Inside the orphanage, Al was sitting in the living room with Jedin. Jedin had his guards stand outside the doors to both the orphanage and the room. Ammalinde walks into the room and offers tea to them both.

“Here you go.” She said as she offers the cup of tea to Jedin. “Thank you.” Jedin replied and places the cup on the table. His eyes followed her as she walked out the room. “Is there something you needed from here, my lord?” Al asked, but Jedin’s attention was focus on Ammalinde. “My lord?” Al asked again. “Oh, pardon me. Did you said something?” Jedin replied, snapping his attention back to Al.

“I was asking if you needed something from here, my lord.” Al asked again, politely, not wishing to anger the acting governor. “Oh no. Not really…” Jedin replied quietly. “May I ask why you have been seen peeking into the orphanage these past few days?” Al asked, still trying to be polite. “Am I not allowed to walk around my own city?” Jedin asked in an aggressive tone. A little fearful of his tone, Al tried his best not to anger the governor anymore.

“No, my lord. You are always welcome here. It’s just that the kids here are terrified when they seem an unknown man peeking inside.” Al said in a semi-apologetic tone. “I see. My apologies to the young ones. I need mean to frighten them. I merely wanted to check in on them without them knowing.” Jedin replied, also in an apologetic tone. “Is there a reason why you do not wish them to know that the governor was visiting?” Al asked. Jedin remained quiet to the question for a moment.

“I presume you have heard the rumors about me that has been spreading around town as of late?” Jedin asked, not looking at Al. “The rumor about you hating children?” Al asked. “Yes. Which is the reason why you are on guard about me being here at the orphanage.” Jedin stated, now staring at Al. Al had a hard time meeting him in the eye. “Yes. I have heard about the rumor. But I am on guard not because of it, but because of the fact that someone had been peeking in on it the past few days.” Al replied.

“I will have you know that those rumors are not true.” Jedin said and then paused. “Well, not completely true.” Al stare at Jedin with widen eyes, shocked about the statement. “What do you mean by that my lord?” Al asked, still shocked. “I don’t… hate children exactly. In fact, I love kids. It’s just that… I am also… scared of them.” Jedin admitted. Al was even more shocked about this statement that the previous. Jedin notice the dumbfounded look on Al’s face.

“I… When I was… younger… I was bullied by other noble kids. It has left me with a fear of kids since. But I know not all kids are like that, but I am still a little scare of them. So when they come near me or touch me, I tend to freeze up.” Jedin stated quietly. “Are… are you for real… my lord?” Al asked. The room fell silent as Al waited for a response. Jedin quietly nodded. “Wow… Blessed Divines… That… just… wow…” Al responded.

“So… is that the reason why you came by today, my lord? To try and get used to kids?” Al asked. “No. Not really. I… actually came to check on the orphanage.” Jedin responded. “For?” Al then asked. “I was thinking that I should expand the orphanage. Maybe hired some more help for the orphanage should they need it. I have been trying to come in to talk with the owner, but each time I came by… there are kids playing out front.” Jedin stated. “Is there a reason you wanted to expand the orphanage?” Al asked, trying his best to contain his laughter. “I heard there have been an influx of orphans. And with this coming large scale battle coming, there might be even more. So I wanted to be ready in case.” Jedin stated.

“I see. I am sorry to say this but the owner is currently out of town now. You will have to come back another day when he comes back.” Al stated. “Really? I have to break through the army of kids again?” Jedin said quietly. “Yes. I’m sorry. I am not actually a part of the orphanage, just an adventurer helping out every now and then.” Al stated. “I… will try to come back another time to discuss this with the owner.” Jedin said, with a slight look of fear. Seemingly worried about having to walk by the kids again. Al contain his laughter again, still unable to believe that a grown man is terrified of childrens, but still cares for them to this degree.

“I will let them know about this visit of yours. If possible, maybe Carne, that’s the name of the owner, could come visit you instead to discuss this.” Al stated. “Really?!” Jedin said happily. “If that is possible. Please let him know. I look forward to his visit. Tell him to visit me at my mansion, in the center of town please.” “Yes, my lord. I will let him know.” Al replied.

The two got up and walked out the building. The guards followed them to the gate while the kids that was currently playing outside saw Jedin. “Al. Did you catch the bad man?” Evie asked from the distance hiding behind the other kids. “Oh, Evie. Come here. Let me introduce you.” Al said as he waved her over. “No! Evie doesn’t want to go near the bad man.” Evie shouted. “Pft.” Al let out a small laughter. “He’s… not a bad man Evie. Come over here. You don’t believe in big brother Al?” Al called out to her again. She hesitantly walked over.

“H-hello.” Jedin stumbled on his word. “Evie, this is Baron Jedin Ebonblade. He is our acting governor.” Al stated to Evie. “He’s not a bad man?” Evie asked, while staring at Jedin, clearly still not trusting him. “He’s not a bad man. Go on, introduce yourself Evie.” Al told Evie. She looked at Al, and then back to Jedin. “Hi. Evie is called Evie.” She stated, and then bowed and ran off back to the other kids.

“Please forgive her my lord. She is a little shy around strangers. Especially people who she thinks are bad.” Al stated. “Do… Do I look like a bad person?” Jedin asked, clearly having lost all his pride from earlier. “She is the one who spotted you when you were peeking in these last few days. She has a good reason to think you are a bad person.” Al stated. “I see. Please let her know I am sorry for scaring her and the other kids.” Jedin stated. He and his guard then continued to walk out the gate and away from the orphanage. “Yes. My lord.” Al said quietly to himself and bowed towards them as they leave.

“Is the bad man gone now?” Evie asked, peeking out the gate. Al turns to look at her and smile. “Yes, he’s gone now Evie.” Al replied. “He’s not a bad man. In fact, he came to see how you little kids are doing.” he added. “Really?” Evie asked. “Yes. He wants to make your house bigger so that you can have more friends.” Al stated. “Really? Wow. Maybe he’s not a bad man.” Evie stated quietly. Al smiled, and then lead her back inside to the orphanage. After playing around with them a little longer, Al said bye to the kids, and left the orphanage.

Al visited a few shops to buy potions and other items he would need for his quest the following day. Once he was done, he went back to his room at the inn and double check his gear. The following morning he walks to the East Gate to meet Darretta. She was already there and waved him over. “Morning Al. You ready to head out?” Darretta asked excitedly. Al nodded and they walked out the gate.