Is That My Alter Ego

31 – Angels

Following the note, dragging my feet sinking in the snow, I somehow made it to Snowfield Village. Walking along, I came upon a familiar-looking road and, strangely enough, ended up in the village.

“Did you go to the Frost Domain again today? That’s a lot of work.”

“hahahaha… Yes.”

“Go inside quickly. The kids must be waiting.”

After exchanging an awkward and tentative greeting with the guard at the entrance of the small village, I walked into the village.

Snowfield Village was a quaint place, with small, snug, and beautiful buildings gathered together. It looked exactly like the ideal winter village I had seen on the internet.

‘…Did he say the kids were waiting?’

According to the status window’s description, it seemed like I was in charge of the eldest siblings at the orphanage in this village. I must have walked the long distance to Frost Territory to run errands, taking care of the children.

“Well, should I at least buy some bread then?”

Although it was quite late, I decided to go buy some snacks for the children who might be waiting for me.

As the enticing aroma of fresh bread wafted from a nearby building, I approached.

“…. Venice! You came today too! Twenty loaves of bread as usual, right?”

“Um…. Yes. Please give me that.”

“I thought you might come today, so I prepared in advance! It’s still warm, so take them quickly!”

“hahahaha…. Thank you. And, one silver coin, right?”

I handed a silver coin to the cashier, who recognized me like the guards. It was because the menu stated that one bread cost five bronze coins.

“Hey! You’re doing this again today! I said I’d give you fifty bronze coins! Take your change and go quickly!”

The cashier looked at me with a somewhat displeased expression while handing over a pouch with bronze coins.

Were we already on friendly terms, like with the guard? Even so, cutting the price in half was quite generous…

“Thank you. Miss…”

“Hmm… Hmph! If you’re thankful, buy me a meal sometime!”

“hahahaha… I’ll do that. Well then, I’ll be going!”

After expressing sincere gratitude to the slightly blushing cashier, I headed towards the orphanage. I should accept the discount when offered. Currently, I only had two silver coins and the fifty bronze coins I just received. There might be more money in my room, but according to the guard and cashier, I seemed to be living hand-to-mouth.

Moving my steps, I headed to the orphanage in the corner of the village. It felt familiar yet warm, like something comforting was welling up from within my chest.

“…. It’s an old building.”

The orphanage, seen up close, was an old building that seemed like it could collapse at any moment. Despite the cold winter, some weeds were still managing to grow here and there, slowly overtaking the structure.

There were also places where the building showed signs of decay. Living in such a place seemed incredibly dangerous… It was a building that could collapse at any moment.

Creak…

As I opened the old door, the sound of rusty hinges echoed loudly. It was a chilling sound reminiscent of horror movies.

“Cough. Ugh… So dusty..”

Upon stepping inside the orphanage, a cloud of dust hit me, forcing me to cough. It seemed like it hadn’t been properly maintained for a long time.

“…It’s worse than I thought.”

The interior of the orphanage, despite being a space where children lived, was far from what I had expected and couldn’t be considered tolerable in any way.

The walls were covered in mold, and spiderwebs still lingered on the ceiling, untouched in many places.

The old wooden floor had small holes, some big enough for children’s feet to slip through.

Old furniture. And a lantern barely illuminating the room. The scent of mildew mixed with the worn-out furniture…

It was literally the bare minimum for human habitation. And yet… children had to live in a place like this.

If such a tragedy were to be exposed in the 21st century, it would surely be newsworthy due to the horrendous condition of the building.

Thud thud thud thud-

At that moment, footsteps could be heard from afar. Small, multiple footsteps echoed through the old wooden floor.

“Brother Venice-!”

“…..It’s Brother Venice!”

“It’s Brother Venice!!”

In contrast to this gloomy and dark space, bright and innocent children ran towards me, embracing me.

“Is it because it’s so late that you’re still not asleep?”

“Yeah! I thought Brother Venice might come!”

“I’ve been waiting..!”

To my question, little angels with eyes as clear as pure white responded, their eyes shining. Seeing their expressions, devoid of even a speck of misfortune or gloom, I found myself smiling involuntarily.

“I guess I have no choice. Well, I brought bread, so let’s all eat.”

“Wow-! The bread is delicious!!”

“…Venice brother, you’re the best!”

“Please line up in a single file. I’ll distribute it equally.”

To my words, the children admirably waited in line without any pushing or cutting, each quietly awaiting their turn.

I handed out the bread to each child.

Yum yum yum yum.

-It’s delicious! Bread is always good!

-hehehe… it’s all thanks to Brother Venice.

-I’m so happy!

It’s just a piece of bread, but they devour it with such pure joy on their faces.

