* * *

Remy’s logic was sound.

“Good. That’s settled, then.”

“Yes.”

“Good boy, Oliver.”

Remy reached out to pat Oliver’s small head.

His fingers brushed through the boy’s soft brown hair.

“What’s your name, sir?”

“Hm? Me?”

“Yes. You already know mine, so it’s only fair you tell me yours.”

“Haha. I guess so.”

Scratching his head awkwardly, Remy hesitated.

For some reason, telling his name felt oddly embarrassing.

“My name’s Remy. Remy Wesley.”

“Remy Wesley.”

“Yes. Just call me Remy hyung. No need to call me ‘sir.’”

“Remy hyung.”

“Good, just like that.”

At that moment, the sound of a cat’s meow interrupted them.

A tuxedo cat trotted over to the two of them, its steps light and quick.

“Taz.”

The cat affectionately rubbed itself against Oliver’s legs.

Watching Oliver pet the cat lovingly, a soft smile crept onto Remy’s lips.

The sun was setting, painting the sky a warm orange.

It seemed unlikely that he’d be able to visit Roberto’s factory today.

Even Remy knew it was dangerous for a noble Omega to roam alone in a slum at night.

“I’ll get going now. Let’s meet at the same spot tomorrow, Oliver.”

Remy patted Oliver’s head once more before turning to leave.

As he retraced his steps, a voice called out behind him.

“Hyung, you forgot this.”

Oliver held out a map he had been clutching tightly.

Though it was no longer useful, Remy accepted it carefully, as if it were a priceless treasure.

“Thank you, Oliver.”

“You’re welcome.”

With that, Remy truly left, his steps brisk.

Oliver, however, followed beside him.

“I remember the way. You don’t need to walk me back.”

“I’m not walking you back.”

“Hm?”

“I’m on my way to buy bread.”

“Ah…”

“If I’m too late, the bakery will close. I need to hurry.”

“I see.”

“There’s a bakery near Mr. Roberto’s factory. It’s the only one where ten shillings can buy two loaves of bread. That’s enough for me and my siblings to share.”

“Hmm. Near Roberto’s factory… Wait, what? Roberto?”

Suddenly, Remy’s mind sharpened.

As he replayed Oliver’s words, he realized they held the key to what he needed most.

“Did you just say Mr. Roberto?”

“Yes. Why? Is something wrong?”

“No, no. Do you know what kind of factory Mr. Roberto runs?”

“I heard it’s a printing factory. They print letters there.”

“Ah…!”

Remy’s heart leapt.

Meeting Oliver had been a stroke of incredible luck.

Not only had he found such a kind child, but he had also gained a crucial lead in his search.

“Remy hyung?”

“Oliver.”

“Yes?”

“Can you take me to Mr. Roberto’s factory tomorrow? I’ll make it worth your while since I’d be using your time.”

“That’s no big deal. You don’t have to pay me.”

“No, it’s very important to me. Please, Oliver. I’d really appreciate it.”

Oliver hesitated, clearly conflicted.

He seemed to be remembering his mother’s advice.

“But that’s… a bit difficult…”

“Alright. Then let’s do this. From now on, I’ll buy bread for you. Bread and ten shillings. How about that? Does that sound fair?”

Oliver thought again, then eventually nodded.

Unable to resist his adorable expression, Remy pulled him into a hug and kissed his cheek.

“Thank you, Oliver. You’ve saved me.”

Nestled in Remy’s arms, Oliver wore a puzzled expression.

All he had done was offer directions, so he didn’t understand why Remy seemed so overjoyed.

The next day, Remy was bustling about, preparing for his outing.

“Did I pack the meat? Yes, the meat…”

“Yes, as per your instructions, I’ve prepared the preserved salted meat that can be stored for a long time.”

“And the fruit? Did you include the fruit as well?”

“Yes, I’ve selected various types of fruit we had at home and arranged them together in a basket.”

“Good. Is there anything I’m missing? What do children like?”

“I’ve also packed cookies and candies. I believe this should suffice, young master.”

“You think so?”

A large basket brimming with food was placed before Remy.

It was so big that carrying it alone seemed like a challenge.

Yet, as he gazed at the basket, Remy couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t quite enough.

Surely, there was something more he could do…

“Ah, that’s right! Clothes!”

Suddenly, Remy recalled the tattered clothes Oliver and his siblings had been wearing.

Though the weather was pleasant now, the cold winter would arrive soon, and those clothes wouldn’t suffice.

His heart ached as he imagined the children braving winter in their makeshift shelter.

“Do we have any children’s clothes at home?”

“Children’s clothes? Pardon?”

“Yes, clothes for a boy about nine—no, ten years old. Oh, and also for a six-year-old boy and a four-year-old child.”

“Uh…?”

The servant looked utterly confused at Remy’s request, making him realize how abrupt he sounded.

“I mean, uh, you know…”

“What seems to be the matter, young master?”

Just then, Chandler, the head steward, happened to pass by and approached.

“Oh, Chandler!”

Remy greeted him warmly, having grown quite comfortable around him.

“Yes, young master?”

“I need something urgently.”

“What do you require?”

“I need clothes for boys!”

“Boys, you say?”

“Yes!”

“Can you specify their height? Their build? I can have someone measure them and tailor the clothes.”

“Huh? Height? Build?”

Faced with the question, Remy hesitated.

He had only seen them briefly, so he couldn’t recall such details.

“Um… That’s tricky. All I remember is that they were thin…”

As Remy scratched his head, Chandler, ever quick on the uptake, offered a solution.

“If you prefer, I could send someone to measure the children.”

“No, no! That won’t do!”

That wasn’t an option.

This matter required utmost discretion.

While Chandler was trustworthy and wouldn’t gossip about household affairs, it was essential to keep everything under wraps.

“Would that be difficult?”

“Uh, yes, kind of…”

Chandler refrained from asking “why.”

His composed demeanor, fitting for a head steward, shone through.

“In that case, I will prepare clothes in various sizes and include two extra sets for each size.”

“Perfect! When can they be ready?”

“If we pay extra, the process could be expedited, but it would still take over a week.”

“Alright, understood.”

As expected of Chandler.

Once a figure of intimidation, he was now one of Remy’s most reliable allies.

“Well, for now, I’ll just take this.”

Ending their conversation, Remy picked up the prepared basket. It was heavy—almost unbearably so.

“Good grief. Why is this so heavy? There’s not even that much in it…”

“I can have a servant load it onto a carriage.”

“No, it’s fine. I’ll carry it myself.”

“You’re planning to go out alone again today, young master?”

“Yes. It’s fine. I can handle it.”

“As you wish.”

Chandler did not insist further.

That trait of his—never asking unnecessary questions or forcing someone to repeat themselves—was what earned him his esteemed position in the Wesley household.

“Take care, young master.”

“Safe travels, young master,” the other servants said as they bowed.

With the oversized basket in hand, Remy left the house.

Despite the weight of his load, his steps felt light as he thought about how happy Oliver and his siblings would be.

---

“Oliver!”

When Remy arrived at the meeting spot, Oliver was already there.

Beside him sat Taz, his elegant tuxedo cat.

“You’re here!” Oliver greeted, his large eyes shining.

Despite the rags he wore, his face was as adorable as any wealthy child’s.

“Yes! You came early and waited, didn’t you?”

Remy ruffled Oliver’s hair affectionately before greeting Taz as well.

“Hello, Taz.”

The proud cat turned its head away with disdain, radiating an air of aloofness.

It was as if it were saying, ‘You dare greet me?’

* * *