#06 – Two Feelings
Yukito had not imagined a soup kitchen quite on this scale.
(…Would you even call it that at this point?)
The scene in front of the orphanage was more like a grand event.
There were many tables lined up under the clear blue sky, and people were gathering already.
“…Huh?”
A surprising person was waiting at one of the tables.
“What is a member of Black Tower Dragon doing here?”
Ryu Haolan. One of their officers. He was thin and wore round glasses as he raised his hands and shrugged.
“Please don’t look at me like that. I am not here to do anything in particular.”
He said with a laugh.
“It just so happens that I am acquainted with the priest here.”
“…What do you mean?”
“It’s nothing deep. But in the presence of God’s mercy, your race, place of birth, or being an immigrant, none of that matters. He said that imperials weren’t the only ones who were orphaned.”
Yukito nodded.
Indeed, he had seen eastern-looking children there as well.
“Of course, I hope that many won’t follow my path. It’s better if they can live peacefully, like most people in the empire. I’d be grateful for that.”
“I see…”
The residents of Phoenix Town were immigrants. There was little concept of human rights on this continent, and so they were put in a harsh position.
“Still, it’s even worse outside of the empire.”
“Really?”
“Aye. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be able to be as active as we are now. Do you think this country is that inept at management?”
He was not sure what to say.
The existence of Black Tower Dragon was known. But it didn’t look like they were troubled when it came to dealing with them. If anything, it seemed like they were allowed to exist, and be used.
“We are allowed to be here, because we are like stagnant water.”
“Stagnant water?”
“Fish can’t live in lakes just because they are clean. And yet, people want the world they live in to be clean. They see those who are filthy, and are relieved that they are not like that. And so people who are filthy are necessary.”
“That’s why you are here?”
“Hardly.”
Ryu said with a shrug.
“We don’t have any grand calling or anything like that. We are more like sad sheep that are being used to keep order. Right, chief?”
“…”
Yukito had nothing to say to that.
Power alone didn’t mean anything. He had learned that all too well recently. From beginning to end, he danced on the palm of someone’s hand. And he had nothing to show for it.
“Well, in a word…”
He thrust out his hand.
“If we are going to work together, we should do it without those higher up. Between us sad sheep?”
“What are you talking about? You were one of the people who were using me.”
“Ahaha. So you know.”
Ryu scratched his head awkwardly.
“Well, that’s fine. It’s true that we are hopeless scum. And so they can use us without feeling any guilt. But you should be on the other side of the lake. It suits you.”
He said sadly.
Yukito looked down at his hand.
(Still waters, huh…)
Somehow, the words felt quite piercing.
“Teacher.”
The familiar voice. He turned his head.
◆ ◇ ◆
“Ah, Mr. Yukito…”
At the same time, Ms. Sumia was about to call him, but she paused.
Iria Orlando had gotten to him first.
And as she watched them talk, she felt a slight pang of remorse.
(Why…?)
She lowered her hand weakly.
She had never felt such a pain before, and did not know what it was called.
No, she did. It had been depicted in one of her favorite novels.
Sumia had only talked with Yukito several times. That was all.
Nothing dramatic had happened.
So it shouldn’t be the case.
But then why couldn’t she take a step forward?
As Sumia stood there, another person’s eyes turned towards her.
“Hmmm…”
The boy looked at Yukito, Iria and then Sumia with interest. And then he chuckled. As if he had found some interesting toys.
“By the way, what are your plans after this?”
“Hmm?”
Ryu Haoran asked. Yukito thought about it for a moment.
“Well, there are no plans. Aside from sightseeing. There is not much time left with the festival.”
“In that case, what about going to the east town?”
“East town?”
“It’s a great place for tourists, you know? One of the most famous spots in the city.”
Indeed, Yukito had gone there once, but not to sightsee. It looked quite busy near the main street, and you were sure to find something interesting there.
Ryu smiled at his reaction, but then he muttered while holding a hand to his forehead.
“I wish I could be your guide, but I have some other business…”
“To be honest, I wouldn’t want you as a guide.”
“Really? But it’s easy to get lost there. In any case, I will introduce you to someone who can be your guide.”
“Huh?”
Yukito looked at him in disbelief. Ryu waved his hand and called out…to Sumia.
She approached them awkwardly, and Ryu smiled at her like some kind of swindler.
“Yes, here she is! I think the three of you should go sightseeing in the east town!”