Only I Am A Reader
chapter-14

'That's one problem solved in advance.'

Since the option of running away was out of hand, Leo couldn't possibly confront the attackers while his 'siblings' were still inside the Orphanage.

Originally, He planned to trade for an 'opportunity' to ask for a favor from Crane with the other spring alloy steel 'recipe' that he memorized, all so that he could solve this problem, but he surprisingly got more than he sought to get.

Although Leo knew about Crane's generosity with payment as well as the preciousness of his 'idea', he still didn't expect to receive an 'opportunity' from Crane, especially one as broad as described by Crane.

'In that case…'

On the other hand, while the other 'recipe' that Leo knew was still valuable, it had less value when compared to the one he already revealed, it had a major weakness to corrosion, so what it could be exchanged for would be much lower in value.

"What if I told you I have one more 'recipe' to help with your research?"

Leo spoke out calmly as he made his mind, it was too wasteful to use a great opportunity on a one-time favor, he had a better use for it in mind.

"Well, I naturally want it, but as you can see, I already offered all I could."

Crane looked at Leo helplessly, was the kind incapable of knowing when to stop? He was tempted to cut his funds even further, but he held back, ideas were worth nothing if they weren't to be successfully applied.

"No need to decline so quickly, I plan to give this 'recipe' as a deal, you only need to accept a simple request of mine."

Leo followed up quickly as he waited for Crane to process his deal. He wanted to rush into discussing the great opportunity, but this part was still more important.

"So you want to save my favor and use the 'recipe' to exchange for an immediate request?"

Crane's eyes lit up, to him, favors and requests were worth more than money. If he were to pay for the other 'recipe' this way, his conscience would be clear.

"Indeed."

Leo simply nodded, letting out a sigh of relief in his mind, it seemed like Crane was as eager as him to close this deal.

"Fair enough, I can accept this deal as long as your request isn't overboard."

Crane smiled in response, he didn't mind accepting requests that didn't cross his moral line.

"No worries, my request is pretty simple. All I ask for is for you to give shelter to my 'siblings' for one night."

Leo didn't beat around the bush as he went straight into the topic. The reason he chose the 'blackbird' as his primary target to procure funds was mainly due to this request.

No matter the place, any knowledge related to sword-making was basically priceless, this wasn't the only place he could get money from, but this was the only place he would trust to hide his 'siblings' while he dealt with the attack.

Not only was Crane a trustworthy character by script, but he was also quite powerful, protecting people from the first attack of the Fanged Wolves wasn't a hard task for him.

"You… You are expecting to face an attack and you only ask for this? Don't you want me to help you deal with it?"

Crane couldn't help but feel perplexed once more. The person who spoke before him was just a kid, yet he planned to face everything himself. Did he also not know the concept of asking adults for help?

"Brother already told me about your situation, you don't wish to join any more conflicts, and I don't plan to let anyone get caught in my conflict either, and that includes my 'siblings'."

Leo's expression turned firm as part of his disguise as a 12-year-old got washed away. This time, he was speaking out his real thoughts. Although this conflict was initiated by the protagonist, Leo found himself the next one on the responsibility list.

As a reader, he felt that breaking the established plot of the book that turned into a reality was part of his responsibility, not to mention that he was most likely the reason behind it turning into a reality, to begin with.

"I see you already resolved yourself, it's true that I didn't plan to directly interfere, but I will accept your request."

Crane looked at Leo with pity, he wanted to break his rule and save him considering his great contribution to his research, but he decided against it. This wasn't the first time he witnessed the death of someone promising, and he couldn't simply save them all.

'Just what brilliant idea would such a kid think of when he grows up…? Forget it!'

Most importantly, he couldn't come out of hiding for the sake of his research. If he was forced to stop, wouldn't the kid's contribution go to waste?

"Thank you, I greatly appreciate it. As for my other request…"

Leo kept his smile as he looked back at Crane, he could tell he was feeling emotional, and he planned to make use of it. Since the protagonist didn't use this plot device character to its full worth, he planned to do so in his place!

`~~`~~`~~`

Dragging a small cart behind him, Leo walked as stealthy as possible as he passed by the Orphanage's door. He didn't want to wake up his 'siblings' that were probably asleep by now. However...

"You are only coming back now…?"

Sitting at the step of the door, Ria put down the book she was reading as she questioned the sneaking Leo.

"I'm… sorry. I managed to find a great job today, and I had to start on the spot. If not, I wouldn't have missed lunch…"

Leo apologetically bowed his head, he had deviated greatly from Arthur's behavior pattern, but he couldn't possibly take his time due to how tight it was.

"I already told you that earning money is something for me to worry about… Why are you being so stubborn at this age?"

Ria wanted to scold Leo, but couldn't get the resolve to do so as she noticed the determination on his face. If only she could resolve their financial problems themselves...

"I know, I don't plan to overwork myself, it's only for a limited time anyway. Let's call it a night as well, I have a big surprise for tomorrow!"

Leo didn't wait any further as he dragged his cart towards his 'bed' in a hurry, he had to sleep so he could start his following preparation early tomorrow.

Ria opened her mouth to reply, but only let out a sigh in the end, she felt that she was the real one at fault.

'Sigh, you are just like your brother…'