TVH 55

chapter 55

“Mr. Dante, haven’t you ever wanted something for yourself?”

He paused thoughtfully for a moment, then a faint smile appeared at the corner of his lips as he answered.

“I’ve been eyeing the new cufflinks in white gold, decorated with diamonds.”

If I had said, “I’ll get them for you to celebrate having money,” that could have been a disaster.

“I see. Ah, look, over there—sardines that improve blood circulation and prevent high blood pressure, heart attacks, and diabetes. Let’s buy them for your health.”

I quickly changed the subject, pointing to a fish shop flyer filled with the supposed benefits of sardines.

After finishing the shopping, we had breakfast with the sardine dishes Dante and Ezekiel had prepared. By contribution, Dante probably did 90% of it—nothing was burnt.

“Ez, you just got out of bed and you’re making breakfast? You should rest a few more days.”

Ezekiel scowled at my fussing.

“I’m fine, so don’t treat me like a patient.”

Worried, I carefully checked his condition. Since he had rested well, his face looked much better than before.

“Is that so? Good then. I bought some baking ingredients, so let’s practice hard for our goal.”

I pointed to the ingredients I bought from the market. Ezekiel removed the napkin around his neck and stood up, replying brusquely:

“I can afford that myself, you know? Anyway, thanks.”

Still grumpy like a child. Would it hurt to be a bit friendlier? But even with his grumbling, he was rather cute.

“Ez, we’re going to volunteer at the nursing home today. Want to come along?”

“Sure.”

Expecting a 99.9% refusal, I asked politely, but Ezekiel surprisingly agreed.

“Really? You’ll come? What’s the occasion?”

“There was an elderly man who took good care of me when I was young. Not my grandfather, but he reminded me of him.”

“So he raised you?”

“Not exactly. He was more like a mentor.”

Ezekiel’s gaze drifted into the distance, and his expression looked strangely sad.

“He must have been a good person.”

“Yes.”

Ezekiel answered succinctly and lifted his chin gracefully, offering some advice.

“Eliward won’t come, so don’t bother inviting him. He’d probably just do contract work or sell medicine to the old folks anyway.”

I nodded immediately, thinking that a person without empathy like Eliward would indeed do that.

So, together with Dante, Killian, and Ezekiel, I finished getting ready and stepped outside.

“Toto, we’re not going to the orphanage today.”

At my words, Toto, who had wanted to hop into the car, looked disappointed.

“Do you want to see the kids?”

“Beep.”

“I’ll take you next time, alright?”

“Beep.”

I realized that Toto had already become friends with the children. I also wanted to get close to them—probably by signing up for regular volunteer work.

I wasn’t sure how much the donation would cost, but maybe around 1 million Giv? I’d have to rummage through the mansion to raise the funds.

“Master, please get in. We’re going to be late.”

Killian called me back to reality. I quickly got into the car, tucking the cumbersome necklace inside my clothes.

After about an hour’s drive, we arrived at a nursing home on a hill outside the capital. The exterior was larger and more impressive than I expected, almost like a silver town for wealthy elders.

Standing in front of the gate, I looked up at the metal sign.

[There is No Empire for the Elderly]

“The nursing home’s name… is rather philosophical.”

Ezekiel, looking up at the sign with me, commented,

“Rich elderly people live here.”

“So they must have lots of money and successful children. Why would they come here?”

They could live a leisurely life being cared for. Perhaps they didn’t want to be a burden to their children, or maybe they’d been stripped of their property…

“Wohoo.”

Seeing it firsthand is better than hearing a hundred times.

Entering the grounds, I was immediately struck. This was not a place to worry about the elderly’s wealth. The expansive property had resort-like buildings, spacious gardens, shops, a hospital, cafes—everything. There was nothing missing.

The elderly played poker or golf in stylish clothing, and others lounged by the pool drinking beverages, all with joyful expressions.

Despite the sign claiming “There is No Empire for the Elderly,” it was truly a paradise for them. Even I would choose this over living with children.

“Is… volunteering really necessary?”

I whispered to myself, seeing that everything seemed already provided.

A middle-aged woman approached, greeting us warmly.

“Welcome, volunteers. I am the director. Thank you for taking the time to come here.”

I smiled awkwardly at the elegantly dressed director.

“What should we do here?”

“First, participate in formal dinners, tea gatherings, intellectual discussions, cultural activities, and exercise. They all want to spend time with young people.”

An elderly man passing by gave us a kind look.

“Some promising young people have come. Will you keep this old man company?”

I clasped my hands politely, facing him with a proper demeanor.

“Yes. What shall we talk about?”

“I’d like to discuss the tragedies of human history caused by abnormal development from the fusion of industry and supernatural abilities, the truth gaps caused by illusions, and the dematerialization process of the present age.”

Wait, I don’t understand a word of that.

I glanced at Killian, Dante, and Ezekiel.

Killian was pretending not to notice, Dante stood expressionless, and only Ezekiel nodded thoughtfully, stroking his chin as if seriously considering the grandfather’s topic.

“An interesting socio-philosophical topic. Let’s go somewhere quiet to discuss it.”

Ezekiel was using honorifics? Strange.

“Oh, such bright eyes at a young age. This will be enjoyable.”

Even though he was young, Ezekiel was a scholar who had served as the Academy’s head. I thought it was a good choice to bring him.

Then suddenly:

“Are you all former soldiers? I can tell just by your posture. Which base?”

Dante and Killian were immediately swept away by retired generals passing by.

I, a completely ordinary person, was left alone.

“Lady, did you come for the outdoor tea party?”

I turned at the sudden question. Three elderly women in extravagant ball gowns, lace, beads, and hats decorated with corsages looked at me.

“Tea party?”

A noble-looking elderly lady looked me over from head to toe, smirking.

“You are a lady we haven’t met before. Your dress is modest for a tea party, but having come a long way, it’s only proper to offer you tea.”

That was exactly the indirect, sarcastic tone of a high-fantasy noble villain.

I followed them to the tea party location, thinking:

Is this really volunteer work?

I experienced a proper tea party for the first time since I was born in this world.

Amid a garden full of flowers, a luxurious teacup and beautiful desserts were laid on a white table. I felt like a noble lady myself.

Thanks to rigorous ball training, I had learned proper etiquette, so I handled it without panic.

While greeting and smiling naturally, one elderly lady asked:

“Lady, have you had your debutante ball?”

“No, I’m not a noble.”

Their eyes widened in shock. Really that shocking?

“Not a noble? I thought it was odd you didn’t wear a fancy dress to a tea party.”

“Times have changed. A commoner attending a noble tea party—unbelievable.”

I came here to volunteer! But they suddenly invited me. How unfair.

While grumbling inside, a peach-colored-haired lady asked me,

“What do you usually do?”

“I tend a vegetable garden. Soon I’ll harvest potatoes and cucumbers and bring them next time.”

“Such diligence, fitting for a commoner. Admirable.”

Was that praise or an insult?