3 Her Loving Family

Gladios furrowed his brows and sighed after he recalled the mysterious event. He just turned his back from his granddaughter that day, then suddenly, the girl could hear... but still couldn't speak.

The old man had her checked that day, too, and the doctor was also astonished to find out that she could hear! What they couldn't understand was how. The doctor couldn't also find a reason as to why it happened, and simply called it a rare miracle. But to Gladios, he had already witnessed the impossible countless of times so he had to believe something magical was involved.

As Angeal grew, the way she expressed herself was through writing on a big notepad until recently, she was given a smart phone and used an application that read whatever she typed. Slightly robotic as it may sound, like the one in Google translate, it is convenient for her rather than writing and wasting paper all throughout her life.

People find it peculiar for Angeal to hear, but not speak. That is why Gladios decided that when asked, they would have to answer that the reason why she couldn't speak was because of psychological trauma.

Most people would believe the reason, but as time went on, they would start to doubt if it was really psychological trauma since Angeal, as a person, is very joyful and expressive.

Gladios' eyes landed on the cake he put down on his side table and a smile crept on his face when he remembered how Angeal made it especially for him. With that thought in mind, he made way to the bathroom and groomed himself before he will present himself to others.

Down at the living room, Angeal, together with the others who work in the mansion, waited for the old man. Waiting with Angeal was Edwin, Martha, Gwen, and Arvid. They have been working for Devin before Gladios and Angeal arrived. Except for Arvid, since he was born in the same year Angeal was born.

The tall and toned, brown haired man, Edwin, works as the mansion's guard. With his strength and speed, it was very appropriate for him to have the position of protecting the mansion and everyone and everything in it. Angeal also sees him as her uncle since he also helped Gladios raise her.

A mature woman with long black wavy hair, wearing a typical maid's outfit, is called Martha. She, on the other hand, is the mansion's head housekeeper. She's the one in charge of their owner's money and she's the one in charge of putting everything in place.

As for the other black haired immortal with green eyes and mischievous smile that could have the possibility to ensnare men, her name is Gwen. She, on the other hand, helps in cleaning and cooking for the house.

To Angeal, she sees Martha as her aunt, and Gwen, as her older sister.

For Arvid, he's the son of Edwin and is currently training to be a good fighter like his father. He is tall and also has brown hair like his father. His body is proportionally toned since he had been training since he was young. If he were to show himself in front of mortals, he would be making the girls swoon in his presence.

Because of an unfortunate event that took place months before Gladios and Angeal came to the mansion, Edwin begged the soul eater to bring his son along with him. To Angeal, Arvid is like her brother.

As for old man Gladios, he works with Martha in handling important matters of the mansion such as budgeting, bills, and the like. When it comes to handling human matters, Gladios would represent the whole mansion since the others wouldn't dare risk their identity to the humans.

For Angeal, she helps in housekeeping by cooking and cleaning, while at the same time, training under Gladios to deal with important matters as a human. As she works for the mansion, she also studies in college to become a writer.

"Why's grandpa Gladios taking so long," Gwen asked as she shook the tarp bearing birthday greetings to the old man.

Arvid rolled his eyes at her. "Oh, just wait, Gwen. His energy is different from yours even though you're older than him," he said and the girl squinted her eyes at him.

"What did you say?"

Martha smacked the back of their heads, stopping them. "Oh, quit it, both of you! It's Gladios' special day and you're arguing again."

Once the two were scolded, they kept quiet as they waited for Gladios to come down. The two are usually found arguing and despite the age gap of the two immortals, most of them find Gwen immature for always picking on young immortal Arvid.

Edwin chuckled.

"To think that we're older than him, makes me think how lucky we are to look younger and stronger," the man said and when Angeal heard this, she frowned, making Edwin look at her apologetically. "I don't mean anything, silly girl. Don't frown on your grandfather's special day!"

Arvid glared at his father. "Way to go, dad." He held Angeal's hand, comforting her, then gave her a smile. "Don't let what dad said get to you. Old man Gladios is stronger than you think," he said with enthusiasm and this made Angeal smile at him. She got her phone then typed in her app.

"Thank you for helping me prepare a simple party for Pops," the robotic voice of the phone said and this made everyone smile at her, giving her warmth.

In the past, she felt lonely for not having to meet her real parents. There was one phase in her life wherein she asked her grandfather a picture of her parents.

Gladios was saddened to have seen his precious granddaughter this way, yearning for the love of her parents. It was unavoidable for her to get jealous of her classmates whenever she saw them with their parents.

However, as she grew, Angeal knew that her grandfather provided her what she need, and that family is not only defined with having a mother and a father, but family is defined as getting warmth and love from people who she considers precious.

She may not have met her mother and father but to her, this is her loving family.