Maid Emmy reached her home in a far corner of the 1st Rock—a shabby-looking place devoid of any colors, just like Oliver's inner mansion. But her courtyard had some colorful things: some rocks painted in colors, some broken toys, some colorful clothes drying in the wind.
Maid Emmy smiled as she came down. "Hmm, where are my little ones?"
She looked around and couldn't find any orphanage kids playing. Then suddenly, she saw someone coming from her backyard.
Tsk!, another annoying person came. I can't have any free time. But shampoo bastard is still fine.
She removed him from the bastard list, not wanting to put him into these kinds of people.
"Hey there! I was looking around for you, then I realized I came early. Hahah, my bad! But my luck is still good since I could see you. I think everyone knows why I am here, right? This is classic, right? A broken-down orphanage, a poor maid trying her best to survive in this broken land, a money man who gave money in the past, but the people here failed to REEETTTUUURRRNNN ITTT BAACCCKKKK! kekekekekek"
The man came very close to her, and with his filthy face, spoke slowly, making Maid Emmy step back a little.
"So now the question arises—when can you return that money with interest, Miss Emmy? I am not a bad man, you know. I am just taking what is mine. Is that WRROOONNNGG?"
Maid Emmy, with discomfort, shook her head and said, "No, Mr., you are right. We haven't paid you from past money. Just give me some more time—I will definitely pay you."
Maid Emmy said with sweat pouring down from her forehead.
"Hmm, hmmm, I have heard these words a lot. Quite interesting when I can see something good in your hands. I guess some generous person is giving you good stuff. Why not I also become generous and do something for you?"
The man came close to her from the side and put one hand above, close to her breast, and one hand behind her ass. Maid Emmy, stuck in between, couldn't move.
The man smiled. "Now decide—if you let me touch these things every day, I will reduce five percent of your debt with interest. Think about it. As this month comes closer to its end, you can finish your debt fully and live a carefree life. I don't want to force those broken kids to do something bad when it's their time to relax and have fun. So, what do you think, Miss Emmy? Just some touch, and vaalllaa—magically your debt cleared."
The man came closer, nearly touching his face close to her teary-eyed face and continued saying,
"It's just flesh you know. It's not like anyone decent person will marry you, when you come from such a filthy place it's a given that they are not pure. Then why not just say yes to my offer and get rid of all your problems?"
The man was hovering his hand above her breast and ass putting more pressure.
Maid Emmy now had tears in her eyes and thought, It's true. I just have to let him touch me, and all my problems will be solved. It's not like someone would really love me, a poor women living in such filthy place.
Suddenly, Oliver's face came into her mind. That's just a shampoo bastard playing around! She thought as she made her mind.
She smiled but her hands were shivering, she could hardly breathe, slowly she brought her head up, in nodding motion. As she was about to bring her head down, suddenly she heard—
"Hey, hey, what are you doing to this Crown's girlfriend? Don't you dare touch her!"
A hand came and pulled her sideways to his embrace as he held her gently with his arms around her waist, letting her face rest on his chest.
Seeing Oliver's suddenly she felt relief and got back to her normal face, shouting in her mind, "Guhh, you shammpooo basstarrd, stalking this woman! I will kill youuu!"
But she smiled a little in his embrace, which Oliver didn't notice. He looked at the man and said, "Don't worry, your money will get to you with interest, so you can leave. And she is this Crown's secret girlfriend, so don't bother her anymore."
Oliver just showed off his handsomeness dazzling in front of the poor face bastard, who feeling annoyed said with a clean smile, "Oh my, Mr. Crown, it's an honor to meet you. Sure, sure, as you say, I will get my money back, so I will take my leave and not bother her anymore. But Crown, you sure have weird taste."
He winked and ran away.
"Sigghh, it looks like we both are in the same boat, Miss Emmy, isn't it? Fate?"
Oliver looked at the calm-faced Emmy, who was still in his embrace, and continued, "I have saved you twice now. I think I deserve some proper thank you. Why not we cook together? I am hungry, and my handsome face is gonna shrink, Miss Emmy."
Hearing his nonsense, Maid Emmy woke up from her feeling of peace and glared at him and said, "Young master, it's not a good thing to stalk a lady to her house. And thank you for everything you have done for me. Can you leave me now?"
Maid Emmy was shouting in her mind, "BASSTTAARRDD, LEAVVEE MEEE!"
"Oh, sure, sure, sorry about this."
