In the border city of Boschendal, unlike Lungmen, there were no districts named “Upper District” or “Lower District.” But as one walked north along the main avenue, the changes became apparent—the houses and neighborhoods gradually grew narrower, the buildings older and more crowded.

People walked hastily, their clothes stained with dust and patches. Children who weren’t in school crouched in street corners, quietly playing marbles.

This was where Susie lived.

Mandragora led the way ahead, her steps quick and anxious.

Felix followed closely behind. After a moment of silence, he suddenly asked,

“Mandragora, what do you plan to do once we find Susie?”

“…”

Mandragora paused, her expression shifting.

Susie Glitter, daughter of the Glitter family, clearly did not come from wealth. That much had been evident during the brief encounter at the parent-teacher meeting—and also from Susie’s usual attire.

It wasn’t that Susie wanted to leave Caster School—there were other reasons behind her departure.

The Glitter family simply couldn’t afford the high tuition fees of the Caster Academy. Even though Susie was close to graduating, she still had to give up the thing she loved most.

And Mandragora knew all of this.

But what could she do?

She had no power.

She couldn’t even take care of herself—how could she possibly reach out and help Susie?

“Pioneer brother… I know. I already know everything,” Mandragora said quietly. “But the truth is—I can’t do anything. No matter how I try to persuade Uncle Glitter, he won’t listen. And it just… it just makes me feel so helpless inside. I keep wondering why it has to be this way. What’s it all for?”

She looked up at Felix, sadness and confusion flickering in her eyes.

Felix gently placed a hand on her head and said,

“This is the lesson I want you to learn. When your friend is in trouble, and you want to help—but you don’t have the power—what do you do?”

Mandragora lowered her head and shook it. “I… I don’t know.”

“You usually act so clever—how come you’ve hit a dead end this time?” Felix smiled. “You can ask others for help.”

“You’re not alone anymore, Mandragora.”

He softened his tone and gave her another lesson.

“Why do you think the cries of the Tara people go unheard?”

“It’s because the Victorians have high status and great power,” Mandragora replied, her voice muffled as she leaned into Felix’s abdomen.

“You’re right. But that’s only part of it,” Felix said. “I’d call it fear and threat, Mandragora. People are also bound by social pressure and moral dilemmas. Sometimes, even if they want to help, they’re afraid—afraid of being blamed or cast out by society. So, they choose to stay silent. That’s also about power—and hesitation over what’s right.”

“Are all Victorians evil?” he continued. “Isn’t Susie a Victorian? Has she ever shown hatred toward the Tara people?”

“Those who truly discriminate against us are only a small part of Victoria. The others just follow along—because they’re part of the system.”

Felix went on,

“The third reason is public indifference. People become numb. When the powerful are unaffected, when it doesn’t touch their own interests, they stop caring. And that’s why voices go unheard.”

“Do you remember the fire in Oak Grove County? Most Victorians didn’t even know it happened. Maybe they were just used to it. The deaths of Tara people didn’t matter to them anymore—because they’d long become desensitized.”

Mandragora pressed her lips together and nestled deeper into Felix’s arms.

“The last reason is lack of awareness,” Felix continued. “Many people simply don’t know how difficult life is for the Tara people. They live in big cities, leading routine and mundane lives. At most, they’ve seen the Tara people in a few reports—but never experienced their reality firsthand. They’re unaware of how serious and urgent the problem truly is.”

Seeing Mandragora begin to reflect deeply, Felix allowed himself a small smile. Then, in a gentle voice, he asked,

“Tell me, Mandragora—do you think there are more nobles in Victoria, or more ordinary people like Susie?”

Mandragora lowered her voice, thoughtful. “There are many ordinary people like Susie.”

“I want you to remember that,” Felix said firmly. “Revenge must be taken—those nearly a thousand innocent lives in Oak Grove County deserve justice. But if you, as an avenger, start killing innocents, you’ll only turn them into avengers too.”

“When you kill someone… someone else will kill you.”

Mandragora’s face turned pale. She quickly nodded, solemnly replying, “I remember, Brother.”

Felix pulled her into a reassuring hug, then lightened his tone and asked,

“So then, Mandragora—what will you do now?”

