Children are polarizing creatures. They can be a source of joy–or stress. They can be sweet angels–or demons. They can have infinite potential for greatness–for good or bad. Despite this, most children are somewhere in the middle and have a mixture of these traits. With that being said, I don't hate children personally; fact of the matter, I wouldn't mind raising a family in a perfect world. However, my answer is–
"...not a chance."
"But come on man, look at her!"
Crawley and I have spent the past hour discussing the results of the auction heist, as well as the "treasure" I've managed to acquire. I take another look at the girl I brought; she is sleeping soundly on a futon Crawley got from upstairs somewhere.
"Okay, I can see her. So what?"
"What do you mean 'so what'? Can't you see her condition? Her clothes are tainted with blood, sweat, and urine, she hasn't bathed in seemingly weeks, and hasn't eaten much either. Don't you see the problem?"
"No, I fail to see how it's my problem. I did my end of the deal–now the kid is your responsibility–not mine. What kind of businessman doesn't account for the costs of his decisions?"
"Ah, I know it's my responsibility and all…but I can't do it right now. As you can see, I don't have extra space in my shop, or at my house. Also, I'll be incredibly busy with some business-related matters in Fraus over the next couple of weeks. So again, would ya please–"
"I said no. What am I, your buddy who does everything for you? Can't you get someone else you know personally to take care of the girl?"
"I could, but few would be willing to take in a demi-human child, and the few who would, might not have the purest intentions. I may not know much about you, Vex, but I can tell that you are trustworthy in these matters. Besides, it's only temporary!"
Crawley gives me a cheeky smile, presumably in an attempt to sway me? The nerve of this guy!
"Tch!"
I smack my lips, snatch the coin pouch off the table, and turn towards the exit. Why would someone like me even think about looking after someone's kid? Heck, I can hardly afford to look after myself! Besides, that girl has suffered enough–no need to make her life worse than what it is.
"Cold as usual, I see."
THUMP
Without needing to turn around, I could hear a sound all too familiar–the sounds of my native language.
"You know what Crawley, sometimes I really hate you."
I can feel his cheeky grin beaming even stronger.
_________________________________________________________________________
"There you go."
Finally, I arrived home at last after such a long day. I would have returned from Crawley's much faster if I didn't have to carry the kid. Nothing else matters right now; at least I finally get a chance to rest…
I glance at the sleeping girl, forcing me to sigh.
"...at least for the night."
Surprisingly, the girl remained asleep throughout the entire walk home, and she is still sleeping soundly on the small bed I placed her on–my only bed.
"It can't be helped."
My house is more akin to a hut–it is only a paradise for a single person. Sure, more than one person could live here, but who would consider hell as living? Thanks to Crawley's funding, I can at least try to make things work.
Looking at the girl's condition, I couldn't just leave her on the floor to sleep. Speaking of her condition…
"..."
I take a moment to carefully analyze her status. Indeed, she has suffered from various injuries.
Upon closer inspection, I can even see traces of red imprints around her neck and mouth. No doubt that those traffickers had something to do with this.
I placed my blanket over her and set-up my hammock across from her. It's kind of ironic that despite me being in better physical shape, I can't seem to fall asleep as easily. This is exhausting.
No, not just this, but this entire realm of existence. That little girl looks no older than eight, but she has suffered due to being cursed as a demi-human. Demi-human traffickers use their curses to make other children like her suffer. Heck, all my curse has ever done is cause misfortune to everyone.
Especially to me.
If curses never existed…then surely the suffering wouldn't be to this degree. If I were omnipotent, I'd just eliminate curses once and for all.
After all, it's not like the gods care.