Oliver gently released her.
Maid Emmy bowed and went toward her door and looked back and said, "Wait here. I will change, then I will cook for you as a thanks."
She said calmly and closed the door.
"Oohhh, looks like it's my lucky day!"
Oliver was being happy when he suddenly felt a hand on his thighs. He looked down and saw a weird kid. She was acting differently—her hands were moving a lot, her legs not really structured well.
"Dkk ytt eeal ovvv eerrr?"
A weird gibberish he heard.
He bent down and looked at her face. This girl—she is disabled!
"Hmm, young lady, sorry, but I didn't hear you properly. Can you say it again for me?"
Oliver smiled gently, looking at her face sincerely.
"Uhnn... Dkk ytt eeal ovvv eerrr?"
The girl said again with some hard-to-figure-out words while her hands moved randomly as she couldn't stay still.
Shit, I can't really understand her.
Oliver was figuring out how to answer when he heard another kid's voice coming from his back.
"She is saying, 'Do you really love her?' Our big sister Emmy—do you really love her, or are you playing with her?"
This time it was a boy, slightly lower in age than Gloomy.
Oliver turned and saw a boy on a rolling board with wheels on it as he pushed it ahead with two cylindrical-like objects wrapped in cloth. His legs were very thin compared to his body—he couldn't stand or walk, just move ahead with the help of that board on wheels.
How many disabled children are here?
Oliver thought as he looked and saw many kids coming out from behind the backyard. He saw many kids with different disabilities and some normal ones among them.
Did she, all this time, took care of them all alone?
Oliver's mind felt shocked as he couldn't help but think of his problems as very small now compared to hers.
Sighhh, what was I thinking all this time?
As Oliver was lost in his own thoughts, the girl patiently waited for his reply despite moving so much.
"Hey, you Crown bastard, tell us! Do you really love her, or are you playing with her?"
The kid roared as he came beside the girl, holding her one hand, keeping the cylinder object on his skateboard.
Oliver woke up from his trance and looked at the girl and the boy, rearranged his thoughts, and said with full seriousness, "It's true that I like her and am attracted toward her, but it's still early to say whether I love her truly or not. I don't know about that for now. But trust me—I will never disrespect her and harm her in any way. For me, she is one of the most important people I have in my life."
Oliver said with sincerity.
Listening to this, suddenly, on the girl's face, a LAUGH—A BEAUTIFUL LAUGH—came.
"Hehehe!"
She smiled so beautifully in the falling sunset that it made Oliver's heart fill with joy. He forgot everything as he couldn't help but keep looking at her. Despite her unusual body, her smile was the most genuine, the purest smile he had seen. He had seen Emmy's smile that made him fall for her, but this was different. It filled every part of his body with sweetness, like a cool walk in nature, making him feel relaxed.
Suddenly, every kid came and started dancing and laughing with her, making Oliver stupefied, seeing the cuteness in everyone.
Maid Emmy smiled sweetly, seeing everyone happy from a window. She just turned around and removed her clothes while smiling. Suddenly, she froze. From the corner of her eyes, she saw a reflection of herself.
"Aaahh... I guess I forgot something, no one will truly really love me with this body!"
She saw a big scar running from her side breast to her shoulder—a burned scar.
No one will love a scarred body.
She clutched her lower dress, couldn't look at her own body. She felt fear to look at herself, thinking she couldn't handle it.
Will that shampoo bastard still approach me like this if he saw me like this, when I can't even look at myself?
She shook her head and said, "Obviously, how can such a handsome man see me—a scarred woman—with his eyes? Sigh, I am tired. I will just cook for him and let him go from here."
As Emmy started to change into more casual clothing, she wore a simple long cream-colored blouse with tight sleeves, covered by a green dress-style apron tied with a ribbon at the waist and straps on the arms. The outfit was plain but neat, made from soft, practical fabric suited for daily chores.
.
Inside Oliver's home, Maren was lazily lying on the bed of her chosen room when the head maid came inside and asked her, "Miss Maren, why can't you talk to Young Master Oliver and try to encourage him and help him feel better?"
"Hmmm."
Maren turned her head in a lying position and said with no seriousness, "Head Maid, have you heard the story of a small insect animal who kept climbing the rock and kept falling, never able to reach it?"
"Yes, Miss, I have heard it countless times," the head maid replied.
