The scenery of Daedalus Street was completely different from other districts in Orario.
Narrow, winding alleys twisted like a living labyrinth, creating a disorienting and oppressive atmosphere.
Ancient buildings with intricate yet haphazard architecture loomed on both sides, as if ready to swallow anyone who ventured too deep. Small, tightly closed doors seemed to hide dark secrets behind them.
The road surface was made of rough, worn stone, covered in moss and cracks that revealed age and neglect. The damp air felt heavy, mixed with the foul odor of underground sewers.
The locals glanced at Charlie and Aishia with suspicious eyes; some even hurried inside and shut their doors. Meanwhile, those with ill intent abandoned their plans after witnessing Charlie effortlessly defeat three thugs.
"I don't like this place." Aishia commented in her usual flat tone, covering her delicate nose.
"Well, Daedalus Street could be considered a slum. Even though City of the Labyrinth Orario, is the world's center, not everything can be equal. After all, equality doesn't exist—it's just a utopia."
*BAM!*
Suddenly, Charlie collided with someone who had stepped out from a corner. His sturdy body didn't budge at all, while the person in front of him fell to the ground, scattering their shopping items.
"Ouch… I'm so sorry! It was an accident! Truly!"
Before Charlie could say anything, the other person quickly apologized, as if fearing something terrible would happen if they were even a second late.
"..."
Charlie paused, surprised by the exaggerated reaction. Without a word, he crouched down and began picking up the scattered groceries—hard bread, vegetables, and slightly rotten fruit. Aishia obediently followed, helping to gather the items.
"There's no need to apologize. It was my fault for walking without paying attention. Please, raise your head."
"Oh no, your hands will get dirty. Let me do it."
The other person fretted as they watched the handsome young man and beautiful woman touching their grimy groceries.
"You're a nun?" Charlie observed the person more closely.
The person was a middle-aged woman with black hair tied neatly at the top of her head. She had a gentle yet kind expression. Though no longer young, she still maintained her beauty and kept her body well-cared for—evident from her full, firm breasts that hadn't sagged like those of women her age.
"Yes, I'm the caretaker of Maria Orphanage. My name is Maria Martel."
Realizing they weren't from Daedalus Street, Maria's tension eased slightly.
"An orphanage, huh… Let me help you carry these groceries. It's too heavy for a woman to carry alone."
Without waiting for a reply, Charlie took the heavy shopping bag from Maria's hands. Having lived on Daedalus Street for years, she could tell at a glance that the young man and woman before her weren't locals—just from their clean, well-kept appearances.
"Eh? No, it's not necessary—it would trouble you. I'm used to it—"
"Don't refuse kindness, Sister Maria." Charlie interrupted with a smile. "As it happens, this is my first time on Daedalus Street. I'm curious to see the Maria Orphanage you mentioned. Is that not allowed?"
"..."
Maria hesitated, unsure about bringing strangers to the orphanage. But seeing Charlie's kind demeanor and Aishia's harmless appearance, she finally nodded.
"Alright. The children will be happy to meet you."
Thus, Charlie and Aishia followed Maria through the complex maze of Daedalus Street, leaving behind the dark alleys and heading toward a place that might bring a little light into the darkness of this area.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Ten minutes later.
(This is Maria Orphanage? It's only slightly better than the abandoned church Hestia uses as her Familia's base.) Charlie thought to himself, observing the building in front of him.
The church looked extremely run-down. Its outer stone walls were dull and cracked, covered in moss and wild climbing vines. The roof appeared weathered, with several tiles missing, and the wooden cross at the top leaned slightly. The tall, arched stained-glass windows were dirty and cloudy, hiding the interior.
Overall, the church seemed to be barely holding on against time, slowly losing the battle.
"I'm sorry… the place is very humble." Maria said sadly, nervously twisting the edge of her simple apron. "We do our best to maintain it, but our funds are very limited. Please forgive the discomfort."
Charlie shook his head, a small smile forming on his lips. "It's fine, that's not a problem. In fact, if the orphanage were too nice, I'd worry the people of Daedalus Street would try to take it over."
His assumption was based on observation. Daedalus Street was clearly a place for those with no other options. No one with financial stability would choose to live here—only the poor were forced to stay.
Security was poor because the Ganesha Familia, responsible for maintaining order in Orario, didn't patrol Daedalus Street due to its complex layout.
As they approached the door, Charlie sent a telepathic message to Aishia through Spirit Arts:
Immediately, Aishia replied in her signature monologue tone:
Aishia's unconditional loyalty warmed Charlie's heart. They ended their telepathic communication as Maria opened the heavy, creaking wooden door and invited them inside.
And as soon as they stepped in, Charlie was slightly surprised.
The interior was far better than it looked from the outside. Although simple, everything appeared clean and carefully maintained. Old wooden pews were neatly arranged, the stone floor was polished clean, and the air inside was fresh with a soft floral scent.
Most striking was the small garden in the center of the church, right where the nave would normally be. Sunlight streamed through a cracked yet intact glass ceiling, illuminating a neat patch of flowers.
There were lavender plants emitting a calming fragrance, beautifully blooming red roses, and various herbs arranged in a simple yet elegant pattern. The light shining on the small garden created an almost magical atmosphere—an oasis of peace amidst the chaos of Daedalus Street.
"We grow these flowers ourselves." Maria explained, pride subtly hidden in her voice. "The children help take care of them. It teaches them responsibility and gives us a little beauty in our daily lives."
The orphanage might be poor in material wealth, but it was clearly rich in love and care.
"Yes, I can see that." Charlie said softly, his eyes scanning the humble yet warm space.
The compassion and love embedded in every corner of this place were evident, overcoming the shabby impression of the building's exterior.
Suddenly, the sound of eager little footsteps broke the silence. From behind a door on the side of the church, a group of children came running out, their small faces glowing with joy.
"Maria! Maria! You're back!" cried a little girl with twin pigtails, jumping up and down.
"What did you bring? More bread?" asked a slightly older boy, trying to peek into the shopping bag Charlie was carrying.
"Can we have soup today? I'm hungry!" added another child innocently.
Maria laughed softly, opening her arms to welcome them.
"Patience, patience, children. Look—we have guests today."
Instantly, fifteen pairs of small eyes turned toward Charlie and Aishia. Their noisy chatter immediately quieted, replaced by awe and wide-eyed stares.
"Wow… They look like fairies from a fairy tale!" whispered a blonde girl, her eyes wide.
"Look at her hair! It's the color of a peach!" another exclaimed, pointing at Aishia's long, peach-colored hair.
A freckled-faced boy cautiously approached.
"Mister… are you a god?" he asked Charlie, captivated by his handsome appearance and unusual aura.
No wonder he misunderstood. After all, in the minds of the children at Maria Orphanage, only gods and goddesses were this beautiful and handsome.
The youngest girl, probably only four or five years old, hid behind Maria's dress, peeking out shyly.
"Pretty…" she whispered, referring to Aishia.
A bolder child, perhaps the oldest among them, stepped forward.
"What are your names? Where are you from? Did you come from outside Orario?" he asked curiously, his eyes sparkling.
Maria smiled at Charlie and Aishia. "Forgive them. They rarely see outsiders, especially… people like you."
The once-quiet atmosphere was now filled with a chorus of innocent questions from children fascinated by the presence of two strangers who looked so different from anything they had ever seen on Daedalus Street.