LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 11: Orphanage
As Emma led Junior through the winding streets, the bustling energy of the city began to fade. The vibrant, lively market stalls were replaced by crumbling buildings with cracked walls and faded paint. The air felt heavier here, filled with the faint stench of dampness and neglect. The streets were narrower, littered with discarded trash, and the cobblestones were uneven, as though forgotten by the city's maintenance.
Junior glanced around, his brows furrowing. "Emma, where exactly is this orphanage? We seem to be heading deeper into the city… much deeper."
Emma glanced over her shoulder, her grip on his hand tightening slightly. "It's in a quieter part of the city," she said, her tone calm but carrying a note of hesitation. "
As they continued walking, Junior couldn't shake the feeling that they'd entered a different world. The buildings here weren't just old—they looked neglected, their walls marked by years of decay. Some had wooden boards covering broken windows, and others leaned precariously, as if a strong gust might topple them.
The people who passed by looked equally worn down. Their clothes were patched and faded, and many of them avoided eye contact, shuffling along with weary expressions. A group of children played nearby, their laughter carrying through the air despite their tattered clothes and bare feet.
Junior's gaze swept over the scene, and he felt a pang in his chest. "This place…" he began, his voice softer now. "It's like it had been abadoned."
Emma stopped walking and turned to face him. Her expression was calm, but there was a sadness in her eyes. "It's not just the city, Junior. These people have been left behind by everyone." She glanced at the group of children, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "That's why the orphanage is here to give them hope, even if it's just a little."
Junior stopped and looked around at the broken-down surroundings. The cracked walls, dirty streets, and heavy air didn't match the person standing next to him. Emma stood out with her calm and graceful presence. Her neat hair and composed demeanor gave off the aura of a noble as Junior observed her while they walked together.
After a moment of silence, Junior spoke, his voice curious but steady. "Are you a fallen noble?"
The question caught Emma off guard. Her body stiffened, and she turned to look at him, her expression momentarily betraying her shock. For a few seconds, she said nothing, her lips parting as if to respond but faltering. Finally, a faint, sad smile curved her lips.
"I'm just paying for my father's crimes," she said softly, her voice laced with a quiet bitterness. Her gaze dropped to the ground as she spoke, as if the words carried a weight she couldn't shake. Then, as if willing herself to push past it, she lifted her head and forced a small smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Don't worry about it. It has nothing to do with you."
Junior studied her carefully, his brows knitting together. He wanted to press further, to understand what had happened and why someone like her was in a place like this. But something in her tone, in the way her voice faltered, made him stop. He knew better than to dig into wounds that hadn't healed.
Instead, he stepped closer, his voice firm but kind. "Your dad's crimes aren't yours to pay for."
Emma blinked, her expression softening. She stared at him for a moment, as if trying to process his words. Then, her lips parted into a genuine smile—a warm, wide smile that seemed to brighten the dim surroundings.
"Thanks," she said simply, her voice light and filled with gratitude.
Junior nodded, the corner of his mouth lifting in a faint smile. He didn't say anything more, but in that brief exchange, an unspoken understanding passed between them. Emma seemed lighter, even if just for a moment, and Junior felt a quiet satisfaction knowing he had eased her burden, if only slightly.
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After a few more minutes of walking, they reached a modest building tucked away at the end of a narrow alley. The orphanage was small, with chipped paint on its wooden doors and ivy creeping up the stone walls. Despite its worn appearance, there was a certain warmth about it,a sense of life and purpose that the surrounding buildings lacked.
Emma let go of Junior's hand and pushed the door open, stepping inside. "Come on," she said, gesturing for him to follow.
Inside, the space was humble but lively. The floors were scuffed, the furniture mismatched, but it was clean. Children's drawings covered the walls, adding bursts of color to the otherwise plain room. A few children ran past, laughing, while others sat at a long table, working on crafts.
A kind-looking woman with graying hair approached, her hands clasped in front of her. "Emma! It's so good to see you again," she said warmly. Her eyes flicked to Junior, curiosity evident in her gaze.
"It's good to see you too, Miss Yor," Emma replied, smiling. "This is Junior. He wanted to see the orphanage."
Miss Yor's smile grew as she extended her hand to Junior. "Welcome. It's rare for Emma to bring back visitors. Are you her boyfriend?"
"Miss Anya, stop teasing him!" shouted Emma, her cheeks burning red, and she looked flustered, as if steam was about to puff out from her ears.
"Hahaha, I was just joking," Miss Yor replied with a playful laugh. She turned to Junior, her expression warm as she stretched her hand toward him again. "Welcome to Grace Orphanage. It's nice to have you here."
Junior shook her hand, his grip firm but respectful. "It's my honor, ma'am. Thank you for having me. I hope I'm not intruding."
"Oh my!" said Yor, her curiosity evident. She leaned toward Emma, speaking in a hushed tone, "Where did you find this kind-hearted man?"
Emma glanced at Junior briefly, her cheeks still slightly red, and thought to herself, *True.*
"It's Prince Junior," Emma said softly, answering Yor's question.
Miss Yor's eyes widened in shock. She hurriedly stepped in front of Junior, bowing her head low. "I'm sorry, my prince! Please forgive me for not welcoming you properly."
Junior let out a hearty laugh, his tone light and reassuring. "Hahaha, don't worry about it. I'm not offended at all."
Miss Yor straightened, her face filled with relief. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she said sincerely.
"Ma'am, I've heard a lot about the work you do here from Emma as we walked here," Junior said, his voice kind and admiring. "I know it can't be easy taking care of all these children by yourself."
Miss Yor's expression softened, her eyes glimmering with gratitude. "Your praise means a lot, my prince," she replied with a humble smile. "I'm only doing this to ensure that these children, who have nowhere else to go, have a place where they feel safe, happy, and loved. A place they can call home."
Junior nodded, glancing around at the orphanage, now filled with the laughter of children. "You're doing a wonderful job. This place really feels like a home."