The moment I stepped into the orphanage, I frowned despite myself. The musty smell of mold, the grimy children, and even kids who looked like they couldn't even speak…. At first, I intended to just turn back, but I decided to take a look around since I was already here.

Actually, there was a different reason I came here. After performing well in the last expedition, I saw citizens who once glared at me with contempt suddenly change their attitude and struggle just to strike up a conversation. Flattery that wasn't even sincere, and even unsolicited marriage advice. When am I getting married, how about their daughter, and so on….

So the thought I had was to just have a kid with me. That's probably why I came here without even realizing it.

However, no matter how long I looked around, no child really caught my eye. I didn't need a child who required constant attention and care; I just needed one who could get along well on their own. I never had time to look after anyone since I was always out with the Corps.

Just as I was about to give up and leave, you caught my eye. Unlike the kids who trembled just at the sight of an adult, you simply trotted up to me with intelligent eyes.