My heart fills with warmth and pride. Just watching their smiles makes me feel like it could be my life’s purpose.

“Um… Brother Venice…”

“Yes? What is it?”

“Is it okay if you don’t eat..?”

Just then, a timid-looking girl approached me and asked. It seems she was worried because I had distributed all the bread to the children and hadn’t eaten any myself.

…I’m touched.

Pat-pat…

“…I’m fine. I’m not hungry at all.”

“hehehe… Well, that’s a relief…”

As I gently stroked the little angel who came to me, it purred like a cat before returning to its friends.

I looked at the angels who were talking and laughing with my friends, and I couldn’t help but smile.

Grrr…

Of course, I wasn’t completely without hunger. It had been days since I had eaten, and my stomach growled loudly, but I was okay.

“…So this is what the adults were talking about.”

The lies of the adults who said they were full just by looking at children eating. From my childhood until just now, I couldn’t understand those words, but now I finally understood.

If I could just endure a little hunger, I could see that innocent smile. I would gladly accept it.

It was just a small consideration that a grown plant could give for the growing sprouts.

“…I’ll work hard to earn money.”

I want to work hard and make sure that at least those kids don’t have to go hungry and can grow up.

If I can protect that laughter, that innocence, I won’t hesitate to do anything difficult.

“…Was this body meant for that? That’s why I’ve been running errands every day, no matter how tough.”

Maybe that’s the case. Just by looking at that figure, my heart is filled with satisfaction, without wanting anything more.

Grrr…

Though it was a hungry night, the warmth filled my heart that was created by the happiness of the children as the day passed.

***

The next day, I woke up early and went out to find errands that could earn money. Following the request of a merchant who needed herbs, I came to a forest not far from Snowfield Village.

“Phew… Maybe I should stop digging here and head back.”

Just like the plant the merchant showed me, resembling a fern but with petals attached, I managed to fill my basket to the brim with it.

I wasn’t sure if it was just my luck or if these plants were common, but I was able to fill the basket quite quickly.

Since the forest was not far from the village, the journey back was as quick as it had been coming here.

“Yawn… Hard work today as well, Venice.”

“hahahaha… You too, Mr. Ben.”

“Hard work? All I do is stand here and look around. The real hard work is what you’re doing.”

“…I don’t find it hard at all. Well, I’ll be on my way now.”

“Alright. Take care.”

-…Really. So young and yet so diligent and kind.

When I left the village in the morning, I learned that the name of the guard was Ben. After finishing my small talk with Ben, I walked straight into the village to the building where the merchant was.

“….Huh? You’ve gathered them all already?”

“Ah, yes. I guess I was lucky. Is this the right plant?”

“Hmm… Let’s see.”

The merchant, surprised to see me back so soon without a few hours passing since I took up the task, carefully examined each plant I had handed over from the basket.

“Hmm. It seems all of them are the right Turidi leaves. How did you manage to gather them so quickly?”

“hahahaha. It seems I was really lucky.”

“Well, it can happen. Here, two silver coins for you.”

“…Wasn’t it supposed to be just one?”

“Ah, think of it as a tip from an old man! Take it and make sure the kids are well fed!”

“Thank you. Elder…”

Bowing 90 degrees to the old man who had given me twice the original fee, I began to feel elated at the thought of being able to buy the children some snacks.

“…Oh, right. I saw it on my way here, there was someone like a knight at the orphanage.”

“…A knight?”

“Yes. Wearing a splendid sword and armor. Isn’t he an acquaintance of yours?”

“I’m sorry, elder… I have to go ahead.”

Why would anyone come to the orphanage dressed in a sword and armor? I started sprinting towards the orphanage, weighed down by a sudden sense of unease.

“Please… let there be no trouble…!”

I prayed to a god I didn’t even believe in, hoping that my terrible imagination had not come to pass.

“Huff… Hah…”

Perhaps because my body was a bit lacking in stamina, I was breathless despite the short distance.

Still, perhaps because I didn’t stop to rest, I was able to arrive quickly.

-aaah…!

“………..!”

Then, through the gap of the open orphanage door, I heard the screams and cries of the children. It was a sound of fear, far removed from their usual innocent and happy laughter.

‘Please… let there be no trouble… Please…!’

Bang-

“…..Kids!!”

Kicking the door open, I entered the orphanage to look around.

“aaah…!”

“Venice… brother… help me…! Sob sob…”

As soon as I entered, I saw children collapsed on the ground, weeping bitterly.

And above them, a giant figure. A knight in shimmering armor, armed with a sword that seemed capable of easily slicing through monsters.

“…………”

With a cold, emotionless expression, void of any sentiment, he directed his gaze at me.