Ask Cygnus

Cygnus has been very quiet even though this was her idea. Most likely because of Cassiopeia warning her not to push. So, you turn to her and ask where she would suggest.

"The orphanage." She says immediately.

Cass takes a step back.

"No one would expect you to go there, and it will show you a lot more than any other one place you went. Kid's won't lie."

You nodded agreeing with her line of reasoning. Soon the carriage was trundling along in a new direction. You are unsurprised to be heading to the wall of the city far from the main gate, these would be the areas where low rent homes and slums often pop up. However, the homes here don't look much different than any others you have seen, and the streets are just as clean. When the carriage stops, it isn't in front of a small rundown building but instead the only building in the area that is surrounded by green.

It looked more like a mansion at first glance but as you entered the gates you were greeted by the cheerful laughter of the children within. You saw vegetable gardens all around you and noticed young humans and demons tending to the plants.

You are greeted halfway to the house by a matronly looking woman whose only obviously demonic trait is huge stag horns growing from her head.

"Welcome, are you here to adopt?"

"No, I am Cassiopeia and this is Cygnus, we are generals under King Fornax."

"Ohhh is this an inspection... I didn't think one was scheduled... or did we do something wrong?" She went from calm to concerned in a flash her eyes darting around wildly.

"No, no nothing like that." Cygnus was quick to soothe the woman. "The opposite really, we wanted our friend here to see how well the children are taken care of.”

"Is she a parent of one of the children here?"

"No, her… I mean our children are at Fornax’s castle, but we were in the area and thought we could put her mind to rest by showing her an average orphanage."

The woman nodded with understanding. "Of course, we aren't as well funded as the king's orphanage I am sure, but we do the very best for the children under our care."

She takes you on a tour of the outside first where you see they have chicken coops, gardens, and tables with crafts.

"Although most human children who do not get adopted will end up at the collection facility, for the sake of the demon children and those humans who wish to have other options we teach important skills. Farming, caring for animals, and handcrafts are skills always in need in this area and we can usually find the children jobs when they come of age."

Upon entering the main hall, you found yourself surrounded by the soft hum of children at play. Large, open windows allowed sunlight to flood the space, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Many rooms were filled with children at desks or at large tables. Older women dressed similarly to your guide are engaging with them either as teachers or mentors. From what you can see the demon and non-demon kids are mixed, not segregated as you expected. The children for their part all seem happy.

"The staff is composed of skilled caretakers, teachers, and healers who work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of each child. While the older children work outside the younger ones are schooled inside."

You finish your tour by checking the sleeping accommodations and the kitchen. Both were beyond reproach, clean and well maintained in a way that would be hard to fake. You talked to a few children but found none with worse complaints than minor bullying or not liking vegetables.

As you said your goodbyes your mind was still spinning. You doubted you could find an orphanage this well run back in your own world.

"And they are all like this?"

"Smaller ones don't have the room for farms... but yes this is a good example."

"But most humans go to the Collection Facility when they come of age?"

"Yeah... if they are male they will make more working there than anywhere else... and if they are female and are willing to magically grow extra equipment... they could live the easy life."