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VOLUME 2: MEETING KLAUS
Chapter 9: To the Orphanage
The bustling town beneath the castle walls displayed the same lively atmosphere I remembered from my last visit. As it was the festival season, noble young ladies and their accompanying servants were noticeable.
Passing by the bookstore, I noticed the latest installment of the story I had been looking forward to. In the past, a maid would have bought it for me on release day... but now, I don't even have time to read.
Filbach's shop on Main Street had a queue again today. In the glass display window, there were dresses similar to the ones she had gifted me before – always prototypes, she claimed, often designed with me as the model.
The lace gloves had a sold-out sign. Delicate bobbin lace gloves were indeed beautiful and popular, symbolizing the wealth of a noble daughter. They asserted she was a daughter who didn't need to do laborious tasks and was as carefully polished as a precious gem.
My hands were rough from household chores—nails tattered, fingertips cracked. Wearing lace gloves with hands like mine would likely snag and tear the delicate lace. I couldn't return to the days of having pretty hands. Feeling sad, I quickly left Filbach's shop.
The journey to the orphanage was long, but it was better than being exploited at the mansion. Dreaming of saving money and living alone in the city would have been peaceful if it came true... but my chest tightened at the thought. It wasn't just a lack of exercise; I knew my body was deteriorating because of the changes I made against the precognitive dreams. I might not live for long.
Even so, it might be better than facing the end I saw in the precognitive dreams. I chose this path, sacrificing my well-being, for a future I changed by my own will.
After an hour's walk, I emerged onto the streets of the lower town. I had learned how to walk in the lower town from my mother. It was advised to avoid dim alleyways because of the poor security compared to the central street. If accosted, it was better to hand over any valuable items without resistance.
Last but not least, never go alone. I was supposed to have a companion, but there was no one trustworthy in the mansion, so I came alone. Internally, I apologized to my mother.
I navigated through the busiest shopping street in the lower town and reached the orphanage. It had been a while since I last visited, since my mother's passing. Klaus was here. I had to meet him, propose marriage, and change the fate of my death.
As I passed through the gate, children playing outside happily ran toward me.
"Miss El!"
"Miss El!"
Surrounded by children who knew me, I realized they had grown significantly since I last saw them. They called me El, as the younger children couldn't pronounce Elusia, imitating the nickname my mother used.
"Hey, Miss El, why haven't you come for so long?"
"We wanted to play together!"
For the past year since my mother's death, I had been troubled by the precognitive dreams of Lycobe and Jillke, and not to mention, I had been attempting to change the future through various actions. As a result, I spent most of my days lying in bed. I couldn't reveal such circumstances to them.
"Children, don't make demands of Miss Elusia. She is a busy lady."
The one reprimanding the children was Sister Camilla, a familiar face. She was in her mid-forties, a gentle woman who never lacked a kind smile.
"Miss Elusia, it's been a while."
"Sister Camilla, it's been a while indeed."
I handed out biscuits to the children, entrusting them to the oldest responsible child.
"Everyone, show gratitude to Miss Elusia!"
"Thank you, Miss El!"
"Thank you!"
I planned to greet the headmistress... but she seemed to be bedridden due to illness.
"There's an illness spreading in the lower town."
"Is that so?"
I didn't receive newspapers, and the baker kindly bought a few days' worth for me, but I didn't read them every day. Hence, I wasn't fully aware of everything happening in town.
"Last week, one of the children who was supposed to be adopted passed away."
"Oh, no!"
It seemed the donation money I sent was intended for building repairs, but with many children falling ill, it went into medicine expenses instead.
"Um, if you don't mind, please take this..."
I squatted down and pulled out the ruby earrings from my skirt.
"Selling these should help cover the medicine costs."
"I can't accept such expensive earrings."
"No, if it saves the lives of the children, it's a small price."
Sister Camilla initially declined but eventually stuffed the ruby earrings into her pocket.
"I'll gather more donation money to send."
"Please don't push yourself."
The clothes the children wore were worn out, and many were thin from insufficient meals. More donation money was undoubtedly needed.
Afterward, I played with the children and helped prepare lunch. I was invited to stay for lunch, but if I did, the children might not get their share. Therefore, I politely declined. Bid farewell by a large group of children, I left the orphanage.
Walking back along the way, my stomach growled loudly. I hadn't had a proper breakfast, and my body was clearly hungry. Maybe I can buy some bread or something.
Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly snapped back. I had completely forgotten about Klaus. It was my first visit in a while, so my original purpose slipped my mind. Frustrated, I put my hands to my head.
"Hey, miss, what are you doing in a place like this?"
I turned around, and there were two young men grinning at me.
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