"Big brother! Big brother!"
"Brother Morin!"
"Hello, Big Brother~!"...
As Morin and Kohina came downstairs and arrived at a makeshift classroom in the stronghold, Elder Matsuzaki, who was holding a small blackboard and textbooks for a lesson, signaled for a temporary break. Then, a group of cute little lolis skipped and jumped out of the classroom. Seeing Morin's arrival, they affectionately called out "Big Brother."
Seeing these adorable little lolis, including Riko, wearing newly altered clothes and looking at him with their cute, big red eyes, their sweet and soft voices calling him "Big Brother," Morin couldn't help but have his thoughts wander slightly. However, he still greeted the lolis with a smile, even distributing several packs of candy to them, causing the lolis, who had only recently tasted the sweetness of candy, to occasionally let out surprised laughter and joyful shouts.
However, the lolis, who were much more sensible than children of their age, did not scramble for the candy. Instead, a few of the oldest lolis (who were actually no more than twelve years old) took the candy and thanked Morin with the other lolis before going to one side to distribute it!
...
"Lord Morin!"
When Elder Matsuzaki came out, he happened to see the scene of the little lolis sincerely thanking Morin and then running to the side to distribute the candy. He couldn't help but call out to the lolis twice, making them restrain themselves slightly. Then, seeing the smiling Morin and Kohina on the side, he said somewhat apologetically, "I'm sorry, the children seem to like you very much~!"
"Haha, Elder Matsuzaki, it's nothing..."
Hearing Elder Matsuzaki's words, knowing that he was worried about him taking offense, Morin shook his head to indicate that it was nothing.
How could Morin possibly take offense at a group of cute little lolis?
Of course, besides the fact that the little lolis were very cute, Morin also felt some heartache for their previous experiences. Seeing those lolis, who had become very sensible due to their harsh lives, showing such energetic spirits, he naturally wouldn't hold any grudges!
"Elder Matsuzaki, could you tell me what you wanted to see me about?"
After raising his hand to indicate that it was nothing to Elder Matsuzaki's apology, Morin directly asked Elder Matsuzaki the reason for seeking him out.
"That... Lord Morin, it's like this... recently, regarding the planting of bean sprouts and other vegetables..."
Seeing Morin's straightforward approach, Elder Matsuzaki's expression also turned serious, and he began to tell Morin about some trivial construction-related issues with some hesitation.
Morin was initially interested, but as Elder Matsuzaki continued to speak, doubt arose in his heart!
It was too simple! The things Elder Matsuzaki was talking about were completely the tidying up of the nearby situation and other work that he and the lolis had done in the past few days, including opening simple vegetable gardens and plantations in this stronghold and several relatively safe areas nearby of course, definitely not planting time-consuming and labor-intensive crops like rice and wheat, but rather short-growing crops like potatoes, sweet potatoes, bean sprouts, mushrooms, and vegetables that didn't require too much time and effort to care for!
However, Morin remembered telling Elder Matsuzaki that these things generally didn't need to trouble him and should be handled on their own, right? Had some financial problem arisen? Or had they encountered the danger of Gastrea invasion?
Before the speculating Morin could ask, Elder Matsuzaki took the initiative to reveal the answer!
"...Lord Morin, although the recent situation has improved, the changes in District 39 seem to have attracted the attention of some people!"
As if noticing Morin's changed expression, Elder Matsuzaki glanced at the lolis who had already run some distance away towards the classroom before quietly saying the key issue.
"The attention of some people?"
Hearing Elder Matsuzaki's words, Morin frowned and then immediately reacted: "Are you talking about those people who hold extreme attitudes towards the Cursed Children!"
"That's right! Midori saw someone secretly observing this side of District 39 with binoculars last night while on guard duty!"
Elder Matsuzaki nodded somewhat heavily, speaking a piece of information in a low voice.
One of the aftereffects of the Gastrea War more than a decade ago was that almost every household in the settlement area had someone die at the hands of Gastrea, or at the very least had relatives or friends die in that war. And for ten years, being locked within the settlements protected by the Monoliths made humans feel even more suppressed and dissatisfied.
Therefore, the lolis, who had the same red eyes as the Gastrea and even had Gastrea virus factors residing in their bodies, were more or less looked at with prejudice in various human settlements.
However, the attitude of the Tokyo Area towards the Cursed Children was particularly bad, and the overall atmosphere in recent years was increasingly leaning towards extremism.
Especially after Morin instructed Kohina to use the encounter with the loli Riko as a reminder, Elder Matsuzaki naturally didn't dare to be careless about the safety of District 39, and didn't think there was much room for negotiation with those extremists. After receiving a report from the loli on guard duty about someone spying, he hesitated for a moment and then came to report to Morin!
"I see..."
Morin frowned slightly, his expression somewhat uncertain.
Kohina and Elder Matsuzaki, seeing Morin's thoughtful appearance, didn't interrupt. Elder Matsuzaki looked at the playing lolis with a hopeful gaze, hoping Morin could tell him a more suitable solution Elder Matsuzaki hadn't forgotten that these children with happy faces mostly had vigilant and pale expressions half a month ago, and their hollow red eyes, as if disgusted with the world, made those who saw them feel a chill down their spines!
Elder Matsuzaki didn't know if those people would come and destroy the current hopeful situation, but he absolutely didn't want to see that scene!
However, after more than ten seconds, Elder Matsuzaki heard Morin give instructions.
"Elder Matsuzaki, please first tell the children not to go to the residential area. I will also notify Sumire Heavy Industries to try not to spread any news. I will arrange the other things!"
...
"Well, Kohina, perhaps we should be on guard~!"
Seeing Elder Matsuzaki leave, Morin gently patted Kohina's head, his words carrying a hint of coldness.
"Mmm... Big brother... don't hit my head..."
Kohina patted Morin's hand somewhat displeasedly, then chewed the lollipop in her mouth and replied vaguely, but a faint red light flashed in her eyes.
Clearly, Kohina understood the hidden meaning in Morin's words and also unequivocally stated her position to act together with Morin!
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Need More Chapters
Every 300 Power Stones
2 Bonus chapter
Every 500 Power Stones
4 Bonus chapter.
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