After breakfast, Alise looked at Roland, who was still lingering on the sofa. "Roland, aren't you going to the Dungeon today?"
"No, Lady Astraea asked me to go to Maria's Orphanage with her to see if they need anything," Roland replied. He had prepared 500,000 Valis to give to Headmistress Maria.
Alise let out an envious sigh. "I see. Going to play with those cute kids? Lucky! I want to go too."
Kaguya's voice rang out from outside. "Alise! Hurry up! We have to start preparing for that matter in a few days. There are plenty of logistics tasks waiting for us!"
"Coming, coming! Don't rush me!" Alise called back before turning to Roland. "Have fun with Lady Astraea. See you tonight."
Roland waited in the hall until he heard the Goddess call his name. He went to find her and saw her lugging two large bags filled with unknown items. Roland quickly took them from her.
"Thank you, Roland," the Goddess said, leading the way.
While the gods were omniscient and omnipotent in the heavens, they sealed their powers upon descending to the lower world. They became "Omniscient but Powerless," though some essence of their divinity remained—like Freya's "Charm."
"What did you bring for the kids, Lady Astraea?" Roland asked curiously.
She pointed to the bag on the left. "Those are storybooks I carefully selected. I hope they help broaden their horizons and enrich their emotions." She then pointed to the right. "And those are the toys they wanted."
"I see. You really love children, Lady Astraea."
"Hehe, children are the hope of the future, after all. And of course, you are my hope as well," the Goddess flirted casually. "What about you, Roland? What did you prepare?"
"I just prepared basic supplies for them."
"Valis? True, money is very important."
"Yeah."
As they reached the gate, Roland realized that walking to the orphanage would take at least an hour.
"Lady Astraea, let's not walk this time."
"Then how do you plan to get there? If you're worried about me being tired, I'm not a weak goddess, you know."
Roland put the bags into his [Inventory] and switched to his Swift Master form. He stepped close to Astraea and swept her off her feet in a bridal carry.
Once she had her arms around his neck, Roland looked at her. "Hold on tight."
After checking to make sure no one was watching, mana surged. Gale winds gathered around them, lifting them gently.
Whoosh!
Surrounded by a localized hurricane, the two soared into the sky, flying straight toward Maria's Orphanage.
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Danmachi : Mage's Infinite Journey (168 Chapters – Ongoing)
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A few minutes later.
Fwoosh—
Roland descended slowly in a secluded area near the orphanage, leaning down to let the Goddess stand.
Astraea straightened her hair. "Your magic never ceases to amaze me, Roland. To fly so high and still maintain perfect control over the wind."
"Heh, I'll have plenty more to surprise you with in the future," Roland said proudly, pulling the gifts from his [Inventory].
They left the secluded area and followed the winding paths until they reached their destination: the quiet church tucked away in the Labyrinth District—Maria's Orphanage.
Astraea knocked on the gate. After the sound of footsteps, the door creaked open slightly, and a young girl peered out cautiously. When she saw the Goddess who often cared for them, her face broke into a radiant smile. She threw the door open, revealing other children holding wooden "weapons."
The children cheered and swarmed Astraea. Two of the older boys came to help Roland with the bags. He gave them the toys but kept the heavy bag of books himself.
When he first visited, Roland hadn't realized the scale of the place, but seeing it now... there were so many children. In Orario, the city of adventurers, many children were born. Not all were products of love; some were abandoned due to a moment of passion, while others were orphans left behind when their parents died in the Dungeon. Those not taken in by a Familia often ended up in the slums of Daedalus Street.
Surrounded by children, Roland and Astraea entered the church hall. Roland observed the interior more closely this time. It was deeper than it looked, with many doors leading to different rooms. Despite the signs of age, the doodles on the walls and the daily clutter gave the place a sense of life. For these kids, it was enough.
Astraea asked the children with a smile, "Is Maria not home? I'll give a small reward to whoever knows where she is."
"Me! Me!" "Choose me, Lady Goddess!"
The younger children jumped and cheered. Astraea picked a little girl who was standing on her tiptoes. "How about this cute little one?"
"Mama Maria went out to buy groceries!" the girl answered excitedly.
The Goddess pulled a doll from the bag and handed it to her. "I see. Then I leave this cute doll in your care. Take good care of her, okay?"
"I will!" the girl chirped.
Since Maria wasn't back yet, Roland and Astraea split their duties. The Goddess distributed toys and told stories, while Roland—with a slight sigh—played games with the energetic kids, racking his brain for simple, fun games from his old world.
Roland took a group of children to a clear area and drew a nine-square grid on the ground—hopscotch. He explained the rules and demonstrated how to play. For the kids who preferred less active games, he taught them "jacks" using smooth stones he found outside.
"Hahaha! You missed the square! You lose, my turn!"