LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 21
It’s been two weeks since we visited the zoo.
Since then, nothing special has happened.
Just the usual mundane routine, even at this very moment.
After lunch, all the kids have gathered around the small TV, glued to whatever’s playing.
Normally, they’d be outside playing or messing around with toys or dolls, but today is different. They’re currently airing a special effects show on TV.
In it, people dressed in ridiculous costumes are battling monsters, a classic hero vs. monster storyline.
It must be a popular show among the kids, as their eyes are sparkling with excitement.
“Ahhhhh! No way! How can the hero be getting beat like that?!”
“Evil villain! How can he do something so sneaky?!”
“Heart pounding….”
Seeing them so into it really shows they’re just kids at heart.
Unlike the excited children, I’m rather indifferent.
I’ve outgrown that age where I get thrilled over such things.
Instead, as an adult, I’d prefer watching the news to understand how the world really works. Adults like me are supposed to be tuned into something more sophisticated than these silly shows.
Of course, if I were to change the channel, there’d be chaos, so I leave it be.
“Why is he acting like that? Ugh… the hero is so frustrating! Come on! Listen to the person next to you!”
Yeah. This is definitely not interesting at all.
I’m just curious about how the hero will overcome the challenges thrown at him.
Being a mature adult, I don’t get all hyped up like the kids. I’m just keeping my place here to hang out with them.
Clenching my fists in frustration isn’t due to tension, but rather anger.
And then, as the climax approached, a scene where the hero team escapes the trap and defeats the villain plays out.
““Wooaaah!””
“That’s the hero! They won again!”
“Yay…!”
The kids shot up from their seats, cheering with excitement as if their favorite team just won a crucial game.
“Yeah! That’s right!”
I also clenched my fist tightly, holding one elbow with my hand.
When Bada shot me a glance, I felt a bit embarrassed and relaxed my stance.
It wasn’t until the ending credits rolled that I took control of the remote to switch channels.
Commercials. Variety shows, kid’s channels, news, the usual content aired.
Until I paused on a news segment where my finger had stopped clicking.
It reported that the Cult of the Grim Reaper had struck again with another act of terror.
Now that I think about it, it seems the activity from the Cult has significantly increased compared to before.
I wasn’t the only one thinking that as experts on the broadcast were discussing the very same queries.
[As you might already know, the Cult is a pseudo-religious group that believes in and follows The Grim Reaper, one of the Four Great Organizations. They’re just crazy folks who firmly believe that the Grim Reaper will save the world.]
[Even the Association hasn’t been able to grasp The Grim Reaper’s movements accurately. They have no idea what his purpose is or what he truly wants. But one thing is certain, The Grim Reaper is extremely dangerous and exceptionally powerful.]
[Originally, he made rare appearances. However, for the past few months, The Grim Reaper has noticeably been less visible. No, let’s correct that. He’s not showing himself at all. That’s why the followers of the Cult are becoming increasingly uneasy.]
[There’s a saying in the teachings of the Grim Reaper. Wherever death goes, The Grim Reaper appears. Perhaps they hope to summon him back by piling up corpses and blood through their killings.]
[But fret not. The Association is tirelessly working day and night to root out the Cult.]
There really isn’t a day of peace in this world.
Thinking about it, The Grim Reaper’s activities have completely halted since we’ve been at the orphanage.
I sighed.
I wonder if the Cult knows.
Does it know that the god they believe in is comfortably spending time at the orphanage right now?
Seriously, corpses and blood… who do they see as monsters here?
Because of them, The Grim Reaper’s name is spreading in all the wrong ways.
“I feel like we should take some action against them to quiet things down…. But it’s such a nuisance since they’re a small, secretive organization. I’ve heard that Solvers are on the move, so maybe I should just keep an eye on things for a while…”
While I was lost in these thoughts…
“This is so boring.”
“Let’s watch something else.”
“Give me the remote.”
The kids were grumbling, seemingly uninterested in what was happening in the world.
I guess current affairs programs aren’t exciting for kids, so it’s no surprise.
I handed the remote to the kids.
They changed the channel.
They stopped at one where idols were singing on stage.
It was Lena who snatched the remote from the kids.
She’s the type who gets seriously into singing, so I know that poking at her while she’s engrossed in it could lead to unwanted consequences.
The other kids looked a bit gloomy.
But Lena’s eyes were sparkling.
She hummed along with the idols’ song.
Just as the highlight was nearing its peak, the TV turned off.
“Ah….”
Lena turned her wide eyes and looked away.
Her brows furrowed, but it didn’t matter to the person who turned off the TV.
“Alright, that’s enough TV for today. Since it’s such a sunny day, we’re going to do some cleaning.”
It was Red.
Naturally, the kids’ faces were filled with dissatisfaction at the mention of cleaning.
“““Ehh….”””
“Do we really have to do it today? Can’t we do it later?”
Even when the kids threw tantrums, Red didn’t budge.
“We’re doing it today! You can watch TV after we finish cleaning. If you don’t clean up, I’ll eat all the snacks myself.”
In the end, the kids, held hostage by the snacks, had no choice but to clean.
