Chapter 152: Chapter 152: The Children Are Leaving

The midday sun spilled into the orphanage courtyard, warming the stones and casting soft light over the scene. From the doorway, Marcus watched as Noel passed the ball back and forth with Erick. The little guy looked like he was having the time of his life, grinning wide with each kick. Charlotte stood nearby, cheering loudly and throwing mock insults every time Noel scored.

“You’re cheating again, Traitor!” she shouted, arms crossed, pouting dramatically.

Noel didn’t even bother denying it. He just laughed and kept playing.

Marcus leaned against the wooden frame, arms folded, his usual smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

’Heh. They’re actually getting along.’

’Never thought I’d see the day where Noel willingly plays with someone, let alone two people at once.’

It was still them—Charlotte being overly dramatic, Noel pretending not to care—but there was something in the air. The way they looked at each other wasn’t the same. There was an ease between them now.

’He might not say it out loud, but he’s letting her in. That’s progress.’

’And honestly… it suits him. He’s been doing a lot in the last year.’

Erick laughed loudly as he chased after the ball. Noel ran after him, slower on purpose. Charlotte clapped like a proud coach on the sidelines.

Marcus chuckled.

’Maybe this trip really is doing him some good.’

With that, he turned and walked back inside, hands in his pockets and humming softly to himself.

Whatever was going on between those two, he’d let it unfold.

No need to rush.

The wind had picked up slightly, carrying with it the scent of pine and the distant ringing of a church bell. Noel sat on a low stone bench just outside the orphanage dining hall, stretching his arms behind his head as he caught his breath. Charlotte arrived a few seconds later, dropping onto the bench beside him with an exaggerated sigh.

“Erick’s got more energy than a whole wyvern nest,” she said, brushing dirt off her skirt. “I think he’s trying to kill us.”

Noel gave a quiet laugh. “If he were a monster, he’d be a fast one.”

“Anything new these past few days?” she asked, eyes on the courtyard.

“No,” Noel replied. “You?”

“Nothing.”

He exhaled softly. “Still stuck, then.”

Charlotte nodded. The silence between them lingered for a few breaths, but it wasn’t heavy.

“Thanks for playing with Erick,” she said eventually. “He’s been a lot more cheerful since you arrived. He’s even starting to open up to the other kids.”

“It’s nothing,” Noel said. “He just needed time. He’s a good kid.”

Charlotte smiled faintly, her gaze drifting to the children playing in the distance.

The midday bell rang across the Holy Capital, signaling the usual routine: classes, prayers, meals. But inside the orphanage, the rhythm of the day slowed as the children gathered near the main hall. The elven nun stood at the front once more, her pale green robes rippling gently as she raised her voice.

“Children,” she called out softly. “Today, another of you has been chosen for adoption. Please congratulate Mira. She will be going to a family close to us to live with her new family.”

A wave of polite claps followed, some genuine, others confused or uncertain. The girl, Mira—no more than seven—stood still, her small hands clutched tightly in front of her.

From his spot by the wall, Noel observed the scene quietly. Charlotte was a few steps ahead, clapping with a bright expression, while Erick stood just behind her, watching everything silently. His eyes didn’t leave Mira.

’Second one in a few days,’ Noel thought. ’It’s that common to adopt in this world?, In earth it was really bad, sometimes children grew up alone and after they threw them alone to the adult world.’

The moment passed, the children were dismissed, and everyone went back to their duties. Mira was taken to the back rooms to be “prepared” for departure.

Noel watched until the hall cleared, then glanced toward Charlotte.

She didn’t look confused. Or surprised.

’She really thinks this is normal… but something about this doesn’t sit right with me.’

The dining hall was warm with golden candlelight. Plates clinked gently. Laughter echoed now and then from different tables, blending with the low murmur of conversation. Noel sat with his usual group: Marcus, Garron, Clara, Laziel… and Charlotte, seated just across from him, chatting animatedly with Erick beside her.

Dinner was simple—vegetable stew and warm bread—but comforting. For a brief moment, things felt normal.

Marcus leaned back, his spoon still halfway to his mouth. “Hey, has anyone else noticed how fast the adoptions are happening lately?”

Noel glanced up. “You too, huh?”

Marcus nodded. “That’s already the second one this week, right?”

“Technically,” Noel said casually, “they’re planning another announcement tomorrow.”

Clara looked mildly surprised. “That’s a lot. I thought adoptions were usually rare in places like this.”

“They usually are,” Noel said. “But maybe there’s just a sudden surge in demand.”

“Must be nice,” Garron muttered. “Getting to leave the orphanage and live in a warm house with real parents.”

“Only if they’re good ones,” Laziel said sharply. “Not everyone gets lucky.”

A brief silence followed, but it wasn’t heavy—just thoughtful.

Marcus shrugged. “Well, let’s hope Mira’s new family treats her right.”

Charlotte, still smiling, added, “She’ll be okay. The families are carefully chosen.”

Noel’s gaze lingered on his half-finished stew.

’They should be. But something about this pattern… it doesn’t feel right.’

—-

The night was quiet, the courtyard dimly lit by silver moonlight. Most of the children were asleep, the halls silent save for the occasional creak of the wood. Noel leaned against the stone railing just outside the orphanage’s main building, hands in his coat pockets. Charlotte stood nearby, arms crossed gently, looking up at the stars.

“Nothing today either,” she said softly.

Noel nodded. “No leads, no suspects. Just silence.”

Charlotte offered a quiet smile. “At least Erick had fun.”

They stood like that for a moment—peaceful, if only briefly—until a familiar voice broke the stillness.

“So that’s why you two are always together lately.”

Both turned.

Marcus stepped out from behind one of the pillars, hands in his coat, eyes sharp despite the casual tone.

Noel sighed. “You were spying?”

“I was concerned,” Marcus said, stepping closer. “Now I’m just confused. What’s going on, Noel?”

Noel glanced at Charlotte. She didn’t speak, but gave a small nod. He turned back to Marcus.

“Someone wants to kill the Saint,” Noel said bluntly.

’Better to get help, is the first time I don’t got any important information.’

Marcus blinked. “What?”

“It’s not a rumor,” Charlotte added, her tone serious. “We don’t know who, but there’s definitely a threat.”

“Does it have anything to do with the academy?” Marcus asked, eyes narrowing.

“…It’s possible,” Noel said. “We’ve seen infiltration before. This could be connected.”

Marcus clenched his fists, then released them. “Alright. I’ll help. What do we do?”

Noel hesitated, then shook his head. “I don’t know yet. We don’t have nothing concrete.”

He paused, eyes narrowing.

“One thing that doesn’t sit right is how fast the kids are being adopted.”

Marcus frowned. “Yeah, I’ve noticed that too. Normally, it’s rare, isn’t it?”

Charlotte looked between them. “Why is that worrying? The families are carefully selected. The nuns study each one thoroughly.”

“But we don’t have any way to confirm that,” Noel said. “But if we check it ourselves, we can make sure. Tomorrow’s adoption is already scheduled—we could go see the family in person. Find out what kind of people they are.”

Marcus nodded slowly, his expression hardening. “Right. If something’s off, we’ll know.”

Charlotte looked between them, hesitant. “You really think they’d slip up that easily?”

“We won’t know until we try,” Noel said. ’It’s the only thing left I have to check.’

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