Volume 5 - CH 6

Translator: vysio_seth

Volume 5 Chapter 6

A week into the new life at the orphanage, and we were being audited.

The audit is to take place before noon and I was feeling particularly worried, so I decided to head to the orphanage straightaway after breakfast.

When submitting the application, the audit was explained as the checking of the books and the living conditions of the children.

So far the orphanage relies on donations, primarily from me and Lumina. However, Lumina’s contributions only cover for her lodging, so it is fair to say that I am the only one keeping the place afloat.

And that is what has me concerned.

If I was making donations under my peerage, it would not be scrutinised, but I cannot afford to expose myself and cause any issues, since the orphanages are under the authority of another noble. I have no choice but to donate as just an adventurer.

After arriving at the orphanage, I started preparing lunch, which consisted mainly of soup and bread. I placed the bread in a basket as the soup simmered in the pot.

While I was busy in the kitchen, Saya came in.

「Touya-san, um, there are some men from the government office who have arrived, I’d like for us to meet them together……」

「Yes, I’m coming」

Saya seemed anxious about handling them on her own. It was just the two of us here as Lumina was at the Adventurer’s Guild.

When we went to meet them at the gate, there were three men waiting. One looked familiar.

He is the Superintendent I met at the Kilian orphanage.

「Welcome, sirs, it is a pleasure to have you today」

I bow a little and Saya follows my example.

「Mhm, I think I know you. We met the other day. So is this the orphanage you were referring to?」

「Yes, that is right. I look forward to working with you today」

「Fine, show us around」

「Of course, this way please」

Saya led the way, as they checked the office on the first floor, then the dining room and kitchen, before leading them up the stairs to the children’s rooms.

They explain how they have to check the children’s rooms to ensure that there is no overcrowding of children in small rooms.

「There seems to be no problem with the rooms. The building is well done. Now we have to check the catering, but before that we have to check bookkeeping」

We all proceed down to the office.

As they checked the ledgers on the table, they seemed to notice what had me worried.

「Regarding the donations. They all seem to originate from Touya-san, is that correct?」

「Yes, that is so. The donations we receive from Touya-san cover most of the costs」

「…… I see. You are Touya-san, right? I have to ask, what exactly do you do for a living……?」

「…… I’m an adventurer in the Capital」

「…… I see」

The man checking the accounts, his face twitched a bit.

I had a good reason to be worried.

Being an adventurer is a profession where you can make money to support yourself, and you can make a load of money if you are skilled enough.

But this world is uncertain. There is a chance of being mauled to death by monsters.

What the authorities are looking for is a stable and continuous donor. It would be acceptable if I ran a trading company or something. That is better than being an adventurer.

「That is not good」

The Superintendent spoke up.

「I understand that Touya-san is a capable adventurer from the size of the donation. But we need you to have more sources of income. Is there any chance of that?」

「…… That’s…..」

Saya was troubled by the question from the man checking the books. I think it is possible to raise more donations if we asked for them.

But I can’t think of any right now. And, if I mention Char, Al, or Natalie’s name it will arouse suspicion as they are high up in the Empire, and do not want my connection to them being questioned.

When we were both at our loss for words, the Superintendent smiled.

「Well…… it’s up to us that you get a permit. How about we become your patron?」

Just another way of saying you want a bribe.

I suppose a few gold coins are a small price to pay in order to get subsidies in the future, and we were advised to get them when we applied.

「That would be highly gracious of you」

I took out a sachet containing gold coins, and shook the Superintendent’s hand, covering the exchange. I want to wrap this shady deal quickly.

And if by any chance down the line he should insist on anything else, I might have to reveal my identity.

The Superintendent turned around at once to check the contents, then he turned back with a smile.

「Mhmm……. This should be enough to audit the documents. The remaining thing to check is the children’s diets. Expect a call if there should be any issue, but I am certain you will receive the permit without incident」

「Wonderful news! Thank you very much」

Saya thanked the Superintendent for the assuring words.

「May we see the children’s meal then?」

「It’s already prepared and just needs to be warmed up a little」

「Saya you can stay here, I’ll go get the food ready for the children」

I went into the kitchen to heat up the soup before going to set the bread in the dining room.

All the children were already waiting for me there.

「Touya-niichan, I am so hungry」

「Give me a minute. I’ll serve you now」

I scooped the soup for each of them. In the centre of the table was a basket of bread for the children to help themselves.

When everything was ready, Saya brought in the auditors.

The children looked askance at the arrival of strangers, but they started to eat after Saya gave the word.

The auditors observed the scene of the children eating their meals, as they slurped down the soup in their small bowels, and smiled and nodded in satisfaction.

「There seems to be no question about their eating habits. The children look cheerful」

「I’m glad to hear you say so」

「Well then, we’ll leave you to your work」

「Let us escort you to the gate」

I watched as the three men who were our auditors walked out the gate.

I sighed at the thought that it was finally over.

「Touya-san, are you sure it’s okay…..? I know you want to keep your identity a secret, but um….. If they knew who you are, you would not have to bribe them…..」

「If only that was possible. I’d like to keep my identity secret if I can help it. Well, if something happens that warrants me revealing myself as a noble, I will do so…..」

Of course, if the children or the orphanage are in danger, I will not hesitate to use my position as a noble.

But I do not think that anything will happen with Lumina staying here at the orphanage.

「Let’s go back, the children must be waiting for us」

「Yes, they probably are. I’m starving now that I’m relaxed」

Saya and I exchanged a smile and went back inside, to have a meal with the children.