The Arrogant Duke Buys the Devoted Love of the False Saintess - Chapter 4

Having bought some time from Seigard, the debt collector, Lily turned on her heel with a graceful air and immediately stormed into the headmistress’s office.

The headmistress, who had been daintily sipping tea in her office, glanced at Lily without batting an eye, but since this was her usual demeanor, she paid it no mind.

Then, after rattling off a quick explanation of the situation, she swiftly gave instructions to Gemi, who had peeked in to see what was going on.

“Gemi, Emergency Protocol Six. Prepare immediately. Call the children back.”

“Huh? Wh-what was Six again? Wait, they’ve already finished getting ready to go out though…”

Tonri, who was behind Gemi, grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and headed toward the dining hall while explaining rapidly.

“It’s the one where we beg for sympathy thoroughly. We trained for it, remember? It’s fine if they have their bags, but we need to hurry and gather the children.”

“Oh, that’s the surprise drill one. There are so many numbers, I can’t remember them all.”

Lily also scolded the small back that was complaining.

“That’s exactly why we have surprise drills, so no backtalk. Quickly get into position, gather the children in the dining hall, and have them eat.”

There were eight emergency scenario drills in total. The first four, from One to Four, were evacuation drills. They covered scenarios like tsunamis, floods, assaults by violent intruders, and raids by bandits. Drills Five through Eight were for dealing with nobles, merchants, and the like—training on how to arrange the welcome and hospitality for the corresponding type of visitor.

Protocol Six was for dealing with nobles (to solicit donations).

“Ah, also, they’re here to appraise household goods for the debt collateral, so please show them around the orphanage.”

“I’ll leave that to Mitoa.”

Hearing Tonri’s reliable reply, Lily hurried back to the entrance.

With the calm and quick-witted Tonri on it, she was confident the dining hall preparations would be fine.

When she reappeared, Seigard was standing at attention, exactly as he had been when Lily disappeared.

The men behind him weren’t even trying to hide their dissatisfied expressions, but they seemed surprised that Lily had returned so quickly.

She couldn’t afford to have them making accusations about hiding valuables.

Lily turned a beaming smile toward them.

“Please, come inside. The children are having their meal right now, so they’re gathered in the dining hall. Feel free to look wherever you like.”

If she led them past the dining hall to show them the scene inside, the men would be taken aback.

Children seated at the large dining table were eating what could barely be called a meal—a thin soup with hardly any ingredients and hard, stale bread.

There were fifteen children. Yet, the meal was clearly meager.

However, every single child was earnestly bringing the food to their mouths.

Silently, wordlessly.

The dimly lit dining hall was filled with a very heavy atmosphere.

“Oh, Sister Lily? Guests?”

Tonri, who had been helping a small child with their meal near the entrance, called out brightly, as if she had just noticed.

“That’s right. Come to think of it, you gentlemen haven’t eaten yet, have you? Would you care to join us?”

“N-no. We have work to do.”

Seigard shook his head, looking flustered. The expressions of the men behind him were also somber.

“Is that so? Well then, Mitoa. Could you show them around?”

“Sure. What would you like to see first? Is there anywhere you’d like to go?”

Mitoa finished her meal and approached.

The men recoiled as the cheerful girl addressed them.

For some reason, they were shuddering.

Seeing this, Lily bowed her head to Seigard.

“I’m sorry, but it’s almost time I must leave for work. I’ve left the rest in the headmistress’s care, so…”

“U-understood.”

Lily bowed her head again to the pale-faced Seigard, wearing an apologetic expression.

This should have firmly impressed upon them that there were no valuables here and that the orphanage was barely scraping by.

Had she managed to pull it off?

She felt a flicker of worry, glancing at the nets, hoes, and sickles—tools needed for their upcoming work—that were lying near the chairs where the children sat. Had they gone unnoticed?