Tein’s innocent and clear eyes provoked a sharp expression from Ren. Ren, living introvertedly, was once again reminded that he could be chased away at any moment.

“It’s only been a day since we were allowed to stay together. Already, it seems like I’m stirring up a sense of crisis.”

Now wasn’t the time to be relieved just because he had barely overcome Sharty’s sternness. From now on, he had to face the problems that reality had thrown at him. He needed to make amends for his mistakes, and he had to be someone who wouldn’t let Sharty overburden herself. However, when it came time to make plans, it felt overwhelmingly daunting.

“Lazy men are not popular.”

“What?”

When Ren didn’t say anything, Tein spoke with a resolute face.

“Diligent men are liked.”

“…Who said such a thing?”

Ren asked with a troubled expression, disturbed by Tein’s unchildlike choice of words. He had significant doubts about the child’s education.

“Nuna Birena said that!”

Ren recalled. Besides Bireta and Tein, there was another person who had joined them that morning. A young woman with the same hair color as Tein, resembling Bireta.

Ren recalled Birena’s appearance and stroked his chin.

‘She was the first to call me a runaway slave.’

Ren remembered that, despite the sudden first meeting, Birena had watched him with a very interesting gaze, seemingly focused on taking care of Sharty rather than Sharty.
“And what else did she say?”

Taking into account Birena’s age similar to Sharty’s, Ren asked. It was better to capture Sharty’s favor from the surroundings. It seemed to be on the same line as adopting a straightforward attitude towards Bireta.

“You shouldn’t make women suffer!”

“……. ”

Under Tein’s sunny teachings, Ren sealed his lips. Further advice from him didn’t seem helpful.

“Ren needs to work hard.”

Ren hid his embarrassment at the child’s subtle encouragement. By now, it seemed like they were collectively brainwashing him not to burden Sharty.

A subtle smile surfaced inwardly. Exaggerated or not, they all cherished Sharty.

“Raising a person costs a lot of money. Feeding, clothing, and providing shelter are not easy tasks. But, with Ren growing up, it costs even more money.”

“……. ”

The laughter disappeared.

Or, more accurately, it wasn’t a time for laughter.

‘If I make Sharyl suffer, this little family might kick me out,’ thought Ren after Tein’s sudden advice, and the glaring eyes of Bireta or Birena behind it seemed real and not a misunderstanding.

Anyway, in order to gain recognition in various ways, Ren needed to find a job.

“Specifically, I don’t have a clue about what I should do. Maybe my medical teacher can give me some advice?”

“……!”

Tein, who was squatting with Ren, raised his head sharply and twinkled his eyes.

He still seemed pleased with the title of medical teacher.

Tein vigorously shook his small head up and down.

“I am smarter than Ren! I can provide counseling even though I’m young!”

“……. ”

The corners of Ren’s mouth trembled slightly.

But, as always, he maintained a composed expression.

Ren approached counseling with a serious attitude.

“How can I earn money here? I’m curious about what jobs are available.”

“In the mountains, we hunt. Then we sell the leather for money. Or we make clothes. Nuna Birena receives fabric, and the teacher makes and sells herbal medicine and ointments.”

Tein spoke with a sense of mission as a medical teacher.

Listening to Tein’s explanation, Ren clenched his fist.

Work was limited in the mountain village, and there seemed to be no immediate job for him.

‘At least I can chop firewood…’

Logically, there wouldn’t be anyone in the remote village who would buy firewood separately.

Ren glanced sideways. Due to blocking the furnace again, the firewood he diligently chopped was still stacked behind the log house.

Then, a sudden curiosity arose.

“How much is a ruby?”

“Uh……”

Tein rolled his large pupils around.

Seeming unsure of the exact amount, he repeatedly folded and unfolded his short fingers.

Soon, Tein puckered his lips with a sulky expression.

“I don’t know. It’s very expensive.”

Ren’s large hand gently stroked Tein’s troubled head.

There was indeed a reason for Sharty to keep them separately.
It was still daunting to find a job, but at least Ren could set a purchasing goal.

“If there were more rubies, we could spend the winter warmly.”

Ren no longer wanted Sharty to hesitate between darkness and cold water, and he wanted her to be able to bathe in warm water with the lights on in the bathroom.

“Since there is a lot of climbing in the mountains, it can at least relieve fatigue.”

Adding a massage would be enough to bring beauty to Sharty…

Ren instinctively blocked his thoughts that momentarily surfaced. His face stiffened as if caught in an indecent imagination.

Especially, Ren’s ears turned red as he met Tein’s sparkling eyes.

“Uh, what does your grandmother do?”

“Grandma is a mercenary!”

It was an unnatural transition of topics, but Tein showed no hesitation in the consultation.

“… A mercenary?”