Chapter 06

Most trees have already shed their leaves and people add more layers to their already thick clothing. The end of autumn is close and winter fast approaches. It won’t be long before snow starts to fall.

Esia has recovered from her fatigue and is now back on her desk sifting through papers, majority of which are letters from suitors. On the window sill to her right, there was a pigeon standing there, looking about. Esia stopped what she was doing and headed to her room. And as she stood, the pigeon had also flown away.

She went up to her room and saw the same pigeon on the room’s window sill. She held the pigeon and took something out of its back. There was a mini pouch there, and on Esia’s hand was a paper from that pouch. She grimaced as she read through the contents written and without further delay, she had begun writing on a small piece of paper as well. That paper was placed back inside the pouch and Esia lifted up the pigeon and lightly threw her hands up. The pigeon then flew off to a certain direction.

Blegh! That letter sounded like it came from one of my suitors. Well, I hope those guys do as they’re told and follow my instructions. But one is bound to fuck things up.

Esia sighed in exasperation, imagining the things going wrong.

The products should arrive by before first snow fall, or else everything will be held back by almost a year.

As she was contemplating, she stared out the window and watched the leaves of the trees slowly fall.

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At the central government’s office, the Count’s estate, Osar was before Count Garthus and Zila beside him inside a drawing room giving him the report of their investigation.

“For the past two weeks, there have been no major movements or strange incidents that has occurred.” Osar was sitting on the couch and opposite of him was Garthus, sitting, and Zila behind the couch, standing.

Count Garthus had his eyes closed, contemplating on something.

“I still could not shake this feeling of unease.” Count Garthus said after a deep thought.

“We have searched the vicinity a number of times, and even private rooms, yet found nothing.” Osar tried to reassure the Count and sometimes went through the specifics of their search.

“I know. But the rumours around it aren’t decreasing.” Count Garthus paused for a bit. “It’s more like it’s increasing”

“There has been one report from a soldier at the eastern district where a man came up to him and said he saw Esia killing a man and even the supposedly missing Illar was present.” From behind, Zila opened his mouth and spoke.

That man was detained for a while. But with his statement, the captain on duty at the time ordered an investigation. Two parties were sent out: one to investigate the forest and another to determine if Esia was still at the orphanage.

The soldiers found nothing suspicious in the forest, and discovered a new species, an insufferable and haggard Esia. It could only be found when an Esia suddenly wakes up with not enough sleep and has a dishevelled appearance.

With that, they all thought that the man was spouting nonsense, probably trying to defame Esia. Even if Esia was truly present in the forest, one would have to pass through the main road if one wants to enter the orphanage. One would know if someone enters the premises of it.

“But after the man’s release, he was found dead in the same forest.” Count Garthus added to Zila’s words.

“According to reports, soldiers on duty said that he went out to hunt. It’s probably an alibi to find clues regarding what he saw that night.” Osar replied to Count Garthus.

“Though the next day, his wife came looking for him and even asked the guards but they never saw him come back. After they reported it to the higher ups, a search was sent out.” Zila added on to Osars reply. “In the end, they found his body mauled by a few demons. If it wasn’t for his belongings, no one would have recognised him.” Zila continued

The three men were back to square one, not knowing where this is all going

“Continuing to observe the orphanage wouldn’t change a thing.” Osar changed the subject forcefully. “It’s almost time for snow to come raining down on us, and when that time happens, almost none of us can move.”

The winters in Heom, or rather the Idende County and the surrounding regions experiences harsh winters. Houses being buried in the snow is a common sight and even if the building is not covered, the outside is frigid and winds could even push an adult away if they’re not careful.

“I concur.” Count Garthus agreed with the statement of Osar.

“Well, I’ve given my report now, Garthus.” Osar arose from the couch and slowly headed for the door. “I’ll visit Esia once more and inform my subordinates.”

“Yes, do be well, master.” He waved Osar goodbye as he exited the room.

