~Chapter 34~
I couldn’t believe my ears.
Why is it that bad feelings are never wrong?
‘Idiot. You didn’t have to spill everything just because someone asked.’
Even if orphans had next to no rights, I didn’t think things would be this bad.
Sure, staying in a decent inn was out of the question for now, but the info we got was totally worth it.
Turns out, the orphanages run by the Leton Church regularly send healthy boys aged 5 to 13 to some mysterious group.
No one knows why.
Though, let’s be real — we can all guess.
The orphanage directors, all priests, seemed to know but just looked the other way. But inside, it seems like there’s growing dissatisfaction.
Most orphanages get funding from farming land allocated by the Leton Church.
And who works the land? The orphans, of course.
It’s a win-win for the adults.
Cheap, efficient labor.
No parents to complain even if the kids are worked to the bone.
And with the floods of orphans showing up every time there’s a famine, they never run out of workers.
It’s the literal definition of a “creative economy.”
Even the Empire supports orphanages because the temples pay taxes on the crops they sell.
It’s a win for everyone — except the kids, obviously.
So when strong boys keep getting taken away, the directors are obviously pissed.
Places like this remote province rarely see government inspections, so it’s easy for them to skim profits from the farm business.
That’s probably why the orphanage director in the Celoti branch happily ranted his complaints.
Of course, Jin was the one actually listening.
I just kept my distance to maintain appearances.
Honestly, if I had to listen up close, I’d probably puke.
Even now, I still feel sick.
It’s disgusting.
Unbelievable.
Eventually, when the director left to bring us snacks and some documents, I practically grabbed Jin by the collar in the corner of the room and whispered urgently,
“You’re telling me you think this is normal? Does any of this make sense to you?!”
Jin just chuckled and casually replied.
“Why not? The guy was stupid enough to spill everything. Isn’t that what matters? At least now we have a clearer idea, Lady.”
He snapped his fingers.
“Like you predicted, it looks like the boys are being taken for military use. And since they’re being pulled from all over the Leton-controlled regions… yeah. You know exactly what that means.”
“You think this is funny?!”
I snapped.
Jin just nodded with a smirk.
“Doesn’t help either of us to get upset. You and I are both in deep anyway.”
He always had this annoyingly optimistic attitude.
“…Fine. You’re not wrong.”
“Thank you kindly, Lady.”
I slumped into the couch now that the director was gone.
“So it’s confirmed. Prince Endymion is planning something.”
Jin nodded like it was no big deal.
“The Empire’s been around for nearly 500 years. There’s been a lot of drama. The bloodline stayed royal, sure, but there were plenty of purges, betrayals, and crazy scandals. Even the current Emperor’s history is messy, isn’t it?”
I sighed and nodded.
The most famous story was that ridiculous “great romance” everyone gossiped about.
He fell head over heels for a weak little baron’s daughter, basically wrecking the power structure the former Emperor built just to make her Empress.
Eventually, the former Empress was killed thanks to some scheme by the Lawson family.
Of course, that’s all just rumors. Nothing’s been proven.
“As you know, the former Emperor cleaned up the royal family. In not-so-gentle ways.”
Yes, there had already been bloodshed once in the royal house.
But that was 60 years ago.
At just 20 years old, the former Emperor killed his 14-year-old half-brother and also the regent, Duke Lawson.
Then he used the youngest son of Lawson to flip the balance of power within the duke’s house.
That brutal move made the previous imperial authority very strong.
The current Emperor inherited that power, but if he hadn’t caused so much drama, the monarchy might be even stronger today.
Just look at the Crown Prince.
He’s technically the heir, but has no real power.
Once the current Emperor dies — that’s it. Game over.
“Obviously, lots of people got crushed in that power shift. You’ve heard of the royal ‘Shadows,’ right? That elite force that only the direct heir can command.”
Jin glanced around and leaned in to whisper.
“The Emperor’s biggest strength is military control. Rumor has it the Shadows are powerful enough to wipe out an entire village.”
He raised an eyebrow like he wanted me to figure out the rest.
My head started to pound.
“So you’re saying Prince Endymion is creating a secret force to fight back — since the Shadows will belong to the Crown Prince?”
I whispered, my voice tense. Jin nodded again and shrugged.
“Well, why not? Think about it — the Prince has enemies everywhere. The Holy Knights, the royals… maybe even Lawson.”
I never understood villains in fantasy stories.
Why do they always want world domination? Why go after power?
If I were Prince Endymion, I’d buy an island in the far corner of the Empire and just chill there with a wife and two kids.
Live in peace.
Why start chaos and make life harder?
“Lady, you’re overthinking this. Kidnapping orphans to make secret weapons isn’t exactly a new thing. Happens all the time.”
Jin said this like it was nothing.
“They enslave grown adults and use them as soldiers too. You know how it is.”
He patted my shoulder gently.
“Lady, you’re too kindhearted. With that soft of a heart, how are you going to survive in this cruel world?”
He shook his head with mock pity.
“But don’t worry. I, Jin Blake, will devote everything I have to support you. You know I’m more capable than most palace aides, right? Those paper-pushers can’t hold a candle to me.”
“Stop talking nonsense. I’m not soft — the world’s just messed up.”
Ugh, so frustrating.
I beat my chest in annoyance.
“Ah~, I get it. You’re totally right. I’m just such an empathetic guy. Seeing those poor kids reminds me of my own sad childhood.”
Jin pretended to cry and acted all dramatic in front of me.
“…You think this is the time for jokes?”
“What? I’m not joking. I meant every word! Full sincerity!”
Should I punch him? Why is he so irritating? And he just kept going, totally relaxed.
“It’s true! Most commoners have some tragic backstory, right? Haha! Anyway, where is that dried radish of a director?”
He flopped down beside me and scratched his chin.
“Look at me, sitting right next to a noble lady like it’s nothing — and you don’t even flinch. That’s why I’m always so moved by you, Lady.”
He laughed like he was having the time of his life.
“You’re starting to enjoy teasing me, aren’t you?”
“Oh. Oops. Was it that obvious, Lady?”
He grinned and leaned in close.
“Really though, Lady, maybe it’s time you looked in the mirror. From a normal person’s perspective, you’re beyond eccentric. Isn’t that why you always stand back when I talk to other commoners?”
He answered his own question and nodded.
“The way you speak, the way you act — you think you come off as strict or authoritative, but honestly? You’re just too kind to hide your nature.”
Jin leaned back into the couch, all jokes gone from his face now.
He stared at me seriously.
“Forgive me if I’m being rude, but based on what I’ve seen — you’re incredibly tolerant and flexible. That’s why you let people like me cross the line so easily.”
Then—
“Shh.”
Jin suddenly pulled me down behind the couch with him.
What the—?
