Orion didn't give her a chance to breathe, continuing like a machine gun:
"Oh, and if you want to say I have no evidence, it's simple."
"The one you traded with was a vagrant, right? Only they would do such a thing…"
"The Silvermane Guards only need to check the vagrant camp, and they'll quickly find out who it was."
"Then, following the clues, finding Natasha JieJie (Older Sister) shouldn't be difficult, right?"
Upon hearing this, Natasha's expression completely changed.
She had never imagined being cornered to such an extent by a six-year-old child.
Natasha tried to make one last struggle:
"Orion, I do all this for the children…"
"You can't do this…"
Orion's expression didn't soften in the slightest.
He knew Natasha's weakness was the children of the Orphanage, but this didn't change his objective.
"I understand you're doing it for the children."
"But I also have places I want to go; I don't want to rot here my whole life."
Orion looked at Natasha, his tone softening slightly.
"I won't speak carelessly, as long as you don't force me to stay, I won't tell the Silvermane Guards about your business."
Natasha knew she had no choice.
Forcing him to stay was too risky.
Letting him leave, at least there was still a glimmer of hope.
She sighed deeply, as if she had aged several years in an instant.
"Alright, Orion. I won't force you to stay."
Natasha finally compromised.
"But, you have to promise me that you will never tell anyone about today's events, and that thing you saw… never."
Orion nodded: "I can promise you. But…"
"While I can keep a secret, shouldn't Natasha JieJie (Older Sister) also give some… indication?"
"Indication?"
Natasha was stunned for a moment.
"Hush money."
Orion said it as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Natasha's brows furrowed.
She was truly short on money.
The Orphanage's expenses were enormous, and she was barely managing to support it alone.
Every transaction of rift parts was like walking on a knife's edge, and the money earned was a drop in the bucket.
Now, this child actually wanted to ask for more from her…
"I… I don't have much money."
Natasha said with difficulty.
"No, you misunderstood; I don't want money."
Orion shook his head.
"What I mean is… if one day I need your help, or need something, Natasha JieJie (Older Sister), you have to help me."
"No matter what I need, or what I need to do."
Natasha looked at Orion; this child's request made her feel more uneasy than directly asking for money.
Money was finite; if there was none, there was none.
But this promise was like a bottomless pit, making her feel a little afraid.
She didn't know what Orion would need in the future.
But Orion held her secret, and this leverage was too fatal.
She weighed the pros and cons.
This child was far more dangerous and ruthless than she had imagined.
Ultimately, she could only agree.
"Alright…"
Her voice carried a hint of resigned weariness.
"I promise you… anything I can do, I will help you with."
[Villainous Act Judgement: First Threat Successful! Villain Points +50!]
"Then it's settled, Natasha JieJie (Older Sister)."
"Mmm…"
"I'm off now."
Orion chuckled lightly, turned and left, leaving behind a trembling Natasha.
Walking out of Natasha's office, Orion felt light and exceptionally free.
The feeling of holding someone else's secret was like holding a knife, ready to stab at any moment.
He pondered how to use this connection with Natasha.
Natasha had some connections and resources in the Lower District; though not many, they might be of great help at a crucial moment.
As Orion walked out of the Orphanage building, he saw Bronya still waiting for him by the swing.
Her small figure looked a bit lonely in the yard.
Seeing him come out, Bronya immediately ran over.
"Brother Orion!"
She ran to Orion, looking up with her small face, her eyes full of worry.
"Natasha JieJie (Older Sister) didn't do anything to you, did she?"
Orion bent down, patted her head, and said with a smile:
"It's nothing. Natasha JieJie (Older Sister) just chatted with me."
"That's great, I knew she wouldn't blame you!" Bronya said happily.
"Bronya, I'm leaving now. I'll definitely come to see you again next time and bring you even better food."
Upon hearing this, Bronya's small face broke into a happy smile, and she nodded vigorously.
"Mmm!"
"Goodbye, Brother Orion!"
Orion thought as he walked back to Boulder Town.
The connection with Bronya was now established.
In the future, Natasha would definitely take care of Bronya even more diligently, otherwise, I would come looking for trouble.
And now, he had also built a good relationship with Bronya, making her remember him.
After this, it was just a matter of waiting for her to be chosen by Cocolia to become the Great Guardian's successor.
By then, even if he accomplished nothing in the Lower District, as long as he was alive, he could bask in her glory and go to the Upper District.
Orion thought for a moment; it seemed there was nothing more to do for now.
His body was only six years old, so many things couldn't be done.
The most important thing was to survive first, grow up, and wait for opportunities.
He clenched his fists.
When he hit the Freckled Boy earlier, that momentary burst of strength made him realize that his body might not be as weak as it seemed.
Orion decided that he would try his best to exercise his body and improve his physical attributes.
In this Lower District, strength would always be his trump card.
Orion returned to Boulder Town.
In the following month, everything was as usual, yet it seemed everything had changed.
Ever since Orion acquired Eloquent Speech and continuously developed this trait, his life had significantly improved.
First, there was the owner of the snack stall.
Every time Orion went, he would bombard the owner with Eloquent Speech.
He praised the owner's cooking as the best in the Lower District, praised his kind heart, praised how young and strong he looked… all sorts of flowery compliments poured out freely.
Gradually, the owner's attitude completely changed.
His gaze towards Orion became increasingly gentle; sometimes, he would even proactively ask Orion if he was hungry.
Eventually, he even treated Orion like his own son.
Every time Orion came, he would give him food for free, which was usually rare meat.
The owner would even occasionally give Orion some Credits.
Thus, Orion's food problem was completely solved; he could even share with Seele, ensuring Seele also ate well.
Seele looked at the warm food Orion brought out, and the doubt in her eyes deepened, but she didn't ask anything, just silently accepted it.
Orion also tried using Eloquent Speech on others.
Perhaps because of his age and insufficient charm, it wasn't effective on everyone. Only some simple-minded people, or those with overflowing kindness, like the owner, were swayed by him and willing to give him some food or daily necessities.
But this was enough.
Orion's life was now poles apart from before.
He no longer needed to rummage through garbage for food every day, no longer needed to fight others for a shriveled piece of bread.
He even built a house for himself.
Of course, not a real house in the true sense.
He found a relatively secluded corner and built a crude shelter using discarded wooden boards, cardboard, and plastic sheets.
Although it wasn't big and couldn't withstand strong winds and heavy rain, Orion made it very comfortable inside.
He spread out discarded rags and plastic foam to make a simple bed.
He also piled some spoils of war inside—the food he had obtained, some old tools, and a few tattered books.
Lying in his house, Orion felt incredibly secure.
This was his own place in this world.
Although simple, it was built by his own hands.
He touched the Credits in his pocket and looked at the food piled beside him.
Life was getting better little by little.
He was no longer the bedbug who could only struggle to survive in the garbage dump.
Afterward, Orion continued to exercise.
Every morning, he did simple physical training near his small hut.
Although he was only six years old and his body hadn't fully developed, he could see his attribute points improving little by little.
Just like that, a year passed.
On this day.
News spread like wind through the two towns.
The Orphanage in Rivet Town was going to hold a collective selection…