Volume 5 Chapter 7 Gardy's Worries
While Cain and the others finished cleaning up after the farming work, Barvish returned from the Adventurers' Guild. Covered in dirt from the fields, the three of them decided to go to the bathhouse. They usually chose times when it was less crowded, and though the bathing order was mostly set, they kept to those quiet hours.
The first group had just finished, so the bathhouse was nearly empty. They could relax and enjoy the hot water without rushing. Thanks to Cain's guidance, the Sanroze family had gotten used to washing thoroughly before entering the hot spring. But Cain wasn't happy with the soap they used—the animal fat in it gave off a strong smell, and he thought about improving it every day.
"Ah, this hot water really washes away all the tiredness."
Cain said softly as he sank into the bath.
"Yeah, I agree. Soaking in the hot spring every day really keeps the fatigue from piling up."
Gardy said with a smile. Barvish, however, stayed quiet, silently soaking in the water without much expression.
"Hey, Barvish. Did you hear any news from the Adventurers' Guild?" Cain asked.
"Yes. The guild warned about the Horn Rabbit growing rapidly, but it hasn't caused serious problems yet. The warning has been sent to the lord," Barvish replied.
"If Lord Luke already knows, then it's probably not urgent. But do you know why the Horn Rabbit is growing so fast?"
Barvish shrugged slightly. "I'm not sure if this is the cause, but the amount of medicinal herbs and Mana grass being collected in the forest has increased."
"Could it be because slime body fluids are spreading around?" Cain guessed.
Barvish quietly nodded. "Probably."
Cain decided that since Lord Luke was aware, it wasn't something to worry too much about and ended the topic.
"By the way, Gardy, what's been bothering you lately?"
Cain asked. He noticed Gardy had stopped joining conversations with Baldrich and often sighed quietly.
"Huh? What do you mean? Nothing's wrong."
Gardy said, trying to hide his feelings.
"Gardy, don't shut us out. We're a small noble family—three, no, four of us. We have to rely on each other. We're family."
Cain spoke gently, trying to reach him.
"Maybe it's better to just say it out loud."
Barvish added quietly.
Gardy hesitated, his voice trembling. "Sir Cain... I'm sorry. Actually... what's been bothering me is the orphanage in Sanroze Territory town."
Sanroze Territory town had only one orphanage. Larger towns usually had several, but this town had just the one. This was a decision made long ago by Cain's great-grandfather, the previous lord, to focus all support in one place. Thanks to this, aid from different guilds was combined, allowing stable management of the orphanage.
"But since many people have moved to the new town, they've taken over jobs like cleaning—jobs the orphans used to do. Now, the orphans have almost no work to do."
Cain frowned, understanding Gardy's worry. "Why do you know about this?"
"My wife, Noel, grew up in that orphanage. She often visits to teach the kids reading and writing. She also helps with the garden."
Gardy explained softly.
"Wow, I didn't know that. If you told me earlier, I could have arranged donations or something."
Cain said, feeling a little frustrated he hadn't known.
"I was afraid to bother you. When I thought about your work in Margrave Shield Territory and the Teleportation Staff, I didn't want to add more to your plate."
Gardy admitted.
Cain smiled warmly. "I really appreciate your feelings, Gardy. But if I'm the only one worrying, wouldn't you feel uneasy too?"
"Of course. I'd help even if it cost me everything."
Gardy said firmly.
"Thank you. That means a lot. But don't forget, I feel the same."
Cain took Gardy's hand gently. Gardy repeated, "Thank you very much."
Once Gardy calmed down, they began discussing how to help the orphanage. For now, they would donate funds from the extra money earned by building a new bridge. But with more people coming, they knew they had to find new ways to support the orphans.
"Is there any work even children can do regularly?"
Cain wondered aloud, looking up.
"It's hard for kids to do heavy labor."
"Maybe gathering medicinal herbs, but those fat Horn Rabbits are dangerous."
"Any business needs starting money..."
Gardy, Barvish, and Nana shared their ideas, all thinking hard. Cain kept thinking: "There has to be work that isn't too hard, isn't risky, doesn't need a lot of money to start, and can keep going for a long time..."
Suddenly, Cain's eyes lit up. "Ah, I know! How about helping with street lighting?"
Notes:
• Barvish - A slave dwarf with a muscular, compact physique, intended as Cain's retainer/bodyguard, brought via magical contract.
• Luke - Cain's father.
• Noel - The chief of maintenance, a slim and delicate woman in her mid-twenties, who is working with Cain. Appeared on v1c45.
• Margrave Shield - Cain's grandfather. An elderly man, robust, with white hair.
• Nana - Tony's older sister in Tonga Village. The tamer of cowcowbull.
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