What! I Got Reincarnated as a No-Name Character in the World of an Otome Game

Chapter 11 (Revised)

Christina's eyes darted towards Paul, seeking guidance in the midst of the chaos that enveloped them. However, his indifferent shrug and return to his chair, immersed in his reading, left her shell-shocked by his nonchalant demeanor. Despite the weight of recent tragedies still heavy on her mind, she knew she couldn't afford to dwell on her failures and uselessness. Another problem lay before her: what to do with the orphaned children, their older sibling still unconscious while the younger ones cried silently beside him.

With a determined resolve, Christina decided to attend to the most immediate need - feeding the hungry children. She made her way to the cookery, preparing a meal amidst the clutter and disorder. Just as she began to settle into the task, Paul finally took notice, instructing her to take the children to the well for a wash and haircut due to their tangled, dirty, lice-infested hair. Suppressing any protest, Christina gently ushered the crying children to the back of the clinic, where the well awaited.

With steady hands and a heavy heart, Christina carefully sheared away the matted locks, revealing bald heads beneath. Once the task was complete, they washed themselves in the cool water, a solemn ritual that spoke volumes of their resilience. Despite their tender age, the children displayed a surprising sense of sensibility, further deepening her sadness at their plight.

Returning to the clinic, Christina found Paul had already cleaned up, a sight that both relieved and frustrated her. Nevertheless, she pushed aside her frustration as she focused on the task at hand.

Paul had laid out a modest meal of soup with scrap vegetables, the aroma wafting through the air, tempting even the most reluctant appetite. Though humble compared to the lavish feasts of her former world, the abundance of vegetables was a luxury in this realm of scarcity. With a silent nod of gratitude towards Paul, Christina led the children to the table, their hungry eyes fixated on the steaming bowls before them.

As they settled into their seats, Christina couldn't help but feel a swell of emotion at the sight of the children's anticipation. In this world where every morsel of food was precious, the simple act of sharing a meal felt like a rare gift.

With a gentle nod, Christina gave the signal to eat, silently urging the children to partake. At first, they hesitated, their eyes flickering with uncertainty. But hunger, that relentless companion of the destitute, soon overcame their hesitation. With each spoonful, they devoured the food with a ferocity that both alarmed and touched Christina. She couldn't help but feel a pang of fear as they occasionally choked on their eager bites, a stark reminder of the fragility of life. "Slow down," she urged them softly, her voice tinged with apprehension. After all, choking had been the cause of her own demise in her former life, and she was not willing to let history repeat itself.

Once the children had finished eating and silently washed their utensils, they retreated to the bedside of their unconscious brother, leaving Christina at a loss for what to do next. Feeling a sense of uncertainty looming over her, she approached Paul with trepidation, silently imploring him for guidance. "What's the plan?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Paul was silent for a moment, his brow furrowed in deep thought. Finally, he spoke, his tone grave. "Christina, we're a clinic, not an orphanage," he began, his words heavy with the weight of their predicament. "We can't afford to raise children, not with our current situation."

Christina's heart sank at his words. "Then what are we to do with them?" she asked, her voice tinged with desperation. The thought of turning the children away was unbearable, but she knew they couldn't shoulder the responsibility alone.