After that, Squad 8 visited several neighboring villages and finally arrived at a small village called Dinasteld. The villagers here also harbored animosity towards the Cumon tribe, though not as strong as in Kanaharu Village. Presumably, their geographical remoteness spared them from major damage.

"Hanra Noru Kura."

At that moment, a mage from the Cumon tribe asserted himself once more. Soon, Sergeant Buz returned to Heisen.

"Did you find anyone?"

"No, there are still hostile indigenous people."

"I see."

During their inspection, they searched for someone who could communicate with the Cumon tribe, but they found no one here either. As they walked with some resignation, a black-haired girl tried to carry water to the mouth of a Cumon tribe member.

"What are you doing?" Heisen questioned the girl.

"Um, he said he wants water. Is it okay?" She showed no fear. She was probably about six years old. Despite her young age, she spoke fluently without hesitation.

"I see. But what do you mean by 'said'? Can you understand the Cumon tribe's language?"

"Just a little."

"Why is that?"

"The pendants made by the Cumon tribe sell for a high price in the market."

Heisen looked at the girl with a surprised expression.

"Are you saying you trade with the Cumon tribe?"

"It's not that big of a deal. We split the profits from the high-selling items."

"Isn't it dangerous?"

"Basically, they don't harm children."

"You can't be sure of that. There are all kinds of people among the Cumon tribe."

"They have strict rules. The Cumon tribe ostracizes members who harm children from the village, making it a safer alternative to being an Imperial citizen."

"I'm even more surprised now, at your age." Heisen asserted. Not only did she communicate with the Cumon tribe and understand their civilization, but she also did business with them.

As he watched with keen interest, the black-haired girl opened her mouth with a slightly embarrassed look.

"Um, actually, I'm 13 years old."

"Is it a growth-related illness?"

No matter how you look at it, she was about six years old. Her naturally youthful appearance made her look even younger.

"I don't know. I've never been to a doctor because I live in an orphanage."

"Then, let me examine you."

"Huh? Are you a witch doctor?"

"No, I'm a soldier, but I know a bit about medicine." Heisen answered, then dismounted to look at the girl. He stared into her bright eyes.

"Is there something strange about my eyes?"

"No."

Previously, Heisen had sensed something like a light in her eyes. Everyone hailed some of them as wizards and respected them. Some were referred to as geniuses, but they drowned in their rare talents and fell into darkness. And then... some became monsters, surpassing even Heisen in their deep deeds.

"What's your name?"

"Yang Rin."

"I see. Yang, can you use magic?"

"Magic? I can't."

Stolen novel; please report.

"Even if you're from a commoner's background, there must be someone who can use it."

"I can't."

He touched the back of the girl's head. Then he felt the budding of a magma-like magical power from inside her. He continued to hold his hand over her for a while, and a large amount of sweat gushed from her forehead.

"...I see."

"Do you understand something?"

"Yang, your immense magical power is impeding your growth. Explosive growth will likely begin within a few years."

"Magic... But I can't use magic."

"Not now. However, you will eventually be able to use it. But there are conditions."

"Conditions?"

Yang tilted her head.

"Being near me."

"Huh? Why?"

"When your magical power manifests, your small body won't be able to contain it. Eventually, your magical power will start to run wild, and there's a high possibility that your existence itself will disappear."

"Well, I'll die!"

"Yeah. But you're lucky."

"Is that true?"

"I don't lie."

"People who say that usually lie as naturally as they breathe."

Yang's reply made Heisen unintentionally smile.

"It's hard to trust, isn't it?"

"I think I can trust you, but I don't think I can rely on you."

"I see. Good insight. Well, either way."

"Huh?"

"Yang, I've decided to bring you along."

"!?"

"W-Why? I don't want to follow someone who says such things on their own."

"You won’t matter at this point."

"..."

Yang was puzzled by Heisen's decision and clear statement.

"So that's kidnapping, right?"

"Of course, I'll go through the proper procedures. Since you're a minor, ownership should be with the orphanage, right?"

"I won't guide you!"

"There should be at least one orphanage in such a small village. Sergeant Buz."

