We were discussing what to do with the children before returning to Cale.

“So what are we going to do with these children?”

“I don’t know. Should we just leave them at the orphanage?”

“The one that the Viscount’s wife manages?”

“Where else?”

“Is that a good idea?”

“Why not? They have nowhere else to go.”

I killed the assassins’ leader, they won’t be raised as assassins any longer. There’s only the orphanage left.

“I’ll discuss with Mrs. Vernice.”

“How are we going to bring these kids?”

“Hmm...”

We were pretty far away from Cale. The three of us had no problem but they are still just children.

“I’ll camp with them here, you guys come here with a carriage. Harry, you should talk with Mrs. Vernice about bringing these kids in.”

There were about 15 children so a carriage should suffice, I could just walk. Harry and Chris returned to town while I picked up some dry wood nearby the cave and started a campfire. The kids naturally sat around the fire.

“We’ll bring you to a town soon so just rest a bit.”

“What will happen to us?”

A young boy asked me nervously. Many of the kids looked frightened; it’s understandable considering what they went through.

“You’ll be safe now.”

I told the kids with a reassuring smile. I wanted to listen to their stories but I’ll wait until they’re comfortable enough.

***

“Thanks for taking these kids in.”

“Fufu~ no problem. This is an orphanage after all; it’s only normal for us to take them in.”

“Well, see you later.”

“Very well.”

We left off the kids at the orphanage after asking Mrs. Dorothy about it. Naturally, she accepted them and it’s a relief for me. I’ll give some donations to help with those children’s needs later.

When she asked about where the kids came from, I just told her about our infiltration into Black Rose’s hideout. I couldn’t really say anything else that makes sense and I trust her enough to tell her that much. Even if the authorities found out we didn’t really do anything wrong. I doubt she’d report it to anyone other than the Viscount though. I’d be able to determine the Viscount’s position from his actions regarding this incident so I’ll be killing two birds with one stone.

We returned to the inn and lay down on our beds. I was tired from babysitting all night and Harry and Chris were tired from going back and forth between Cale and Black Rose’s hideout to bring a carriage.

It was an eventful week; I went on an S-ranked mission although I didn’t do anything other than observe, and then I destroyed a Dark Guild, albeit a weak one. I want to go home and relax, but I’ll stay here for a bit longer. I will have to return soon anyway since school starts when I turn 12 next year.

I closed my eyes and slept soundly until evening.

***

“So what are we going to do now?”

Harry asked what my plans were during dinner.

“I don’t know.”

All that’s left is training some more and just keep doing missions like we always do. Harry and Chris cringed in horror when I suggested those, however. I guess there are still those kids at the orphanage that I need to train too.

“Do you think of anything else other than training?”

Chris asked a question that sounded rhetorical. I said bluntly.

“Not really. Training is fun to me so I don’t bother finding a hobby or something.”

If I have to say what my hobby was, it would be going to the smithy and hit some metal with a hammer. Oh yeah, there’s cooking too.

“Are you a machine?”

“Well, fine then. You guys do whatever you want.”

There’s no need to be wary of assassins since the Empire doesn’t seem to be making any move and those pathetic nobles suck at finding employees.

“Really?”

Both of them said at the same time. They seemed awfully excited about it. Haven’t I seen this scene before when I gave them a one-week vacation?

Whatever, I guess.

“Take this, we’ll decide when to return to the manor later. Have fun.”

I tossed a bag filled with gold coins towards them. Those are my savings from all those missions I completed through a whole year that I never used other than buying foods and giving some donations to the orphanage. With that, I left the both of them and did my own thing.

Since I already slept during the afternoon I snuck out of town and went to the forest where my personal turf was. There’s nothing to do other than training.

As I was walking to my destination, I noticed a person on my turf so I hid my presence and silently approached them. I was disappointed to see that it was Charlotte playing around in the water with some animals.

“What are you doing in my place?”

“Oh, it’s Richard! I was bored so I came here instead.”

“Sigh...”

“Why did you come here at night?”

“Do I need a reason to come to my own place?”

“Fufu. You’re right.”

“Anyways, don’t disturb me. Just play with the water or something.”

“Alright~”

I walked away to a moderately sized plot of land I cleared when I marked my territory. This is where I usually do some mental sword training. I unsheathed Yami and entered my stance while closing my eyes.

“What a beautiful sword.”

Charlotte murmured when she saw Yami out of its scabbard. I ignored her since she’s not bothering me.

‘[Moonlight]’

Yami’s dark blade glowed before I swung it around. The blade left a trail of gentle blue light along its arch and it resulted in a beautiful pattern.

Charlotte gasped in surprise at my display of swordsmanship. I guess she’s never seen me in a fight before.

When I was done with the first form I moved on to the second form that I created as part of First Swordsmanship.

‘[Burning Sun]’

The gentle blue light changed to fierce red flames and the flames similarly formed an arch that resulted in a stunning pattern to viewing bystanders. By the end of it, all the bright displays disappeared and I was left sweating while holding my sword in the same stance as when I started the mental training.

I did this kind of training every day to perfect my swordsmanship’s form. For now, I had only created two forms but there’s still time. I’m still 11, there’s no need to rush.

I lay down on the grass and looked at the stars. Ever since coming to this world, I discovered so many things to do and became passionate about doing the things I love. Unlike my uneventful previous life, I’m having fun in this life. It’s fun to look forward to becoming stronger and making better swords.

I held out my hand and grabbed a star while smiling.

“Let’s get stronger and see what it looks like at the peak.”

***

Charlotte’s POV:

I was just playing around at first when I went to Richard’s secret playground but Richard suddenly came here too. I was super happy since I could spend time with Richard this way but he said to not disturb him. I guess he’s going to train. What a diligent boy.

‘Well, as long as I get to look at him.’

When he got into his stance and pulled out his sword, I was amazed at the beauty of its blade. However, I was not ready for something more beautiful than that.

Shiin

I was dazed by Richard’s dazzling display of swordsmanship. I’ve never seen such beautiful swordsmanship before. Even the swordsmanship that I learned and perfected was not as beautiful as what Richard was showing me.

Boosh

And then the gentle blue light was replaced by red flames that fiercely burned in contrast to the night sky. The swordsmanship was as fierce as the burning flames. It was like the sun was rising. It was a fantastic sight to see.

I was silent the whole time and when it was over the night sky took over again. There was only the moonlight to illuminate the figure standing alone in the darkness of night. He was sweating and breathing heavily but his face was smiling.

The astonishing scene made me palpitating with excitement. This child, he’s not normal. I mean, I knew that already since he’s the youngest A-ranked adventurer but his talent is beyond others. I want to see his progress as he grew up.

I walked towards Richard who was lying down on the grass to talk to him. I sat down beside him and started chatting.

“That was a great display of swordsmanship.”

“Thanks, I guess.”

“Who taught you swordsmanship.”

“Why should I tell you?”

“Fufu. How cold.”

“Whatever.”

As always, he’s cold towards me but I don’t mind since he’s cute.

“Richard, how old are you?”

“11, why?”

“Then, are you planning to go to school?”

“Of course I am. I’m going next year though. What brought this on?”

“Fufu~ it’s nothing.”

“Weirdo.”

We kept chatting all night while looking at the stars.