The next day, after completing their responsibilities at the academy, Arthur and his group made their way back to the orphanage in the afternoon. As they walked through the bustling streets of Brightwater, Arthur made a stop at the market to buy more food ingredients for the children.

Arthur purchased a vast quantity of fresh meat, vegetables, and fruits, ensuring that the orphanage would be well-stocked for the coming days. Sophia excitedly browsed the fruit stalls, picking out some rare, sweet varieties for the kids.

With their shopping complete, they continued their journey. When they reached the orphanage and opened the gates, they were greeted by the sight of children playing in the fields. Some were running around in a game of tag, while others kicked around a makeshift ball. The sounds of laughter and excitement filled the air, a stark contrast to the silence and wariness that had surrounded them just a day ago.

A familiar voice called out, and Arthur turned to see Lisa skipping toward him with uncontainable excitement. She launched herself into his arms, and Arthur scooped her up, her giggles infectious as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

“You’re back!” Lisa chirped happily.

Arthur ruffled her hair with a chuckle. “Of course. I promised, didn’t I?”

Natalya smiled softly. “They’re starting to settle in.”

Arthur simply nodded and with Lisa still clinging to him, he led the group toward the administrative building. Once inside, he set Lisa down and gestured for them to wait in the office while he went towards the kitchen. 

He meticulously organized everything, the meat and vegetables into the refrigerators, the spices neatly onto the shelves, and the fruits arranged for easy access. Once satisfied with the setup, he returned to the office, where the others were waiting.

He glanced at the group and said, “Some new staff will be arriving soon to help take care of the orphanage,” Arthur informed them as he took a seat.

Minutes later, the sound of approaching footsteps reached them. The door opened, revealing a synthezoid maid guiding two men into the office. One of the men, dressed in refined yet simple clothing, bowed politely.

“Greetings, Sir Arthur,” he began with a professional tone. “I am a representative of the Merchant Guild. As per your request, we have successfully recruited a group of people to manage the orphanage.” He gestured to the middle-aged man beside him, who had a neatly trimmed mustache and a dignified posture. “This is Butler Hudson. He previously served a baron’s household until the family fell into debt and had to dismiss their staff.”

Hudson stepped forward and gave a respectful bow. “It is an honor to be entrusted with the management of this establishment, my lord.”

Arthur studied him for a moment before nodding. “I look forward to seeing your work. Now let’s go and meet the rest.”

The group exited the building, stepping onto the courtyard where nearly twenty individuals stood waiting. Among them were maids, nurses, cooks, and teachers, all eager and ready to begin their duties. 

Stepping forward, Arthur addressed them. “I appreciate you all coming here. This orphanage is a home for these children, and from now on, it will be your responsibility to ensure they are well cared for. You will be provided with comfortable quarters and fair salaries. If you have any concerns, speak with Butler Hudson. He will be overseeing operations.”

After welcoming them to the orphanage and emphasizing that the well-being of the children was the top priority. The synthezoids then led them to their quarters. Most of the staff would be living on-site, while the teachers would commute daily.

Once the formalities were done, Arthur retrieved two pouches filled with gold coins and handed it to the Merchant Guild representative. “This is for your efforts in securing these workers. And give this to manager Rhys as a token of appreciation.”

The representative accepted it with a slight bow. “Thank you for your generosity, Sir Arthur.” With that, he took his leave.

Arthur turned to Hudson. “Now that you’re here, let’s discuss the daily operations of the orphanage. I assume you are familiar with managing staff?”

Hudson straightened slightly, his demeanor professional. “Of course. I will ensure that the workers fulfill their responsibilities efficiently. Additionally, I can keep track of expenses and supplies, ensuring that the orphanage runs smoothly without unnecessary waste.”

Arthur appreciated his efficiency. “Good. You’ll have full authority over the staff. If there are any issues, report them directly to me.”

Hudson nodded. “Understood, my lord.”

“You don’t need to call me lord, I am not a noble. You can just call me Arthur.” Arthur felt weird hearing the butler call him lord. Hearing him Hudson nodded.

Arthur thought for a second and continued. “Come with me.”

…

They returned to the office, where Arthur handed Hudson a set of keys. “These are for the orphanage and the treasury. The funds in the treasury will be used to run the orphanage efficiently.”

Hudson accepted the keys carefully. “Understood, Sir Arthur.”

Arthur leaned back slightly on the sofa. “Regarding salaries, the maids will receive ten gold coins a month.”

Hudson hesitated before speaking. “Sir Arthur, typically, maids are paid between three to five gold coins a month.”

“I know,” Arthur said, waving off the concern. “Pay them ten.”

Hudson nodded and took note. “And the others?”

