TWRO 40

<Chapter 40>

“You are….”

The head priest recognized me and looked startled.

Without realizing it, I grabbed Sir Aiden’s arm and began trembling uncontrollably.

I knew well that the priest hadn’t harmed me out of malice. He had simply done what he believed was his duty.

But the process had been so painful that even seeing his face made it hard to breathe, the fear choking me.

“Miss, are you okay? What’s wrong? What happened?”

“L-L-Lord Aiden… It’s just… I… ugh.”

My chest tightened. My head throbbed, and my shaking body refused to calm.

The pain from the Inquisition resurfaced—cold, hunger, the feeling that even the slightest breeze might shatter me.

“This won’t do. We should move Miss Selena inside.”

At the head priest’s suggestion, Sir Aiden lifted me without hesitation and carried me in.

Leaning against the drawing room sofa and sipping water, the tremors slowly began to subside.

“Are you alright?”

At the priest’s question, I took a breath.

I wanted to respond, but as soon as I heard his voice, my chest clenched again, and I couldn’t speak.

“…I was very worried about you.”

“You know each other?”

Sir Aiden’s voice was sharp with suspicion as he stood between me and the priest, his face wary.

“H-He was the one who interrogated me… at the Inquisition.”

I couldn’t finish the sentence. Pride held me back. It was humiliating to even admit I had been sent there.

Even though my voice trembled, I forced myself to act composed.

“Father, have you been well?”

“Whether I have or haven’t doesn’t matter. I’m just relieved to see you looking better.”

“Thank you for your concern. I didn’t expect to see you here… You’re the head of this orphanage?”

“Yes. I was assigned here two years ago. But what brings you here today?”

“I have a child I need to entrust. We’re here to assess the environment in advance.”

Sir Aiden spoke before I could answer, his tone heavy and curt—just like when we first met.

‘He seems like a different person.’

His broad back stood between me and the priest—perhaps to protect the frightened me.

It was his way of being kind, awkward as it was. The gesture brought a sting to my nose.

No one at the Inquisition had stood up for me.

No one protected me from the things that hurt. No one had shown me even the slightest kindness.

‘If I had met Sir Aiden before going to that place… would anything have been different?’

As I was lost in that pointless thought, the priest asked:

“This child… how old is he?”

“He’s ten. A boy. Recently orphaned after his grandmother passed. I’d raise him myself, but the law forbids it.”

“How’s his health? Any conditions?”

“You think I wouldn’t take care of at least that much?”

“Ah… My apologies.”

Watching them talk, I suddenly realized we hadn’t even introduced ourselves properly.

“I’m Selena Rayon.”

“Rayon?”

“I was excommunicated, so I needed a new name.”

“I see. I’m Manuel Moreno. Please, just call me Manuel.”

“Aiden Calypso.”

“Calypso? Don’t tell me…”

Father Manuel’s eyes widened. Sir Aiden, clearly used to such reactions, remained calm and asked:

“May I take a look around the facility?”

“Ah, yes. Of course.”

Sir Aiden glanced at me, unsure if he should take the priest with him or not.

“Lord Aiden. I’d like to speak with Father Manuel alone.”

“Then I’ll go take a look around.”

“Thank you.”

Before leaving, Sir Aiden looked back at me with concern.

I smiled to reassure him, and with a small sigh, he left the room.

An awkward silence settled. It was hard to be the first to speak.

I was busy managing my emotions, while Father Manuel looked somber as well.

In the end, it was the priest who spoke first.

“I’ve prayed for you, now and then. For your well-being.”

“……”

“You must hate me.”

“I don’t. But the memories of that time still cling like shadows. They scare me.”

“…I’m sorry.”

We fell silent again. Outside, the sound of children’s laughter floated in.

“If I eat spinach, will I grow up cool like the knight man?”

“You think spinach alone’ll do it? You’ve gotta eat carrots and squash too.”

“Squash too?”

“Yup.”

Glancing outside, I saw Sir Aiden shepherding the children around like the Pied Piper.

Children have a way of seeing to the heart of things. Despite the scar on his face, they weren’t scared—on the contrary, they seemed to love him.

“I don’t know this child yet, but this place is different from other orphanages. We raise each child with love, so you needn’t worry too much.”

“I caught a glimpse coming in. The children’s faces looked bright.”

“That’s good to hear. Each of them is a precious life. If you’re concerned, we can send weekly letters updating you on the child’s status.”

