Kidnapping Incident
Just before noon, the orphanage was a little more hectic than usual.
Today was the day of the orphans’ regular health checkup by the town doctor.
“Hey, make sure your shoes are on right. Don’t run! And don’t go off on your own, you’ll get lost.”
When Ale called out, the children quickly gathered at the entrance and began lining up in order.
“Director, I’ve got everyone’s medical records.”
Himari appeared, holding a leather folder in one hand. Her golden eyes, as calm as ever, scanned the group, and she briskly straightened out any disorder in the line.
“Did you forget anything this time? Remember when you left the medicine bag behind and I had to sprint back for it alone?”
“... Yeah, yeah, I remember. Got everything this time.”
Lily stood quietly by the door, smiling as she watched the children.
It had already been a week since she came to the orphanage. Despite being a saintess, she lived among them as one of the residents—coming back from the garden caked in mud alongside the kids, sharing their meals, and sleeping in the same quarters.
He’d clearly misjudged her before. She ate the same food, joined in play, even had a childish side that peeked through her serene appearance.
In short, she’d fit right in.
Doctor Baldo’s clinic stood a little off the main street, a weathered brick building with a wooden sign that read: Treats All. Free Consultations Available.
Through the clean white curtains hanging in the front windows, bundles of herbs could be seen drying in the light.
When they pushed open the door, the mixed scents of herbs and alcohol greeted their noses.
Several patients were already seated on the benches, and when they saw the children arrive, they smiled in greeting.
“Oooh! Well, well, if it isn’t the fine folks from the orphanage!”
The one who emerged from the back room, hearing the children’s chatter, was a tall, gaunt man with glasses perched on a skeletal face. His posture was hunched, his medical coat pristine white, and his smile somehow both friendly and chilling.
His name was Doctor Baldo—known around town as the Savior of the Poor.
He was a peculiar man who treated penniless slum dwellers and adventurers for free.
He’d been in this city long before Ale ever arrived, and since his clinic was near the orphanage, they often relied on him.
“Well now, you all look healthy as ever! Come, come in! Let’s not keep the little ones waiting, hmm?”
His voice carried a theatrical cheer, his gestures exaggerated like an actor on stage.
To a stranger, he might seem suspicious—but those who lived here knew it was just his way.
“Nice to meet you, Doctor Baldo. I’m Lily.”
When Lily greeted him with polite grace, Baldo pressed a hand to his chest and bowed flamboyantly.
“Ooooh! The real Saintess herself, gracing my humble clinic! What an honor beyond words!”
“You know of me?”
“But of course! What kind of healer wouldn’t know the Saint of Holy Light?! Not knowing would be blasphemy!”
His excitement was palpable, his voice drawing curious glances from the other patients.
Himari, unaffected by the fuss, quietly led the children into the back.
“We’ll need to finish all the checkups within the allotted time. Doctor, please fill in their medical forms as usual.”
“Of course, of course! Leave it to me! In the art of medicine, I daresay I could even rival a saintess—ah, forgive my heresy! Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!”
The waiting room was lined neatly with shelves full of jars and bundles of herbs, powders labeled in tidy script.
Beyond the door lay a spotless examination room: a white-draped bed, a small scale, and glinting silver tools.
On the surface, it was the perfect image of a trustworthy clinic.
“All right, first in line—step right through!”
Baldo clapped his hands, and the children, a little nervous, shuffled toward the door one by one.
The checkups went smoothly at first.
Baldo’s movements were deft—checking their pulses, peering into their throats, letting them sniff herbs.
Each child returned smiling when done.
“Next, Riko!”
Himari called to a small girl with short, indigo hair. Usually cheerful, she now stood frozen in place, her feet rooted to the floor.
Riko had only arrived last month, so she wasn’t used to being on her own yet. Even being separated by a single door frightened her.
“... Don’t wanna go. I hate that smell.”
She whispered it softly, clutching Ale’s sleeve.
“It’s all right. There’s nothing to be scared of.”
He knelt to meet her eyes and gently patted her head.
“I’ll be right here waiting, okay? You’ll be back before you know it. Himari’s here too.”
Himari nodded, her tone softening just a touch.
“If you go get your checkup like a good girl, I’ll buy you something sweet later.”
“... Really?”
“Really.”
Ale smiled and nudged her forward toward the door. Of course, his concern came not from affection but practicality—sick kids didn’t sell well.
“Oh-ho, no need to fear, young lady!”
Baldo greeted her with his usual exaggerated flair.
“Just a quick look at your throat and tummy, that’s all! Come, come right in!”
The door closed behind her.
The waiting room grew quiet again.
The children whispered among themselves.
Outside, the noise of the street drifted faintly through the window.
But Riko never came back.
A checkup took, at most, a few minutes—five, maybe ten.
Ten minutes passed. Then fifteen.
“... She’s taking too long.”
Ale stood. Himari frowned slightly.
“I’ll go check.”
“I’ll go.”
He rapped on the door. No answer.
A chill crept up his spine.
He pushed it open—
The room was silent. The smell of disinfectant was stronger than before.
The bed sheets were rumpled. No one there.
No Riko. No Baldo.
It was as if they had vanished completely.
For a moment, Ale could only stare, speechless. Then, his voice burst out:
“Riko’s gone!”
The children gasped. Himari jumped to her feet.
“I’ll search outside.”
“No, you stay here. Lily—check the front. I’ll take the back.”
“Yes.”
If something had happened, Himari would be vulnerable alone. He trusted Lily to cover her.
He combed through the clinic’s back hallways and alleys, but found no trace of either of them.
“... This is strange. She’s nowhere within my detection range.”
When he rejoined Lily, she pressed a hand to her temple, her voice faint.
“Detection, huh... well, that’s useful. You all right?”
“...M y head feels heavy. Since yesterday, my senses have been dull.”
She unconsciously touched the pendant at her neck—a simple thread holding a small blue gemstone.
The same trinket she’d received from that street performer days ago.
Ale couldn’t sense anything odd from it—but...
“Don’t push yourself. But if you can, help me look.”
“... Yes.”
Her reply lacked its usual strength.
“Himari, take Lily and the kids back to the orphanage. I’ll keep searching.”
“Then let me—”
“And leave the children alone? Not happening. Someone has to stay with them.”
“... Understood.”
“Teacher, in this situation, it’s risky for you to—”
“I’ll be fine. Used to be an adventurer, remember? I can handle myself. Once you’re back at the orphanage, join the search.”
“If you insist.”
He nodded and took off running—his face drawn tight with urgency.
Like a parent desperate to find a stolen child.
(Damn it... they stole my merchandise! Do they have any idea how many gold coins that kid would’ve fetched?!)
What do you think about this chapter?