Osar is Garthus’s swordsmanship instructor, thus being called master. Moreso, Osar also taught Count Garthus and Relkas about hunting back in the day

Count Garthus went back to his seat at the desk and went into deep thought.

*Sigh* “What to do now?” He heaved a sigh and pondered what to do now.

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In the orphanage, the kids were all playing inside the main hall. It was far too cold to be out and about in the garden. Esia is sitting at her usual seat while scribbling something at her desk and beside here was Frianne. But in front of them were two people sitting across Esia.

The two people looked like a rich couple, dressed formally with thick clothes and even had the scent of perfume on them.

“Well, it really disheartens me that they would be separated.” The man said while softly gazing at the children. “But we could bring here for a visit every so often. It won’t be a problem for us.”

“If only travelling was that easy and cheap.” Esia replied while giving a dry laugh.

“Mister and Missus Komriya, please take care of him.” Frianne had requested of them to take care of a child from the orphanage.

“Of course. We chose him after all.” Aldia Komriya, one of the figures who is standing by Esia’s desk and husband to Gaman Komriya, the other figure, answered Frianne.

“All I need are both your signatures on these papers, mister and mrs. Komriya.” Esia flipped the paper and directed where both of them needs so sign.

“It’s going to be a littlle bit lonely without Veyrr here, huh?” Frianne drew closer to Esia’s ear. And in response, Esia only nodded.

“It’s a good thing Veyrr became attached to the both of them. Or rather, during their two weeks visiting the orphanage, all the children opened up to the two of them.” Esia also whispered to Frianne

Frianne only giggled and gazed on the playful children once more.

“And here you are.” Gaman flipped the paper again and pushed it forward towards Esia.

Esia reviewed the papers, making sure every detail is correct. And after she confirmed it, she gave one of them to the couple.

“This is your copy of the adoption document. Please keep it safe as it serves as proof of your custody over Veyrr. Over Veyrr Komriya.” Esia smiled as she spoke.

“Understood.” Gaman scrutinised his copy of the document and confirmed it.

As soon the papers were checked and formalised, the couple got up from their seat and called out to Veyrr. The children knew it was time for him to go with his new family. As a warning from Alana, she said the Veyrr is to remember all of the children form the orphanage or she would bring Mother Esia to scold him. From a distance, one could hear Esia shouting ‘sister’.

“The kids really love you, Esia.” Aldia commented after hearing Alana and the other kids.

“Troublemakers, the lot of them. If it wasn’t for Frianne here, I might have sent the children into the forest for some survival education.” Esia replied back to her while feeling a bit irked.

From their backs, Frianne only laughed.

After a while, Veyrr approached the Komriyas. He cried his hardest and tightly hugged Esia when he stood before her and Frianne. It took a while before he calmed down. He wore a thick coat and was carried by Gaman. They bid their final goodbyes to each other and left for the exit. As they exit, Osar entered as well. The couple greeted him a good afternoon and continued walking. Osar was a bit surprised as he saw people he has never seen before exit the orphanage with Veyrr on Gaman’s arm.

“Bye bye Grandpa Osar!” While still tearing up, he waved goodbye to Osar who stood there like a stone.

A few of the children trailed behind the three, wanting to see them for the last time as they exit. The other children stayed inside, also weeping as they had to say goodbye to a dear brother of theirs.

After they left, Osar approached Esia and Frianne and asked what happened. They explained to him about the adoption of Veyrr and their merriment.

“Esia, who are they?” Osar asked with a slightly serious face.

“I can’t answer that. Information about my clients is private and only privy to those directly involved with the orphanage.” Esia replied with a somewhat expression.

“I’m basically a grandfather to all the children. Doesn’t that make me directly involved?” Grandpa Osar persistently asked about their identity.

“So, I’ll ask again. Esia, who are they?”

Osar had said it with a deeper voice, with a serious tone. Enough that both Esia and Frianne gulped so hard it echoed.