While the opportunity to learn more about the Orphanage is here, I still made sure to mask my curiosity with questions.
"The orphanage, sir?"
"Yes. This orphanage is owned by Theo Ormer. A month ago, the orphanage suddenly got destroyed overnight. No one knows how it happened, but at least the residents were safe. The director and the residents living there have no recollection of what happened, and now they are relocated to another orphan in Goldberg."
"Did you investigate how it happened?"
"So far, the only lead we have is that it was destroyed with force."
It is the same from what I heard from the locals. The only difference is that Esteban said they are transferred to Goldberg.
"For me personally, there is more on this case. I find it hard to believe that they don't remember what happened, and for some reason, people believe it. Not only that, people don't know where they went, so I made a small investigation on my own and found out they are at the orphanage in Goldberg. While I would like to continue my investigation, it would make the orphanage worry of me since I am well known around these parts.
I see. It does sound suspicious when you think about it. Orphanage suddenly got destroyed, the resident living there has no memory of what happened, people accepting like it is not something unusual and people not knowing where did they go.
"That is where you come in. You are the perfect person for this job. You are a second ranker strong enough to protect the noble kids, and you can blend in since you are also a child."
"I see."
I am accepting this commission. However, there is one more thing that I need to ask.
"What about the last reason?"
"..."
He went quiet for a moment while closing his eyes.
"The third reason is for your group to act as a bait."
"...What do you mean, sir?"
"Like I said, there more to this case. I don't know if you heard or not, but Theo Ormer got killed by unknown reason in the prison. This leads me to think that there are other conspirators who want to silence him. The fact that this happened can not be just a coincidence, so I want to investigate this matter on secrecy."
"I see. You want me to investigate the orphanage while protecting the group of noble kids that can act as my cover, and since we can act as bait to attract the attention to the ones behind this, you can proceed with your secret investigation."
"That sums it up, Yes."
What a crafty person. As expected from Esteban, that defended the Sarvall kingdom all these years.
"I am aware that this job is dangerous and troublesome, but you're the only person that can do it. I will give more than enough compensation for it."
"...What if I fail to protect them, leading it to fail the commission in all?"
"You will not be blamed for that since I am aware that this is a difficult commission. However, I trust you enough to complete this commission. After all..."
He looked at me and grinned.
"There is no failure for the Whistling Sliencer."
Hah! I see now. He reminds me of my master. Both are strong and crafty. I guess wisdom comes with age.
After Esteban said that, the secretary, Miss Lind, who is standing beside her, looked at me surprised.
"The Whistling Silencer? No way..."
"Miss Lind..."
"A-ah, I'm sorry. I-i am just surprised."
He looked at Miss Lind looking concerned, and then he looked back at me.
"So, will you accept it?"
"... Before I accept, I have one more question."
"Of course, what is it?"
"How long will I have to party with them?"
"If possible, I want you to be with them for a month."
"A month, huh..."
I guess I'll have to tell Rina about this commission if I want to do this for a month.
"I'll accept it."
"Excellent! A capable hunter who can help with the investigation is very helpful. Thank you for accepting."
"Alright. When do we start?"
"Tomorrow. I'll have to tell them via Gus."
"I see, then I'll take my leave then."
"Alright then."
I stood up and bowed to him as a sign of respect and then left the building. Having done my business here, I left Holgate by going outside the gate. As I was about to leave, I saw seven familiar figures, It was Gus and company.
"Ah, Garywr!"
Gus waved as they came closer to me. I noticed that the boys are carrying a large sack while the girls are carrying smaller bags.
"Looks like you have a successful hunt."
"Yeah. We are on our way to the association."
"Oh, It's you!"
Derek shouted as he saw me. The others also done the same.
"You are also going hunt, Garwyr?"
Maya asked me. For some reason, she is getting all familiar with me.
"Hey, Maya?"
"What?"
"Don't bother him. I'm sure he wants nothing to do with us."
Paprika said as she admonished her. Joe also admonished her.
"Yeah, you are getting familiar with him."
"I'm sure it is fine, right, Garwyr?"
Maya looked at me and smiled. And then Derek frowned as he said something.
"I don't know why Sir Esteban asked him to be our guide, but I'm sure we'll do fine ourselves."
"...Actually, I'll be joining you as a temporary member starting tomorrow."
Everyone looks surprised. And then, some of them felt happy while others were relieved.
"Looks like Young mas- Ahem! Derek will be fine with you here."
"Hey! We can do it, you know! And are you fine with this, Err, Garwyr?"
"Yeah. Only as a temporary member for a month, though."
"Huh... I guess that is fine."
Gus felt relieved while Derek seemed conflicted and then nodded.
"Looks like I won't have to worry about you, young lady, ah, I mean, Paprika."
"Right. At least we got someone to guide and teach us. Especially when we are the same age."
Wesley looked like his worry had gone away, and Paprika looks relieved.
"Alright! Then let's get along, Garwyr!"
"Sure..."
Maya then shook my hands happily as the others nodded, approving me joining their group.
"Alright. I'll be going now, see you all tomorrow at the association."
"Yeah, yeah. See ya!"
"Oh, Derek... Farewell then, sir Garwyr."
Derek shouted as Paprika was astonished with him and then waved me goodbye. The others also did the same as I left Holgate and went to the Sherwood Forest.