Chapter 380: He was growing better
Chapter 380: He was growing better
The tension in the room was palpable as Kyra, with a serious tone, intervened to protect the children from Eli's demands.
"Y-You don't need to give him anything, children. As a saintess, I will take care of everything," Kyra declared solemnly, her tone filled with determination. She couldn't bear to see Eli's manipulative tactics affecting the children.
"Hehe..." Eli chuckled softly, his amusement evident in his expression.
"What's so funny?" Kyra demanded, her displeasure clear.
"If that's the case, then where have you been until now? And even today, you only came because of Arlyne, not of your own accord, right?" Eli's question was accompanied by an amused smile, challenging Kyra's assertion.
"T-Th..." Kyra faltered, unsure how to respond to Eli's probing question. Her confidence wavered as she realized the truth in his words.
In a sudden movement, the girl in Kyra's grasp shifted, drawing her attention. Without hesitation, the girl placed a few copper coins on the table, followed by others, each contributing what little they had... papers, toys, copper coins and even some spoiled food.
"W-What? Why?" Kyra, Kira, and Oliver were all taken aback by the unexpected gesture.
Pearl and Arlyne exchanged a glance, their eyes shimmering with unshed tears as they grasped the significance of the children's actions.
"Why, you ask?.... hmmm.... " Eli picked up the meagre offering of copper coins that wasn't enough to make up one sliver he thought and said, "Their minds are already ingrained with the belief that there's no such thing as a free lunch in this world."
They begged everywhere for food so they knew more than anyone what free lunch was!
"..."
Silently, Eli picked up a piece of the spoiled bread, taking a bite without hesitation, "Not bad... mmmm" he silently ate the spoiled food.
Pearl moved to stop him, but he continued, with simple words "No one can truly understand another's pain until they taste it for themselves" and added inwardly, 'I never would'.
"...."
The children watched in astonishment as Eli consumed the humble offerings, their expressions a mix of confusion and curiosity.
'Is he also struggling to eat...?' They wondered.
"Hmmm..." Eli finished the bread and coins, then turned to the children with a contemplative expression, "The amount isn't enough to save everyone... what should I do?"
The children's faces fell, their hope diminishing until Eli's next words lifted their spirits.
"Well, since your offerings have satisfied my hunger, I shall assist you all," Eli declared, his words bringing a glimmer of happiness to the children's faces.
"But then... as you begin to earn, you need to promise me something. For each of you, a single gold coin shall be offered in return. Do you understand the terms?" Eli's voice held a gentle yet firm tone as he addressed the children.
The children's lips curled up even more, their eyes shining with newfound hope as they nodded their heads hurriedly, eager to agree to Eli's conditions.
"Good," Eli acknowledged their agreement with a nod of approval and gave back the copper coins,
"Bread is enough for an advance"
The children's faces lit up even brighter, their expressions reflecting a mixture of relief and gratitude as they received their copper coin back. They were about to express their thanks when Eli gently interrupted them,
"I am sorry, but I will never be worthy enough to receive gratitude from a child... Now or never..." Eli said with a calm expression.
The little girl tilted her head in confusion, her young mind struggling to comprehend Eli's words as she opened her mouth to ask for clarification.
However,
"Who dares to buy my slave?!" A man's furious voice echoed through the corridors of the orphanage, startling those within earshot. With hurried steps, he barged into the room, his agitation palpable. Following closely behind him, the pink-haired woman trailed, her expression fraught with dread and uncertainty.
'Thud'
The sudden sound broke the tension as Eli swiftly retrieved his phone, tossing it to Pearl, who caught it with practised ease. A brief exchange of glances between Arlyne and Pearl conveyed a silent understanding before they nodded in unison.
As the commotion settled, a portly figure entered the room, adorned with an array of ostentatious ornaments that jingled with each step. The man's bald head glistened under the dim light, his eyes darting nervously around the room as he took in the scene before him.
Upon spotting the saintesses, his demeanour shifted, his chubby frame visibly trembling with apprehension.
"I-I told you to stop," the pink-haired girl panted, her voice strained with urgency. She had rushed after him, desperately trying to dissuade him from his impulsive actions.
"S-Saintess, what are you doing here?" the bald man stammered, his hands fidgeting nervously as he addressed Kyra, his tone a mix of confusion and trepidation.
