I don't have time for this.

　From the looks of it, Kalia Vadnick's not going to die anyway. They told me to watch, but there's nothing I can do if I stay. It's too dangerous.

　Richard's old man gave me some money in exchange for information, but it disappeared as soon as I did some light shopping. I walked along the street, squinting at the feel of the first chewed tobacco I had bought in a long time.

　The people on the road were very busy. Merchants, guards, adventurers, and even maids. Someone is running around trying to do something. No one can afford to take a leisurely stroll down the street, not in this day and age. I'm sure I didn't have that luxury then either. I can remember being hungry, violent, poor, and always busy with something.

　Even now, I don't have the luxury of time. I can remember the past, but it doesn't mean that the level of poverty has improved. But, you know.

　I'd like to be able to afford to walk around at least this time. Don't we all? At least when you're on your way to your loved one.

　But...

　The further you go away from the street, the less sunlight there is, and you can't shake the feeling that it's a little bit damp compared to the street. The further you go, the stronger the feeling becomes. Our destination was further inland.

　As usual, it was not a very comfortable place. However, nostalgia and nostalgia is a convenient thing. No matter what the environment is like, I feel as if I am nostalgic, and that is all that is needed.

"That's unusual, kid. It's unusual for you to come here.

　I didn't think you'd come that way, considering your personality. Such a voice pierced my ears from behind.

　It's been a long time. The voice was so nostalgic that it almost brought tears to my eyes. With a slight tremble in my voice, I responded to the sound of footsteps approaching from behind.

"Mr. Nines. I'm not old enough to be a kid. ...... Oh, no, you're old enough. I'm still at that age.

　I'm not sure if it's because I'm a little too old to be an adventurer.

You're an adventurer and you think you're an adult. You'll always be a little boy in my eyes. Welcome back, Lugis.

　The one who greeted me with an unchanging smile was the owner of the orphanage where I and Alueno grew up. He's the one who raised us, the mother of us all. Mr. Nines, they call him. Her slightly purplish hair looks good in the darkness of the back streets. But I've always thought that she really doesn't look her age. I even feel that his appearance has not changed much since I was a child.

　Quickly handing me a shopping basket, he walks down the back street with a self-satisfied look, saying, "Come on by.

"What's the matter today, did you come crying to me because you ran out of a place to stay?

Who's that? Who? Of course not. I'm here to see ...... Alueno.

　What is it? Strangely, I feel embarrassed. I'm just here to see my childhood friend and we're not even old enough. I knew that Mr. Nines would laugh at my reaction as if I were an idiot.

"Well, you're right. It's not in your nature to cry to people, Alueno.

"...... Mr. Nines?　What's wrong with you, you're suddenly so quiet.

　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I think it's a good idea.

　It's not like there's anything wrong with Alueno. After all, I know that he's going to live until the day of the journey to salvation. Even if he has some kind of disease, I'm still worried, but not upset.

　It should be.

"As for Alueno, he's been subcontracted. So today was good. She'll be happy to see you one last time.

　I've got a contractor. The words made my body stiffen reflexively. I scratched my nose and muttered to myself as if choosing the words to say.

...... I think it's too early to tell. And he'll do just fine in an orphanage.

"We can't keep her tied up forever. She won't be able to survive on her own.

　I have no words to say. I tried to formulate some words, but they faded.

　There was a moment of silence. Mr. Nines walked behind me, slower than I expected, and I just followed him.

　An undertaking. It was an option that would eventually come to those living in the orphanage.

　Wherever you are born, there are two main futures for those who grow up in an orphanage.

　One is to become an adventurer like me. Being an adventurer is the only profession where you don't need any backing or introduction. In this country, it is universally accepted that it is a life that can be replaced.



　They call themselves adventurers, but for the most part they are little more than a bunch of ruffians and thieves. Their lives are always a gamble to get what little they have. Only a few of them make it. But from the orphanage, there are many who dream of that small chance. Just like me.

　The second is to be taken in. That is, bought by some individual or organization. This is the only way for a kid with nothing to back him up to find a job. For men, manual labor or swordsmanship. For women, it's the streets at best. At worst, a rich man's toy. Either way, it's a useless life. With a bit of luck or bad luck.

...... Where are you subcontracted to?

That's not for me to say. Ask him.

　Alueno said, and Nines opened the door to the orphanage he had arrived at before he knew it.

　The orphanage was still somewhat tilted and looked as if it would collapse if a strong wind blew. The strange creaking sound of the door opening was the same as before.

"Alueno, you have a visitor. There's an unusual person here. It's a good thing I don't have to pay you to write letters for me.

　Mr. Nines spoke into the room as if the previous atmosphere had never existed.

　I can hear footsteps coming from the back. I remember this, too. It's her. It must be Alueno's footsteps.

　I still didn't know what expression to put on my face to meet her, even though I must have thought about it a lot while walking through the back streets.