Chapter 30: A New Home

Ghaz collected the pestle and mortar and washed them, along with the pot in which he had boiled the water. The previous owner must have paid a pretty penny to set a rune that provided a water flow. However, the issue was that it was powered by a mana crystal.

The previous owner hadn't taken it with him, but Ghaz knew he would eventually have to buy a replacement when this one lost its energy—and even the cheapest mana crystal cost around 10 gold coins.

No patient will be able to pay even one gold coin unless they're wealthy merchants or nobles—a circle of customers I'm not expecting anytime soon, Ghaz thought grimly.

He walked to the room where Nila was sleeping and gently shook her.

"I'm going to collect your brother. Don't leave the clinic," Ghaz whispered in her ear.

"Yes, teacher," Nila murmured sleepily, turning over, still half-asleep.

Ghaz chuckled softly, then closed the door and locked the clinic from the outside. He had left a spare key inside so Nila could still get out if she needed to.

As he made his way to the slums, he stopped at a few stalls and bought some clothes for Neuman and Nila, as well as three more mattresses and blankets for them.

When he finally reached their house, he stood before it, taking in the sight—the creaking tile roof and cracked walls.

No kid should live like this, no matter what world it is.

He knocked firmly on the door.

"Neuman, it's me—Ghaz. Open up," he called out.

The door creaked slightly as Neuman's weak voice responded from the other side.

"Yes, Shaman," Neuman feebly called as he unlocked the door.

Ghaz stood still for a moment as Neuman opened it.

Human orphans will be taken in by the Sanctum of Four Elements, while beast-kin children can consider themselves lucky if they manage to survive and grow up, he thought grimly.

"Collect what's important for you and Nila. Both of you will be living with me and Druth from now on," Ghaz said as he entered the house and looked around.

It was kept as clean as possible, but with its cracked walls and mud floor, it wasn't much.

There were some old mattresses, a few dented pots and kettles, and some wild vegetables in the corner.

"Don't take the wild vegetables or the old mattress," Ghaz said. He had already bought three mattresses, and the vegetables probably wouldn't taste good anyway.

Neuman just nodded, gathered his and his sister's clothes, and placed them in a blanket, tying it up to carry.

Ghaz looked around to make sure Neuman hadn't missed anything. When they exited, Ghaz noted that the house didn't even have a proper lock.

But it won't be a problem, he thought. There's nothing to steal except some wild vegetables and old mattresses that probably won't even keep you warm.

"You ready to leave?" Ghaz asked as he took the clothes from Neuman. It was easy for an orc to carry everything on his shoulder.

Neuman just stared at the creaky door, his eyes filled with tears, and simply nodded.

Neuman was a short kid who was always silent, spending most of his time in the house. Occasionally, he would go out with his sister to the nearby forest to collect berries and vegetables to sell for a cheap price. It wasn't much, but at least they could eat the berries and vegetables they foraged.

Ghaz grabbed Neuman's hand as they walked toward the clinic. The sun was already setting, so he made a quick stop at a street food stall.

"Gimme bread and bone marrow soup, boss," Ghaz said to the vendor as he placed the mattresses down.

He turned around to Neuman and asked,

"What do you want to eat?"

Neuman suddenly froze and started biting his nails. His lips parted slightly, but no words came out.

"Come on, kid, say what you want," the vendor said as he sliced the bread and poured the soup into a bowl, placing it in front of Ghaz.

"Take your time," Ghaz said, dipping the bread into the soup, scooping up some of the marrow along with it. The bread oozed with the rich broth as he chewed, the savory flavor filling his mouth.

"Gimme some bread and roast beef as well. Wrap the bread around the beef and cover it with a leaf," Ghaz said between bites. This was for Nila, who might be hungry after waking up.

"P-Potato soup," Neuman stuttered softly.

Ghaz patted his head and said,

"Talk more, and you won't stutter anymore. And don't be afraid to talk to anyone—you have me, Ghaz, and Druth."

Neuman just nodded as the vendor handed him the potato soup.

"Careful, it's hot," the vendor warned as he moved on to the next customer.

Neuman slowly sipped the soup, blowing on each spoonful to cool it.

"How lo-long will we be w-with you?" Neuman asked between sips.

"Till your sister learns the craft fully," Ghaz replied as he wiped the bowl clean with the leftover bread.

"Your sister will be a healer. What about you?" Ghaz asked, glancing at the boy.

"I want to be an ad-adventurer," Neuman said softly, chewing on a piece of potato.

Ghaz smirked.

"An adventurer, huh? Well, you'll need to get stronger then. And that means more food, more practice, and fewer stutters," he teased lightly, ruffling Neuman's hair.

"Re-really?" Neuman asked, his eyes filled with joy.

"Yep. Druth is a very strong warrior. I'm sure he can teach you how to fight very well," Ghaz said.

"Thank y-you," Neuman said as he finished his bowl of soup.

"You want anything else?" Ghaz asked as he stacked the bowls and paid the bill, which was 1 silver and 25 copper coins.

"No," Neuman said as he stood up from his chair and wiped his mouth with a smile.

For the first time that day, Neuman smiled faintly, his eyes glimmering with a small spark of hope.