Kousuke and his companions entered the town and processed their request at the Tamer Guild by submitting the Speed Mole subjugation proof parts.
Since there were no parts of the Speed Mole that could be exchanged for cash, any additional hunted monsters simply became extra work.
However, it did serve as a form of stress relief for the wolves, so it wasn’t entirely a waste.
Moreover, even if they took the parts to the Crown, they would only be bought for a pittance, resulting in them being stored away indefinitely in the Item Box.
The reason Kousuke brought them back instead of leaving them behind was due to his frugal nature; he kept them for research purposes.
Silvia and Floria were already accustomed to this, so they didn’t say anything in particular.
On the contrary, they were thinking, just like Kousuke, that they might be useful for something.
Neither of them had ever thought that way before meeting Kousuke, so it was undoubtedly his influence.
Regardless of that, Kousuke and his companions visited the orphanage again the next morning.
The reason, of course, was to discuss the idea Kousuke had come up with the day before.
Upon hearing Kousuke’s proposal, the Orphanage Director’s eyes blinked in surprise and then remained fixed for a moment.
“…Excuse me?”
Having been the Orphanage Director for a long time, this was the first time anyone had ever made such a proposal.
As a result, her thoughts simply came to a halt.
Noticing the Orphanage Director’s reaction, Kousuke casually continued.
“Whether Zero is talented… or not, cannot be determined at first glance. Therefore, I think we will gradually give him tasks and nurture him.”
“Hmm. We will provide the guidance, but we would like you to continue taking care of his food, clothing, and shelter as before.”
“Of course, we intend to provide assistance in the form of donations until we can properly assess his abilities,” Floria added, following Kousuke. Silvia then supplemented her statement.
Upon Kousuke and the others’ renewed explanation, the Orphanage Director said with a slightly flustered demeanor,
“So, in essence, you are saying you will provide vocational training for Zero at your place? And you’ll even give us donations?”
The Orphanage Director asked with a look that implied she didn’t believe it was possible, and Kousuke looked taken aback.
“Ah, I see. I suppose that is one way to interpret it. From our perspective, we merely thought it would be best to extend his current life just as it is.”
For Kousuke and his companions, it was better to pay donations and let him continue his current life than to suddenly take in one child.
Of course, they would be giving him various tasks from now on, so the time he had for pocket money earning like yesterday would decrease.
However, that was a problem Zero should ultimately choose for himself, and Kousuke was simply the one making the proposal.
Whether to accept it or not was a matter for the Orphanage Director and Zero himself.
The Orphanage Director, slowly regaining her composure, shook her head left and right and replied,
“Frankly, this is an unprecedented proposal, so I will need to consider it carefully. I don’t think there will be any issues with the rules… Also, we need to confirm his wishes.”
“I suppose that’s only natural,” Kousuke nodded in agreement with the Orphanage Director’s words.
Kousuke didn’t expect his proposal to be accepted immediately.
Just like when he met her last time, he needed to meet her several times and earn her trust.
His coming here solely to make a proposal was part of that process.
Perhaps sensing that from Kousuke’s expression, the Orphanage Director let out a small sigh.
“…What do you wish to do?”
“Huh?”
Kousuke tilted his head slightly, not understanding the meaning of the question.
“There’s nothing to ‘do’. We’ve already made our proposal. The rest, I believe, is up to your judgment?”
Kousuke said, but the Orphanage Director shook her head left and right.
“That’s not what I meant. You, or rather, all of you, what do you envision for Zero’s future?”
Those who come to take orphans generally have specific circumstances, and most of them have their objectives set.
For example, childless couples might adopt, or they might simply take them in as labor.
These are actions that clearly define the future of the adopted orphan.
However, Kousuke’s proposal this time emphasizes Zero’s own choice.
While this could be seen as being for the child’s benefit, it could also be seen as an irresponsible proposal that shirks responsibility for the child’s future.
It was natural for the Orphanage Director, who bore the responsibility for the children’s futures, to hold even a sliver of distrust towards Kousuke.
Kousuke’s face showed a hint of trouble, as if he understood this.
Kousuke was deeply ingrained with the sense that one must decide their own path.
This conflicted with the idea that parents provide jobs for their children, especially their eldest sons.
Having seen more than enough children, approaching adulthood, Kousuke was well aware of this difference in perspective.
And it wasn’t just Kousuke who was aware of this discrepancy.
That’s why Silvia, a Shrine Maiden like the Orphanage Director, added as a supplement,
“Orphanage Director, we have no intention of irresponsibly abandoning Zero. We merely wish to leave him with choices.”
“Choices…”
“Yes. This time, we’ve proposed the path of a researcher to Zero. However, as he approaches adulthood, he might want to go on an adventure. Or perhaps, he might choose to become a Guild staff member. Isn’t it the responsibility of adults not to bind them from the start, but to prepare multiple paths?”
Silvia’s explanation stunned the Orphanage Director, and her eyes widened.
Her expression clearly showed that she had never considered such a thing.
Silvia, understanding the Orphanage Director’s surprise, nodded once and continued,
“If he has an aptitude for research, that is fine. If not, he can return to his previous life and reconsider his future.”
“Aptitude…”
“Yes. Regardless of talent, if the person lacks motivation, carrying on will not be beneficial for anyone involved.”
As Silvia added this as a final point, the Orphanage Director fell silent, pondering.
Seeing the Orphanage Director’s expression, Kousuke continued, picking up from Silvia’s words.
“I understand that you have many things to consider with such a sudden proposal, so please take your time. …Although, I would prefer not to wait for months.”
“No, that would be too much…”
“Is that so? In that case, please contact the Crown once you’ve decided. We will pay for the communication.”
The Crown had a system that allowed them to relay messages, similar to a rudimentary letter, to designated adventurers. It was cheaper than sending a letter and was frequently used.
Kousuke’s words were met with a willing nod from the Orphanage Director.
The proposal was so out of the blue, and receiving time to consider it was greatly appreciated.
Furthermore, it would surely be pleasing for Zero to be given time as well.
Watching Kousuke and his companions leave after making their farewells, the Orphanage Director found herself thinking these thoughts.
I feel like I’ve written a similar story somewhere before, but I’ve given the Shrine Maiden raising orphans a small lesson lol.
“Freedom of career choice.”
Well, whether it bears fruit is a subtle matter lol.
