"Get up, child! It was Hermione who saved you, not us. She brought you back, and we only called the doctor to check on you."
"It's no trouble at all. We've been at the clinic and only just got back. Hermione has been taking care of you the whole time. If you want to thank someone, thank her."
"This is the first time we've seen her care so much about someone."
"If you really want to repay the favor, just be a good friend to our Hermione. She's grown up without having a true friend."
The couple spoke one after the other, making Hermione both shy and embarrassed.
It was awkward for someone her age to have no friends.
She feared that Cro might even look down on her because of it.
Thinking of this, Hermione cautiously raised her head to observe Cro's expression.
The Grangers found the scene amusing and exchanged a glance.
Cro was an orphan.
Could they perhaps adopt him?
After all, Hermione liked Cro very much.
Kids her age generally didn't want to be friends with her, thinking she was weird and ostracizing her.
They had often seen Hermione sad and alone in her small room.
It had worried the couple deeply.
If Cro could become Hermione's friend, then they wouldn't have to worry anymore.
Besides, they couldn't just leave a ten-year-old child to wander the streets alone.
...
"Hermione, thank you. I ruined your bun, and yet you still saved my life."
"If you don't mind, I can be your friend. You'll be my very first true friend."
At the end of his sentence, Cro leaned in and whispered softly into Hermione's ear.
Ten years in the orphanage had taught him how to quickly bond with other kids.
The best way was to share a little secret with them.
It would rapidly bring them closer.
"I... well, since you said it like that, I'll agree to be your friend!"
"But it's not that I need a friend. I'm just feeling sorry for you, that's all!"
Hermione raised her chin with a hint of pride, though the excitement in her voice betrayed her true feelings.
[Detected strong happiness!]
[This target has reached today's limit!]
...
[Detected two strong emotions of relief!]
[Reward: Two Bronze Treasure Chests!]
...
Hearing the system notification in his mind, Cro's lips curled into a slight smile.
In just a short while, he had already received three treasure chests.
Although they were just bronze and silver, it proved how powerful the system was.
"Um, Cro, you don't have a place to stay right now, do you? If you don't mind, you can stay with us."
"We happen to have a spare room. I'll go tidy it up, and afterward, we'll take you to buy some clothes. Hermione, come help me."
Without waiting for Cro's response, Mrs. Granger grabbed Hermione and rushed out of the room.
As she left, she made sure to close the door behind her.
In an instant, the room was left with only Cro and Mr. Granger, staring at each other awkwardly.
"That's just how she is. Don't mind it too much," Mr. Granger said, scratching his head with a loving tone.
Cro nodded awkwardly.
Being alone with Hermione's father was uncomfortable, especially since he had intentions toward Hermione.
The awkwardness was enough to make him wish he could dig a hole and disappear.
"Um... thank you for being friends with Hermione. You know, her personality can be difficult, and also..."
Mr. Granger trailed off.
He couldn't very well tell Cro that his daughter wasn't exactly normal, with strange things happening around her from time to time.
Even if Cro believed him, what if he became scared like the others?
That would make Hermione hate him forever.
"It's alright. I find Hermione's personality quite charming. I'm happy to be friends with her."
"And you've even offered me a place to stay. I'll definitely repay this kindness someday!"
Yes.
By giving you two grandkids sooner rather than later!
Cro thought to himself with a smile.
Hermione was truly a treasure.
If he just let her end up with Ron, he might as well find a place to hang himself!
"There's no need to repay us. Just be good friends with Hermione. She can be a bit proud at times, so you might need to be patient with her."
"You just woke up from being unconscious. You must still feel unwell, so go back to sleep for a while. I'll go help them tidy up."
Mr. Granger patted Cro's shoulder in relief.
A child who knew how to repay kindness was sure to get along well with Hermione.
With that settled, he could finally enjoy some alone time with his wife!
...
Cro leisurely lay back on the bed.
He had been thinking about how to get closer to Hermione, this treasure of a girl.
He hadn't expected the Grangers to offer him a place to stay.
This was...
A kindness so great that he didn't know how to repay it!
In ten years, he would repay them with two little ones!
"System, open all three chests! Start with the bronze, then the silver as usual!"
Cro's eyes gleamed with anticipation.
It was time for the exciting, nerve-wracking chest-opening session!
[Congratulations to the host for opening a Bronze Treasure Chest: Reward - Basic Cooking Mastery!]
[Congratulations to the host for opening a Bronze Treasure Chest: Reward - Basic Dental Mastery!]
---------------------
T/N:
For advanced 30 chapters and exclusive content, visit my Patreon: p@treon.com/WizFic.