Andreas Pov five months later

???:  Hey Andreas, Think you could help me with some of these crates?

I placed a crate of apples next to a stand.

Andreas: Yeah, just let me finish up here first.

???: Alright, thanks for the help as always.

I smiled and moved a couple more crates over.

Emily: Thank you, Andreas. You've always been a big help around here.

Andreas: Think nothing of it, Ms. Emily. I'm always happy to help.

Emily: Such a good heart. Here, it may not be much but I'm sure it can go a long way.

She handed me a small coin pouch.

Andreas: I can't accept this Ms. Emily. You need it more than I do.

I tried to hand it back but she refused and pushed back my hands.

Emily: Just take it, I can earn a lot more thanks to your help.

I sighed softly and put the much in my bucket.

Andreas: Thank you, I'll head over to Mr. Cram now.

She waved me goodbye as I returned the gesture.

Emily: Don't overwork yourself alright?

I chuckled and nodded. Such a caring old lady.

Time skip

Unlocking my door, I found myself waving back at a local guardian of an orphanage just a few houses over.

I believe her name is Sasha Fullmoon. Such a caring woman, even if The Order is actively trying to destroy what she has built over the years of her retirement as a hero.

As I entered my house, I heard her call out my name.

Sasha: Mr. Fort, please wait for a moment.

I turned back and found her jogging towards me... You're a married man Andreas. Your wife would be disappointed at you if you continue to stare at her... Assets.

Andreas: How many times do I have to tell you to call me by my first name? I feel old getting called Mr. Fort.

She stopped jogging and smiled sheepishly at my comment.

Sasha: Sorry Andreas, I tend to keep things formal most of the time.

I sighed and smiled after.

Andreas: So what is it? Is it the kids again?

She giggled.

Sasha: They wanted to invite you again for dinner, even if I told them you are quite busy.

I sighed defeated.

Andreas: Alright, tell them I'll be over after I clean myself up.

I notice her blush subtly, which was immediately gone as soon as it appeared.

Sasha: G-Great! I'll go tell them now.

She bowed and hurriedly jogged back to her orphanage. Oh, dear... I really don't want her to be disappointed.

Closing the door behind me, I started at my somewhat run-down house. Not many decorations here and there, back then I wasn't known for having a thing for decoration... Till she came to my life.

Andreas: *Sigh*... I miss you, dear... Andrew, Aleah, and of course... Diana. I miss you all dearly.

I placed the picture of my family back down... To think the only thing I was able to keep is this. No matter, I will still find a way to come back home.

Sighing, I took off all my clothes and started to bathe. I make sure that I look presentable... As possible anyway, just to at least respect the offer Sasha gave me. That and the children really don't know how to hold off their tongues.

Wearing my most presentable clothes, I walked out of my home and locked it. With confident steps, I walked over to my destination.

I knocked at the orphanage door as soon as I arrived, announcing my presence to everyone inside.

???: Oh he's here!

???: Quickly! Behave.

I chuckled at the children's antics. Knocking again, I heard scuttling footsteps and the turning of the knob.

I was then greeted by Sasha, who definitely looks a tad brighter after seeing my face.

Sasha: Ah Andreas, come in. The children could barely contain their excitement knowing that one of their favorite persons is visiting.

I smiled.

Andreas: Well, excuse me for intruding then.

The night truly was worth something to remember.

Time skip Day

I sighed, reading a book about Monster Girls... I've met some while traveling, many can be considered sexually aggressive but some are quite considerate.

Andreas: But none has the ability to teleport... Maybe the Witches could or those with powerful magics but I doubt they know any sort of teleportation spell that could travel to other worlds.

I closed the book and hid it at the very back of my drawer... From what I've heard about the book. Apparently, it's a big taboo in Lescatie or any are under Order control.

Andreas: I wonder how are all of you are doing now...

Sighing, I stood up from my bed and prepared for the day.

Finishing my morning routine of a couple of exercises and a bath, I jogged my way over to the Guild. Where I earn most of my money from.

Guildmarm: Ah, Mr. Andreas. I take it you're here for another quest?

I chuckled.

Andreas: Well, it's what many people come here to do so.

She smiled.

Guildmarm: So what will it be today?

I skimmed the guest papers behind her and found a rather peculiar one.

Andreas: I'll take that one.

I pointed at the one right above her head.

Guildmarm: An investigation in the forest? Are you sure? From what I've heard there are some Monsters moving around and about in the place.

I waved off her concern.

Andreas: I'm fine, I may not look like it but I can take care of myself.

She signed but stamped a seal of approval on the quest paper.

Andreas: Thank you, I'll be sure to come back in good health.

She waved goodbye as I left the Guild.

Time skip

It was just past noon when I heard something rustling to my right. Thanks to one of the abilities I copied, my awareness of my surroundings increased greatly with what he called Beast-Sense.

I sniffed the air and caught a familiar scent. I moved towards it with quiet steps. The scent was stronger after a few minutes of following it and I ended up to a rather peculiar scene.

Sasha... Together with some Mamono in what seems to be some sort of negotiations.

Taking a closer look at the three Mamono with her, I recognized two of them as Hellhounds and a Phantom?

I took a step back slowly... Only to step on a branch, alarming the four.

With quick decision making, I bolted immediately was from the area, not bothering to look back. Once I reached a safe distance, I activated the Teleportation ability I copied and teleported outside the forest.

Andreas: What the hell did I just witness... I hope Sasha has a good explanation for this.

Walking back to the gates, I made a silent promise to not sell her out just in case if she has a good reason why she was aiding her enemies.

Meanwhile with Sasha

Sasha: Yes, I made sure everything in that letter is all the information about all secret passages in the city and where the strategic areas are as well.

Anastasia: Well done... Though I'm surprised that a former hero would be the one betraying her people.

I kept silent.

Anastasia: But then again, I'm sure the doubt you planted in your mind has grown more and more as time passes by.

I sighed.

Sasha: Is that all? I still need to keep a face in Lescatie after all.

Anastasia laughed.

Anastasia: No worries, I'm sure your orphans already misses you.

Sasha: I know, I'm also doing well in keeping the others safe.

She nodded.

Anastasia: Well, you better go before-

Snap

A twig snapped to our left, to which Anastasia immediately ordered her Hellhound companions to check.

Yuri: Human Male... He fled quickly as soon as he stepped on the twig.

My eyes widened. To think their senses would be incredibly accurate.

Anastasia: Anything else?

Yuri: He smells of lavender and a bit of lemon.

I gasped. Knowing full well who the man could be.

Anastasia: It seems our resident Heroine knows something.

I frantically tried to make an excuse.

Anastasia: Don't. Just know that if our plans get leaked, it will be your fault and failure.

They left soon after... I need to get back quickly.

Sasha: Please don't be you.

I quickly ran back to the city through a hidden path I always take.

And another chapter is done! Hopefully, it's satisfactory... Considering I really don't know how the actual story goes but meh, I know how to adapt XD but anyway. Hope you guys like this and SOUL out!