"Ah, right, Judas... will you accompany this goddess on a little trip to Maria Orphanage?"
Astraea asked with a gentle smile.
"As you know, Orario has not been a safe place lately, with all kinds of incidents popping up left and right over the past month."
Astraea continued, her tone calm despite the words
She glanced at him from the corner of her eye, a faint glimmer of amusement there.
"You can think of it as an escort mission, where the brave knight guards the fair lady on her little trip."
She added lightly
Judas paused, then let out a dry chuckle.
"You want me to accompany you to visit the orphanage?"
Astraea nodded in confirmation.
"I promised the children that I would visit today. It would be nice to have some help... and some company."
Judas glanced down the street, then nodded.
"Alright. If it's an escort mission, I'll see it through properly."
Astraea's smile brightened.
"I'm glad. The children are quite fond of visitors, especially those who look strong but kind."
"...That's a very specific description."
Judas said, rubbing the back of his neck.
"It fits you well."
She replied without missing a beat.
"I'll take your word for it."
Judas coughed lightly.
As they began walking, Astraea clasped her hands behind her back, her steps light.
"You've changed."
She said softly.
"Hm?"
Judas glanced at her.
"There's less weight in your eyes than before."
"Still there... but lighter."
Astraea continued as she clasped her hands together.
Judas was quiet for a moment.
"I've had... good people around me lately."
Astraea smiled, satisfied.
"That, too, is a form of justice."
Her gaze lingered on him for a brief moment, her expression thoughtful... almost proud... before she turned her attention back to the road.
"I think, the children will like you very much."
Astraea said with a gentle voice, looking ahead, then her froze as her eyes widened in realization.
"Ah, right... before that. I forgot to buy a couple of gifts for the children..."
Astraea muttered, pausing slightly.
Judas blinked, then turned toward her.
"...You really don't miss a thing, do you?"
Astraea let out a soft laugh.
"They always look forward to it. Even something small is enough to make their day brighter."
Judas glanced toward the nearby stalls lining the street.
"Then let's not keep them waiting. What do they usually like?"
"Simple things, toys they can share, sweets they can pass around. Nothing extravagant."
Astraea replied as she began walking again.
"Sounds manageable."
Judas said, following her lead.
They stopped by a modest vendor, wooden toys and colorful trinkets neatly arranged on the counter.
Astraea browsed quietly, selecting a few items with careful thought, while Judas added a couple more... sturdy, harmless things that wouldn't break easily in small hands.
They even brought some snacks that they think the children would enjoy.
As Astraea thanked the vendor, she turned to Judas with a warm smile.
"Thank you for coming along.".
"The children always feel safer when there are kind people around."
Judas scratched the back of his head.
"I don't know about 'kind,' but... I don't mind, Goddess Astraea."
Astraea's smile softened, as if she understood more than he let on.
"Also, Judas, you can just call me Astraea. The way you address me is a little too formal."
She added gently.
"Is that alright?"
Judas paused mid-step.
"I am. But right now, I'm simply accompanying a gentleman to visit some children."
Astraea smiled, unbothered.
He considered that for a moment, then let out a quiet breath.
"...Alright. Astraea."
He said, testing the name.
"Much better."
Her smile widened, pleased.
After walking for a few minutes, they had finally arrived.
"Look! Look! It's Lady Astraea! She's here! She's here!"
"The kind goddess is back! Yay!"
"Lady Astraea! Play with me! Play with me!"
Childish voices rang out one after another as a crowd of small children came running toward them, their faces lit up with unrestrained joy.
"Oh my? Did everyone miss me?"
Astraea said warmly as she crouched down, opening her arms before gently patting their heads one by one.
"Of course we did!"
"You promised you'd come back!"
"Did you bring stories this time?"
Their excited chatter overlapped as they clung to her sleeves, some hugging her waist while others tried to get her attention by tugging on her dress.
A soft laugh escaped Astraea's lips.
"Now, now, everyone... one at a time. I haven't gone anywhere."
She said with a gentle voice.
"And yes, I brought gifts as well."
At those words, the children's eyes sparkled even brighter.
"Gifts?!"
"Really?!"
Standing a short distance away, Judas watched the scene unfold in silence, both arms occupied by the bags of goods they had just bought.
One of the children finally noticed him and tilted her head.
"Um... who's that?"
Her innocent question drew several curious gazes toward Judas.
Judas diverted his attention toward her as well.
A beastkin girl with cream-colored hair.
'Her name must be Fina, right?'
Astraea looked back at him and smiled.
"This is Judas. He's the one who helped me carry all those presents. You should thank him properly."
The children's eyes widened.
"Woah...!"
"He looks strong!"
"Mister! Are you an adventurer?!"
Judas stiffened slightly, then let out a small, awkward chuckle.
"Well... yeah."
Before he could say more, a small pair of hands tugged at the hem of his coat.
"Thank you, Mister!"
"...Yeah. You're welcome."
Despite himself, Judas felt his shoulders relax.
"This person who came with the kind goddess... he feels strangely familiar."
A brown-haired human boy slowed to a stop, his gaze lingering on Judas with open curiosity.
Judas met his stare and quickly recognized him... Rye, one of the children from Maria's orphanage.
He watched as the boy's brows knit together, his expression shifting little by little, as though he were rummaging through his memories.
Then, a second later, realization struck.
Rye's eyes widened, and he suddenly pointed straight at Judas.
"Ah! I remember now! Y-you're that famous record holder... the guy who leveled up to Level 3 in just one month!"
His voice wavered with excitement as the words tumbled out.
"Y-you're Judas Spade, right?"
Despite the stammer, the unmistakable sparkle in his eyes betrayed his awe.
Rye, the rough-looking human boy, stepped closer, staring up at him with pure, unfiltered admiration.
"That's enough, everyone."
The voice was calm, warm... and firm.
A woman stepped into view, her dark hair tied neatly back, a gentle smile on her face.
"You're all crowding Lady Astraea again. Have you already forgotten your manners?"
She said lightly.
The children exchanged glances.
"S-sorry...!"
"We just got excited..."
"She came back!"
"I know, but you should make sure not to overwhelm our guest."
Maria replied, crouching down to their level.
She gently adjusted a collar here, brushed dust off a knee there.
"It's alright, Maria. I don't mind at all. Seeing them so lively makes me happy."
Maria turned to her and dipped her head respectfully.
"Even so, Lady Astraea, you're still a guest. And you as well."
She added, shifting her gaze to Judas.
"Judas Spade... thank you for escorting Lady Astraea here. And for indulging the children."
"It's nothing. They're... good kids."
Judas returned with a light smile.
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