While I was still stuck in my existential crisis, a familiar voice pulled me back to reality.
"Sorry, Sir Aman," Miss Talien said, wringing her hands slightly. "Little Aida didn’t say anything... strange to you, did she?"
Strange? Oh, just the usual—romantic analysis, shipping wars, and a full psychological breakdown courtesy of a preteen.
I kept my face carefully neutral.
"No," I lied smoothly.
Miss Talien sighed in relief, but then her expression dimmed. "It’s just... her parents..." She hesitated, glancing toward where Aida had disappeared into the crowd of children. "They left her here after... well, ’love’ didn’t end well for them. Ever since, she’s been..." She gestured vaguely.
Obsessed with romance novels and playing matchmaker? I mentally filled in.
I nodded sympathetically, though internally, I was already planning my next move. "Actually," I said, "I’d like to see your library."
Miss Talien blinked. "Why? Did you bring books too?"
No, I’m here to take them away.
Out loud, I said, "I’m planning to some, but I want to check what you already have before deciding what to buy."
Miss Talien smiled gratefully. "Of course! I’ll show you later." She glanced toward the still-chaotic courtyard and added, "For now... could you help me calm them down?"
I followed her gaze. Nolan was now attempting to peel three children off his legs while Shaela watched, clearly enjoying his suffering. The twins were doing their best, but the sugar rush from last week’s desserts had apparently left a lasting impression—the kids were vibrating with anticipation.
Time for my secret weapon.
I reached into one of the boxes the twins had brought and pulled out a freshly baked honey tart. The sweet, buttery aroma filled the air instantly.
"Hey, kids," I called, waving the dessert. "Are you hungry?"
Every single child froze mid-motion. Heads swiveled toward me. Eyes locked onto the golden-brown pastry in my hand. Tiny tongues darted out to lick lips.
Haha, they sure remember it.
A chorus of "Yes!" erupted as they nodded frantically, already scrambling toward me, hands outstretched.
I raised the tart high above my head, shaking my head. "Didn’t I tell you last time? Wash up first, then head to the kitchen." I paused dramatically. "Whoever finishes first—and properly—gets an extra slice."
The effect was instantaneous.
The children, who had been seconds away from mobbing me, suddenly transformed into a well-disciplined (if overly eager) army. They bolted for the washroom, elbowing each other out of the way with cries of "No pushing!" and "I called first dibs on the soap!"
In mere moments, the courtyard was nearly empty—save for Nolan, who stood frozen in place, a child still clinging to his back like a determined backpack.
Shaela burst out laughing.
Nolan shot her a glare. "What are you laughing at, Umbrella Girl?"
"You," she said, grinning. "Honestly, you’ve got the vibe of a very disgruntled mother duck."
Nolan’s eye twitched.
I sighed. At least the chaos is contained for now.
Then I glanced toward the orphanage doors, where Aida had reappeared—watching Nolan and Shaela with that knowing smile again.
...I really need to see that library.
The kitchen buzzed with the happy chatter of children savoring their desserts and honey tea. The twins moved between tables, refilling cups and laughing at the kids’ exaggerated stories about who had washed their hands the fastest.
I sat at one of the empty tables, watching them with a small smile. Miss Talien settled beside me, followed by Aida, who sipped her tea with the solemn air of a judge presiding over a courtroom.
I glanced at Aida, noticing her empty plate. "Where’s your share?"
She shook her head, sipping her tea. "I’m not hungry."
I had already seen her giving her portion to the younger kids on the way here, though she’d tried to be discreet about it. With a small smile, I pushed my own untouched dessert toward her. "Here, eat this."
Aida stared at the honey tart, then up at me, her glasses glinting suspiciously. "You can’t bribe me with a dessert. I still support the other ship."
My lips twitched. This kid...
"It’s not a bribe," I said, keeping my voice light. "I’m just full—ate a whole one before coming here. But your director insisted on giving me another. So you can have it."
Aida studied me for a long moment before finally taking the tart. "...Thank you."
I nodded subtly, satisfied.
Miss Talien watched our exchange with quiet amusement before remarking, "Sir Aman, you really seem used to this."
"Being with children," she clarified. "You understand them so well—how they think, what motivates, and what makes them happy. You’ve practically become their big brother in just a month." She tilted her head. "For someone so young, you’re remarkably mature... Are you perhaps...?"
Her unspoken question hung in the air.
Are you an orphan too?
The kitchen noise seemed to fade.
The truth was, I didn’t know.
My memories before waking up in this world were nothing but a void filled with darkness.
And there haven’t been letters or visits from the family either, plus my situation, I could vaguely guess that I came from a struggling noble house. Maybe they couldn’t afford to send word, or maybe they simply didn’t care.
Well, I’ll probably find out soon enough. Winter break was a month away anyway.
"...This... I’m sorry if I—" Miss Talien began, misreading my silence.
"Ah, no, it’s okay," I said quickly, forcing a smile. "I was just thinking about how long it’s been since I’ve seen them. Got lost in memories for a second." I shrugged. "And honestly, I probably just read about childcare in books. That might be the reason."
Miss Talien studied me, then smiled knowingly. "Maybe. But you can’t be this skilled just from reading."
"Haha, you’re right..." I chuckled, though the sound felt hollow.
Across the room, Nolan stood stiffly near the doorway, arms crossed, watching the chaos with his usual disdain, though I noticed he hadn’t left. Shaela leaned against the wall beside him, nibbling a tart while pretending not to glance his way every few seconds.
Aida followed my gaze and sighed dramatically. "Hopeless," she muttered around a mouthful of dessert.
For once, I agreed with her.
Then, I turned to Miss Talien, lowering my voice slightly. "The cleaning crew should arrive soon. That red-haired guy over there?" Thankfully, I warned them yesterday about the matter via letter.
I then gestured toward Nolan, who was now attempting to extract a sticky-fingered child from his back. "He’s the core of the team."
Miss Talien’s eyebrows shot up. Aida nearly choked on her tart.
"I know," I chuckled. "He doesn’t exactly strike you as the janitorial type, does he?"
Both shook their heads emphatically.
"Trust me, he is. But," I added with a meaningful look, "please address him as ’Honorary Custodian’ in front of him. It’s... important."
Understanding flickered in Miss Talien’s eyes, while Aida’s expression morphed into pure confusion. The girl opened her mouth—probably to ask for an explanation—but I stood before she could speak.
"Well, I should go prepare for the work and welcome the hires," I glanced at Miss Talien. "No need to trouble yourself—just send someone who knows the orphanage well to guide us."
"I’ll have Shaela show you around," Miss Talien said.
Aida immediately perked up. "I can help too!"
Miss Talien shook her head. "You’ll stay with the younger children."
"...Fine," Aida muttered, slumping in her seat.
"You can take me to the library after we finish cleaning," I offered.
Instantly, Aida’s eyes lit up like twin stars. She nodded so vigorously her glasses nearly flew off.
With that settled, I took my leave, weaving through the tables of chattering children. As I was about to reach Nolan, I caught the tail end of his hissed conversation with Shaela:
"—and if one more snotty brat attempts to stain my clothes, I will—"
"Will what?" Shaela shot him a glare. "Punch them? You dare?"
Nolan’s jaw clenched. "You-!"
"Ahem." I cleared my throat. "Honorary Custodian? The cleaning supplies are ready when you are."
Nolan straightened immediately, his princely mask sliding back into place. "Finally. Let’s get this over with."