Although Ryuto did not explicitly say it, it seemed that the little girl he knew merely hung her head in silence, with a hint of helplessness in her tone.

"It's just the way things are. As big brother can see, my eyes can't see, and because of this, I can't live like ordinary people. Without any family, even making a living becomes a problem for me. I have no other choice. So, in order to survive, I can only do it this way. This is my only way of survival now. And to maintain this single way of survival, I have to try my best to beg. Of course, I don't use my blindness as a capital for begging. Although I don't know how others see it, at least I don't have that intention. I hope to support myself through my own efforts. So, whoever helps me, I will sincerely thank them. I don't need pity from others, and I don't think it's natural for the blind to receive help from others."

"But it shouldn't be the first time in a situation like just now."

Since the other party already knew about the stone-throwing incident, Ryuto didn't need to hide it.

"Yes, there are often people who do that."

"But why do you still..."

"Although they didn't throw money, I have no right to blame them because I never said that only money must be thrown in. They just happened to throw something else in. Regardless of their intentions, as long as someone throws something in, I must express gratitude, even if it's just a stone."

"..."

Ryuto was surprised that this little girl had such insight. After a moment of silence, Ryuto recalled the girl's initial words.

"Why did you thank me at the beginning?"

To this, the girl just smiled slightly.

"Although I couldn't see what big brother did because of my blindness, by his voice, I could probably tell that big brother did it in a roundabout way to avoid hurting me."

"Huh?"

"Indeed... If it were another kind soul, they should have spoken out directly after seeing that situation, but... that would only make my situation more difficult. Just like I said earlier, for me, blind and without any family, begging is my only way of survival. So, once I can't beg again, my life will be even more difficult. Although I know the kind person did it out of goodwill, honestly, I don't want him to do that. Firstly, it may bring him unnecessary trouble, and secondly, it will make my situation more difficult. In the end, it benefits no one."

"..."

She may be blind, but her heart is clearer than anyone's.

"Maybe I misunderstood, but big brother did that precisely because he understands these things, right? To avoid hurting me, to protect my only way of survival... So I am very grateful to big brother."

"Um..."

This made Ryuto feel a bit embarrassed, so he changed the subject.

"By the way, something big is likely to happen here soon. You should leave quickly, or it will be very dangerous."

"Oh? Is that so?"

"Yes."

"But I still have a long way to go to achieve my goal today..."

"I see. In that case."

Saying that, Ryuto took out the remaining ten thousand Betts from his pocket.