I belatedly approached the spot where Ascan and the children were.

One child looked awkwardly at Ascan and bowed stiffly.

“T-thank you.”

Ascan gave a simple nod, offering no warm words, merely acknowledging the gesture.

Sensing his awkwardness with children, I stepped in from the side.

“Hello? Did you come out to enjoy the festival too?”

Earlier, Ascan had mentioned that today’s festival involved giving snacks to children as a wish for their healthy growth.

Seeing the ragged children clutching worn-out baskets, I naturally recalled images of them receiving treats on the street.

To my question, a little girl answered hesitantly.

“Yes, that’s right. We came out to get cookies or chocolates.”

“In that case, since this alley doesn’t get many passersby and might have dangerous adults like earlier, how about heading to the main street?”

This time, a boy standing nearby spoke up.

“You’re not citizens of Lazent Empire, are you? It’s not like we want to stay in this cramped alley. We’re forced to wander back alleys because people harass us if we go to the main streets.”

Upon closer inspection, I recognized him as the boy who’d shouted angrily at the man earlier.

Hearing the child’s words reminded me that Lazent Empire valued social hierarchy more than anywhere else.

It was knowledge I’d absorbed naturally while living as Tanashia, and it also explained why Dekain, in the novel, suffered so much bullying simply for being a commoner.

In fact, since Lazent Empire had once tried to kidnap me ten years ago to steal the magic stones I’d created, I’d harbored lingering unease toward them ever since.

That’s why, although I’d traded with Dekain’s Cain Trading Company, I’d never once visited Lazent Empire.

Had it not been for the unavoidable situation of fleeing from Calua Empire, I might never have set foot in this country.

Consequently, compared to other nations, I knew very little about Lazent Empire’s festivals or current circumstances.

Though I couldn’t fully grasp the child’s meaning, I understood that being orphans made people look at them with disdain.

“What’s your name?”

To my gentle inquiry, the boy who’d snapped at me earlier answered in a subdued voice.

“…Bill.”

Ascan, who’d been silently listening until now, showed a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

He repeated the name incredulously.

“Bill?”

“Yes. My name is Bill.”

It was the same name as Bill, the captain of the Royal Guard and practically a brother to Ascan.

It wasn’t an unusual name—coincidences happen—but I felt a strange sensation and found myself glancing at Bill before quickly looking away.

Then I turned to the girl who’d answered hesitantly earlier and asked,

“And you?”

“I’m Mari.”

In this way, I went on to ask each of the other children their names, one by one.

It saddened me to see five or six children wandering narrow alleys, knowing full well they’d face bullying, yet still choosing to participate in the festival.

Perhaps it reminded me of my past life, growing up as an orphan myself.

Those who’ve never experienced life without parental care simply cannot understand what it’s like.

Forging your own path through life, entirely alone and without anyone’s help, is an incredibly lonely and difficult journey.

I deliberately looked at the children and spoke in a bright, cheerful voice.

“Alright then, since we’ve met like this, it must be fate—I’ll buy you all the snacks you want.”

Mari looked up at me with wide, startled eyes.

“Really?”

“Of course. Big sister doesn’t lie.”

As if sealing a promise, the children’s faces lit up with radiant joy.

I sensed Ascan’s gaze from the side. Since this hadn’t been pre-planned, I glanced up at him and playfully winked one eye.

“You’re okay with this, right?”

Though the question had an obvious answer, Ascan replied as if it didn’t bother him at all.

“Whatever you want, I’m fine with it.”

My heart clenched for a moment.

Every time he supported me so steadfastly like this, I felt reassured that at least one person in this world was truly on my side.

I smiled at Ascan, unable to hide my happiness.

“Then shall we go?”

Ascan and I took the children to a shop and bought every snack available—chocolates, cookies, candies, no discrimination whatsoever.

Our whirlwind shopping spree filled the children’s previously empty baskets to overflowing, with so much left over we had to arrange delivery to the orphanage.

The children, who’d initially been wary, now seemed to have completely opened their hearts—they didn’t want to part from us.

Especially Mari, who clung to me with her tiny, delicate hands and wouldn’t let go.

