Nurturing the Hero to Avoid Death

Ch 12.2

Alfred shouldn’t be here. According to the kids’ records, the ‘Investigation of Big Brother Al’s Part-time Schedule,’ shouldn’t he be working at Cheddar’s ranch right now? His shift’s from 8 o’clock in the morning to 7 o’clock at night. In other words, he shouldn’t be home until nighttime!

As I think this, words of a similar nature also tumble out of my mouth. “A-Al… Eh!? A-Alfred, w-why are you here… Didn’t you go to wor—”

“…Aah. I did go, but only for a while. I came home since they closed in the afternoon.”

“Ehh!? W-Why!?!”

“Er, that’s because… Cheddar-san received a letter from a relative in a neighboring village. I don’t really get it but it seems urgent, so tomorrow he has to leave no matter what. Then he hurriedly moved up his wife’s birthday party that had been planned for tomorrow to today, and closed shop for the afternoon to prepare for the feast and gifts.”

“W-What did you say!?”

W-Wait a minute, Cheddar-saaaaaannnnnn!!? What a devoted husbaaaaannnddd!!!

“…How about you? Were you at the church since morning?”

“Ehh!? Eh, ah, well…”

Ahh, h-how should I explain this? If I tell him I was here since morning, then how should I answer if he asks me why?

I have to come up with a good reason so that he won’t suspect me. My private research and development room in the church should be kept as a secret too.

Since the room doesn’t exist in the original plot, I can’t let Alfred know about it. I can’t let him know about the future events, or else it will greatly influence the development of the story. Everything I’ve done until now will then be rendered useless.

As I’m wracking my head to form an explanation, Alfred lets out a small laugh.

“What the, you don’t have to panic that much. It’s not like I’m reproaching you. If you want to come here, then hop by as often as you want, and if you’re tired then… you can use this room.”

“This room…?”

“Aah, yes. This room is mine.”

“Huh!?”

So this is your room!?

I mean, this place is so plain. No matter how I look at it, this doesn’t look like a child’s room. There’s nothing here! It’s so empty I almost thought it’s a guest room.

I can’t help but say, “…What an empty room…”

“Aah. Since I spend most of my time outside, I rarely stay in this room. I mostly just come here to sleep.”

“I-Is that so…?”

Since you spend the majority of your time working part-time, huh? Whatever time you have left you use it to look after the children, or help out at the church.

What a hardworking student… This older brother’s tears are about to spill out. The gang of three brats and the rich spoiled kids from around here should learn from you.

“When I first arrived at the church, I also did not have much. It’s better that I only have a few belongings from the beginning, since it’s also lighter this way. Plus… I can’t stay at the church forever. One day, I will move outーI will leave this place.”

That forced smile, those calm words. It’s really unlike a child’s expression. Painful for me to even watch.

However, it’s true that the church is not a place where one can stay forever. This is a temporary place for children without any place to go, where they can be taken care of until they are capable of living alone.