughs with pieces as she loosens her cheeks.

"What, being an adventurer and growing up a dozen years ago? You, from me, will always be a kid. Welcome back, Rugis."

It was me, and the lord of the orphanage where Arueno grew up, who welcomed me with an unchanging grin. Make me the parent of the upbringing, and replace everyone's mother. Mr. Nines, everyone calls me. Slightly purple hair can often be seen in the darkness of the back street. But I've been thinking about it since then, but you don't really make me feel old, this guy. I don't even think its appearance has changed since I was a kid.

He walks down the back street with our faces as he naturally hands me his shopping cage.

"What's wrong with you today, you're crying because you're out of places to stay?

"Who is it? There's no way. Ahhh... I'm here to see Arueno."

Whatever it is. Oddly enough, it's illuminating. We just came to see childhood, and we said we weren't even old enough for each other. I'm sure Mr. Nines thought so, too, that he would laugh at my reaction to ridicule me.

"Well, you are. You're not a crying nature to people - Arueno, are you?"

"... Mr. Nines? What's the matter, you suddenly shut up?"

Unusual for her, she unwittingly circles her eyes at the way she's stuck in words.

Nothing, I'm not supposed to be talking about something happening to Arueno. Anyway, I know that Arueno lives to the day of the future, the journey of salvation. Even if you were suffering from something sick, it wouldn't change your worries, but it's not enough to upset you.

Well, it should be.

"That's Arueno, though - I've got a contract. So it was a good day. The last time I see you, that girl will be happy."

I've got a contract. The words stifle the body reflexively. Scratching his nose, he shrugs and squeaks like he chooses a word to emit.

"... Isn't it too early? Besides, he can do enough in the orphanage."

"You can't keep that girl tied up forever. You won't be able to live alone."

I have no words to give back. He manages to work out his words to twist them, but they shrivel.

Often, while I was silent. Mr. Nines slowly walked behind without a heart, just followed.

An orphanage is one option for those who live in it.

Wherever you are born, the future of those who grew up in orphanages is twofold.

One thing is to be an adventurer like me. The profession of adventurer is the only one that can be made without any backshield or even introduction. In this country, there are 10,000 people who admit that it will be a life in exchange.

I don't call myself an adventurer, but the vast majority of them are not so different from a bunch of gorots and bandits. That life is always like risking your life for a small amount of food. There are only a few who grow up. But few leave the orphanage dreaming of that slight possibility. That's what I do.

The second thing is to be taken care of. That is - to be bought by any individual or organization. For a child without a back shield or anything, this is the only way to find a job. If you're a man, manual labor or swordsmen. If it's a woman, it's good and colorful. If it's bad, rich toys. Either way, it doesn't make such a difference that it's a crushing life. Some luck or bad luck.

"... where is the contractor?"

"That's not what I'm talking about. Listen directly."

From Arueno's mouth, Mr. Nines opened the door to the orphanage where he had arrived at some point.

The orphanage, as always, was leaning somewhere and the stronger the wind, the more likely it was to collapse. The strange noise when you open the door, as it used to be.

"Arueno, it's a customer. Here comes the rare one. It's good to have a proxy fee for sending out letters."

Like there was no such thing as an earlier atmosphere, Mr. Nines turns inside and talks.

From the back, I hear footsteps. This, too, I remember. It's her. It must be Arueno's, footsteps.

I still didn't know what look to make to see her, even though I should have had plenty of trouble walking down the back street.