MTO C93

Chapter 93

The day of the spring banquet.

“Coming through! I need to get these sacks of potatoes to the kitchen—quick!”

“Ah—no, not this hallway! We just laid the carpet!”

From early dawn, Eglence Castle was in an uproar.

The massive cleaning operation that had lasted several days to prepare for guests was finally drawing to a close. The maids replaced every bedding set in the guest chambers, and the servants rehung freshly scrubbed tapestries on the walls.

A brand-new luxury carpet stretched from the staircase downward, and banners emblazoned with the crest of House Eglence adorned the corridors. From the kitchen drifted both delicious aromas and shouted commands, and the knights—unable to withstand Lawrence’s glare—shed their dusty armor in favor of perfectly-pressed formal uniforms.

While the entire castle worked frantically, in the very Great Hall where tonight’s banquet would take place, something utterly unexpected was happening.

“From this moment, we begin the first promotion ceremony of Valois Orphanage!”

Michel stood before a table, utterly incongruous amid the grandeur of silver candelabras and fresh flowers—dressed in a simple martial-arts uniform.

He was not the only one in such attire. The children sitting formally on the floor wore matching outfits. They were not true martial uniforms, but tunics and pants modeled after the design—courtesy of the tailor siblings. The roomy fit and sturdy fabric alone satisfied Michel deeply.

Just yesterday, the Beaver siblings had arrived with the completed garments. Thankfully, they had finished in time for the ceremony.

When Michel mentioned holding the promotion ceremony today, Lawrence had suggested the Great Hall, saying it had already been gorgeously decorated for the banquet. Thanks to his surprising thoughtfulness, the children’s first promotion ceremony was held in a hall overflowing with flowers and silver light.

“When I call your name, step forward to receive your certificate and belt. Understood?”

“Yes, sir!”

The children answered loudly, but tension stiffened every face. None knew whether they would truly earn a yellow belt today.

Ever since Michel had explained belt ranks, they had practiced endlessly, determined to earn yellow belts. Normally, one began with white, but there was no need—these children already wore invisible white belts.

Michel had endured a hundred questions a day about who would earn their belt, yet he never answered. He wanted to surprise them. As a result, their yearning for yellow belts only grew sharper.

“Now then, the first child to receive a yellow belt will be…”

A tiny gulp echoed. Michel paused dramatically.

“Drumroll, please—dugu-dugu-dugu!”

“Aaaagh!”

“Master, please!”

Rather than announcing immediately, Michel made the sound of a drum with his mouth, prompting shrieks. Charlotte and Leon leapt up with both hands raised, while Max beat his chest in agony. Only when the children looked ready to faint did Michel finally declare:

“Oliver and Alice! Everyone, applaud!”

Oliver and Alice stood with bright smiles. Their younger siblings clapped with admiration.

Barbara stepped forward with certificates she had prepared, and the two children lined up before her. Barbara looked more nervous than they did.

Michel had written the certificate text; Barbara had tied small ribbons to decorate them. At Michel’s request, Kaidan had stamped each with the crest of House Eglence.

Taekwondo academies normally gave only belts, but Michel chose to prepare certificates as well—perhaps, for someone here, this might be their last promotion ceremony. He wanted the memory to shine.

“Commendation. As the eldest children of Valois Orphanage, you have acted responsibly and been exemplary caretakers for your younger siblings. Therefore, this certificate is awarded as praise.”

Once Barbara read aloud and handed them the certificates, Michel knelt to tie Oliver’s belt.

“You’ve done so well, Oliver.”

Oliver nodded awkwardly, unable to tear his eyes from the belt. It was not like a typical taekwondo belt—the Beavers had insisted on turning it into a braided ribbon, claiming plain belts were boring. Michel accepted it without complaint; only the color mattered.

“Alice, excellent work.”

After tying Alice’s belt, Michel held out his hands. The two children slapped his palms proudly.

“Attention!”

They stood straight, shoulders trembling with smiles. Compared to the wary way they had first looked at Michel, it was a miracle.

“Bow!”

“Taekwondo! Thank you!”

They bowed deeply to Michel and Barbara before scampering back—immediately swarmed by their siblings. Michel clapped decisively to prevent chaos.

“Now, the promotion ceremony is not over. Curious who else will be promoted?”

“Yes!”

“Then attention!”

The children hurried back to their places.

“The next friend to rise to yellow belt is… Heart!”

“Lucky Heart!”

The children cheered, though Heart looked stunned. Slowly, he stepped forward.

Barbara read again:

“Commendation. Speedster Award. This child learned the promotion routine quickest and helped others learn it in turn.”

Heart accepted the certificate shyly. Michel tied his belt.

“Well done, Heart.”

Heart rolled his eyes but stood patiently. He no longer bolted at the sight of Michel; he played with the others now. Michel held out his hand; Heart gave a half-hearted high five. When Heart turned to leave, Michel swept him into a huge hug.

“Heart, I love you!”

“L-let go!”

“Just a little longer!”

When released, Heart fled, cheeks burning. Leon promptly hugged him, and he did not fight it. Michel beamed.

The ceremony continued. Seven belts had been prepared. Dan and Max, who had braved the dungeon to save the eagle, received Hero Awards. Charlotte earned the Gentle Heart Award for her kind words, and Leon the Bright Smile Award.

Each child laughed at their award name and stroked their ribbon with pride.

“High five!”

Michel tied Leon’s belt last. Leon slapped his palm—then hugged his neck tightly. Michel embraced him, warmth spreading like sunshine.

Must we really part someday?

The thought stabbed unexpectedly. Michel steadied himself. Today was not farewell. No reason to feel heavy.

He swayed Leon playfully until the child giggled, then set him down.

“Now everyone has yellow belts! Since we’re all yellow belts now, can you perform well at tonight’s banquet?”

“Yes!”

He had told them nothing about adoption—they believed they were invited by the Duke and would repay him with a taekwondo performance.

They dreamed of gowns, sweets, and a fairy-tale banquet. Their sparkling anticipation lifted Michel’s spirits.

Today was joyous. No sadness allowed.

“Then let’s go prepare!”

At his signal, Barbara led the children out. The hall fell silent.

Michel did not follow immediately. He stared at the space where the children had been.

“This is all for you, Jeong-oh. When you grow up, you’ll understand. I’m truly sorry.”

His fist clenched. He was not his mother. Leaving a child in an orphanage and sending orphanage children to loving families—those were not the same.

This was not abandonment. The children deserved greater love.

“Let’s go.”

If he lingered, Lawrence would scold him. He straightened his shoulders and marched out, arms swinging boldly.