Chapter 35
The Solnzari family has a nickname.
Generally, even among nobles or royalty, a nickname is something attached to an individual.
Like "Arbiter King" Tulia Faltarl or "Western Sprint" Coltus Bambaneel.
However, only the Solnzari family has a nickname tied to the entire household.
This is because the whole clan acts in a way befitting that nickname, as if it were a tradition.
The Solnzari family is called thus.
"Guardians of Orphans" Solnzari family.
"Yes, Tepe repairs broken iron tools for the orphanage free of charge."
"Having a good reputation with the Church means you can get work from them."
Shara proudly boasted about her friend while answering Erika's question, though Tepe didn't take it at face value.
Their casual exchange revealed their relationship; they must indeed be friends.
"What kind of place is this orphanage?"
Erika asked, clearly fidgeting with curiosity.
Just what is this strange passion the Solnzari family has for orphanages?
It's not particularly rare for nobles to support orphanages, but the Solnzari family's dedication is often said to go overboard.
"It's an orphanage run by the Adventurer's Guild; we of the Church also lend a hand."
An orphanage run by the Adventurer's Guild feels very fitting for the City of Adventurers, Hekatai.
In other cities, it's usually the Church that manages them.
Since a city with so many adventurers—where death is a daily reality—is rare, it's not strange for the Adventurer's Guild to run an orphanage in Hekatai.
"Does that orphanage accept donations?"
One might think it's obvious for an orphanage to accept donations, but some do not.
This is the case for orphanages effectively run by nobles.
In such cases, accepting donations can involve the nobles' pride, so they often refuse them.
Ordinary commoners wouldn't know this, so Erika's question is quite noble-like, though Shara didn't seem to find it odd.
"Of course, we accept them anytime from anyone."
Would you like me to guide you there right now?
Shara likely said this half in jest, but she chose the wrong person to say it to.
"I would love to, but we were planning to hunt some random monsters while checking our equipment."
I wondered when such a plan had been made, but since I do want to test the newly acquired equipment soon, I had no objections.
"So, could you take care of delivering this to the orphanage for us?"
With that, Erika handed Shara a leather pouch filled with gold from selling the Golden Ogre's magic stones.
Though a good amount had been spent, the pouch still held plenty; mostly gold coins, it was heavier than it looked.
"Eh?"
Shara, who instinctively took the pouch due to Erika's smooth gesture, let out a confused sound at its weight.
"Well then, we'll be off; please take care of the rest."
"Eh? Eh? Eh?"
Erika said this and walked out, ignoring Shara, who was glancing back and forth between the unexpectedly heavy pouch and Erika.
Isn't she a bit too free-spirited?
Seeing Shara, who was closer to bewildered than just confused, I felt a pang of sympathy.
"Well, um, be careful on the way when you deliver it."
I stifled a bitter smile as I said this to Shara and followed after Erika.
*
"I've done it."
Erika said to me in a serious tone after I caught up.
"Donating all the money we earned together without your permission—doesn't this make me a failure as a wife?"
Donating that amount without hesitation is already unusual before even considering the wife part, so I think she's worrying about the wrong thing, but I shook my head.
"We're not struggling with living expenses, and it's very like you, isn't it?"
"That's not the issue here."
She seemed genuinely troubled, her face unusually dark.
Could it be that she's actually feeling down?
The obvious fact that even Erika Solnzari can feel down made me oddly happy.
Probably because it's a side she doesn't usually show to others.
"People have traits they can't help, for better or worse, and in your case, it just happens to align with the Solnzari family's creed."
Ignoring her murmur that it's not exactly a family creed, I continued, as she didn't seem to lack momentum.
"I find that trait of yours endearing."
For a moment, Erika moved her mouth as if to say something, then lowered her face and spoke.
"If you say so."
I nodded, satisfied with her words.
I want Erika Solnzari to always be herself.
For that, I would spare no effort.