Published: September 9, 2025
Satou here. There are always those who get involved in evil deeds no matter where they are. However, it’s sad that because of the actions of a few scoundrels, those who are working earnestly end up being looked at with suspicion.
â—‡
“—The others are missing too?!”
As I was checking the location of the corrupt orphanage directors on the map, unsettling words came from Boy Shin and the children we had rescued.
“Y-yeah. Pon and Chobi disappeared. While we were searching separately, Noza and Joy went missing too, and before we knew it, they were captured by those people.”
“What should we do, Shin-nii?”
Hmm, a group abduction... that’s pretty bad.
“Don’t worry. We’ll handle the rescue of the larval forms. Master, permission!”
Uncharacteristically, Nana was fired up.
“Exactly! Our Master will quickly find the kidnappers and rescue the children!”
“Don’t underestimate this just because they’re kids! How do you expect to find them in this crowd?”
Shin snapped at Arisa’s easy promises. He seemed emotional because of the pressure.
The young girls, unsettled by his outburst, began crying loudly, and Pochi, Tama, and Lulu hurriedly comforted them.
Alright, time to get things under control—
I searched by orphanage affiliation on the map.
It appeared they were being held captive inside a factory within the same district.
It seemed other children gathered from different orphanages were there too.
There were over a dozen members of the criminal guild and one slave trader, plus two bodyguards, a level 30 male and a level 20 female.
The man had the title “Berserker” and the “Frenzy” skill, so he was somewhat dangerous.
Nana interrogated a man they had captured as an intermediary and extracted the factory’s location.
Though I already knew it, it was a necessary step.
“—I told you, it’s okay.”
“We’ll handle it ourselves. We’ll find those guys even if we have to tear our legs off.”
I cut in between Arisa and Shin’s ongoing argument.
“That’s enough. I got the location of where the children were abducted from this guy.”
“Wh-where?!”
Shin tried to bolt.
Very heroic initiative, but he lacked the level to go alone.
“It’s dangerous on your own. Let’s go together—”
I stopped Shin and offered to accompany him.
“We’ll deal with the criminals. We’d like you to handle the children’s rescue, is that alright?”
“Y-yeah. As long as the little ones are saved, that’s all I care about.”
“Good, it’s settled. Arisa, Lulu, and Mia, please protect these kids. If the guards arrive, hand over the kidnappers and report the situation.”
“Got it!”
Leaving the task to Arisa, we headed to the factory with Shin.
Inviting the corrupt directors to prison would have to wait.
â—‡
“Is this an abandoned factory?”
“Looks like it.”
The factory we arrived at was deserted, with the entrance barricaded by thick wooden beams.
While answering Liza, I looked around and found the factory’s sign, understanding why it was abandoned.
“Look at that. The crest of the count’s family that was punished for treason recently.”
So this place was used by people connected to the “Light of Freedom.”
The kidnappers inside were likely carrying out a plan ordered by Mirage before their death.
Nearby residents had probably gone to an event near the auction site, and the street in front of the factory was quiet.
Even if suspicious men were coming and going, no one seemed likely to report them.
“Tama, infiltrate and find the children’s location.”
“Roger that~”
Tama disappeared at my command.
Shin and Ms. Zena were surprised, but I ignored it for now.
Hiding in the shadows near the factory, Tama slipped over the fence and came back.
“Found them~?”
“So fast!”
“No way!”
Shin and Lirio exclaimed, amazed at Tama accomplishing the mission in under a minute.
Ms. Zena was speechless from surprise.
I had already told Tama about the children being held in the employee dormitory’s basement, so this result was expected.
“I’ll leave the rescue to Shin-kun. Pochi and Tama, please protect him.”