“The cooks will receive twenty gold, the nurses thirty, and the teachers thirty-five.” Arthur paused before adding, “As for you, you’ll receive one platinum coin each month.”

Hudson’s eyes widened slightly, as his previous salary was only forty-five gold coins. For the first time since their meeting, there was a flicker of respect in his gaze. He bowed deeply. “Sir Arthur, I swear to dedicate myself fully to take care of the orphanage.” 

Arthur nodded and regarded him for a moment before speaking again. “Do you have any family? If so, you’re welcome to bring them here and live together.”

Hudson’s expression faltered slightly. “I lost my family to a beast tide years ago. I have no one left.”

Arthur got up and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Then consider this place your home from now on.”

Hudson straightened, his expression unreadable, but the gratitude in his eyes was evident. He bowed and said, “Thank you, sir Arthur.”

“Also,” Arthur continued, “ask the other staff members if they have families they’d like to bring here. They are welcome as well.”

Hudson nodded once more. “I will inform them.”

For the next few hours, Arthur helped Hudson register everything about the orphanage. He showed him how to operate the refrigerators, heaters, and lights, modern conveniences that left Hudson intrigued, but he didn’t ask about their origin, understanding that his role was not to question such matters.

After that Hudson immediately set to work, introducing himself to the other staff and inspecting the premises.

Once Hudson set off to familiarize himself with the orphanage layout, Arthur observed him for a moment and nodded in approval. The man was efficient, getting straight to work without hesitation.

The rest of the day was spent assisting with various orphanage tasks. Arthur and his group helped wherever needed, helping the children with various tasks, organizing supplies, and ensuring everything was running smoothly. By the time they were ready to leave, night had already arrived.

Arthur tucked Lisa in her bed and after informing Butler Hudson, he and his group left the orphanage.

…

After leaving the orphanage, Arthur and his group made their way back to the academy. The streets of Brightwater had quieted, the once-bustling marketplace now dimly lit by lanterns as shopkeepers closed their stalls. 

As they reached the academy gates, they exchanged brief goodnights before parting ways. Natalya and Sophia, still chatting, walked toward their dorms. Eva simply nodded at Arthur before heading off in another direction.

Arthur reached his room and sat down, reached into his dimensional pocket and pulled out the obelisk.

“It’s time to go back,” Arthur muttered to himself.

He activated the obelisk, and with a flickering distortion of space, a rift formed before him. Stepping through, he felt the familiar pull of the dimensional shift.

…

Aboard the Dreadnought Mk XI, Arthur materialized inside his personal quarters. He checked the time; there was still some time before the station’s day cycle began. Deciding to rest, he lay down on his bed and closed his eyes.

Hours later, his internal clock stirred him awake. Rolling out of bed, he quickly freshened up before dressing in his standard UFE uniform, preparing for the day ahead. With more than two weeks left before his next mission, he planned to spend his time in the lab and gravity chamber.

As he exited his room, he bumped into Leo, who was already up and about. Leo greeted him. “Morning Arthur, going somewhere?.”

Arthur shrugged. “Had things to do. You?”

“Just finished my morning workout,” Leo replied, flexing slightly. “Gotta keep in shape. You heading to the lab?”

Arthur nodded. “Yeah.”

Their conversation was cut short by a sudden knock at their quarters’ door. Leo raised an eyebrow and walked over to open it. A uniformed soldier stood at attention, saluting the moment the door swung open.

“Lieutenant Arthur?” the soldier asked formally.

Arthur stepped forward. “That’s me. What’s this about?”

“The Admiral has requested your presence,” the soldier informed him.

Arthur exchanged a glance with Leo, who gave a curious look but said nothing. He nodded to the soldier. “Understood. Lead the way.”

…

Entering Admiral Thalberg’s office, Arthur immediately noticed the atmosphere. The Admiral sat behind his desk, hands folded, his expression unreadable. 

“Take a seat, Lieutenant,” Thalberg instructed.

Arthur complied, sitting straight-backed as he waited for the Admiral to speak.

After a moment, Thalberg leaned forward, “The higher-ups have arranged a test for you. They want to assess your knowledge.”

Arthur nodded but was bewildered at first, but then he remembered that it might be because he introduced the new alloy for the ECHO armor, they might still be suspicious of him and wanted to test if he really made the alloy. 

“When’s the test?” Arthur asked, already calculating his approach.

“End of the day,” Thalberg replied. “They want to evaluate your scientific and engineering expertise. If you pass, it’ll solidify your credibility within the UFE.”

Arthur nodded. “Understood.”

Thalberg studied him for a moment.

After that Arthur stood, saluted, and exited the office. He had work to do before the test, and he was going to make sure there was no doubt about his expertise.

With that thought, he headed straight for the lab.

***

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