Inside the orphanage, the smell of warm stew drifted through the air as Kisha moved from child to child, checking their bowls and making sure everyone had enough.
She clapped her hands gently.
"Alright, kids… time for lunch!"
"Yay!!" the children cheered, already rushing to the low dining tables, carrying wooden spoons like tiny warriors headed into battle.
Meanwhile, at the far end of the room…
On the old couch, Hazuki lay sprawled like a corpse after a buffet.
One leg dangling off the side, one arm covering his face.
Snoring. Loudly.
"Mm… yum… yum… krooh… krooh…"
Elvia stood nearby, fingers laced in front of her skirt, tilting her head.
"Mister Hazuki…?" she called softly.
No response—just a shift and a new snore pattern.
"Mister Hazuki?"
Still nothing.
Just…
"Kroh… kroh…"
Beside her, Chasia stifled a small giggle.
"Elvia… let's leave him for now. Come on. Let's go to the dining area."
Elvia hesitated.
Then nodded slowly.
"Umm… okay."