Then Maren continued, "Your young master is that insect, kept climbing despite falling. You should know how many times he has failed to bring this house to glory, right? He will keep climbing again and again. It has become his habit—no matter how many times he falls, it becomes an instinct to keep getting up."
Maren said casually while rolling on the bed.
The head maid nodded, clearly knowing how many times the young master had tried, but she shook her head and said, "But there is always a limit, Miss Maren. How many times can he stand up? It's not a story—he will eventually get tired and give up!"
She said with sadness on her face.
"Hmmm, that's true. He will do that..."
Maren paused and continued, "If he was doing it all alone, like he always is, then he will eventually get tired and give up. But an insect works best when they are together."
Maren smiled mysteriously.
.
Oliver, seeing those little kids filled with joy despite their unusual bodies not suitable for daily life, still smiling and dancing and still looking like the most beautiful kids in the whole world, suddenly felt something came to his mind—an idea, a feeling, a power to win the whole world.
"Hahahaha!"
He laughed out loud. "I get it! I get it! I will win! Definitely will win! ITS MYY DESSTIIINNYYY TOOO WIINNNNN! AHAHAHHAHA! I will use your cuteness, kiddos, to win the whole world, making your lives with your sister and my life with my house on the line—and others who will join us in this journey—all BETTERRR AND FULLLFILLINNNGGGG! Just you wait, my handsome future self! I will surely show you WHAT CAN I DOOOOOO!!"
Oliver started dancing with the kids like a kid, as the other kid saw this not understanding a thing, also started dancing with him. Suddenly, the whole orphanage was feeling colorful, like many colors mixed together, making this scene a beautiful masterpiece.
"GEEZZ, why are you making such a ruckus?"
Maid Emmy came outside and saw this beautiful scene. She didn't know why, but her heart filled with joy as she watched the little ones and Oliver dancing and jumping. She forgot everything, as with tears in her eyes, she also laughed. This time, no smile—she really laughed, and her voice, it filled the world of this painting into a sparkling world.
"Hahahha, what are you guys doing?"
Oliver turned and saw her, but this time he didn't see her as a beauty but as a normal person who was happy—just happy. Something quite normal, but for him, it was the most beautiful thing in the whole world.
He ran and grabbed her waist and lifted her up from the door, which was slightly upward with stairs below.
"Kyaaa! Hey, you shammppooo basstarrd, don't lift me uppp like this!"
Maid Emmy shouted.
"Hahah! Who is shampoo bastard? I am Oliver—OLIVER COGHIAN, who will win the whole world for you! Heheh!"
He held her hips to his chest as she put her hands on his shoulders, her legs making a 90-degree angle outward, getting spun by Oliver.
"Kyyaaa, put me down!"
"Hahah!"
The other kids laughed, and Oliver also laughed— making a truly heartwarming scene.
After spinning her around for what felt like forever, Oliver finally set her down—but he didn't let go. Still dizzy and unaware, she swayed forward, pressing straight into his embrace, her face buried against his chest.
"Huff, huff, you shampoo bastard, what were you doing?"
Maid Emmy said while gritting her teeth looking up but not really angry.
"Hehe!"
Oliver laughed stupidly and said while still hugging her, "I have thought of a good way to earn money with the help of your little kids! This way, we could solve both our problems!"
"Hmm, what is your problem?"
Maid Emmy asked in confusion, not minding the hug—or probably not realizing it.
"Well..."
Oliver explained his situation, talking about his money problems without going too deep into it. The little ones slowly calmed down and went back to doing their own things, while Maid Emmy and Oliver sat together and talked.
Maid Emmy listened quietly, her face back to its usual stoic expression. When Oliver finished, she finally spoke:
"Hm, is that so? I guess your handsome face needs more money than this house spends in a whole year," she said, sipping her water with her eyes closed.
Oliver's smile faded for just a millisecond, but then he forced it back and continued explaining.
"Actually, I was thinking of starting a business where, with the help of Zack's power, I could make some people get close to wild animals. Since Zack has made many animals friendly toward us, I was thinking of making a once-in-a-lifetime type of experience for other people to meet amazing animals up close. I was hesitating at first, but after seeing the little ones here, it brought me a lot of courage within me. I also thought to create a matching brand of clothes for kids to be worn as casual clothing. It will definitely look cute and sell well because people here or in neighboring countries are usually focused so much on practicality that they don't really think of making anything like this—at least I haven't seen it in neighboring places—so I am sure that it will also sell well. I do need help from others, since I can't really come up with designs and other things all by myself. But I am sure Aunty Veny could help, and others also. Maybe Sio's mother could also help—she lives here only, so we could ask her. And, and..."
