Chapter 157: The Axis Orphanage
After Kimberly, who was both an academy professor and a member of the Magic Association, operated behind the scenes, she managed to erase the records of Kobayashi, Loki, and Frey's illegal trip outside. Their respective automatons did not need to be confiscated.
The orphanage was not abandoned, and everyone survived.
But while it seemed like a happy ending for all, there was still a troublesome matter that had not been resolved.
—The Promised Children in the orphanage.
They were the experimental subjects created by "father" Bronson. Their mana was far beyond that of an ordinary person. If not handled properly, they could very well be sent to another experimental facility or to the battlefield. That would be another disaster, something he was unwilling to see.
So he had to think of a way.
Should he hand them over to the academy? Or to the [Grey Cross]? Or ask Shouko for help?
No matter how he looked at it, none of those were good options.
Just as he was worrying, Frey came to find him, saying that something strange had happened at the orphanage and asking him to go and see with her.
Arriving at the orphanage.
"What in the world is going on?"
He saw many strangers walking back and forth in the orphanage. Some were measuring, some were transporting materials, and some were tearing down houses, looking as if they were about to carry out a major renovation.
For a moment, he didn't understand what was happening.
Could it be that D-Works's RT experiments had been discovered by the Empire, so they were forcibly taking back the facility to save face? After all, Kimberly was from the Magic Association. It was entirely possible for her to do so without the consent of Frey and the others.
At this moment, a middle-aged man who looked like a standard butler walked up.
He first gave an elegant bow, then said politely, "I'm sorry, this area has been enclosed and is off-limits to unrelated personnel. I am very sorry if this has caused you any inconvenience."
"Un... unrelated personnel... ngh... b-but... this... is my... home..."
Frey was dealt a huge blow.
Imagine this: you go out with your dog, happily go to school, and suddenly your home is stolen. How could you be in a good mood?
"Your home? Could it be that you are Miss Frey?"
The butler took a step forward to confirm.
Frey, frightened, huddled closer to him and said timidly, "Y-yes, I'm Frey."
The butler nodded, then looked at him and RyuZU, his gaze lingering on the elegant and gorgeous attendant. His eyes suddenly lit up, and he said excitedly, "You must be Mr. Kobayashi! And this must be Miss RyuZU beside you!"
He was very certain.
Kobayashi was a little hurt, because he had confirmed his identity by relying on RyuZU.
"I am Kobayashi. And you are...?"
"I am the master's butler!"
Are you kidding me? From your clothes, I can tell you're a butler. The question is, who is your master? But the butler had an expression that said 'you definitely know,' which left him at a loss for words. It would be rude to ask further.
"Mr. Butler."
"You can just call me Sebastian."
"Huh?"
"Is something wrong, Mr. Kobayashi?"
"...No. I just think that's a great name."
"The master says so too!"
The butler, Sebastian, was very happy. It was unclear if it was because of his name, or because he and the "master" had the same taste.
Ignoring the name that made one want to retort for the time being.
"Ahem," he cleared his throat. "Mr. Sebastian, I was wondering what this is..."
"Yes! In accordance with the master's instructions, I have come to take over the orphanage. He said that you would surely need his help!" The butler seemed to greatly admire his master's foresight, his expression and tone full of worship.
Kobayashi raised an eyebrow.
From the butler's reaction, the "master" must be a gentleman, and a person of high status and power. Otherwise, it would be impossible for him to gain control of the orphanage from the numerous other factions. After all, the "Promised Children" were a hot commodity in the eyes of outsiders.
But it didn't matter who it was.
By saying that, wasn't he just telling him that there was a mysterious, high-status person behind him, and that he could do whatever he wanted?
His expression gradually became depraved.
He quickly rubbed his cheeks.
No, no, no. I'm an upright, sunny young man. How can I make such a sleazy expression?
He quickly returned to his original appearance, while secretly observing Sebastian's expression.
The butler must have seen his ugly state, but after all, he was the butler of a large household. Even if he felt contempt, he wouldn't show it on the surface, which gave his small pride a bit of comfort.
Then, he asked again, "Mr. Sebastian, is there anything else? If I can be of any help, please don't hesitate to say so."
These were not just polite words. This was an orphanage, and also Frey's home. To leave these things to a dazed and muddle-headed girl... he wouldn't be at ease.
"There is indeed one problem."
"Please speak."
"Please give the orphanage a name."
"...What?"
"Please give the orphanage a name."