"Y-Yes!"

"Find out and guide us to the orphanage."

"Understood!"

"..."

As Yang stood frozen in surprise, Heisen lifted her and put her on a horse.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm taking you with me. We'll ride the horse back, so get used to walking slowly."

"I don't want to! My home isn't with you!"

"...can't be helped."

"What are you doing? I don't want to!"

Against Yang's strong resistance, they arrived at the orphanage where Yang lived. When Heisen looked at the exterior, it was quite rundown, with visible signs of repair everywhere. There was a small courtyard where children were playing, though it was clearly cramped due to insufficient space.

Thanks to Sergeant Buz's prior arrangements, someone who seemed to be the facility's caretaker was already outside. An elderly woman with a kind demeanor gazed worriedly at Yang, who had been captured using magic.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Ensign Heisen Heim of the Imperial Army."

"I'm Norue Rag, the orphanage director."

"To get to the point, I want to take in this girl named Yang."

"Um, is this on behalf of the military?"

"No. It's my personal decision. I want to nurture her rare talents."

Upon hearing this, Norue glanced briefly at Yang before reluctantly speaking.

"Why is Yang in captivity right now?"

"She resisted."

"Could you please release her for now?"

"Understood."

Heisen waved his shadowy paw, dispelling the paper-like shadows entwined around Yang. As soon as the black-haired girl regained her freedom, she ran into Norue's arms and glared defiantly at Heisen.

"Director Norue! This man is a kidnapper!"

"Y-Yang! Behave."

"It's okay. It's just a child's nonsense. It's adorable."

The gentle old woman's expression became noticeably clouded. Heisen was aware that his nature often didn't endear him to people, and it seemed he hadn't made a favorable impression again. Despite his warm smile, it seemed to have been in vain.

"Um, I want to respect the children's wishes as much as possible."

"That's a wonderful sentiment."

"Yang is smart, and she takes care of the other children well. I feel like she could have other beneficial opportunities."

"Do you think so?"

"Huh?"

"Yang is already 13 years old despite her childlike appearance, right? Are there really people willing to take in a child with such a clear disadvantage from among tens of thousands of orphans?"

Norue's words caused her expression to darken, and Yang stopped shouting.

"I discovered her potential by chance. In reality, a 13-year-old orphan is often viewed as a lost cause. Typically, they choose them by the age of 10, and she probably wouldn't receive any consideration."

"Yang is smart. Even if there's no one to take her in, she could find work."

"She is indeed intelligent. That's why she risks trading with the Cumon tribe to provide for the children's meals."

"The Cumon tribe... Yang, what's this all about?"

When Norue asked, Yang's expression turned anxious. Clearly, she had been keeping it a secret. Perhaps she had intended to play the role of interpreter with the Cumon tribe from the beginning.

"I've heard that Sergeant Buz is seeking an interpreter, but he doesn't accept toddlers before exams." Therefore, I tried to promote myself directly."

If that's true, I want it even more.

"If you take a look at the architecture of this orphanage, you will understand." I don't think it's possible to operate smoothly. Yang is smart. So, didn't you want to see your troubled face?"

"Is that so, Yang?"

"I'm sorry."

"Even if she stays in this orphanage, it will be for another two years." Even if she is smart, the world is not so sweet as to continue trading in an uneducated and helpless baby. Norue should be understanding, right?"

"..."

"I don't want you to misunderstand, but I'm not trying to underestimate her value. I'll start with this."

"Th-This!?"

Heisen hands over one gold coin. It's enough to buy more than 10 of the orphanage's children.

"The current lieutenant's salary is three small silver coins a month. I'll send one more coin every month. Of course, as long as Yang is under my leadership."

"..."

Norue, the orphanage director, looked at the children there. This salary corresponds to the cost of food for children for half a month.

"I also have thoughts about Yang's future. I am currently a commoner who is satisfied with the position of lieutenant, but I also passed the official examination. It should not take long to rise to lieutenant status. If you succeed, you can also advance to the rank of minor nobleman. I saw it, just like Heisen had. Yang was deeply concerned about the significance of head magic.