Beauty in a Rotten World (II)

“An orphanage?”

“That’s right. That’s where we’re headed.”

After Freila accepted my help, we worked together to complete her cake on time. I ran off to pick up the ingredients she needed – relying on Satanya to navigate and help me identify said ingredients – and then helped her with the baking once I got back.

In the end, we were able to finish the cakes just on time for delivery. One big cake and one small cake too for some reason.

As for our destination…

“Rainbow Orphanage. It’s run by the local Church. There are a lot of kids who lost their parents in the war, you see. It was built during the war to give them a place to call home.”

“I see. So when you said you were meeting your friends, you just meant the kids.”

“Hey. Don’t say it like that. They are my friends.”

I see. I’m starting to realize that Freila probably calls anyone she’s on good terms with a friend.

Now that I think about it, Miss Ancho did mention something about Freila bringing starving brats to the restaurant. Is that how she befriended these orphans? Taking them off the street and giving them something to eat… that sounds just like her. Honestly, what a goodie two shoes.

“Oh, but is it okay for me to be coming with you? It probably won’t be good for a stranger to just show up unannounced.”

“Don’t be silly. They’re all good kids. I’m sure they’ll take to you quickly. Besides, after you helped so much, you deserve a slice of cake too. And I expect a full review on the taste, mister.”

“Haha, I’ll do my best.”

It isn’t long before we reach the orphanage.

It looks like a nice, homely, slightly-run down building. Painted pure white and covered in colorful drawings, it looks like a simple yet idyllic place for kids.

The moment Freila even gets close, a chorus of cheers immediately breaks out.

“It’s Freila!”

“Everyone! Freila’s here!”

“Yayyyy! Freila!!”

The kids, who were happily playing in the front yard, immediately drop everything they were doing to greet Freila. They run up to her with bright smiles and quickly crowd around her.

“Hey, there. Slow down, everyone. You’re gonna make me drop the cake.”

“Freila, Freila, come and play with us! We’re playing tag!”

“How long are you staying today? Can you sleepover tonight?”

“Freila, look at this. I drew a picture of you yesterday. Do you like it?”

The orphan kids are all excitedly swarming her, eager to receive her warm attention.

It’s a sight to see. She really is popular with these children.

“Hm? Hey, who’s this guy with you…?”

Just then, one of them notices me standing nearby. All eyes quickly turn towards me with curiosity and wonder.

Oh, wait, could this be the typical “Is her your boyfriend?” event? Oh gosh, what should I say… It’s okay if I don’t deny it right? Hehehe…

“Is he your servant? He looks a little shabby.”

Oi, who just said that! You want a piece of this, you brat.

“Fufu, that’s Mamoru. He’s my friend. He came to help carry the cake, so be nice to him, okay, everyone?”

““Okay~””

The kids all agree in unison. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a group of kids be this orderly before. Are they that well-mannered or do they just listen to whatever Freila says?

“Now, come on, everyone. Let’s go inside first, before the cake melts.”

“Okay!”

The kids immediately run into the building ahead of her as Freila slowly starts entering. I feel a little like I’m intruding on somewhere I don’t belong, but I follow her into the orphanage too.

Inside, an old woman in a nun habit greets us – clearly part of the staff here. She helps guide us towards a large room inside the orphanage, where suddenly—

Pop Pop Pop Pop Pop!

A bunch of confetti and party poppers go off the moment Freila enters.

Inside is a large room decorated for a party. There is a huge table with a bunch of other foods spread out and a large congratulatory banner hanging on the wall. All of the kids are crowded inside and in unison shout out,

““Congratulations on your Marriage!!!””

… Huh?

The large banner on the wall reads the same message. All of the kids are clapping and cheering for Freila in a congratulatory mood. In the middle of the banquet table is a doll in a wedding dress displayed in a celebratory manner.

“Awww, you guys… you did all this for me?”

Freila places her hands in front of her mouth in blissful shock.

“Congratulations, Freila! We’re so happy for you!”

“We wanted to celebrate your big day with you, so we all worked hard to prepare this.”

“Look, look, I made that banner. Isn’t it great?”

“When I grow up, I want to be a beautiful bride like you!”

“You guys…”

Deep fuzzy emotions appear on Freila’s face as tears start to form in her eyes. It’s clear how much this means to her with how overwhelming her emotions seem.

“Thank you. Thank all of you. I’m so happy right now.” She says in joyful tears. “I’m so sorry I couldn’t invite you all to the wedding. I really wish I could.”

“It’s okay. That’s why we’re celebrating today.”

“We’ll be cheering for you from here tomorrow!”

“Yeah!!”

All excited and cheerful, the kids take their places by the banquet table to start the congratulatory party. Freila is so overwhelmed that she stays in place for a little bit.

Once she regains her composure, she notices me awkwardly standing behind her and waves me over.”

“Oh, sorry. I forgot my surroundings for a second. Go ahead and join in too, Mamoru. Don’t feel like a strange.”

“No problem. I’m good. So… you’re getting married?”

“Oh yeah. The wedding’s tomorrow.”

She says it nonchalantly, as if it were always obvious, and then quickly goes to join the rest of the party.

I see. So Freila’s already married…

… I see.

“Are you okay, buddy? It’s fine if you need to cry.”

Shut up. I’m not that down bad.

It’s not that big of a shock, anyways. It should’ve been obvious that someone as pretty and friendly as her wouldn’t be single. Heck, it would be a mistake of the world if she was.

I am jealous of her husband, though. He’s one lucky dude. Seriously.

But he must be an amazing person if he’s with Freila. I’m sure he’s a great guy. Someone who can truly make her happy.

I guess I was wrong in thinking that she, like me, would be a total loner. That was probably just some wishful projection. It’s clear now that she not only has a lot of people who adore her but also has someone she dearly loves. The total opposite of me.

But that’s fine. That’s a good thing. This is what I wanted to see.

The only thing that matters to me is that she’s happy…