Chapter 33
Chapter 33
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 33
Chapter Title: The Most Conscientious Orphan Dealer
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Now that I was convinced Riel was a noble, all sorts of things she'd done up until now came to mind.
Being picky about vegetables despite being an orphan, somehow procuring anything and everything, and coming back unscathed every time.
All of it made sense if she was a noble.
'Still, her acting is impressive.'
That said, on the flip side, everything else about her was so perfect that I might've mistaken her for a real orphan if not for it. Without the instincts I'd honed during my adventurer days, I would've bought it completely.
Kyle, who'd spent quite some time with her, hadn't noticed either. If I hadn't seen Hella play the violin and confirmed Riel's violin talent, I probably wouldn't have realized she was a noble either.
And in this Luton, there's only one noble family.
I approached Riel, who was excitedly chatting with Kyle.
"Riel, could we talk for a moment? It's about your living arrangements."
"Sure thing! Big brother! I'll be right back!"
"Y-Yeah. Riel."
Kyle, left alone with Laila for some reason, was breaking out in a cold sweat, but I took Riel up to the director's office anyway.
Perhaps thinking I meant admission to the orphanage, Riel kept talking brightly.
"I want a room with you, big brother! I know rooms are divided by gender, but still!"
"Yeah?"
"Yes! I've known Kyle big brother for a long time! We've even slept together!"
"How long?"
"About two months!"
Two months. That's quite a while.
I listened to Riel's story as we entered the director's office.
Click.
"Director...?"
I silently locked the door to the director's office.
Riel backed away, sensing something off from my actions.
"I greet the youngest daughter of the Luton Baron family."
"...!!"
I immediately bowed ninety degrees to Riel and treated her with utmost courtesy.
Switching from casual speech to formal, filling my expression with sincerity. Riel, flustered by my sudden change, awkwardly shook her head with a smile.
"D-Director? What are you suddenly talking about?"
"Please forgive my rudeness up until now. It seemed the young lady didn't wish for her identity to be revealed, so I could only observe proper etiquette after entering this room."
"P-Please raise your head! Why are you doing this!"
"I've received great assistance from Baron Luton regarding the establishment and operation of the orphanage. It's only natural to show respect to the young lady."
It wasn't exactly "great" assistance, but thanks to Baron Luton's permit, relations with the villagers had smoothed out easily. Besides, Riel wouldn't know the details.
There was no need to explain how I'd figured it out or the evidence of her true identity.
Just by bowing like this, Riel soon gave a resigned sigh.
"...Please raise your head. I beg you."
"Understood."
As I straightened up, Riel's face was no longer innocently cheerful but rather weary.
Wasn't it embarrassing to bow to a seven-year-old kid like this? Not at all. If she's a noble, she's a VIP customer for the orphanage. And the Luton Baron family? They're the pinnacle of local connections.
A merchant's waist and knees are cheap commodities. Especially in front of a potential investor.
Riel checked that the director's office door was securely locked before sitting on the sofa.
"How... did you know?"
"I have an eye for it."
"I'm embarrassed. I fooled Kyle big brother and the other kids just fine... I deliberately ate with my hands and ran around barefoot to look like an orphan, but I guess I couldn't fool the orphanage director."
"You call him 'big brother'?"
"Kyle big brother is my big brother. So, there's something I'd like to ask."
A favor.
Well, it was obvious anyway.
"Could you keep it a secret from the others? Especially from Kyle big brother?"
"I refuse."
"Thank you... What?"
She clearly hadn't expected a refusal.
Right after Riel's shock, I continued.
"Of course, I have to tell Baron Luton."
"W-Wait a minute! You mean Father ordered you to...?"
"No. It's true I've received favors from Baron Luton, but that's separate from having met him personally much. This is entirely for the sake of Kyle and the other children."
"For Kyle big brother?"
"Young Lady Riel, I am the orphanage director. In my line of work, I've seen many orphans and the wounds they carry. They are lonely, lacking children. Lacking money, parents, and happiness. To such children, your actions are nothing but deception."
"I-I didn't approach big brother with those intentions! And if I hide my identity!"
"How long do you plan to hide it?"
"That's..."
"When the time comes, can you leave their side without hesitation?"
"........."
"I'm not saying your actions are unconditionally wrong. But if it were just a brief escapade, that'd be one thing. Didn't you say you've already been together for over two months? The longer you spend with them, the harder it'll be for you to leave, and the greater the betrayal the children will feel."
"............"
"Moreover, living in the back alleys isn't safe for you either, young lady. For your sake, and even more so for our orphanage's children, I intend to inform the baron of your escapade."
"B-But."
"Don't act like an orphan if you're a fake one."
"Yes?"
"Is there a problem?"
"Uh... N-No."
Why? What? The words might sound harsh, but they're not wrong, right?
Anyway, she gets it? So, could you please stay away from our 3-Star Orphan?
Deep down, I wanted to generously compensate her and send her off. Of course, not more than the sale price of a 3-Star Orphan.
And I was speaking purely as the orphanage director, for Kyle and the children, and for Riel herself. Principled words leave little room for rebuttal.
Of course, considering Riel's fondness for Kyle, framing it as being for his sake would make it more persuasive—but ultimately, it really is for Kyle. Whether we sell him or keep him in stock, pairing him with a knockoff orphan diminishes his value. Like eating domestic rice with Chinese kimchi.
Moreover, returning Riel could forge an economic tie with the Luton Baron family, making it the best move all around.
"...I understand what you're saying."
"I'm grateful for your understanding."
"But I can't go back home right now. The one at fault is... Father. I'm not wrong."
"Pardon?"
"If I go back home now, Father really will burn Mother's belongings. That... I can't let that happen."
"...Young lady."
"That's why I left home and went to Kyle big brother, based on the rumors. I thought if I went to the back alleys, even Father would realize my sincerity. I knew, as you said, Director, that it was ultimately deception and escapism, but I was desperate."
"........."
"So I───"
Riel continued speaking. But it was mostly desperation, frustration, and lamenting her plight, so I skimmed it. I'd already heard all the important info anyway.
The family head's ignored youngest daughter, who doesn't get searched for even after days missing, mingling with orphans to become the most authentic fake orphan—and yet, undeniably a noble.
Putting all those elements together, combining them. And at the same time, mobilizing every merchant instinct to grasp a faint possibility.
The best I could do now. A way for the 3-Star Orphan and the fake orphan both to be satisfied.
A flash of inspiration sparked in my mind.
'Could this... actually work?'
"It started as a protest at first, but spending time with Kyle big brother and the kids, it gradually became real... Um, Director? Why are you like that?"
"Is something wrong?"
"No, just... Your eyes look strange..."
"I've taken your story to heart, young lady. Since you've explained it that thoroughly, I have no choice."
"Director? Then?"
"I'll allow your admission to the orphanage. And of course, I'll keep your secret."
"Director...!!"
Take a good look, newbie.
This is the "orphan deal."