Val, can you do one for me?

　One day an old lady told him, and Val immediately guessed.

'Ah. 'It's cookout day, isn't it?'

　In the first and second class areas of the Teito, there was a first- and second-class area of the city called a relief station, which took care of unattended children and injured or sick people.
　Twice a month, they held a soup kitchen, and any old person or child could eat without being from the first aid station.
　It was not unusual for the sisters of the relief home to be asked to help out, as it was not enough for them to do so.
　Val had gone to help out many times, as well as to inspect.

'I'm sorry, but I'm counting on you. It's better to have someone with experience, after all.

Yes, sir.

　Val was headed to the second class area of the relief station.
　It was easier to gather manpower in the first class area, and they also got donations from the nobility and the wealthy.
　It was the second class area that was often in trouble.
　The Relief House was at the southern end of the area, and beyond that were the walls protecting the Imperial City and the Knights' quarters.
　Perhaps because of that, it was not uncommon for helpers from the Knights to come to the aid.

''Ah, Bal-san.''

　The person who recognized him and called out to him was a twelve-year-old girl.
　Her outfit of a blue shirt and navy blue skirt, which seems to be a donation from someone else, is adorable.

Thank you for everything.

No, no, no, I'm not busy.

　Val replied humbly.

'The only person who always comes to us is Val. The only other person who donates to us is the War God of Light.''

　The girl's mouth twitched as she sulked.

''Did the Light War God donate again?''

　Val looks surprised, despite himself, and asks her.

'Yes, a large pot, clean towels, and all sorts of food. Though it was actually an elven woman called the Goddess of Absolution who brought it.

　He didn't want his face to be known, so he asked Meena to represent him.

'Beautiful, but a bit frightening, Lady Vilhemina.

　She pouts, and a boy of about ten years old, who was listening to the conversation, says
　The children swarmed out of nowhere and surrounded them.
'Yes, but Lady Vilhemina donated too, you know?　Like underwear and blankets and vegetables. Surprise.

　A little girl who came by joined in the conversation.

'Yes, but it sounds too pretty and scary.'

　The twelve-year-old girl replied with a troubled look on her face.

(Meena dude, you were donating to us.)

　And Val rolled her eyes as she listened to the children's conversation.
　She hadn't said a single word about such a thing.

'I wonder if Lady Vilhemina is a kind person too,'

　Val says, and the children nod their heads.

'I wonder?'

You said something about if Lord Barlolo was donating it.

　The little boy says plainly.
　I still can't quite put Val's real name to good use, but I know exactly what it is.
　Apparently he's just motivated to lend a hand when he finds out what he's doing, and he's not keen on charity.
　It's not something I'm going to force you to do, though, so Val doesn't think I'm going to say anything about it.

'Thank you, Val,'

　A young sister sees him and thanks him.

'What are they making today?'

It's a soup full of donated grains, poultry, vegetables and eggs.

I don't usually get to eat meat or eggs, so I'm looking forward to it.

　The thirteen-year-old boy added a few words from beside her.

'I really can't get over the Light War God. I always always want to thank you a lot ...... someday, but I don't know if I can.

　The young Sister's words were responded to by the old woman who headed the relief station.

''It would be impossible. Aside from His Majesty the Emperor and the Eight Divine Brilliance (Levatein), few people know the face of the God of Light War. He's a man of many mysteries.''

'That's why there are so many theories about him. Some say he's a young, handsome lord, others say he's actually a woman.

　The middle-aged Sister speaks with a twinkle in her eye.

''Some people have even asked if you're actually the same person as the Emperor.

　A twelve-year-old girl says.

(I didn't know that. I did remember hearing that they said it might be a woman.)

　Val is almost dismayed to realize how much the rumors are walking alone.

'Thank you, Green Fruitful Goddess Grünweig, for blessing us again today.

　The meal would begin after offering a prayer of thanks to the goddess.
　Balu watched the children and people eating happily and savored the meal.

And who do you want to come for, Balu?　I knew it was Mary?

　It was a boy of thirteen years old who said teasingly, "I'm sorry," he said.
　'Mary was the youngest and prettiest of the sisters.

'Hey, you're being rude. 'To Miss Val,'

　Mary herself is upset when she is told.

'No, I'm sure Miss Mary can find plenty of nice men for you.

　Val's side of the room was calmly handled.
　The boy clucked his tongue at the attitude of not dealing with him, and his laughter spread.