“Will you and big brother come with us? Where we live is up on a high hill—the view down below is incredibly beautiful. I want to show you.”

Before answering, I instinctively looked at Ascan first. Since I couldn’t decide everything on my own, I sought his opinion.

Ascan, seeming to understand my thoughts without words, chuckled softly.

“I already told you. Do whatever you want.”

His answer made my lips unconsciously relax into a smile—not because he was dodging responsibility, but because I genuinely felt his support for me.

I looked at Mari and answered gently.

“Then let’s go together?”

“Wow, that’s so great!”

Seeing Mari beam with joy made me happy too.

Thus, Ascan and I followed the children up the high hill.

The path was so steep I wondered how such small children managed to climb it regularly—by the time we nearly reached the orphanage, I was panting heavily.

Embarrassingly, Ascan looked perfectly fine, making the contrast painfully obvious.

He looked at me with a concerned expression and asked,

“Want me to carry you if you’re tired?”

“Hah, hah, I’m fine. Think of it as exercise, right?”

Having been cooped up indoors for so long, I figured this counted as making up for all the exercise I’d missed—not a bad thing at all.

Finally arriving at the orphanage courtyard, we saw many more children playing there, beyond the five or six we’d originally met.

Mari and Bill kindly shared the snacks we’d bought with the other children.

Fortunately, the snacks we’d arranged for delivery arrived promptly, so there was plenty to go around without shortage.

Mari led Ascan and me to the scenic spot she’d mentioned earlier.

“Big sister, this way!”

It was a bench set up for resting.

Following Mari and sitting down somewhat dazedly, I felt a cool breeze and enjoyed the refreshing air. Beyond that, the view from the hilltop was breathtakingly beautiful.

I gazed at the tiny buildings below with an expression of awe and murmured,

“Truly magnificent.”

“Right? I knew you’d like it. What about you, big brother?”

Ascan, seemingly surprised the question was directed at him too, quickly answered in a casual tone.

“It’s nice.”

Though brief, his answer felt genuinely positive—he wasn’t the type to lie.

It was while the three of us—Ascan, Mari, and I—were enjoying the view below that Bill unexpectedly approached our bench. Looking hesitant, as if he had something to say, he finally spoke.

“Th-thanks to you, everyone’s really happy. I thought I should come thank you on their behalf…”

Though I hadn’t acted expecting gratitude, Bill’s sincere appreciation warmed my heart.

“Don’t mention it. We’re happy too, seeing everyone so pleased.”

Bill seemed not just here to thank us—he glanced cautiously at Ascan and carefully added,

“And, if it’s okay… could you teach me the technique you used to subdue that man in the alley?”

Caught off guard by the unexpected request, I naturally looked toward Ascan.

Ascan studied Bill’s height and build silently, then spoke in a low voice.

“Any technique would be too much for you right now. Maybe when you’re older and bigger.”

“…I see.”

Bill replied in a bitter tone.

Watching Bill’s dejected expression, Mari offered comforting words.

“Big brother, don’t be too discouraged. It’s not like war’s breaking out right now.”

War?

Mari’s completely unexpected word stuck in my mind.

“What do you mean, war?”

To my question, Mari waved her hands dismissively as if it meant nothing.

“Oh, it’s nothing serious. Bill and I came to the orphanage because our fathers were forcibly conscripted when we were little.”

I knew Lazent Empire hadn’t waged war recently, but I was aware they were always keeping Calua Empire in check.

Still, I hadn’t realized they went so far as forced conscription.

“…I see. That happened, huh.”

“Ever since then, Bill’s been saying he’ll follow his father if war breaks out. I guess that’s why he wants to get stronger.”

Bill, listening to Mari’s explanation, shook his head and cut in.

“If you only hear her side, you might misunderstand—I’m not waiting for war. I hate war more than anything in the world.”

Unconsciously, I glanced at Ascan. It felt like Bill’s words were indirectly criticizing him, the one who wanted to destroy the world.

Ascan, who’d been silently listening, seemed curious about Bill’s thoughts and asked in a low voice.

“I’m curious—why do you hate war so much? Given your situation, I’d think you’d want Lazent Empire, which took your father, to disappear.”