Wanting to prove his sincerity—and perhaps from guilt—Father Manuel even showed me detailed care records of the children.

After touring the orphanage, Sir Aiden checked the care records and nodded in approval.

“This’ll do. And there are lots of kids Will’s age here. That’s good.”

Thus, our visit to the orphanage ended swiftly.

Well, the decision was quick—but it took Sir Aiden quite a while to escape the swarm of children before we could return home.

✧✧✧

After returning from the orphanage, I barely had time to breathe.

Not only were Sir Aiden’s lessons demanding, but my personal time was filled with preparations for the expo.

Letters and documents flew in by mail. I had to stop by various vendors, confirm details, and finalize countless things.

And I wasn’t the only one busy.

Sir Aiden had started swordsmanship training every morning.

He’d confessed in the carriage on the way back from the orphanage:

“I’ve started taking sword lessons from Jackson.”

“Sword lessons? But he’s a servant.”

“He used to be a knight. Took some convincing, but I managed. So no need to keep looking for another instructor.”

“Hmm…”

“What’s wrong? Something bothering you?”

“Jackson’s not exactly the most diligent man. Just keep that in mind.”

“I know. But I’ll be diligent, so it’s fine.”

He said it so confidently, then dedicated himself fully to training from the next day.

‘Ah… this scent…’

As I checked my bag one last time, I caught a familiar scent and turned around—to see Sir Aiden, having entered without a sound.

He often came to lessons with damp hair after training. His post-shower scent—clean and calming—lingered in the air.

“When did you get here? You should’ve said something.”

“I did. You just didn’t notice. The expo booth opens for three days starting today, right?”

“Yes. I’m a bit nervous.”

“You don’t look nervous at all.”

When he smiled, eyes gently crinkling, my gaze was fixed.

With his arrival, the still air seemed to shift, and time that had been paused began to flow again.

“Doing all this expo prep in just two weeks… Never again. I wish Herais were here.”

“Herais?”

Sir Aiden frowned. The unfamiliar name piqued his curiosity.

“The director of the lab I worked with to develop the painkiller.”

“Ah. Want me to take you nearby?”

“I’ve reserved a supply wagon. There’s a lot to bring. Oh, I’m out of time! I have to go!”

As I rushed downstairs, Sir Aiden followed and slipped something into my hand.

“Eat this on the way. You skipped dinner yesterday.”

“Ah…”

Inside the paper bag was bread stuffed with ham and cheese.

Sir Aiden had offered to help with the expo, saying he wanted to lighten my load.

But this wasn’t a child’s play—it was my future. I didn’t have the capacity to worry about him, too.

“This expo is my responsibility. I’d prefer you not to get involved. And I’ll do my best not to make you worry.”

I wonder what kind of expression he made at my words.

The faint smile he gave seemed a little bittersweet.

✧✧✧

The way to the expo was more congested than expected.

The capital’s nobles had gathered for a charity party hosted by Amelia at a nearby hotel.

‘If only Sir Aiden could attend too.’

It would be a great opportunity for him to build connections and gain recognition as a true hero.

But Amelia’s party was invitation-only, limited to those with established networks.

They’d be selling handmade perfumes and scented soaps to raise donations.

Since I had originally co-hosted it, I knew all the details.

‘I never imagined I’d end up next door at the expo instead.’

Before the expo began, I quickly set up the liquid and powdered versions of the painkiller and anesthetic.

Two medicines didn’t fill the booth completely, but I had medical pamphlets and scientific explanation panels, so it didn’t feel too empty.

‘I have only one goal here: visibility.’

Securing a distribution network and business prospects would be ideal—but as Count Estarion said, many viewed painkillers as a shady business.

Because most strong analgesics were narcotic-based and left users dazed, people often dismissed them as dangerous scams.

That was why even a government official dared to demand a bribe from me—this field lacked credibility.

So today, I’d likely face suspicion and derision from people who didn’t understand the drug.

But I had steeled myself for that.

My goal today wasn’t immediate success. It was handing out samples and business cards.

‘If someone’s in pain, they’ll try even the most dubious remedy. Once they experience its effects, that’s when the real beginning happens.’

The people at this expo were powerful businesspeople.

If even one of them understood its efficacy, they’d come chasing after me like a miner who struck a diamond vein.

“I can do this.”

My heart thumped in a pleasant rhythm.

To succeed—to give myself what I need.

That was the greatest gift I could offer myself, after losing everything: my memories, my family, my friends.

And with that, I stepped outside the booth, just as the expo doors opened.