The butler repeated himself. But the problem wasn't that he hadn't heard clearly, but that he didn't understand why he had to name it, and why it had to be him. Generally speaking, shouldn't the one who pays be the one who gets to name it? For example, to show off their good deeds.
As if sensing his confusion, the butler explained, "This was the master's instruction. Although I do not know the reason, please do not fail his kindness."
This place was originally the D-Works workshop and also an RT experiment base. Changing the name should mean bidding farewell to the past and welcoming a new life.
"I understand."
He nodded and asked Frey, "Frey, this is your home. Do you have any ideas for a name?"
"Ngh... no." She shook her head, reached out to hug his arm, and pressed against him, saying in a low voice, "I'll... listen to you... Kobayashi... you name it. Because it's... our... home."
Wait, wait, Miss Frey! Can I trouble you to let go of my arm? Miss RyuZU's gaze behind me is very dangerous!
He inconspicuously pulled his arm out from between the fullness, which made the girl, who had lost the object of her embrace, a little disappointed.
He pinched his chin and thought for a moment.
"Let's just call it the Axis Orphanage."
"Axis? Forgive my impertinence, but what is the meaning of this name?" the butler asked, his face full of curiosity.
"Ah, that..." he grinned widely. "The goddess I believe in is named Aqua, and the order I belong to is called the Axis Order. It is a harmonious, loving, united, and wise order. The people in it are all talented. I love it!"
"I see. So it's based on the nature of the church."
Sebastian nodded.
It was precisely because they had suffered inhuman torture and hardship that, in order to redeem themselves and others, they hoped to become lambs of God and lead people to goodness through the nature of the church.
"What a very moving thought. That goddess must be an all-encompassing and wise goddess."
"Full of wisdom?... I feel like you've misunderstood something."
"It's fine. You don't have to say it. I understand."
You understand my ass.
This butler named Sebastian seemed to have a tendency to overthink things. If he were to meet the real Aqua, his faith would surely shatter, and he would break down completely.
"By the way, there's also the doctrine."
He remembered.
"The doctrine?"
"Since it's in the nature of a church, there must be a doctrine, right? Wait, I'll write it down now."
He took out a pen and paper and immediately began to write.
A few minutes later, the useless-person declaration of the Axis Order was finished, and he handed it to the somewhat expectant butler.
"Th-th... this..."
Sebastian's hand trembled slightly. It seemed he had received a great shock.
This is bad.
He, who was used to it, had forgotten. The doctrine of the Axis Order was a declaration of uselessness. Anyone who saw it would find it unacceptable, right?
Just as he thought he would get angry—
"This doctrine is wonderful!"
"Gak—?!"
"You see! These 'Promised Children' all have powerful strength. No matter how you educate them, there is always a risk of them losing control. But if we instill these doctrines in them from a young age, it will surely change them!"
"No, no, no. No matter how you look at it, they'll just turn into useless people."
"How could that be! This is the truth of the world!"
The butler held up the doctrine as if he had obtained some great treasure.
It's over. He has completely overthought it.
But from another perspective, it was also right? After all, for some people now, lying flat is the way to go. There's nothing wrong with being a useless person.
"Mr. Kobayashi, I want to join the Axis Order!"
"Eh?"
"Please! I want to join the church!"
"Ehh—"
He was instantly speechless. He really wanted to tell him that the members of the Axis Order were all a bunch of weirdos with a screw loose, but from his reaction just now, it was clear that he also had no small problem. On top of that, with his shining eyes, he really couldn't bear to refuse.
"...Okay, fine."
"Thank you, Mr. Kobayashi! Come on! Let us create the wonderful Axis Order! Let the whole world join the Axis Order! Let everyone hear the teachings of our Lady Goddess! Come on, join the Axis Order! Let us create a beautiful tomorrow!"
Wait, why does that sentence sound so familiar?
He sighed and held his forehead.
He had also given up. In the central courtyard, he erected a statue of the Goddess Aqua and had the orphans pray to it, hoping that after he left, the goddess would shed a glimmer of light on them.
After that, the three of them left the orphanage.
In the carriage, with Frey on his left and RyuZU on his right, he experienced the feeling of having a girl on each arm.
To avoid awkwardness, Frey said in a low voice, "Th-thank you... for saving... the orphanage... for saving... my home."
"You're welcome. Since I chose to help, I will help you without reservation," he said, looking her straight in the eye. "So, Frey, you can completely rely on me."
