Author: TA☆KA	Original Source: Kakuyomu / Syosetu
Translator: Jiro	English Source: Re:Library

Project GB is an official initiative by Re:Library.

The Amukham Village Hall felt a bit like a castle.

“It was originally the residence of the district court that ruled the area. Today, we use it as the center of the district as well as the village hall,” August explained while giving a tour of the village hall. Susie had been taken alone to his office.

Howard, in turn, had been asked to take care of the procedures related to the slaughtered Demonic Beasts, so he was vacant. While August had stepped away to arrange for a carriage and personnel. Left on her own, Susie sat on a sofa with a basket beside her.

She sipped the tea prepared for her by the village chief’s secretary, enjoying its flavor while observing the room.

The place didn’t seem fitting for a village chief’s office. It had a dignified design and was very spacious.

It had once been a nobleman’s castle, so its grandeur was not surprising. The ceiling paintings, the intricate carvings on the walls and hip boards, and the touches of gold leaf scattered throughout the room gave it a regal air.

Susie felt almost overwhelmed by the opulence. Feeling somewhat restless, she sipped her tea and let her thoughts wander.

(I learned quite a bit of things from that child named Irvine. I was surprised to learn that you can’t eat Demonic Beasts. And that Mana Bleeding. I wonder what that smells like… I feel like I can almost imagine the taste… Blegh… I might just cry! Come to think of it, he said he’s 13 years old too. I can’t believe that I look as young as that. No wonder people here treat me like a child. When the village chief comes back, I should ask him if there are any live-in jobs around here. Like maybe killing Demonic Beasts or dealing with them afterward.)

With these musings, she sat alone on the sofa in the spacious office, slowly sipping the tea. Before long, Howard and August, who had finished their respective tasks, returned to the office together.

◇◇◇

“Not of age… can’t work?”
“Yes, basically, minors under the age of 14 cannot be employed in this country. Temporary employment is possible, but it requires parental consent and permission.” August said.

(I didn’t think this world would be this close to modern Japan. That administration department seems to be doing a good job. In short, it’s hard for me to become independent when I’m only 13.)

When Susie saw Howard and August return to the office, she immediately asked August if there were any jobs available for her in the village.

“Why are you looking for a job?” August asked her, his curiosity piqued. Susie glanced at Howard, hesitated, and then said, “No work… No eat… Don’t want to… burden Sir Cloud!”
“Susie… I didn’t know you thought like that.”

Howard said, staring at her in open surprise.

“Sir Cloud… Miss Sonia… Miss Elrose, all kind… Very happy… But if too much time pass… become burden.” Susie said, looking directly into Howard’s eyes.
“Susie… You’re one good kid.”

Howard sighed deeply, placing a hand over his face. August, who had been quietly observing their exchange, finally spoke up.

“Miss Susie, regardless of your intentions, you’re at an age where you need to be under the care of a guardian. If you don’t have one, the local government—this village—will act as your guarantor. The village will ensure your livelihood until you reach adulthood, but that can only happen in the designated place.”

“An… orphanage?” Susie asked, her face tightening at the thought.

“There are currently no children in this village who can benefit from it, so the facility is not in use, but the temple has accommodations for protecting children without parents,” August explained.

“Temple? Near… Sir Cloud.” Susie murmured, her expression softening with relief.

August then added with a slight smile, “However, it’s a different matter if someone that wants to take you in comes along,” he said, giving Susie a wink and then turning to give a meaningful glance at Howard, as if to say, “You’re up.” Susie couldn’t help but follow August’s gaze and look at Howard.

“Susie, Sonia and I talked about this last night. What do you think about living with us?” Howard finally spoke, his voice steady but gentle.
“Sir Cloud…”

Susie whispered, her wide eyes fixed on him in disbelief.

“Of course, I’ll respect your decision, whatever it might be. If you want to go to another city, I’ll support you. If you want to head to the capital, I’ll write you a letter of recommendation. And if you’re determined to be on your own, we’ll do everything we can to help you. But if you’re willing… I’d like you to stay with us. In that house.”

“Sir Cloud… Sir Cloud! Sir Cloud?!! What… are… you… saying?!” Susie burst out, standing abruptly. “You met… yesterday! Where… Who? Suspicious! You don’t know! Yet… live… together? No… way!”

Her face flushed, and her eyes grew moist as she pleaded with Howard.

“Susie…” Howard smiled faintly, a hint of worry crossing his face, as he met her gaze with quiet resolve. “To think that you’ve been worrying so much about us.”

“Of course!!! Anyone… worry! No trust strangers! Everyone knows!!!” Susie stammered, clenching her fists tightly and appealing to Howard with all her might.

Howard then muttered, “You’re no stranger, Susie.” But Susie glared at him, her frustration evident.

August, watching the interaction, the emotion visible in his eyes, asked carefully, “Miss Susie, do you dislike Howard or any of the Cloud family?”

“No! Of course not! But!!!” Susie blurted out, turning sharply toward August with wide eyes. Her expression seemed to say, “What are you even talking about?”

“Then you don’t want to be part of the Cloud family?” August asked.

“NO! That’s… not… it!” Susie insisted, placing a hand lightly on her chest. She lowered her gaze, her voice softening as she spoke more deliberately. “Worry… that… Sir Cloud… not careful… enough… He needs… more suspicious…”

Howard scratched his right cheek with his index finger and muttered in an amused tone, “Well, this stings a bit to hear…”

Unable to hold back any longer, August burst out laughing. Susie turned to him sharply, her mouth sinking into a pout as if saying, “What’s so funny?!”

“Miss Susie, if that’s the case, how about staying with the Cloud family for a while longer?” August proposed. “You need time to think about your future, don’t you? It’s a good idea to gather opinions from those around you and decide what you truly want to do. How about it?” He suggested.

Howard stood up from the couch, then knelt on one knee in front of Susie. Meeting her gaze, he looked into her cobalt-green eyes and spoke softly. “Susie, we don’t want to force anything onto you. You’re free to do what you choose. We just want to help you achieve it; that is all.”

“Sir Cloud…”

“Sharing a meal with you feels warming and enjoyable, and most importantly, it makes Sonia truly happy. It might be selfish of us, but we want to spend more time with you. Would you play along with our selfishness?”

“I… no… burden? Not… inconvenience?” Susie asked hesitantly, her head lowered, clutching the edges of her apron tightly.

“I told you yesterday, didn’t I? You’re by no means a burden! We want to spend time with you!” Howard assured her with a smile, gently placing his hands on her small shoulders¹.

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