TCBUP 35

Chapter 35

True Service

“Kids react differently depending on how they’re addressed, don’t they?”

“The ones who haven’t been here long call me ‘teacher.’ I suppose it’s because I teach them how to read and write.”

Well, Nox is strict and sharp when he’s teaching.

If I hadn’t known better, I would’ve stiffened up and spoken to him formally too.

Understanding the children’s reaction, I let out a quiet chuckle.

But the smile didn’t last long.

Before I knew it, a cluster of children had gathered around us, their curious eyes locked on me.

Still unfamiliar with basic social manners, the children unabashedly stared at me with open fascination.

“Hyung, who’s this lady?”

“Is she your girlfriend?”

“No way, dummy. What about Lily noona?”

“Lily’s not his girlfriend, and she’s not Miss Sienna either.”

“Then who is she?”

Amid the noisy buzz of chatter, I pretended not to care while keeping my ears sharp.

“…Student.”

Well, it was the truth. I do call him teacher, after all.

But… I don’t know. I wish he had said something that felt a little warmer. That stung a bit.

Maybe if I get the affection level past 50%, his answer will change?

It’s not far off. I might just make it over the mark today.

I was about to check the current affection score when I noticed a middle-aged man in a long white robe standing behind the children.

“You’re here, Nox.”

“Director.”

The man wore the ceremonial white robes of a priest. His hair was speckled with gray as he approached us with a gentle, serene smile. He gave Nox a respectful nod before turning a curious gaze toward me.

“Hello, I’m Sienna Hargreaves.”

“Welcome.”

The chaos of children chattering loudly around me was enough to make my head spin.

Still, I forced myself to stay grounded.

Volunteering is a joy. Be kind. Be sincere. I chanted to myself, over and over.

While Nox taught the children how to read, I busied myself cleaning their rooms.

The place was like a dormitory, with bunk beds lined up against the walls. I swept between them, tidied up the bedding, and sorted out the sheets and blankets that needed washing.

“You must be tired. Have something to drink and take a little break.”

“Oh, thank you. I was feeling quite thirsty.”

Without hesitation, I accepted the director’s kind offer and sat down across from him.

All he had brought were a glass of chilled juice and a few pieces of cookie, but after working non-stop, even that felt like a luxury.

“It’s rare for a noble lady to take on such menial tasks. Thank you, Sister.”

“Oh, this is all I really can do. I just hope I’m not getting in the way since I’m not used to it.”

I smiled brightly and took a sip of the juice.

My throat was dry and dusty from moving around so much, so I didn’t feel like eating the cookies—but when the director pushed the plate toward me insistently, I couldn’t refuse and took one.

Rough in shape, but surprisingly sweet. Better than expected.

“By the way, Director. Is there no one else working here? You seem quite understaffed for the number of children.”

“These are hard times.”

Lately, more and more children had been arriving at the orphanage.

Some had lost their parents in accidents while they were working dangerous jobs to earn money. Others had been abandoned by families who swore they’d return but never did.

It was proof of how difficult the world had become.

And just as clearly, it showed how the royal family and nobility had failed to care for the people.

“Was Teacher Nox here back then too?”

“Yes, he was. But unlike the others, he came of his own accord.”

The director’s smile deepened with fond remembrance.

“It was a scorching summer day. A young boy walked in, bold as could be, and said he was going to live here now. Promised he’d pay it all back once he grew up and made money.”

“He was determined, huh?”

“Oh, yes. Spoke clearly, gave his name and age with no hesitation. But when I asked why he had come, he clammed up.”

Sensing there might be painful reasons behind it, the director hadn’t pushed him further.

And truly, what child at an orphanage doesn’t have a story?

Still, Nox—only around ten years old at the time—was sharp and quick-witted. Not difficult to raise at all, apparently.

Despite the limited budget, he’d earned a full-ride scholarship to the Academy, entered as the top student, and graduated with top honors. A brilliant success story.

“He’s never forgotten his promise. Still teaches the kids when he has time. Donates regularly, too. If it weren’t for him, this orphanage would’ve shut down long ago.”

The director glanced at me thoughtfully, then smiled.

“You’re the first woman he’s ever brought here. May I ask what your relationship is?”

“Ah, I’m… um, I’m his student.”

“Student?”

“Yes. I had personal circumstances that required me to live independently, and he’s been teaching me various things. It’s helped me a lot.”

As I listened and answered the director’s questions, something he said earlier came to mind.

“Wait, Director. Did you say I’m the first woman he’s brought here?”

But I knew Lily came to this orphanage with him.

“There’s a blonde girl who comes often, isn’t there? Isn’t that her?”

“Ah, you mean Miss Lily. Yes, I know her. But Nox didn’t bring her. She came to volunteer and ran into him here by coincidence. Both of them looked quite surprised.”

So they met by chance… well, in reality, it was probably the game’s doing.

They met here, and since then, she’s come by regularly.

I smirked, feeling a tad mischievous.

This damned game really seems to have it out for me. The bias is unbelievable.

Some people just happen to bump into the male lead and score affection points effortlessly. Meanwhile, I have to work tooth and nail for every little chance.

But really, what’s the use in comparing myself to the original heroine?

“Is there anything else I can help with, Director?”

“Hmm… How about we make Nox break a sweat this time?”

“Step harder! Really stomp it!”

Standing in a giant wooden tub filled with sheets and detergent, I pounded down with my feet while scolding Nox.

He stood in the tub next to mine, mimicking my movements with visible confusion.

The look on his face—completely lost as to why we were doing this—was so funny I had to laugh… but my amusement quickly faded, replaced with a stern frown.

He might be a deskbound scholar, but still—he’s a man. He should be putting more force into it.

“You really don’t need to do this kind of work, milady.”

“Then maybe you should do it properly.”

“….”

“Besides, it’s kind of fun, isn’t it?”

Every time I stepped down, white suds bubbled up and spilled over the edges of the tub.

Occasionally, large soap bubbles would catch the breeze and drift into the air, shimmering with rainbow colors under the sunlight.

Beyond them, I saw children gathering after lunch, playing in small groups.

Boys were kicking a ball with boundless energy. Girls sat in circles on the ground, drawing something with sticks, breaking into giggles now and then.

“You didn’t really play games like that, did you, Teacher?”

“What makes you think that?”

“You just… seem like the kind of kid who had his nose buried in books even then.”

“Well, I won’t deny it. I was a bit frail growing up.”

Nox chuckled softly.

Clear blue skies, a gentle breeze to cool our sweat, fresh white sheets fluttering on the clothesline, and soap bubbles floating lazily through the air.

Ah, finally—it feels like I’ve stepped into a real romance simulation game.

From cleaning since morning, preparing meals for nearly twenty people, doing the dishes, and now laundry…

Even with my calves stiff and aching, I felt refreshed and fulfilled.

Until a chorus of shocked screams pierced the air.

Startled, I turned my head—only to see a soccer ball flying straight toward my face.

“Eeek!”

“Young Lady!”

I thought I dodged in time—but the wet sheet I had just washed wrapped around my foot, tripping me.

SPLASH!

The soapy water spilled over the rim as I crashed right into the tub, half-submerged, blinking up at the sky in stunned silence.