"Kobayashi..."
She stared at him, her red eyes filled with tears and a burning heat.
"Ngh... thank you."
"Stop thanking me. After all, before I..."
"But, still, thank you."
She showed a gentle smile. It was the first time he had seen her smile like this, as serene and lovely as a magnolia flower.
The atmosphere became slightly ambiguous.
Grumble~~~~~~~
His stomach let out a cry. Because he had spent a lot of energy thinking about how to place the orphans, after he relaxed, his stomach was suddenly hungry.
She gently handed over the basket she was holding.
"This... lunch. Sandwiches."
"Oh... oh..."
A familiar scene.
But, the current Frey was acting out of goodwill, so it shouldn't be a trap, right?
No, with her dazed look from before, at most it was a prank.
"Thank you, Frey. I will gratefully accept," he said, taking a sandwich from the basket. From its appearance, it was no different from an ordinary sandwich. It was even very exquisite and good-looking, which greatly increased one's appetite.
Ah—
He opened his mouth wide and took a big bite.
"Cough, cough, cough!"
He immediately clutched his throat and coughed violently. RyuZU, beside him, instantly sprang up, her scythe placed at Frey's neck, her eyes extremely dangerous.
If he hadn't stopped her at the last moment, Frey's head would have already moved house.
"This taste is... alcohol?"
"Ngh... I wanted to add an aphrodisiac, but I couldn't get my hands on any, so I added a large amount of rum."
"Why?"
"I was thinking that you might lose control from being drunk and do something wrong..."
"How could I do that? And I'd just spit this kind of thing out, you know."
Frey lowered her head in disappointment.
In his heart, she had once again refreshed his understanding of her level of dazedness, although she meant no harm.
By the way, what's with the aphrodisiac? Does she want me to submit to her?
Being interrupted like this, his stomach was no longer hungry.
Returning to the academy.
"Well, I'll be heading back first."
"Okay, see you at the Night Party in a bit."
After parting with her, he walked towards the dormitory.
Just as he reached the downstairs, he felt a strange sensation and looked up. A figure was standing in the corner of the top floor.
A proper side profile, soft hair fluttering in the wind, and a hat on her head. Her slender figure was very similar to a certain person. If it wasn't for her flaxen hair being different from Charlotte's shining gold, and the hat covering her eyes looking a bit... raised, he would have easily mistaken them.
But what is she doing there?
The girl did not notice him, but was quietly staring at the clock tower.
The clock tower was very gorgeously decorated. Flowers were stuck everywhere, and several flags were fluttering in the wind. At the same time, the intermittent sound of a band's performance reached his ears.
Oh, he remembered.
Today was the 100th anniversary of the clock tower's construction. The headmaster had even said that those who had time could participate in the ceremony. It was just that, having been busy at the orphanage all day, he had forgotten about this.
Oh well. It was better to focus on preparing for the Night Party.
He walked towards the dormitory.
Suddenly, a dark shadow covered him.
He looked up and saw a girl with her limbs spread out, falling from the sky. He was so scared he had a vision of the container that held RyuZU almost smashing him into a meat pie, and he almost shouted "Return!".
Fortunately, he held it in.
Reacting in time, he did not deliberately step aside and let the girl fall to the ground and break into pieces, but instead took the initiative to step forward, adjust his position, and successfully catch her in his arms.
"...Hmm?"
Catching the girl, he felt something was wrong. She was very similar to Charlotte, especially her appearance.
...Except for her more undulating chest.
ROOOOAAAAAR—!
As he was saving the girl, a roar came from behind him. A shining light flashed across the sky and directly hit the clock tower, making it melt instantly like a piece of butter dropped into a hot pan.
With a violent tremor, the clock tower slowly tilted, like the Leaning Tower of Pisa...
No, it was more serious than that.
The symbol of the Walpurgis Royal Academy of Machinart, a building that was said to have a hundred years of history.
—The clock tower, had collapsed in an instant.
The people who were participating in the ceremony at the scene fled in panic. The flying dust instantly covered the scene and the sky.
But with his super far-sight, he could still see the person who had committed such a vile act.
A figure floated in mid-air, her golden hair fluttering in the wind. Standing on a giant steel dragon, her brave and beautiful posture was reminiscent of a dragon knight.
"—Charlotte?"
He looked at the flying Charlotte, then at the girl with the full chest in his arms.
He sighed. "Truly, one wave has not yet settled, and another has risen."
(End of Chapter)