Merchant Noble is out (3/4 chapters for today)
Eve Festival (3)
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Thanks to Marie, who led them away, they managed to escape the crowd. After walking for a while, they arrived at a church.
The church also had an orphanage, so it seemed the boy was from there. Marie appeared to be a nun, but her attire was clearly not that of a traditional nun. A large man was waiting in front of the orphanage, probably the orphanage’s headmaster. As soon as he saw Arc, he bowed deeply.
“I am terribly sorry for causing such a disturbance to a noble!” (Headmaster)
He then roughly grabbed the boy’s arm and tried to drag him away.
“No! Please don’t hit me… don’t hit me…” (Boy)
The boy’s terrified pleas echoed across the church grounds.
“That’s not going to happen. You never listen no matter how many times I tell you. The only way to teach you is by force.” (Headmaster)
“Don’t hit meeeee!” (Boy)
The boy panicked and screamed. It seemed like corporal punishment was a common occurrence given the boy’s extreme resistance.
Marie stopped the headmaster from dragging the boy away by force.
“Headmaster, violence is not acceptable. A child who is beaten even once will carry that trauma for life.” (Marie)
“But, but… this child stole something.” (Headmaster)
“I will apologize to the noble on his behalf. I’ll talk to this child later myself.” (Marie)
“It’s already over, so there’s no need to resort to violence.” (Arc)
As Marie and the supervisor argued, Arc interjected. Although Minerva was indeed angry, Arc couldn’t ask for the boy to be beaten. Moreover, there was no benefit for Arc in having the boy beaten.
With Arc’s intervention, the headmaster reluctantly relented and pushed the boy away. Marie, who had witnessed this, turned to Arc and bowed deeply.
“I’m very sorry for the unpleasant experience.” (Marie)
“There’s no need for you to apologize to me. Even if you do, it doesn’t change what has happened.” (Arc)
Marie continued to apologize profusely.
“You don’t seem to be a nun, though.” (Arc)
“Yes, I’m not a nun. I simply help out because I want to rescue as many children without parents as I can.” (Marie)
Arc and Minerva understood immediately.
“That’s truly admirable.” (Arc)
“I think it’s a wonderful thing.” (Minerva)
Both of them complimented her, almost as if they were flattering her. Marie, who wasn’t a nun but was helping out at the orphanage, must be a high-ranking woman. Considering her age, she could be a noble’s daughter or the daughter of a great merchant. Even though she referred to them as “noble,” it was clear she wasn’t someone who would pick a fight.
“By the way, do you always protect children like that?” (Arc)
“Yes. Rather than ruling by force, I believe children will understand better if we talk to them properly.” (Marie)
Marie answered with confidence.
“That’s very… how should I put it…” (Arc)
Arc struggled to find a compliment, but the word “naive” stuck in his mind, blocking any other words. He took back what he said earlier. This woman is not a merchant’s daughter. She must be a noble’s daughter, as her idealistic view of people’s goodness was completely incompatible with the mindset of a merchant.
Before Arc could speak, Minerva went on the offensive.
“So, if all the children here were to steal, would you still try to talk to each one of them?” (Minerva)
“Of course. It would take an enormous amount of time, but even if they are poor, they are all essentially good children. They will definitely understand.” (Marie)
Don’t underestimate the poor. When money runs out, it’s the heart that gets impoverished first. The resentment and bitterness from the poor towards merchants are profound.
Minerva, having followed her father all her life and done nothing to earn her wealth, might harbor strong feelings towards the poor who resented her father’s hard-earned success.
“Then, was the child who stole Onii-sama’s wallet a first-time offender?” (Minerva)
Marie hesitated for a moment.
“That child… this is his second offense.” (Marie)
“Ah, so he didn’t mend his ways after the first time?” (Minerva)
“It’s likely that my previous words weren’t enough. This time, I will make sure he reforms with proper reflection.” (Marie)
To Minerva, Marie’s thoughts probably seemed like a garden of flowers. She continued to press.
“What if the child stole for a third time? Would you still try to persuade him with words?” (Minerva)
“Well, that…” (Marie)
“You defended that child and apologized on his behalf this time. Doesn’t that risk him becoming more brazen?” (Minerva)
You’re being taken advantage of.
Minerva was essentially saying that. Marie might believe that her words were making the children better, but in reality, they might just see her as someone who wouldn’t hit them.
“You might think of violence as an absolute evil, but you should try abolishing all punishments once. There are many who only avoid crimes because they fear punishment.” (Minerva)
When Minerva delivered her final blow, Marie turned pale. She had gone too far with a complete stranger, who was likely a noble. Realizing she had gone overboard, Minerva decided to retreat.
“Onii-sama, it looks like this opportunity has been ruined. Let’s go back.” (Minerva)
As she hurriedly tried to leave, a voice called out from behind.
“Human nature is fundamentally good!” (Marie)
Turning around, Marie, with a pale face, desperately pleaded.
“Every human has a conscience. By appealing to that conscience, people will surely regain their original, beautiful hearts. Admittedly, persuading them can be very difficult. But that doesn’t mean it’s a reason to give up. I will continue to appeal with words.” (Marie)
Seeing Marie stubbornly refusing to acknowledge her naivety, Minerva decided to respond casually.
“I think it’s a very admirable idea. Although, I personally can’t agree with it.” (Minerva)
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