Chapter 56
Chapter 56
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 56
Chapter Title: Foundation Center
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"Tasty?"
"(˶˃⤙˂˶)"
Unexpected.
Previously, it had shared all the magic stones with the others.
But it had monopolized Morgashy's magic stone all by itself.
Maybe because they shared the same water attribute, it was more drawn to it?
"Beep, bleep-!"
"Seol-i, let's eat it next time."
I soothed Seol-i, who was pouting and burying its head in my neck, then headed outside. Seol A-yoon opened the car door for me.
"I'll be in your care, Roha-nim."
"Thanks, A-yoon. Have you seen the foundation? What do you think?"
"You won't be disappointed. See for yourself."
"Heh."
With her confident assurance, we set off for the completed WA Foundation Center.
It wasn't far—near the association, in fact—and a massive building loomed there.
"Whoa—this must have used up the entire foundation budget, right?"
What I'd hoped for was a modestly sized complex building that could accommodate the orphanage children.
But this was practically resort-level.
"No need to worry. This building was originally government-owned, but Minister Jin Tae-san said he 'received it as a gift.'"
"A gift? Giving away something this huge... Thanks. The government must have been bothered by cutting off the support funds all this time."
"I don't think that's it, but..."
"Hm?"
"Nothing. Shall we head in?"
With Seol A-yoon flashing a subtle smile, we approached the foundation center's entrance, where the security personnel bowed their heads.
Seeing some familiar faces from the association mixed in, it seemed Jin Tae-san had put considerable effort here too.
And the one giving them orders was a very welcome sight.
I approached and flashed a finger-gun gesture with my thumb and index finger. The security captain let out a stifled chuckle.
"Oh, you've arrived."
"Long time no see? Still up for that favor I asked last time?"
"That... What? Suspicious individual? I'll head out now. Sorry, something came up—I have to excuse myself first!"
Suddenly talking into his radio's static, the security captain bolted off, his taser dangling from his belt.
"You know that employee?"
"Yeah, sort of... Heh, let's go in now."
I laughed at him fleeing after my little prank and passed through the security checkpoint into the building.
The structure stretched long on either side with large windows that kept it from feeling cramped. In the center was a park like a miniature Central Park, lush with greenery.
Weirdly fun-looking playground equipment dotted the area, just looking at it lifting my spirits.
"Want to try it out?"
"N-no? I was just thinking modern kids' playgrounds are amazing these days..."
"How about a safety inspection?"
"Inspection... Inspections are important. Yeah."
Of course, they'd be verified safe, but it was crucial for the user to feel it firsthand.
I needed to thoroughly check for any discomfort from a child's perspective.
After enjoying—no, inspecting—a few rides and confirming all the other facilities, we finally reached the conference room where Seong Ji-su was waiting.
"Welcome. Have you looked around the facilities?"
"Hello, Director. Sorry, we're a bit late, right?"
"Not at all. It's only natural for the chairwoman to inspect the facilities. So, satisfied?"
Seong Ji-su seemed to be holding back a laugh somewhere. But I'd been so impressed by the center's interior that I ignored it and shared my thoughts.
"Of course. It's incredible. Self-sufficient education possible entirely within the grounds."
"It's all just fleshing out your proposals, Roha-nim."
The orphanage kids' dorms and education facilities filled one wing in a boarding school style.
On top of that, floors with shops like a complex mall, medical and fitness levels, hobby and sports club sections categorized various ways.
A compact little world had been meticulously created.
Even I was amazed, so for the orphanage kids, it had to be paradise.
"That said, I'm thinking of changing the foundation's name."
"The name, suddenly?"
The Wingless Angel name had been pretty foundation-like and not bad.
"But don't you have wings?"
"?"
Seeing Seong Ji-su's mischievous smile aimed at me, I realized she was teasing.
"Don't say weird stuff. It's not named after me."
"?"
Why was she acting like she'd never heard of it?
"Ahem. Anyway, Min Ji-yeon has arrived, so please wait just a moment."
This meeting was to discuss merging the foundation along with relocating the orphanage, with Min Ji-yeon called in.
She could refuse, but the odds were low.
I already knew she was being dragged around on a crazy schedule for the federation guilds' gate subjugations.
The ultimate goal: Min Ji-yeon's defection from the federation and transfer to the association.
It was the perfect chance to properly strike back at the federation that constantly obstructed and sabotaged us.
A moment later, a thoroughly cowed shadow shuffled in.