Oliver was on a rampage while Maid Emmy calmly listened and thought, Why is he speaking so much? My ear is gonna rip.
But she saw his beaming face, and she calmed down and suddenly said while looking at the little ones, "I appreciate your thoughts, young master, but the little ones are not really the common kids cute type, as you can see." Maid Emmy subconsciously touched her shoulder, as she pointed at the kids playing around.
"Hmmm, what are you talking about? They are the cutest of all! Though, I do get what you are saying. But we can definitely make them cutest for all to see and appreciate. Just with the right type of clothing, we can bring their beauty for everyone to see! For example, if you make a plant-type cute cloth for her, she will look like a cute plant gently flowing with the wind. I am sure everyone will look good. We have to focus on the individual and make them the best cloth we can. Then, with the help of them, we will advertise our animal tour and say those who purchase these cute kids' outfits will get an exclusive chance to get further in line to our tour."
Oliver, with lots of energy, explained his plan.
"But can people truly like it and purchase this? Since these clothing will not be truly useful outside their homes"
Maid Emmy asked in doubt.
"Hmm, it looks like you are underestimating. Let's imagine our little princess wearing this—an insect flying animal with yellow and black color"
A layered petal-like fabric shaped like wings and honeycomb patterns at her back. The colors blend gold, black, and brown with bright orange accents. A high neck and a fitted top, flaring out into layered skirts that look like insect wings at her hips. Her hair decorated with yellow flowers and black ribbons, and small antennae on her head. Her legs has yellow-and-black stripes tights, and she wears elegant black heels with ankle straps.
"It's cute."
Maid Emmy simply said, but in her mind: "KYYYAAAAA, sooo cuutteee! I wantttt ittt for my little oneesss!"
"Yes, it will be cute, and we could sell to outsiders or simply to wear at home. And for practical uses, we could design something like..."
A sleek, form-fitting bodysuit in black and gold with sharp, layered patterns that resemble insect armor plates. The design highlights the torso with bold yellow stripes and metallic details. Over it, a flowing golden-strapped cape with translucent wing-like layers that glow softly, adding a majestic effect. The shoulders are high and pointed, giving a commanding presence. The whole outfit blends elegance and strength—part warrior, part royalty.
"Ooh, that's cool."
Maid Emmy said while thinking, "Ohh, I also want those! Maybe I will wear it. Wouldn't I look so awesome in it?"
She nodded in appreciation.
They talked a lot as the sun set below the horizon. Maid Emmy stopped his blabbering and said, "Aunty Veny is probably still at the Queen's Palace. You can find her there and can bring Sio's mother on the way. I will prepare some notes for the idea and also prepare meat for everyone."
Maid Emmy ordered Oliver in a natural way.
Oliver calmed down and said, "Thank you for trusting me, Miss Emmy."
He bowed a little, showing his sincerity.
"Young master, please don't. It's okay. It's not like I have another choice. If not because of you, I would have..."
She didn't say it, shook her head, and continued, "Forget it. Just go before I change my mind."
"Hehe, thank you, my secret girlfriend."
As he came close and knelt on his leg, "You were looking very beautiful while laughing today, Miss Emmy. I hope to see you like today every day."
As he brought her hand and kissed it gentlemanly.
And went away, leaving a stunned Emmy and little ones giggling.
"Kyyyaa, you basstard! Don't pull off those moves on me! I will kill you!"
Miss Emmy shouted in anger.
"Sister said she will kill her future husband! So violent! Hehe!"
The boy in the rolling board said. Others also mimicked him, teasing Miss Emmy.
"You little brats, come here!"
As another round of happiness came, she subconsciously touched her shoulder and felt, Maybe, just maybe, I can also be beautiful like other girls. Just maybe!
END OF CHAPTER
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AUTHOR NOTE:
Oliver finally saw color in his grey world—not in grand plans or riches, but in disabled children dancing, in a scarred woman laughing, in broken things made beautiful. Sometimes hope doesn't come from winning. It comes from deciding to stand up one more time, together. The narrator's chest feels warm writing this one. Emmy's orphanage needs more than just Oliver's dreams—it needs people who believe broken things can become masterpieces. Funny how that works in stories and in real life.