Salvation

Vim and his companion emerged from the back alleys with the girl named Mei.

“First, let’s head to the Guild. They’ll make sure you’re properly protected,” Vim said as he led Mei toward the Guild branch.

After walking for a few minutes, the Guild came into view. This particular branch felt safer and more orderly than others he had seen.

“I’d like to have this girl taken into protection. Where should I go?” Vim asked the receptionist sitting at the general counter.

“In that case, please head up to the second floor. A staff member in charge will assist you.”

“Thank you.”

With that, he took Mei to the second floor of the Guild.

“I’d like to place this girl under your protection,” he told the Guild employee at the second-floor reception.

“Understood. We will begin the paperwork, so please have a seat.”

Vim was motioned to sit in a chair across the counter. There, he filled out the necessary documents and completed the procedures.

“I’ll leave the rest in your hands. I believe this will serve as proof of my identity.”

Vim presented the card bearing the royal crest from his pocket.

“A person connected to the Royal House… please forgive my rudeness. Rest assured, we will handle everything from here.”

“I appreciate it. If anything comes up, please send a letter to Vim Abel at the Guild Headquarters in the Royal Capital.”

“Understood. We shall do so.”

Leaving the rest to the Guild staff shouldn’t be a problem. Vim and Hana then prepared to leave the Guild.

“I feel like I’m starting to see a problem here,” Vim said as they walked from the Guild back toward the inn.

The paperwork had taken more time than expected, and it was already evening. They decided to have dinner at the inn.

“A problem, sir?”

“Yes. Even though this country has an established, proper orphanage system.”

In Leoria, there were state-run orphanages. Children without relatives were given equal opportunities to receive a proper education. This was a hallmark of Leoria’s status as a meritocracy. Falling into a life of crime was often the result of losing the opportunity for education. The future safety of the country in five or ten years depended on how many of these children the nation could save. This was the explicit will of the King of Leoria.

“Compared to places like the Empire, the state provides massive subsidies to orphanages here.”

“I see.”

“But there are still many children like Mei out there. It might be worth investigating why.”

There was a good chance he was sticking his nose where it didn’t belong, but leaving things unsettled didn’t sit well with him.

After walking for a while, they reached the inn and finished a casual meal in the dining hall. As they were drinking their post-meal tea, Grand Master Camille arrived.

“Master Vim, do you have a moment?”

“Yes, of course. Please, have a seat.”

“Excuse me.”

Grand Master Camille sat on the opposite sofa.

“I have brought the results of the investigation for you.”

“Let me see.”

Vim scanned the paper detailing the findings.

“I see. So there really are a lot of slimes.”

“Yes. Because of that, we didn’t push too deep; it was more of a reconnaissance mission to gauge the situation.”

“Then it looks like the full-scale subjugation starts tomorrow.”

“Indeed. I look forward to working with you tomorrow.”

Since Grand Master Camille could use ice magic, he could hold his own to a point, but it would be difficult without full-scale support from the mages and Vim’s magic.

“I look forward to it as well.”

Tomorrow would be a subjugation mission starting from the morning. Vim decided to wash up and get to bed early.