For the Sake of Reaching Heaven

“Haha… I wouldn’t go so far as to deserve your admiration.

I’m just doing what I can.

If you’re willing to contribute some money to support these children, then you’re the one who’s truly admirable.”

Hearing Aili’s praise, Falk felt it was a bit exaggerated.

He rubbed his cheek with his finger, as if subconsciously checking whether his face was getting warm from embarrassment.

“No—you’re amazing.

People like you are truly rare.

To let go of hatred and hold goodwill toward this world…

If you can keep this original intention, your future will surely reach the light.”

For Falk, his future was full of possibilities.

He was someone with strong awareness and perseverance, and had always been so.

So although Aili’s praise sounded exaggerated, there was a lot of sincerity within it.

If she had said something like this to her falcon back when she was the Second Prince, she would have definitely been teased for it.

But now, this “falcon” seemed especially receptive to such praise.

He even looked quite happy.

Of course, he hoped to live his life in the light.

To help others properly, without becoming a burden to anyone…

Because his parents once told him that as long as he prayed devoutly and did many good deeds,

he—and his loved ones—would go to heaven after death.

So his deceased parents had always remained in his heart.

He had never forgotten them.

Even now, as he did good deeds, aside from the teachings of the elder priests and his own gentle nature,

he also sincerely hoped that his parents could reach heaven.

And as for children…

Perhaps it was because he himself had struggled to survive like that as a child.

So, to some extent, he wanted them to live better lives.

Hearing that Aili was willing to help, Falk immediately brightened up.

Still a young man, he couldn’t hide his emotions at all.

“Of course, you’re impressive, so I’m willing to support you.

But give it a couple of days.

Although I’m willing to fund the children, you still need to provide me with some relevant materials.

Prepare a general plan for me, and afterward, I’ll have my assistant handle the rest.”

As she said this, Aili stood up.

Her leg had improved compared to when she was suddenly bumped into earlier.

After standing, she twisted it slightly to confirm there was no problem, then gave Falk a polite bow.

“Alright…! I understand.

I’ll prepare the materials.

But may I ask which family you belong to, miss?

Once I’m done, I’ll deliver everything to your residence…”

“No need.

I’ll come here again in a few days.

If you’re ready by then, just give it to me.

If not, I won’t rush you.

This kind of matter requires careful planning—it can’t be hurried.”

Aili sounded considerate.

Her words essentially meant, “You handle this however you like,” fully entrusting him with authority.

Falk was somewhat flattered by this.

He even bounced slightly on his feet in excitement.

“It’s getting late.

I should head back for lunch soon.

Priest, I’ll be taking my leave.”

“—Ah, miss, may I invite you to lunch?

As compensation and thanks—”

Seeing Aili turn to leave, Falk quickly raised his hand, trying to stop her.

At the very least, he wanted to treat her to a meal.

But Aili shook her head, leaving him with a smile.

“No need.

You have nothing to compensate me for.

Children being a little mischievous is normal.

As for thanks—just let it be for your kind heart.”

“This… I really don’t feel right about that…”

“—Ah! Big sister! Are you leaving?”

Seeing Aili stand up and even bow, the two little boys who had caused trouble earlier shouted loudly.

They hurried over and grabbed her fingers.

“Th-this… this biscuit—I thought about it, and I have to give it to you!

I don’t have anything valuable.

My brother told me just now that my clothes wouldn’t fit you.

My toys probably don’t mean much to you either, and they belong to the orphanage—I don’t have the right to give them away.

The only thing I have right now is this biscuit.

I got it after earning lots of little red flowers over several days.

Many kids want to eat it but can’t!

To us, this is the most precious thing.

I hope you won’t be angry—don’t be angry at us, and don’t be angry at Brother Falk!”

The child opened Aili’s hand and stuffed the biscuit into her palm.

He was clearly anxious, blurting out a long speech all at once.

Some words were even slurred, carrying that childish tone unique to kids.

“… ”

Aili looked at the biscuit in her hand.

The wrapper was wrinkled, as if it had been held tightly for a long time.

He must have hesitated for quite a while before finally giving it to her when she was about to leave.

“This biscuit…”

“Please accept it.

Consider it the children’s goodwill…”

Falk spoke from the side and walked over to the two children, nodding at Aili.

It seemed he also wanted to include his gratitude within this biscuit.

For someone like him, material wealth didn’t matter much.

Emotions did.

And this feeling from the children was the best gift of all.

“—Alright, I’ll accept it.”

At the same time, it would ease the burden on the children.

“Thank you for the biscuit.

I’ll enjoy it properly when I get home.”

Putting on a gentle expression in front of others was something Aili excelled at.

But when facing these two children,

whether her expression came from genuine feeling or habitual disguise—

even she might have needed to think about it.

“Well then, I’ll take my leave.

See you later, you two little ones—and you too, priest.”

After accepting the biscuit, Aili glanced at it, then hid it in her palm.

She waved at the trio—one adult and two children.

They all warmly saw her off.

The way the two children waved looked as if their arms might fly off.

Returning to the church’s main hall, Aili found her young maid.

The maid happily ran over, telling her that she had prayed for blessings for everyone—

especially hoping that Aili’s health would recover soon.

But as she spoke, she noticed the biscuit in Aili’s hand.

Recalling what had happened before, she suddenly became nervous.

“Your Highness, why did you bring back food again?

Th-this time… is it safe to eat?”

They returned to the carriage.

The maid stared at the item in Aili’s hand, her voice trembling.

She was afraid it would be like last time, when it seemed Aili nearly died in the carriage.

“Don’t worry. It’s edible.”

Aili simply smiled.

Then she squeezed the biscuit packet, and with a crisp crack, broke it in half inside the wrapper.

“And I’ll share half of it—

with my royal brother.”