An Untrustworthy Smile [2.1]

The Chief motioned for me, "Come on. There's nothing to be nervous about."

I glanced toward the children outside and shook my head once more. Nervous? No. I'm not nervous. I'm disgusted and uncomfortable. I already find adults annoying and children are like miniature adults with no reasoning ability. Growing up, I didn't have younger siblings. I never had to share a toy with another child. How would I know how to deal with young children?!

The Chief's face twitched, "Could you please step out?"

"Can I just go live on the streets instead?"

He forced a laugh, "Don't say that. It's not bad here. The lady who runs the orphanage takes good care of the children. You will always have food and warm clothes. Plus, this orphanage has one of the highest rates of adoption in the Kingdom."

That same lady boss noticed the carriage out front and walked towards it with a gentle look. She was a calm plain woman who seemed very warm and approachable. She wore a plain blue dress and her hair pulled back in a bun. She spoke to the Chief in a low and soothing tone, "Is there a problem?"

He chuckled and scratched his head with an awkward expression, "Oh… Well… She just seems a bit nervous. I can't get her off of the carriage."

She nodded, "I see. Well, she was just through a traumatic experience. She is going from living with parents to living at an orphanage. The children are almost always hesitant and timid in cases like this."

Wait. How did she know all that? There's no way he could have met her in that small amount of time.

He spoke, "Did you receive the documents we transported?"

"I did."

Oh, that's how. Magic.

She spoke with ease, "Hello, dear. Would you please step out of the carriage? If you won't, then I can call one of the older boys to come to get you. I would rather not have to drag you out with force…"

I flinched upon hearing this. Just the thought of someone dragging me out made me shiver. I'm more dignified than that.

I stood up and stepped out of the carriage. I glanced away from them with an apathetic look, "I don't need to be dragged."

She grinned, "It would appear so."

I looked at her closely. She didn't seem to be a bad person. Recalling the reaction I had to the Captain and the Chief, I leaned forward and subtly sniffed the air around her. I watched as the air around her turned a subtle red. It wasn't as terrifying looking as the Captain's, but it also didn't calm me down. Instead, it made me even more suspicious. But what does it mean?

She bowed to me, "My name is Miss Dean. I run the orphanage here. And what's your name?"

I tilted my head with a frown, "You should already know my name if you know my parents are dead."

The Chief coughed in surprise at my response. I watched as Miss Dean's face twitched slightly, "I may know it, but it's still polite to ask."

I rolled my eyes, "My name is Reika."

She seemed to be irritated with my reaction, but she tried not to show it. She kept her voice calm, "If you would like to be adopted you should work on your manners."

"Hmm." I responded in boredom and looked away. Adopted? No thanks. The last thing I want is to be forced into a situation where I have to call strangers "father" and "mother". And what if they are only adopting me for nefarious reasons?! I have heard of those stereotypical storylines. Nope. I'm better off alone than being forced through something like that.

The Chief noticed the tense situation and spoke quickly, "Oh! Before I forget, she mentioned that she really loves cooked carrots."

My face snapped to him in a panic. NOOO! Don't tell her that!!

She smiled, "Oh really? What a relief. Most children hate vegetables. I'm glad to hear it's her favorite. I will make sure to tell the cooks to give her extra."

I grimaced at the thought of extra-cooked carrots. I cleared my throat, "T-That's not necessary…"

She smiled at me, "If it will make you feel more welcomed, then it is necessary."

"Miss Dean!" I heard a child shout and run over to us. Several young children followed after. Their voices all overlapped with one another, "Who is this?" "Is she new?" "Ah! So pretty!" "Come play with us!"

My face contorted in disgust at their excited expressions. If I start running, they probably won't catch me.

Miss Dean chuckled lightly, "Calm down children. Let her settle in first. Reika, do you have any luggage?"

I shook my head. All I had was the worn-out clothes I was in. The Chief spoke, "She didn't have anything when she came to us. I hope that isn't a problem."

She gave him a reassuring smile, "Not a problem. We can loan her some clothes for her stay. I will have some of the older girls show her around."

The chief gave her a charismatic smile, "If there's nothing else you need, I will take my leave."

She nodded, "Thank you again for bringing her here, Chief. She is still young so I bet she will be adopted in no time."

Wait! I can't stay here! These children are already circling me like I am their prey! I can't possibly stay in a house with them! I will go crazy before I can figure out a way out of this situation!!! But what can I possibly do!? Get adopted? That's not ideal either!!

The Chief turned to me, "I'm leaving now Reika. You stay safe and listen to Miss Dean. I don't want to hear about any more magic incidents concerning you."

AAAHH! What am I going to do? Wait! I'm still a child, right?! I'm a rather adorable one too. Maybe I can pretend to be cute to get the police officer to let me stay? Although… I really don't like the police… But it does seem better than being devoured by all of these children.

I grabbed his shirt to stop him. He blinked at me in surprise, "Eh? What's wrong?"

I put on a pitiful expression and pinched myself on the thigh so hard it brought tears to my eye. I sniffed, "P-Please sir… C-Can't I go live with you?"

Yes! Look at my pitiful face!

His face clearly showed that he was being moved, "T-That…"

My lower lip trembled, "You are so kind and nice… I want to stay with you…"

"Ah… I-I can't… I'm barely home and-"

"Pweaaase?"

Come on please! Don't make me stay here with these sticky creatures!

He forced himself to look away, "I'm sorry, but I really can't… I'm not in the position to adopt children."

I clicked my tongue and removed my hand when I noticed he wouldn't change his mind. Well, that didn't work.

He ruffled my hair, "A sweet girl like you will be adopted in no time. Just try to remain hopeful."

My face returned to how it was before. Tsk. Useless man. Just leave already.

He bid farewell and climbed back into the carriage. I watched with a frown as he left. Miss Dean smirked as she spoke to me, "Good acting. You may actually get adopted if you keep acting like that." I looked back up at her and saw her smiling at me.

There's just something about that smile I don't trust.