The Son of a Corrupt Lord Doesn't Want to Become a 'Saint'! V1C17

 Stages 1-17: The Perfect Moment

In a bar strewn with lifeless bodies.

Only Alivan remained... and the rest froze to death from being hit by Mashiro's magic shots.

"Ouga-kun, how did it go? What about my magic?"

Something is not right!

Why is she acting so casually amidst this massacre? Isn't this her first battle?

I held a feeble hope that she, the cheerful and kind-hearted one, would continue to protect me rather than kill me in the future... Maybe I'm still naive?

"It surpassed my expectations... But from now on, we have to think about the next steps. We can't just leave these bodies lying here, and this bar is no longer usable and must be abandoned."

"The next steps... the surrounding damage... we have to eliminate it without leaving a trace... Yes, I understand!"

Well, Mashiro is a smart girl.

This way, she will make an effort to not produce any more corpses in the next battles.

One of our goals has been achieved with the unveiling of Mashiro's power.

Although I considered her as a member of my harem of breast, there's no harm in seeing her as my combat strength.

"Thank you for your efforts, Ouga-sama," said Alice, who this time didn't participate in the battle, while handing me a towel.

"It's nothing," I replied.

"Considering your abilities, it's only natural. Oh, by the way, Ouga-sama, should we decapitate him?" Alice asked.

"Wait a moment."

"Very well, I understand."

The sword that was about to land right on the neck of the lying Alivan stopped.

Gosh! Why did she do it before getting my permission!

There have already been enough casualties besides him, so don't steal opportunities from my future business.

"There are so many things I want to ask and have him do for me in this person."

"What question do you want to ask?"

"Here it is," I said as I picked up a small bottle that had fallen to the floor.

"He called it 'Doping.' Because his original power was weak, that's the reason why he lost to me, but there is indeed an increase in strength in his body."

The effect, I, as the one receiving the attacks, felt it the most.

Alice, understanding it, stared at the bottle containing the liquid with seriousness.

"Based on what that person said, we can assume that it is traded in the underworld. It has undoubtedly been circulating in the market."

"Those who will misuse it will increase in the future... no, it's possible it's already being used."

"Exactly. This person will be a valuable source of information."

And if we manage to find the parties involved in the transactions and the place of production, the opportunity to gain significant profits will arise.

A magical drug that brings about such drastic physical changes.

This is surely the result of many failures when trying to create something different.

Nevertheless, its effects are indeed real, so there is a possibility that I can develop it as one type of specialized drug for combat against demonic creatures, with my genius brain.

For such a brilliant future, it is crucial to keep this item in my hands.

Now, I also need one more pawn that can move freely outside.

"I have always thought of performing acts of justice. That's what [Rescudgment] is, right?"

Damn, it sounds cringe when I say [Rescudgment] like that!

Although this will be a humiliating history for me, I know that Alice will agree if I say it like this.

Look, she's smiling widely.

"Truly, Ouga-sama is extraordinary. I am honored to serve you."

"Oh, consider it a lifetime honor. I will make you proud as well, my servant."

"Aaaah~!"

"Kyaa...! Both of you are so cool!"

Perhaps impressed by the word exchange that felt like a drama, applause from Mashiro echoed in the bar that resembled a broken ship.

Alright, there's no reason for me to linger here.

After immobilizing Alivan, I quietly returned to the orphanage.

"Listen carefully! Do it quietly, don't wake her up."

They nodded in understanding of my warning.

The mission to secure the safety of the orphanage was successful.

However, there's one more thing. I haven't prepared an answer for the question thrown by Mio before we left this place.

Because of that, taking a gamble that she is still asleep, I immediately left this place!

With hope in my heart, I cautiously opened the front door.

"Welcome back, Vellet-sama."

Turns out, she's already awake...

I felt greatly surprised by this unfortunate turn of events.

****

The time I spent praying alone turned out to be shorter than I expected.

Of course, I never doubted the victory of all of you, but their return was too quick...

"The threat to the orphanage has been eliminated. From now on, we can relax. There are no more people threatening our daily lives."

"I see..."

I felt relieved hearing the report from Alice.

"Thank you all... really, thank you so much!"

"Hehe... it feels a bit embarrassing."

"Your gratitude towards me is enough. Please convey it to Ouga-sama, who granted your request."

"Of course... Oh, Vellet-sama."

When I called her name, Vellet-sama, who was behind the two of them, was startled and trembling.

Perhaps he was trying to hide his presence so as not to make me worry, but there's no need to feel uncomfortable.

We were truly saved by him.

"Thank you so much. I don't know how to express this gratitude."

"N-no, you don't have to worry. I did it because I wanted to."

"...If only the whole world had kindness like Vellet-sama, how beautiful this world would be, wouldn't it?"

...Yes. If only there were parents who could give love as great as Vellet-sama... Maybe I wouldn't feel so confused like this?

I couldn't stop thinking about things like that.

"So, Mio. About the promise I have to fulfill before we leave here..."

Ah... You will give your answer, right?

I will accept it, no matter what it is.

It's the love bestowed upon me by someone as magnificent as Vellet-sama.

"My answer, it is–"

"Wait a minute, Ouga-niisan!"

"...Eh?"

When Vellet-sama opened his mouth, the children who were supposed to be asleep entered the room, interrupting the conversation.

All the children immediately surrounded him, each of them speaking loudly.

"Big brother! If it's about payment, we will work and pay it ourselves!"

"We already talked about it, right!"

"Don't ask for money from Mio-neechan!"

"Keep your promise!"

...What's happening?

As someone who hadn't been following the conversation closely, I quickly looked at Vellet-sama.

"Kukuku... Good opportunity, all of you."

Vellet-sama laughed for a moment, then he hugged the children's shoulders and turned towards us.

"Well, all of you. What do you want coming here before I sleep?"

"We said not to ask for payment from Mio-neechan because we will work!"

"If it's about money, we will definitely pay it someday, so give us some work!"

"Working is tiring, you know~. Are you sure you're all fine?"

"Yes! Because we really love Mio-neechan!"

"Eh..."

Vellet-sama smirked at their reaction.

"This is our way of expressing gratitude...!"

"We want Mio-neechan to be happier!"

"Oh, I see. So, you want to work hard for the sake of Mio-neechan?"

"Yes!!"

The children answered with full smiles and tears streaming down their cheeks.

Amidst my attempts to understand the situation, Vellet-sama approached us.

He gently touched our heads.

"You are truly loved."

"Ah... Ah..."

Joy overflowed from the depths of my heart.

Ah... I can wholeheartedly love these children.

And these children are giving their love to me.

Yes... This feeling... This is love...

"Mio-neechan!"

"We will work hard!"

"We'll stay together, right?"

"Yes... yes...! Thank you... I will also... always be with you all..."

I hugged the children who ran towards me.

Feeling the warmth and love within the embrace.

◇ In the next opportunity, I will conclude the story from Ouga's perspective and wrap up this chapter of the Orphanage Foundation. ◇