“It’s different from hatred. In the end, the ones who suffer most in war are powerless people like us. Before the empire collapses or those high-ups up there die, kids like us will all be dead, won’t we?”

Mari beside him nodded in agreement.

Ascan didn’t argue back. He simply looked lost in thought.

Bill continued.

“I’m a simple guy—I don’t know much else. If I’m going to die, I want to die beside my father. And if possible, I want to live and meet him again. The other kids feel the same way. We just want to live ordinary lives with our families. That’s all.”

“…”

Ascan remained silent. His deep, abyss-like eyes darkened with unreadable thoughts.

Just as I was about to step in to ease the mood, I spotted a middle-aged woman wearing glasses running toward us from afar. Soon spotting us, she called out in a bright voice.

“I heard someone bought snacks for the children—is that you?”

“Ah, yes.”

“Hello. I’m Rebecca, the director running this orphanage. I came to personally thank you on behalf of the children.”

“Don’t mention it—it’s something we happily did.”

“Still, you’ve come all this way—I can’t just let you leave like this.”

Seeing Rebecca arrive, Bill and Mari seemed to sense it was time for adults to talk. They stepped back politely and bowed.

“Big sister, big brother. Thank you so much for today.”

Mari spoke first, and Bill followed with a mischievous grin.

“Come visit again if you’re ever bored.”

Though we hadn’t spent that long together, I already felt oddly attached to these sweet children, and parting felt bittersweet.

“I will. You two stay healthy and take care.”

“Yes, you too, big sister.”

Bill bowed and disappeared, but Mari and I kept waving at each other until we were out of sight.

Rebecca, watching us with a kind gaze, soon spoke again.

“Would you like to come inside for a cup of tea?”

Though I appreciated Rebecca’s offer, Ascan and I were fugitives from Calua Empire—we couldn’t reveal our identities, making the situation awkward.

I shook my head regretfully.

“I’d love to, but I think we should head back for today. I’ll visit properly next time the opportunity arises.”

“Oh, I see.”

As Rebecca looked disappointed, Ascan, who’d remained silent until now, finally spoke.

“Earlier, I heard the children’s fathers were forcibly conscripted—is that common?”

“Unfortunately, yes. Though the children come from various backgrounds, it remains an unchanging truth that the most vulnerable suffer the most whenever something happens in the empire.”

“…I see.”

Somehow, Ascan’s expression looked slightly more complicated.

Quietly, I took his hand—not saying anything aloud, but meaning to encourage him.

Ascan seemed to understand my silent support and smiled faintly.

Though we’d only exchanged glances, Rebecca, watching us, suddenly looked flustered and apologetic.

“Oh my, look at me—I hope I haven’t intruded on your private moment. Thank you so much for today. Please take care on your way.”

“Yes. Then we’ll be off.”

I finished bidding Rebecca farewell and walked down the high hill, my hand still clasped with Ascan’s.

Ascan still wore a thoughtful, troubled expression. Worried, I carefully asked,

“Are you okay? What are you thinking about?”

“It’s nothing. I was just reminded of the past. When I was locked in the laboratory, all I wished for was an ordinary life.”

I knew this from the novel, but hearing Ascan say it himself felt strangely affecting.

Somehow, his already-known past now felt even more painful and heartbreaking.

“Is… that so?”

To my cautious question, Ascan gazed into the distance and continued softly.

“I used to think I wanted no more victims like me… but looking back, I wonder if what I’m trying to do might create even more victims… It’s troubling me.”

I’d thought the same, which was why I’d tried to dissuade Ascan from wanting world destruction—but ultimately, the decision was his, and I couldn’t recklessly interfere.

Struggling over what to say, I simply squeezed Ascan’s hand tighter.

“Ascan, remember just one thing: just as you’re always on my side, I’m always on yours.”

At my words, the complexity in Ascan’s eyes softened, tinged with a gentle smile.

Suddenly, I noticed the sunset behind Ascan. The blue sky was dyed in vibrant red hues—a magnificent sight.

For some reason, watching the sun set made me feel like tomorrow would be the start of a slightly different day.