"H-hello... I'm Min Ji-yeon."
Min Ji-yeon greeted hesitantly.
Glancing around nervously, her eyes met mine and she jolted in surprise.
"R-Roha? What brings you here—"
"Why don't you sit first? Long time no see, Ji-yeon."
"Y-yes. You're with the foundation? Do you know what's going on here?"
"Of course. I know all about it."
It was my initiative, after all.
I firmly grasped Min Ji-yeon's hand as she rapidly blinked and kept glancing around nervously.
Her trembling eased a bit. Her face had dark circles, but her clear, shining eyes were still stunning.
"Let me introduce her properly. This is Iroha. At the association, she's reluctantly called the Saintess."
"Ah, okay... Eh? Ah?! Aaaah!!!"
"Sorry, the intro's a bit late, huh?"
"The Walking Saintess? You're Roha? Hic, and I let the kids do whatever without knowing...! I'm sorry!"
"Ow, no apologies. I had fun playing with the kids. How's Na-yeon?"
"Y-yes! She's super spirited and totally immersed in drawing now too."
My prized disciple indeed. Diligently training.
I'd have to drop by for another drawing duel next time.
"You know why you're here today, right?"
"Yes, they said we need to discuss the merger..."
"Right. And I have one more proposal."
"A proposal?"
To Min Ji-yeon's question, I gazed out the conference room window at the park and playground.
...You could see everything from here, huh.
Seong Ji-su must have watched my entire playground inspection.
I hid my flushing embarrassment and asked Min Ji-yeon.
"What do you think after looking around?"
"Um, it's amazing. So much gathered like a little city... I thought the people living here must be impressive."
"Surprisingly, no one lives here yet. That's why—join the association. Then you can live here—"
"...Sorry, but is that tied to the merger?"
"No, the merger proceeds as is. The orphanage support will run as originally planned too."
"In that case... I refuse the association transfer."
"Pardon?"
"Living in a fantastic place like this is anyone's dream, but not for me. Thanks for the offer. But we should keep foundation matters separate from other things."
Ah, she must think this is some rich neighborhood, trying to buy her off with money.
Stubborn like the Angel Orphanage director.
Well, that's probably why she'd been rolling with it all for the orphanage.
"Seems there's a misunderstanding. My proposal is for your transfer along with the entire orphanage relocating here. To the WA Foundation Center, which can handle cozy homes, education, health, environment, security—everything."
"E-everything? Won't that make some big shots uncomfortable...?"
"Here, the kids are the highest priority. Anyway, this is where the new orphanage will be. A place made through government-foundation collaboration—the kids' roof and fence."
"......"
Min Ji-yeon stared silently out the window at the rides and such, then a single tear dropped.
"But... the federation, especially Naraka Guild..."
"Angel's in Naraka Guild territory, right? They've used threats and bribes to manipulate you."
"...Yes. And they're scary people—they won't just sit still."
"Don't worry. We'll protect you. Not a hair on your head or the kids' harmed."
Min Ji-yeon's teary eyes turned to me.
Her doubtful gaze sought answers.
"So what does the association gain to go this far...? For us, the ones everyone ignored..."
"What else? We get you, and the kids. This place was built for children, so it needs owners. And it'll gather not just Angel Orphanage, but others too."
In this era where kids awaken upon growing up, this was an investment in future resources.
No need to beat around the bush—I stated our aims with a smile, and Min Ji-yeon stared blankly.
Looking over, Seong Ji-su and Seol A-yoon weren't much different.
They already knew—why the reaction?
"I think I get why you're called disadvantageous now..."
"Huh?"
"Hehe, nothing. Shall we get into the details?"
"Sure. Here's the specifics—confirm as summarized by Director Seong Ji-su."
"Yes, we've prepared plans for future foundation operations and center management/structure. Let's go over them slowly together, and mention any changes anytime."
Seong Ji-su distributed the prepared documents and launched a large PPT screen to begin explaining.
Suddenly, Min Ji-yeon's phone rang.
"Sorry, I should have turned it off...!"
She fumbled it out, and on the screen loomed Naraka Guild Master Park Chung-gyo's name.
"Naraka Guild Master, huh. What'll you do, Ji-yeon? Move-in's possible anytime. The association will support right away."
"...Then please, right now."
Min Ji-yeon answered Park Chung-gyo's call in a cold voice I'd never heard before.
"I'm leaving the guild. So handle your damn support yourselves!"