"Of course, please follow me," Smith replied, leading Max to Romina's room.
Max followed Smith, and after a few minutes, they reached a secluded corner room. Smith entered first, and Max followed him inside.
In the heart of the room, Max was met with the sight of a middle-aged woman, gently resting on a bed.
She was the focal point, enveloped by a group of several children who had assembled around her.
Their presence was a testament to the bond between them and the woman, creating an atmosphere of care and concern.
The room radiated with a sense of shared hope and unity, as they all gathered in support of the woman, offering comfort and solace.
Max couldn't help but be moved by the scene, recognizing the importance of the connection that bound them all together.
Smith's voice broke the silence in the room as he gently addressed the group, saying, "Please, everyone, leave the room and give us some time."
Upon hearing Smith's request, all the children quietly left the room, leaving only Max, Smith, and Romina behind.
'cough~ cough~'
Amidst a gentle cough, Romina turned her attention to Smith and asked, "Smith, was there something you wanted to discuss? And who is the gentleman behind you?" Her voice was soft, reflecting the concern and curiosity in her words as she observed the children leaving the room.
Smith, initially hesitant, couldn't ignore Romina's curiosity and concern.
He decided to share everything that Max had conveyed to him earlier, providing a full account of the information Max had shared.
The transparency in his communication was a testament to the trust and responsibility he held within the orphanage.
As Romina listened to the entire story, tears welled up in her eyes.
Max, observing her emotional response, felt a pang in his heart. He didn't want to deceive, but the circumstances left him with no other choice.
Romina, with a heartfelt sigh, remarked, "Alas, David was such a good boy. I still remember how I first met him. I can only hope that wherever he is now, he is doing well and leading a good life." Her words carried a mixture of nostalgia and affection for the young boy who had once been a part of the orphanage.
After taking a few moments to compose her thoughts, Romina looked at the man who claimed to be David's friend and a 1st Circle magician. She spoke with gratitude,
"I don't know how to thank you, Mr. Max. What you've done, no one else would care for us in such a way. I am deeply grateful to you, both from my perspective and on behalf of our entire orphanage family."
Her words conveyed heartfelt appreciation for Max's efforts and the care he had shown to their community.
"You can call me Max, Granny Romina," Max replied, his voice filled with warmth. "And what I'm doing is not just a duty; it's a promise I made to someone I once called my friend."
His words reflected the depth of his commitment and the love he held for the memory of that friendship. In helping the orphanage, Max was not only fulfilling an obligation but honoring a cherished connection from the past.
"And please, use these," Max said, reaching into a small ring he had brought with him.
From it, he retrieved two high-quality health potions that he had purchased for 50 Chef Points earlier when he arrived at the Romina's room with Smith.
These potions were known for their potency and effectiveness in restoring health.
Max carefully placed the health potions into a spatial ring, a valuable item that had been given to him by Edward before his departure.
When Max had reached the level of a 1st Circle magician, he gained the ability to utilize the ring's spatial storage function. It allowed him to store and retrieve items conveniently, making it a valuable asset in his magical journey.
"Thank you so much," Romina began to decline the gift, but after a subtle hint from Smith, she graciously accepted it.
She was well aware of the rarity and value of high-quality potions, having only seen them once in the village chief's house.
Their cost was considerably high, and if she had known that how Max had purchased them, it would have left her astonished and deeply appreciative.
Romina accepted the potions with a grateful smile, recognizing their significance.
She knew that these high-quality health potions could be a great help to the children and herself during times of illness or injury.
Max's thoughtfulness and generosity left a lasting impression, and Romina appreciated his efforts in supporting the orphanage.
Max could sense that Romina might be overwhelmed by the value of the health potions. He reassured her with a kind smile and gently said, "Please, use both of these on yourself, Granny. I have more with me that I've set aside for the children. You can rest assured that I will do everything in my power to help the children and ensure their well-being."
His words were filled with determination and a genuine desire to support the orphanage.
Max wanted to alleviate any worries Romina might have about the children's health and safety. He understood that the orphanage was facing challenges, and he was committed to making a difference.
Romina's eyes filled with gratitude as she nodded in acknowledgment. Max's assurance provided her with a sense of relief, knowing that there was someone like him looking out for the children's welfare.
It was a moment of profound connection and trust, and both Max and Romina shared a common purpose – to care for the orphanage's young residents.
"Then I will take my leave for now, Granny. Please rest for a while, and we can discuss the rescue process later when you're feeling better," Max said, showing consideration for Romina's well-being.
Romina nodded and replied, "Thank you, Max."
Smith stepped in and said, "Please, allow me to guide our guest to our restroom. You take your time, Miss Romina."
With that, Max followed Smith out of the room, leaving Romina to rest and regain her strength. Their conversation had set the stage for a plan to rescue the children from the Bandits, a mission Max was determined to see through.