Chapter Two Hundred and Fifty-One: Society’s Distortions 3
“Once again, I sincerely apologize for the trouble we’ve caused you.”
“Regarding the children of the Ehlertt territory, we of House Ehlertt also bear responsibility. Karen isn’t injured, so don’t worry about it.”
“I’m relieved to hear you say that, Master Julius.”
The director, showing a relieved expression at Julius’ words, had earlier asked him to intimidate the children. He seemed to be an acquaintance of Julius.
The director turned back to Karen and took a priest’s formal bow once more.
“Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am August, a priest entrusted with running this orphanage.”
“Pleased to meet you. I’m Karen, an alchemist. Today, I had Mr. Julius guide me here to make a donation.”
“It’s an honor to meet you. I’ve heard much about your distinguished reputation, Miss Karen.”
“You flatter me.”
From Karen’s perspective as a commoner, priests seemed like truly distinguished people. Not only did they need to possess C-rank or higher magical power, but they also constantly trained to ascend to even higher ranks.
Their purpose was to draw closer to the goddess. Though similar to adventurers, the content of their training was selfless service to the public good. They were polar opposites of adventurers, who risked their lives to fulfill their every desire.
Though she did not feel particularly devout toward the temple, she found their dedication worthy of respect. To have such a person mention her "distinguished reputation" made Karen sit down on the offered sofa with embarrassment.
The broken vase that had been in the office had been cleared away, and as Karen and Julius settled on the sofa, tea and sweets were promptly served. As Karen partook of the tea without hesitation, August eventually broached the subject:
“It’s all because of disturbing rumors that have been circulating recently.”
“Disturbing rumors?”
“That children with little magical power will eventually come to hate this world and commit crimes… Such talk has spread, and because families don’t want a criminal in their lineage, more of them have started casting out even older children.”
Karen made a bitter face while munching on a tea sweet.
That was exactly what Horst had done, and she couldn’t deny it. The dungeon incident had been caused by unfortunate nobles from across the Kingdom of Earthfill who had little magical power and had gathered together.
“Rather than being blamed for future misdeeds they haven’t even committed, it’s better to actually do something bad and be blamed for that… So that’s what she meant.”
When Karen said this, recalling Teresa’s words, the director nodded with a sigh:
“Teresa’s family abandoned her, saying they couldn’t lose the goddess’ favor as adventurers. Even though she’s nearly an adult, they abandoned her before that to demonstrate their submission to the goddess…”
“It seems another superstition is spreading among adventurers.”
Adventurers were superstitious and sometimes became obsessed with delusions. Some superstitions were laughable, while others were trapped in dark beliefs like this one.
“In such circumstances, they’ve fallen into despair and are being driven down the path of evil. At this rate, they may eventually be dragged into even darker places. And despite that, it’s not those children’s fault…”
“Darker places?”
What came to Karen’s mind was Horst descending the stairs.
And the strange teachings spoken by the alchemist girl among the captured Children of the Dark Night. Unlike the ridiculous superstitions popular among adventurers, their teachings seemed to have a certain logic to them.
That fact was eerie, and Karen shuddered.
“Regarding this matter, there’s something I was thinking of consulting the Ehlertt family about…”
Saying that much, August glanced at Karen. Apparently, it was something difficult to discuss with Karen present.
“She is my fiancée. We’re on the verge of announcing our engagement at the New Year Festival. The Ehlertt family has nothing to hide from her. If you’ve noticed anything, please tell us.”
“If you say so, Master Julius—the truth is, it seems the ‘Children of the Dark Night’ have been abducting children in various places.”
“What?”
“Moreover, exclusively children with little magical power. Right now, children who’ve lost their place and been driven out are disappearing one after another. To protect at least the children of this orphanage, I’ve used my connections to have priests dispatched here, but… honestly, I’m not sure we can keep protecting them at this rate.”
“I had wondered why it was priests, not apprentices or believers, who were tending to the children… so this is what has been happening…”
Julius said in astonishment.
Karen found herself inadvertently understanding.
In such a world, it would be unreasonable to expect people not to find salvation in the Dark Night’s teachings that those with little magical power were superior and those with much magical power were monsters. There was no doubt that the Children of the Dark Night were expanding their influence in various places.
For a moment, she couldn’t even tell whether that organization abducting children was truly a bad thing for the children. But recalling the girl who had been able to create poison potions from non-magical materials at the cost of her voice—Karen steeled herself with the thought that an organization that turned children into tools like that must not be allowed to exist.
“Even within the temple, there are those who say that children with little magical power aren’t loved by the goddess, so we should just abandon them.”
“Even those who devote themselves to the goddess’s teachings…”
“It is precisely because we who follow the teachings regard ascending the ranks as the highest virtue that disdain arises toward children born at the lower steps.”
After narrowing his eyes at the children’s voices heard from afar, August fixed his gaze on Julius.
“The children bear no sin and are equally the goddess’ children who should be loved. While those of House Ehlertt may harbor conflicted feelings toward those with little magical power, I humbly beseech you to grant your support to these innocent children.”
Saying this, August bowed deeply. He probably knew what the Ehlertt territory had been like under Horst’s rule.
Karen suddenly thought that perhaps the reason Horst had been able to maintain such influence in this land was precisely because this noble person, who didn’t judge people by their magical power and bowed his head for the sake of children, occupied an important position in the temple of the territorial capital.
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