I brought Harris here since I will need someone to help me manage the operations in the orphanage. I will be busy for the next few months with my training so I won’t have the time to take care of the things here.
Alaric observed from the side as Harris proceeded with the official contract signing with William who served as the representative for the orphanage.
Things went smoothly since they had already discussed the situation beforehand.
“We will send the funds over every first day of the month.”
“Thank you for your cooperation, Sir William.” Harris extended his hand while smiling lightly.
The old man was a bit emotional when he shook hands with him. “We should be the ones thanking you!”
He then turned his head to Alaric and bowed deeply. “Thank you, my lord! With your monetary assistance, the children’s basic needs will finally be met. I cannot thank you enough!”
“I’m only doing what I promised to do.” Alaric smiled.
Josephine and Rasmus who were observing from the sidelines couldn’t conceal their excitement.
Money was their number one problem, but it has been taken care of just like that. They still couldn’t believe it.
“For the next matter, can you let me talk with Rasmus privately?”
Hearing this, William nodded and it looked like he was already prepared for this. “Of course, my lord.”
With the exception of Rasmus, everyone left.
“Have you made a decision?” Alaric asked while staring deeply at Rasmus.
Rasmus took a deep breath, his gaze was firm and full of determination. “Yes, my lord. I have already thought it over.”
“I always wanted to become strong enough to protect my family. Just recently, I almost lost my sisters because of how pathetically weak I am. If it weren’t for grandfather, my sisters would have already been…” He clenched his fists as fury flashed in his eyes.
“I wish to follow you, my lord! I want to become a Knight and become strong enough to give my family a safe environment to live in! Please grant my wish!” His voice echoed with strong determination.
Alaric’s lips curved upwards.
That’s right. This is the Rasmus that I know. A man who seeks strength to protect his family. That’s who you are, my friend.
“Good! Starting today, you will follow me back to North Pine Town. We will begin with your training as soon as we are done with the tasks here.”
“Pack your stuff and prepare to depart.”
“Yes, my lord!” Rasmus nodded, turned around, and left.
With this, I have gained myself a companion with a limitless future!
Alaric stared at the sky through the window.
This is just the start!
***
The children who were assigned to work were taken to the workshop to be trained.
William accompanied them on the trip to familiarize himself with the working environment of the children. He also followed them there to ascertain whether Alaric was truthful with his words.
…
Inside the scented soap workshop.
“How is it, Sir William? How do you feel about the children’s job?” Alaric stared at the old man who was observing the job training of the children.
William knitted his eyebrows. “The environment here is good and the children are even given free meals, but can they really do well in their job? What if they make a lot of mistakes?”
Alaric smiled lightly.
“Making mistakes is normal. It’s a sign that they are willing to learn. Just give them some time and they will eventually be familiar with their tasks. By then, things will be a lot easier for them.”
“That’s true. I can rest easy knowing that they are working for you, my lord.” William smiled, looking more relaxed than ever.
…
After dealing with the manpower problem at the workshop, Alaric brought Harris to the market to sell some of their Dragon Tail Ferns.
They didn’t sell the herbs in large volumes but sold them in batches to different stores.
According to Harris, it was to prevent anyone from thinking that they had a large supply of Dragon Tail Ferns.
Alaric learned a lot about the business trade with his help. He also realized during this trip that he wasn’t cut out for this kind of thing.
On their way back to North Pine Town, Alaric was in deep thought.
It looks like I need to find someone who can help me manage my business. Vince is a smart man, but he isn’t good at dealing with people. It might not be good to make him manage everything on his own. I need someone capable.
The first person that came to his mind was Harris. Unfortunately, the guy was responsible for most of the household’s businesses so it might be too much to leave everything in his hands.
As he thought of this, someone’s face suddenly came to his mind.
That’s right… How could I forget you?
He felt a wave of sorrow and guilt when he recalled this person.
No. There should be other choices… I still can’t face her…
In his past life, there was a woman who helped him stabilize House Silversword which was on the verge of collapsing. It was because of her efforts that the household managed to get back on its feet.
She was a woman talented in business just like his mother, Maria.
Alaric rubbed his temples and tried to remove her from his mind.
“Is there anything wrong, my lord? You don’t look well.” Rasmus muttered with concern when he saw Alaric’s troubled face.
“It’s nothing. I just thought about something unpleasant.” Alaric forced out a smile.
Rasmus no longer said anything after hearing his response.
Soon, they finally arrived at North Pine Town.
So this is the domain of House Silversword. The town looks better than I expected.
Rasmus observed the townspeople and noticed that everyone looked happy. There were also no beggars on the streets and there were even children playing outside with no fear for their safety. It was an environment that was completely different from Vale where all sorts of people had gathered.
Household Silversword is truly good to their people.
These were his thoughts on his first visit to North Pine Town.