Bonds Are Found in Unexpected Places (2)
"Ugh… the smell."
The reek of mold was thick enough to choke on. Milia wrinkled her nose and fanned a hand in front of her face. Built out over the sea, the city was so humid that mildew seemed to coat every surface. She had caught similar scents in the back alleys of Barenberg, but this was on an entirely different level. Her head was already starting to ache.
"I-I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!!"
Beside her, Schwarz let out a short sigh as he glared down at the boy who had stolen his wallet. The child's clothes were ragged and filthy; he clearly hadn't washed in a long time.
"If I didn't get the money, my little brothers and sisters would all starve! Please, just this once—look the other way!"
The boy looked ready to burst into tears as he bowed so low his hands nearly touched the ground.
"Nngh…"
Schwarz's resolve wavered. He had fully intended to make an example of the thief on the way here, but faced with such desperate apologies, even he couldn't stay hard-hearted. The boy looked barely past ten—far too young. And his motive hadn't been malice, only the painfully human wish not to let his siblings go hungry.
"All right. Come here a second."
"Huh? Ah—yes!!"
The boy blinked in confusion, then hurriedly nodded and stepped forward. If the alternative was being handed over to the city guard, he would do anything.
"Close your eyes."
"What? Why do I have to—"
"Want me to turn you in to the guards?"
"N-no! I'll close them!!"
Still baffled, the boy squeezed his eyes shut the moment Schwarz's tone sharpened.
A sharp smack rang out.
"Aaagh!!"
Schwarz's knuckle rapped the boy squarely on the forehead. With a dull thud the child clutched his head and toppled backward. The blow had been carefully measured; it wouldn't do any real harm.
"W-what was that for!?"
"Punishment for pickpocketing. In exchange, I won't hand you over to the guards."
"Uuu…"
Tears welled in the boy's eyes as he groaned. From the look of pure injustice on his face, he seemed to think the city guard might have been preferable.
"And the thank-you?"
"Th-thank you…"
The boy dipped his head, though his expression was anything but grateful. Schwarz snorted a quiet laugh. Honestly he wanted to give the kid another rap, but the boy was only a little over ten. A grown man couldn't seriously lose his temper at a child. With another short sigh, Schwarz held out his hand.
"…?"
"My wallet. You're going to give it back."
The boy tilted his head, then let out a soft "Ah" of understanding. He pushed aside a wooden board that barely qualified as a door and disappeared inside. Moments later he reappeared, wallet in hand.
"H-here…"
"Let's see…"
Schwarz took it and flipped it open. Amid the glittering gold coins lay an ornate key. Seeing it still there, he exhaled in relief.
"Well? Everything accounted for?"
"Yes. It's all here."
He nodded to Milia, who had been watching. Not much time had passed since the theft, so it was only natural.
"That's a relief."
Milia rose with a quiet sigh of her own. The key had been given to them personally by Andrea; losing it would have been an unforgivable breach of etiquette. If it hadn't been in the wallet, she was certain she would have lost a good ten years off her life.
"Well then… what do we do about these children?"
She turned her gaze toward the little faces peeking from the doorway. The moment they realized they had been noticed, the children flinched and ducked out of sight. Milia chuckled softly—just as the boy scrambled to block the entrance.
"D-don't you dare touch my siblings!"
"Oh… so you really are looking out for them, big brother?"
"If you lay a hand on them, I won't just stand here!!"
His voice shook, but he stood his ground. He clearly understood that if she chose to, she could brush him aside without effort. Even so, he refused to move. Milia glanced at Schwarz.
"Hmm… what do you think?"
"I don't mind it at all."
Risking danger to protect what you hold dear—Schwarz saw a shadow of his own past in the boy. Arms folded, he gave a quiet nod. Milia began to walk forward.
One step. Then another.
Even as she closed the distance, the boy kept his face set and met her eyes. When she finally stopped in front of him and slowly raised her hand, he squeezed his eyes shut.
A gentle touch settled on his hair.
"…?"
He opened his eyes in confusion to find her smiling faintly as she ruffled his head.
"How admirable. Standing up for your little brothers and sisters like that."
"Eh…? Eh?"
He could only stare, utterly lost.
"Meeting like this must be fate. Why don't you all come with us?"
"W-what do you mean…?"
"Schwarz. You don't mind, do you?"
While the boy still stammered, thoughts lagging behind events, she turned to Schwarz.
"If that is what My Lady wishes."
His answer was always yes when it came to her.
"Choose. Stay here, or come with us?"
The boy stared at her sparkling eyes, still half-dazed. Then, as if making up his mind, he gave a firm nod and opened his mouth.
"I…"
A short while later…
"Whoa…"
"It's amazing…!!"
"Big sister and big brother really are incredible people!!"
The children poured into the suite and gaped at the dazzling sight before them, gasping in wonder.
"Ahem! Well, of course."
"I didn't expect it to be quite this grand…"
Milia cleared her throat and puffed out her chest while Schwarz whispered so the children wouldn't hear. For all their words, both of them were struggling to hide their own surprise. The suite occupied an entire floor and was far larger than the main hall of a count's manor. Luxurious furniture filled the space; the polished marble floor reflected their faces like a mirror. Most striking of all was the vast glass wall that looked out over the glittering nightscape—the kind of view Schwarz had only ever seen in penthouses of the wealthy back in his old world.
"Is this really all right…?"
"Well… I suppose it is, but…"
At this level of hospitality, even the recipients felt the weight of it. They would have to thank their host properly later. Both of them let the thought trail off unfinished.
"Wow! Look at this! There's a swimming pool!!"
"There's a bed too! It's so soft and fluffy!"
"You can see everything outside! It's so cool!!"
Overwhelmed by sights they had never imagined, the children began racing wildly around the suite.
"Children, could I have your attention for a moment?"
Milia's voice was lost in their excitement. She let out a low groan and glanced at Schwarz. He understood at once and was about to speak when—
"All of you! Can't you stay still for one second!?"
The boy's booming shout froze every child in place. Silence fell over the suite in an instant.
"We're guests here! Guests have to mind their manners! Got it?"
"Y-yeah… okay, big brother…"
"Sorry…"
"Please don't be mad…"
Chastened, the children shuffled forward with lowered heads until they stood before Milia.
"Did you have something to say?"
"Thank you. You're sharper than I expected. Did someone teach you that?"
"That's…"
"If you don't want to talk about it, you don't have to. I won't force you."
Seeing him hesitate, Milia simply smiled. Everyone had their own circumstances; she had no intention of prying out stories they didn't wish to share.
"What I want to say is simple. While we're staying here, you'll stay with us. I've already asked for extra bedding, so it should arrive soon, along with a meal."
"Thank you."
"Thank you!"
The boy and the children bowed their heads together.
"One more thing. Try not to make too much noise. We're guests here too, after all. Understood?"
"Yes, big sister!"
With bright, energetic voices the children answered, then began exploring the suite again—this time with careful, light steps.
Watching them, Milia let out a soft sigh and turned to Schwarz.
"Sorry. This was supposed to be a special trip, and I've made a mess of it."
"Please don't say that. I'm perfectly fine."
And so the night quietly wore on.