*
Rags, brooms, dusters, etc.
The kids picked up their cleaning tools according to their assigned roles. Red also changed into a proper cleaning outfit.
It’s quite surprising that they don’t use cleaning robots at the orphanage.
Considering Red’s wealth, it wouldn’t be a problem to buy a cleaning robot.
So, I asked the kids before, and they said it’s because Red doesn’t want that.
Why make it easy when you can struggle through it?
“Alright, let’s do our best, everyone! No slacking off!”
“““Ooooh!!!”””
When Red raised her hand to get everyone pumped, the other kids followed suit.
With the windows wide open, they began cleaning in earnest.
“Let’s see who can finish first!”
“I’m faster!”
While wetting their rags to wipe the dirty floor, they raced each other.
“Careful… careful…”
They were dusting off the hard-to-reach spots with dusters.
“Yuck!”
“Ew!”
Holding their noses with their small hands, they tossed out the filthy trash.
“Let’s see who’s stronger!”
“Today, I’ll show you I’m the strongest.”
They even had a broom sword fight at one point.
Honestly, it’s hard to resist that.
Then, getting caught by Red and receiving a playful smack on the head, I giggled to myself and moved on.
“Hehe. Snacks, wait for me. I’m coming!”
I stealthily made my way to the kitchen, avoiding Red and the kids’ gazes.
The freshly baked snacks’ aroma wafted from the kitchen, tickling my nose.
Hehe. Delicious smell.
Peeking cautiously into the kitchen, I took note of the situation.
“Hum hum~”
Rene was busy making snacks, humming to herself.
Having checked where the snacks were, all I needed was to move quickly if an opportunity arose.
I was already accustomed to hiding my presence, so sneaking one or two snacks would be like breeze for me.
I know I don’t need to do this.
But sneaking and eating them is the most delightful way.
‘Now’s my chance!’
As the moment of opportunity arrived, just when I was about to move quickly, someone yanked at my clothing.
I froze, startled, and quickly turned my head.
It was Bada, the blue girl.
“You shouldn’t do that…”
The blue girl held up her finger, frowning at me with a stern look.
Getting scolded by a younger friend felt a bit odd.
I was so focused on the snacks that I didn’t even notice Bada was nearby.
“Let’s go back…”
I shook my head, holding her finger.
I wasn’t going to give up that easily.
Before Bada could say anything more, I let go of her finger and moved toward the snacks.
“Oops…!”
I quickly reached my target and stealthily grabbed the snacks.
I tucked some away to keep quiet and was about to make my escape when—
“It’s not snack time yet. Why are you here?”
The voice from behind froze me in place.
I felt like my head turned blank, like a white sheet of paper glued to me. I jerked my head around like a robot.
Just moments ago, she was over there, but now Rene was standing behind me.
Oh no…
“What’s that in your hand…?”
With a rather ominous tone, I had no choice but to leave the snacks where they were.
Feigning innocence, I lowered my head and tried to escape.
“That can’t be the end of it.”
She seemed to notice something.
I secretly sniffled, pulling out all the hidden snacks I had tucked away.
I wondered what would happen next.
Should I ask Bada for help and glance toward the door?
But there stood Red, smiling brightly.
Oh man. I’m done for.
*
Having been caught in my act, I ultimately was dealt a fitting punishment.
Kneeling down, I raised my hands high. And to top it off, I wore a sign around my neck.
The sign read in big letters:
[I did something bad by sneaking snacks.]
“Hahaha!”
“Pfft!”
The boys who had been sweeping the floor burst into laughter at my ridiculous appearance.
Getting laughed at by the kids was unbearable.
I couldn’t take it anymore.
As an adult, my pride wouldn’t allow it.
If I let this slide now, my pride would be shattered forever.
So, I took off the sign hanging around my neck and stepped into the room.
I came out swinging a rubber hammer straight at the nearest boy.
Pyoom!
I waved my hand, gesturing for him to come.
“Are you up for it?”
“We outnumber you!”
“I’ll make you regret this!”
The boys, lured by my challenge, charged at me. But I effortlessly dodged their attacks while swinging the rubber hammer.
Pyoom. Pyoom. Pyoom. Pyoom. Pyoom.
In the end, the boys were the first ones to get exhausted and knelt before me.
That’s right. This is the difference in levels between you and me.
Hehe.
I placed my hands on my hips, looking down at the boys with a triumphant expression.
As I reveled in my victory, a voice laced with anger came from behind me.
“Who told you to put your hands down?”
Oh no…
*
Once again, with my hands raised high, there was Lily.
There were also boys on either side of her making fun of her.
Even though there were sounds of gloom coming from behind the mask, Red didn’t soften.
Red looked at Lily, lost in deep thought.
It was due to the moves Lily showed while fighting the boys.
Her swinging of the rubber hammer, her footwork, all of it bore a resemblance to the Grim Reaper.
Although we had only crossed paths once, it was so intense that it was hard to forget.
‘…It must be my imagination.’
Red brushed it off as just a simple misconception.
It just didn’t make sense to her.