“…Brother, will you help me?” Mandragora asked softly, her tone almost pleading. “Susie is the second friend I’ve ever made. I want her to be able to chase her dreams.”

“Well said. Leave the rest to me.”

Mandragora’s golden eyes lit up again with joy. She continued holding Felix’s hand, her thoughts lingering on the things her Pioneer Brother had just told her.

Her heart was no longer consumed by rage or the thirst for revenge. Throughout this journey, she had seen so much—things she had never encountered or understood before. And gradually, her heart was filling with colors she never knew existed.

That was a good thing.

Holding onto a grudge was enough—but if she let herself be consumed by revenge, she would only distort who she truly was.

They walked side by side through the grimy streets, winding through a few narrow alleys until they reached the Glitter family’s front door. From outside, they could already hear the lively voices of children coming from inside the house.

Felix knocked gently, a warm smile on his face. The voices within paused for a moment, before resuming.

A moment later, the door opened, and the scent of food drifted out. The woman who answered had long pink hair and wore a faded apron. She blinked in surprise when she saw Felix and Mandragora standing at her doorstep.

“Sir, who might you be?” she asked cautiously.

To her, the two of them looked like they came from a well-off family—neatly dressed, refined, like residents from the so-called “Upper District.” But why would people like them be here?

Felix smiled warmly. “Hello, my sister is a good friend of Susie’s. She noticed Susie didn’t come to school today and was a bit worried—she wondered if Susie might be sick.”

The woman’s expression darkened slightly. She turned her head and called out, “Susie! Your friend is here to see you.”

From deeper in the house, Susie, her pink hair unmistakable, peeked her head out. A moment later, the heads of several other children popped out behind her.

Felix was secretly stunned. What a big family…

Susie was taken aback when she saw Felix and Mandragora standing at the door. Her eyes landed on Mandragora, whose face was filled with sorrow and pain—and that expression made Susie’s heart ache. Even so, she forced a gentle smile and walked toward them.

“Brother Pioneer… Mandragora. Good evening. I didn’t expect you to come to our home.”

“I was really sad today because you didn’t come to school,” Mandragora said softly. “When I asked the teacher, he told me… you dropped out.”

Mandragora couldn’t help but take a step forward and threw her arms around Susie, hugging her tightly.

Susie returned the embrace with a warm smile, gently stroking Mandragora’s hair.

“It’s okay. Really,” she said tenderly. “The tuition is just too expensive. I want to become a Messenger one day and help take care of my family.”

At such a young age, the maturity and understanding in her voice moved Felix. It was quietly admirable.

While the two little girls held hands and chatted about their memories, the woman at the door noticed her husband returning home. She waved with a smile, “Dear.”

Mr. Glitter had just finished a long day of work. He saw the two visitors at his doorstep—no strangers, but familiar faces. Felix stepped forward and offered his hand.

“Hello again, Mr. Glitter.”

Mr. Glitter wiped his hands awkwardly before shaking Felix’s.

The two were soon invited inside. Mrs. Glitter busied herself preparing the evening meal in the modest kitchen. Susie sat quietly beside Mandragora, while her many siblings lingered just beyond the living room, listening in on the conversation.

Felix and Mr. Glitter sat across from each other.

“Pioneer… Sir, what brings you and Mandragora here tonight?” Mr. Glitter asked.

Felix interlaced his fingers and replied calmly, “Let me get straight to the point, Mr. Glitter. I’m here for Susie.”

Hearing her name, Susie flinched slightly and lowered her head, too shy to respond.

“Susie has great potential in Originium Arts,” Felix continued. “She deserves to be nurtured.”

He paused, noting Mr. Glitter’s unreadable expression, and went on. “I’m willing to cover the rest of Susie’s tuition at the Caster School. Also… I heard she’s very interested in becoming a Messenger. Well, I just happen to be one myself—a messenger of Laterano, currently stationed in Laterano.”

A very idle messenger, Felix added inwardly with a hint of amusement.

Mr. Glitter gave a faint, bitter smile. “Mr. Pioneer, what you say is very kind… but I’ve lived long enough to know—there’s no such thing as a free lunch. You’ve seen our situation. So tell me… what do you really want?”

