At The Orphanage

Amid the joyful voices of the children, Arthur let out a long sigh.

“What should I do…”

Today was the monthly orphanage visit, started at Morgan’s suggestion, but Arthur couldn’t concentrate at all thanks to what Mordred had told him.

He didn’t have the best impression of Dwarves for certain reasons. But the opportunity to earn a favor from Mordred was significant.

If he went along with that request, maybe when the revolution happened, he’d be exiled instead of executed…

“What’s wrong, Lord Arthur? If something’s troubling you, feel free to tell your personal maid (big sister).”

Naturally, it was Kei who asked with concern while observing the children. As Arthur’s personal maid (and older sister figure), she always did her best to be his trusted confidante.

“Ah, thanks. Then let me ask right away… Kei, what’s your impression of Dwarves?”

“Hmm… I’d say they’re skilled with their hands, love children and alcohol… but I’ve also heard they should never be angered.”

“Yeah, exactly. If one of their kin is harmed, they’ll band together for revenge with frightening unity.”

Kei’s words triggered an unpleasant memory in Arthur. It was a personal experience. Apparently, in his previous life, a noble close to him refused to heal one of the Dwarves’ relatives, and they held a serious grudge. A group of Dwarves even joined the revolutionary army.

He remembered those small-statured warriors swinging massive hammers as they charged—honestly terrifying. Even Morgan had broken into a cold sweat.

“Speaking of Dwarves, there’s a Dwarf town called ‘Dolf’ in Britannia’s mines. I once saw some of their crafted goods—they were incredibly intricate and beautiful.”

“Whoa! As expected of Sister Marianne, you’re so smart!!”

With a composed expression, Marianne added to Kei’s explanation while pouring tea for Arthur. The children cheered in amusement.

Thanks to Arthur’s orders, she visited regularly to teach the kids, and she had become quite comfortable at the orphanage.

Though some of the kids (excluding Bedie) occasionally complained she was too strict, her effort earned her a good reputation.

“Thanks as always, Marianne! Your tea’s delicious!”

“…Thank you very much!!”

Marianne answered with her usual calm expression, but her face turned a deep shade of red, prompting the children to burst out laughing.

“Nice going, Sister Marianne! You got praised by Lord Arthur!! It was worth bringing those fancy tea leaves from your family home!”

“You even dressed up today just because Lord Arthur was visiting!”

“…Silence, you brats. I’ll give you more homework!”

Despite being a noble, she was clearly adored by the children, who grinned mischievously.

Arthur, puzzled by her flushed face, casually spoke to her.

“You sure know a lot about Dwarf mines, huh?”

“Yes. I have a friend who’s the daughter of the lord of Dolf. She’s returned to her family now, but when she lived in the capital, we often had tea parties. She always wore the most exquisite jewelry.”

“That’s amazing. Accessories made in Dolf are known for their craftsmanship and beauty. They’re a dream for most women!!”

Kei and Marianne both sparkled with excitement. Arthur didn’t quite get it, but apparently, shiny accessories made of gemstones were incredibly attractive to women.

‘Come to think of it… even one of my old lackey nobles—though an old man—loved that stuff…’

He remembered how, in his past life, that noble once said, “I shall present something truly rare to Lord Arthur.” But whatever it was never reached him due to some incident.

“Lately, though, I’ve heard the Dwarf craftsmen are struggling with a lack of successors. There’s less and less jewelry being produced.”

“I see… That explains why prices have gone up recently…”

“Yes. A few human artisans tried to learn their techniques, but it doesn’t seem to be going well…”

“Hm, I see…”

Hearing Marianne’s somewhat disappointed tone reminded Arthur of something written in the Good Deeds Notebook.

Sounds like the Dwarves were dealing with a lot too. Maybe this request from Mordred was a good opportunity.

‘Still, what should I do…’

“So even humans can learn? Then… I wonder if I could become a craftsman too?”

It was Bedie, who had been studying at the desk, who asked with genuine interest as he joined the conversation.

“You like studying, right? Are you also interested in making things?”

Arthur sounded surprised. He already couldn’t understand why someone liked studying—and now Bedie wanted to learn even more?

Coming from someone like Arthur, who only studied because Morgan scolded him into it, Bedie’s attitude was baffling.

“Yes. I do enjoy studying, but now that my arm is healed thanks to you, Lord Arthur, I’d like to gain a skill. That’s really all we commoners can rely on…”

Smart kid. He already understood the vast gap in career opportunities between nobles and commoners. Arthur knew he’d need to fix that if he wanted to survive—but he still had no idea how.

“If Bedie’s doing it, I’ll do it too!! I’m better at physical stuff than this sickly guy anyway!!”

Trying to lighten the suddenly somber mood, Bedie’s friend Ys shouted enthusiastically. Marianne chuckled softly at the sight of the boys, then turned serious.

“That might be a good idea. Dwarves do love children, and letting them teach a little could be beneficial. We might even organize a field trip. However… when it comes to serious instruction, the racial difference…”

“I like that idea!!”

Before she could finish, Arthur shouted as if struck by brilliance. This could solve the Dwarves’ successor problem and give Bedie and the kids valuable experience. A perfect win-win.

Marianne had been trying to raise a valid concern, but Arthur, with his selectively convenient ears, only heard the parts he liked.

He optimistically figured that if Dwarves liked kids, there wouldn’t be any trouble. Smiling, he turned to Bedie and Ys.

“Alright!! You two!! We’re going to Dolf together!!”

“Yay, we get to go out!! And skip studying!!”

“Lord Arthur… please, wait…”

Ys shouted with joy at Arthur’s words. Marianne, sensing trouble, tried to stop them—but the one who intervened was unexpected.

“Teacher Marianne… I think Lord Arthur believes we can do this.”

“But… Dwarven techniques are—”

“It’ll be okay. I’ve got an idea.”

Completely oblivious to the exchange between the anxious Marianne and the determined Bedie, Arthur simply grinned in satisfaction.