A New Life

However, the gentle Maria naturally wouldn't boast about such matters. Since Eleven had come running to her excitedly to share the good news, she naturally had to show her surprise. Besides, she was genuinely happy for Eleven, and her excitement wasn't just an act.

"That's wonderful, little Eleven! We've prepared a lot of delicious food to celebrate, let's have a big meal tonight!" Maria stood on tiptoe, smiling as she ruffled Eleven's hair.

"Hehehe, no need for all that trouble, making it feel like my farewell party, that's no good." Eleven habitually quipped.

"Ouch, that hurts!"

Maria chopped Eleven on the head, feigning anger and putting on a stern face. "If you keep talking nonsense, I'm going to get angry! This is just to celebrate your promotion to S-class mage, not a farewell banquet."

Maria never held farewell parties at the orphanage. Whoever moved out, they would just walk out the door as usual. Maria always said that the orphanage was their home, and there was no need for farewells between family members, otherwise it would seem as if they would never see each other again.

"Hehehe, I admit my mistake, I won't do it again, I won't do it again." Eleven smiled and admitted his mistake to Maria, then shamelessly went up to her, took Maria arm, and walked with her towards the cafeteria.

The orphanage party wasn't nearly as wild as Fairy Tail's party. What kind of trouble could a bunch of little brats cause? They just ate some good food and drinks, and then cheered and boasted together.

Eleven, however, still found it quite enjoyable. After all, having dozens of people fawning over you is an experience most people haven't had.

After the dinner, Maria mysteriously called Eleven to her room and then handed Eleven a large box that she had been carefully keeping.

Eleven curiously opened the box and was immediately stunned. The box was full of money, roughly amounting to three or four million J.

"Maria, what... what is this? No! I absolutely cannot take the orphanage's money!" Eleven hurriedly pushed the box back to Maria, refusing with a serious expression.

Maria chuckled at Eleven's flustered yet touched expression. "Silly boy, this is your money, not the orphanage's! You never take good care of your mission rewards; you just leave them lying around. I've been collecting them all for you!"

Maria then pushed the box back to Eleven, saying in a loving tone, "From now on, you'll be living on your own, and no one will be there to help you tidy up anymore. You absolutely can't be so careless again, do you hear me!"

Eleven listened to Maria's soft voice and glanced into the box again. He couldn't believe he was so rich! He had always thought that all the money he earned went to pay off debts, so he didn't care when he suddenly ran out of money. He never imagined that Maria had kept it all.

Even though Eleven didn't care much about money, he found himself a little ridiculous at this moment. There was probably no one in the world more foolish than him. Luckily, he met a kind person like Maria, otherwise he probably would never have gotten his money back.

"Haha... Um, Maria, thank you!" Eleven scratched his head a little embarrassedly.

Maria didn't say anything, just looked at the silly-looking Eleven with a kind smile in her eyes.

After a while, Maria couldn't help but ask with concern, "Eleven, have you found a place to stay yet?"

Eleven didn't want her to worry, so he lied. "Um... yes, it's found, so don't worry!"

Maria was slightly relieved after hearing this, and continued to ask with a smile, "Oh, where do you live?"

Eleven wasn't very good at lying, and feeling a little embarrassed, he said, "Um... well..."

Maria tilted her head in confusion. "Hmm?"

"Well, um, of course I live in our guild's dorm. It's simple and convenient, pretty good, hahaha..."

"Dormitory? I remember your guild's boys' dormitory burned down, didn't it? Do you live in the girls' dormitory?"

"Forehead..."

This time, Eleven was truly embarrassed. He hadn't expected Maria to be so well-informed. Even he didn't know about the boys' dormitory burning down, yet Maria already knew. Was he the only one in the world who knew nothing?

Maria frowned slightly as she looked at Eleven, who was stammering and unable to utter a word. "Eleven, haven't you found a place to stay yet?"

"Um... well..." Although Eleven was a little embarrassed, he continued to try to save Maria's worry, saying, "It's okay, Maria. I'm already an S-class mage. Finding a place to live isn't difficult. Don't worry about it."

However, Maria didn't seem worried at all. Instead, her eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands, saying, "Then how about I take you to see a house tomorrow!"

"No, no, Maria, you don't need to worry about me, I can manage on my own... Waaah!"

Eleven was about to refuse when Maria physically interrupted him. She smiled and pinched Eleven's mouth shut, saying, "It's no trouble at all. It's a wonderful house, you should always go and see it!"

The next morning, Eleven arrived at the house that Maria had been praising all night, led by Maria.

This is a townhouse located next to the central canal in Magnolia. It has two floors and is not large, but it is large enough to live in.

The first floor has the kitchen, dining room, and living room. The second floor has two rooms on the left and right. The larger master bedroom has a bathroom and toilet, and the other side is a small room that can probably be used as a study or something similar in the future.

It's worth mentioning that my next-door neighbor is a plump middle-aged woman who wears exaggerated glasses and looks fierce, dressed like a landlady.

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He scrutinized Eleven from head to toe for a long time before slowly leaving.

This is the complete layout of the room. Though small, it has everything one needs for living. And perhaps because of its compact layout, it looks very cozy and gives a sense of security, no wonder Maria fell in love with it at first sight.

This little house belonged to an old friend of the church's old priest, and it was being sold for a very low price. The savings that Maria had saved for Eleven were enough to cover the entire cost.

After looking around, Eleven made his decision to stay almost without hesitation. He knew Maria would never harm him, and since Maria had chosen the place for him, he had nothing to worry about.

After that came a whole host of procedures, procurement of supplies, and other trivial matters. Maria accompanied Eleven throughout the day, constantly nagging him to teach Eleven essential life skills, as if Eleven were really that naive.

By the time everything was mostly settled, the sun was already setting, and the crimson sunset painted the streets, creating a somewhat desolate scene.

"That's settled then, Eleven. Take good care of yourself from now on!" Standing at the door of Eleven's house, Maria's eyes were a little red. Although Eleven was still living in Magnolia and hadn't gone far, she couldn't help but feel a little sad.

Eleven, on the other hand, was much more carefree. He grinned and gave Maria a hug. "Thank you, Maria. Hehe, if I'm ever hungry again, I'll definitely come back to the orphanage for a free meal!"

"Yes, come back and visit often! The other kids will miss you!"

Eleven nodded repeatedly, still smiling. He could feel Maria's love and reluctance to part, but he didn't want to show any sadness. He would just treat today as an ordinary day; it wasn't like he couldn't go back.

Reluctantly bidding farewell to Maria, Eleven turned and went back to his room. The moment he closed the door, Eleven realized he was completely alone.

Eleven had never lived alone before, and no matter how much he tried to endure it, looking at the empty room, a subtle sense of loneliness still welled up uncontrollably in his heart.

He slapped his cheeks hard, trying to calm himself down. This was a necessary part of his growth; it wasn't a big deal!

Cheer up! A brand new life begins tomorrow!