"Hello, Bamut. It's been a while," Kira greeted him with a warm smile, her voice carrying a sense of familiarity and warmth.
"You know him?" Eli inquired, his curiosity piqued by the exchange.
Your journey continues with M-V-L
"Yes, he is the director of orphanages here in the Nex," Kira explained, her gaze shifting between Eli and the bald man.
"Hmm..." Eli mused, his gaze lingering on the director. "It's commendable to see people like you dedicating themselves to the welfare of these children."
"Oh, thank you!" The director's face lit up with genuine appreciation, his previous nervousness momentarily forgotten as he greeted Eli with a firm handshake.
"So, why are you here?" the director inquired, his curiosity evident as he turned his attention back to Eli.
"I came here with the intention of adopting children from this orphanage," Eli stated matter-of-factly, his gaze unwavering as he met the director's eyes.
The director's expression faltered briefly, a hint of hesitation crossing his features before he regained his composure. "I see. Individuals like yourself play a crucial role in providing a loving home for these children...hahaha" he remarked, his tone professional yet cordial.
"Yes, indeed," Eli agreed, nodding in acknowledgement, "However, there seems to be a misunderstanding. I have my heart set on adopting a specific child who, I've been informed, has already found a home with another family. Yet, I find myself drawn to her, I want to make her part of my family"
The director's brows furrowed slightly, his gaze flickering between Eli and the saintesses. "I'm afraid the decision lies with the child's appointed guardian, who has already finalized the adoption process with another family," he explained diplomatically, his tone tinged with sympathy.
"That's a shame... But I really want to adopt this cute girl," Eli said resolutely, sliding the pouch of gold coins towards the director.
"Gulp," the director swallowed nervously, his eyes darting between the gold and the saintess whose intense gaze bore into him. He hesitated, torn between his duty and the tempting offer laid before him.
"I am sorry, sir, but I must adhere to the adoption guidelines...." the director began to explain, his voice tinged with regret.
Before he could finish, Eli turned to the child, his voice gentle yet firm. "Do you want to come with me, child, or would you prefer to stay with your adopted family?" without turning back.
The little girl, emboldened by Eli's support, responded without hesitation. "No, I don't want to go to my adopted family," she declared firmly.
Eli smiled approvingly. "See, there's no issue now, is there?"
The director glared at the little girl who was shrunk in fear but then she remembered what Eli told them and stood straight and controlled her trembling body.
"I-I want to go with b-big brother!!" She shouted.
The director's expression darkened as he faced the child's defiance. "That's not how it works," he protested, his voice strained with authority.
'Thud.' Eli slammed down a stack of adoption documents onto the table, his eyes gleaming with a haughty smile, "Read these fucking rules and then explain to me how to adopt someone against their will," he demanded with a sly grin, confident in his preparation for such scenarios.
The director's face flushed with embarrassment and frustration as he scanned the documents, realizing he had no legal grounds to deny Eli's request.
"I-I'm sorry, but this is highly irregular," the director stammered, attempting to regain control of the situation.
"Hmm... Why?" Eli tilted.
"You cannot and that's all" The director stood up from the table.
"Why can't he adopt the child?" Kyra and Kira interjected, their brows furrowed in confusion.
"I am sorry, Saintesses, but I don't owe you an explanation," the director retorted, his demeanour growing defensive. "Now, please leave."
The tension in the room escalated as the director threatened to call for reinforcements. However,
"And Do you think they would believe you?" Kira asked.
"They'll believe me because I provide for them!" the Director snapped, glaring defiantly at the saintesses. He felt emboldened by his control over the situation, confident that as long as he subdued the rebellious children before him, he would be fine even if Nex officers were to investigate him and giving few bones to them was enough.
However, Eli remained undeterred, a sense of pride swelling within him at his ability to navigate the situation thus far through negotiation, "I believe I've tried my best to deal with words" he mused, nodding to himself with satisfaction. Truly fascinating... He was growing well!!
"Very well, then... let's resort to more... direct means."
"What are yo—PFFFUFFFF!" The Director's protest was cut short as he suddenly choked, his eyes widening in shock when he felt his two balls almost come out from his mouth.... as he collapsed to the ground, unconscious