In this land steeped in hardship, unprovoked kindness is rare. This was the way of survival for many in Terra. Perhaps Mr. Glitter had never known the “selflessness” or “dedication” of a true Sarkaz, otherwise he might not have asked that question.

“I’m here because Mandragora couldn’t bear to part ways with Susie. She wants Susie to chase her dream—at the very least, to finish her studies at Caster School and have the chance to attend a higher academy.”

Felix reached over to rub Mandragora’s head, smiling gently.

“Of course, Mr. Glitter, I understand your concern. So here it is—what I want is simple: for Susie to work for me in the future.”

Felix did not go into detail about the nature of the job, but Mr. Glitter naturally assumed it involved being a messenger. He blinked in surprise. Becoming a messenger was the kind of opportunity their family had only ever dreamed of. In Victoria, most messengers came from aristocratic families—positions like that were highly sought after, with salaries far exceeding his own.

But Felix’s plan for Susie wasn’t to make her a messenger. What he currently lacked in his team was a skilled logistics staff member. Degenbrecher was his strongest bodyguard, Senomi served as the maid secretary, and Mandragora was a powerful Caster leader. The only missing piece was someone like Closure for logistics. Of course, if Susie truly wanted to become a messenger, Felix would respect her wishes.

Still, considering that Susie’s Originium skill was static electricity, it was unlikely she could follow in Closure’s footsteps. Felix was still contemplating the most suitable role for her in logistics. Fortunately, there was still time—Susie hadn’t graduated yet.

“Susie is very lucky to have caught your attention,” Mr. Glitter finally said, his voice easing with relief. As a father, all he felt from Felix was kindness. Besides, Susie often mentioned Mandragora; as long as the two girls stayed close, Susie was bound to live a happy life.

“Mr. Pioneer, when would be a good time for Susie to meet you?” he asked.

Felix considered the question for a moment before answering, “This July. Susie can come to Trimount, in Columbia. I’ll arrange for her to attend a suitable high school there.”

Mr. Glitter nodded. “I understand. I’ll leave Susie in your care from now on.”

Susie was stunned. She let out a few soft sounds of confusion. What was happening? Why was she suddenly going back to school? After graduating, she would be going to Columbia… with Pioneer Brother… and working for him in the future? The pink-haired Scottish Fold girl seemed to enter standby mode. She had no idea how things had changed so quickly.

Felix smiled and stood up. Neither he nor Mandragora had intended to stay for dinner—if they did, the Glitter family would need to prepare two additional portions, which they didn’t want to trouble them with.

He gave Susie a warm, friendly nod. He sincerely hoped this girl, whose eyes now reflected a spark of hope, would live a peaceful, happy life—one where she could chase her dreams without worry or regret.

As they stepped outside, Felix turned to Mr. Glitter, who had followed them to the door.

“Mr. Glitter,” he said gently, “I suggest you see a doctor. You don’t look well. I can cover the cost.”

“No need, Mr. Pioneer. You’ve already done more than enough for the Glitter family.”

Mr. Glitter smiled. Perhaps it was pride—or simply his own way of holding on to dignity. He didn’t say anything further. Instead, he called Susie forward and said to her with gravity:

“From now on, you’ll be studying, working, and living on your own. This Pioneer will be your guardian. You must listen to him. Do you understand?”

“I… I understand,” Susie replied softly, nodding her head.

After Felix and Mandragora completed their visit, they left quietly, without leaving behind fame or accolades. Susie stood alone at the doorway, watching their backs disappear into the distance. She stood there for a long time, unmoving.

Mrs. Glitter had eight children, including Susie. Susie was the sixth among them. Her older brothers and sisters were already working, and now, it was her turn.

It’s often said that children from poor families mature early. Susie understood the weight of this opportunity. She returned to the living room and spoke briefly to her parents. Upon hearing her words, her mother began wiping away tears, reluctant to let her go.

Susie quickly stepped forward and wrapped her arms around her mother, pressing close. Through the warmth of her embrace, she silently conveyed reassurance—that she would be all right, that nothing bad would happen.

Brother Pioneer was a good man.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep