Ryojin stepped into the wooden building, the warmth of lamplight illuminating the interior. The scent of rice filled the air, and his gaze swept over the long wooden table at the center, where plates of food were neatly arranged. Several doors lined the walls, hinting at the number of rooms within.
Trina, still holding his hand, beamed with excitement. "Come on in, Rio!" She tugged him forward before turning toward an older man carrying a tray of tea. "Hey, Mister Kenny, come see who Kina brought home!"
As the light fully revealed Ryojin's face, Trina's eyes widened. "Wow… your eyes are different," she said, stepping closer.
"Let me see!" Kina chimed in, stepping in front of him. "You're right! They're violet!"
The other children quickly gathered around, their small faces filled with curiosity. Some pointed, others whispered in awe.
Ryojin felt a bit overwhelmed but managed a small, shy smile.
"Come now, children, give the young man some space," the older man—Mister Kenny—said with a chuckle. His gray, messy curls framed his face, and he wore a loose-fitting shirt and shorts, giving him a relaxed appearance. He set the tray down on the table and gestured to the food. "Eat up, it's getting late."
The children quickly returned to their stools, digging into their meals.
Trina glanced back at Ryojin. "Aren't you going to join us?"
Ryojin shook his head slightly. "No, I'm fine," he said in a low voice.
Trina hesitated but returned to her seat.
Mister Kenny approached him, his eyes scanning Ryojin from head to toe. It was a simple, silent assessment, but something about it made Ryojin feel… unsettled. He averted his gaze, unsure why he felt so self-conscious.
Finally, the man smiled, running a hand through his hair. "Kina, mind introducing our guest properly?"
"Ah! Right!" Kina straightened up. "This is Rio, a traveler from the kingdom of Hidu."
Mister Kenny raised an eyebrow. "Hidu?" His voice held a hint of skepticism. "And what brings him all the way here?"
"I came to find a friend," Ryojin answered, keeping his tone neutral.
"Yeah, but it's gotten late," Kina added quickly, shifting slightly. "So I thought… maybe he could stay here for a while, just until he finds them."
A long pause followed. Mister Kenny studied both of them, his expression unreadable. Then, to Ryojin's surprise, he simply nodded.
"Hope you find your friend," he said, turning away. "Kina, show him to a spare room."
Ryojin blinked. No questions, no warnings—just quiet acceptance. That was strange. Any rational person would be wary of a stranger, especially one dressed like him. And yet, Mister Kenny hadn't pressed the issue. Was he naïve? Or simply… different?
Regardless, it was clear these people were fortunate that he had no ill intentions.
"Come on," Kina said, her voice calmer now. She led him down a dimly lit passage.
As they walked, Trina suddenly hopped off her stool and waved at him. Ryojin hesitated, then offered a small wave in return before continuing on.
The passage was lined with doors on either side, lanterns casting a warm glow over the wooden walls.
"What is this place, exactly?" Ryojin finally asked.
Kina let out a soft chuckle. "You're funny. Isn't it obvious? This is an orphanage."
Ryojin's steps slowed. "An orphanage?" he repeated under his breath.
"Yeah. After the war between the Abyssal Clan and the Celestial Order, a lot of parents were killed," she said, her voice quiet. "This building—and the others outside—are for the kids left behind."
A heavy silence followed.
Ryojin lowered his head slightly, guilt settling in his chest. The war…he was part of … had left behind more than just destruction. Four kingdoms had fallen. The remaining six barely survived. And now, here he was—standing in a place built for the children whose lives had been shattered by the very conflict he and his comrades had taken part in.
It was as if fate was reminding him of his sins.
Eventually, they reached the end of the passage, where a wooden door stood, its hinges covered in cobwebs.
"This is your room," Kina said, gesturing toward it. She turned to leave, but Ryojin instinctively caught her wrist.
"Thank you," he said, his voice unusually soft. "And… don't worry. I mean no harm."
Kina looked at him for a moment before nodding. "I hope so."
Then, with a small sigh, Ryojin released her.
Just as she started walking away, he hesitated. "One more thing," he added. "Could you… bring me some fresh clothes? And some water? I need a bath."
Kina gave a short laugh. "Alright. I'll be back soon."
Ryojin watched her disappear down the hallway before pushing open the door. The room was small, dust swirling in the air as he stepped inside. A thin mattress lay on the floor, and old tools cluttered the corners.
"Damn, this place is dusty," he muttered, coughing as he waved away the air.
Not long after, Kina returned, carrying a bundle of clothes.
"Sorry about the dust," she said as she entered. "No one really uses this room."
"It's fine," Ryojin replied.
She handed him the clothes. "And about bathing—come with me. I'll show you where to wash up."
He followed her to another room, where a large dish of water sat on the ground.
"Here you go," she said, pointing to it. "Though, uh… it's cold."
"That's fine," Ryojin answered.
Kina hesitated. Then, shifting slightly, she gave him a small smile. "Alright… I guess I'll see you tomorrow then."
Ryojin simply nodded,he watched Kina walked away, her footsteps growing quieter until they disappeared. He stood there for a moment, staring at the empty hallway, feeling the weight of the day settle on him.
With a deep breath, he turned and stepped inside. The door creaked as it closed behind him, leaving him alone in the dimly lit room.
He let out a quiet sigh, running a hand through his hair.
For now, at least, he would rest.