Ch 17: The Outside

???'s POV

There's currently news that sent not only the hunter world ablaze, but the whole world. Oh how rude of me, I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Cecilia, a hunter and a dedicated fan of Valerie Ignis.

I mean who wouldn't? Valerie Ignis is a striking and formidable presence, her fiery red hair flowing like molten flames, complementing her piercing silver eyes that glint with determination and strength.

As a master fire swordsman, she wields her blazing blades with unparalleled skill and grace, each swing a testament to her fiery resolve and unyielding courage.

Her tall, athletic frame reflects her years of rigorous training, and her armor—sleek and adorned with flame-like engravings—gives her an aura of both elegance and danger.

She's the one who turned me. Yes. I'm gay. So what? Even though I'm her fan, I'm not an irrational human being that'll do anything to notice me. Anyway, Valerie is rumored to be engaged to Serena Bellus, a renowned and ethereal beauty known for her healing prowess.

This rumor started when, a video was taken about when they were in an orphanage. Possibly to adopt a child together, then in the video, Valerie was recorded to be kneeling in front of Serena.

Serena, although looking bewildered said yes, and that was when the video ended. Why is it still a rumor if a video was taken, you may ask? Well, after an hour the video was taken down. Why? Well, fans of Valerie and Serena asked for it, and threatened the owner of the video.

But, to be honest. Serena, with her soothing aura and gentle strength, is the perfect counterbalance to Valerie's intense and fiery nature. Their love signifies a bond of passion and serenity.

Anyway, why am I yapping so much? That is because.....

'WHAT THE HECK IS VALERIE DOING HERE?' Yes. The Valerie Ignis, is currently talking to our guildmaster. 'Who's that little boy, though?'. The boy is standing with a confident yet relaxed posture, his striking green hair falling in soft waves that catch the light, creating a vivid contrast against his skin. "Oh, we made eye contact" his eyes, a captivating shade of golden amber, shimmer with warmth and curiosity, drawing attention with their unusual beauty.

He wears a crisp, white t-shirt tucked neatly into his khaki shorts, creating a clean, sharp look. The simplicity of his outfit is enhanced by the effortless charm he exudes. His beige sneakers, clean and casual, add a touch of comfort to the ensemble, perfect for an active day.

The overall look is youthful, fresh, and effortlessly stylish, combining bright, bold features with a laid-back, yet polished aesthetic. "Mom! Is she the one who'll teach me?" I heard the boy ask, who is he pointing to? And why is it in my direction?

I looked around, and I'm currently the only one here at the entrance. I pointed to myself, "Yes! Nice to meet you Ms." He came up to me, and offered his hands, I unconsciously shook it, and looked at my guildmaster.

"Well, Cecilia. That young master is, Rodan Ignis. Yes, Ignis. The eldest son of Ms. Ignis, and Ms. Bellus." My eyes widened at the revelation, 'OH MY GOSH! IS THAT TRUE?', if it is, then my ship is sailing!

"Well, my kid here wanted to learn about the way of the bow." She said as she picked up the young boy, or rather Rodan.

"Ho—Serena and I, don't know how to, or know anyone who knows the way of the bow, so we decided to just hire one." Ohh.. so that's how it is.. AND YOU WERE ABOUT TO SAY HONEY WEREN'T YOU??? 'Oh how I'm glad, I ship them'.

"Anyway, as you are one of the top archers here in Elaris, I wanted to hire you as a private tutor for my son." She said. How can I say no to this great opportunity? Not only will I get a lot of money from this, I'll see my ship up close!

"That's right, teacher! I promise that I'll be a good boy!" Rodan, my student said. 'Bruhhh, he's so cute!!'. "Are you willing to do the job, Ms. Brown?" Of course I'll take it!

"When will my first day start?" I asked, "Good. Then, tomorrow will be ideal." She smiled and offered her hand, I took it. And with that we made a deal.

==================================

???'s POV

My name is, Brianna Caleine. I have a son named Leon Caleine, you might be asking, "why didn't he take his father's last name?", that is because he left me, when he found out that I was pregnant.

How'd I even get to know him? Well, I was once a popular mage. The people describe me as, beautiful, smart, and powerful. During one raid, I came across Chen—the father of my child. He courted me, and in return, I fell in love.

I gave up my whole career for him, because he said that people will talk shit about him, if they find out that his girlfriend is earning more than him. He invited me to love together and being a naive girl, I agreed.

After living together, when I found out that I was pregnant. I was so excited to tell him the news, but when I did, he left us. Saying that we'll just be an obstacle to his path.

Though I was devastated, I didn't want to give up. I moved and started a new, but it wasn't easy for a pregnant woman. Still, I persevered and earned enough to safely deliver my child, and to raise him comfortably for 7 years.

Why am I telling you all about this? Well, my funds have been drained. If I don't find a high offering job soon, me and my son might starve. "Mom, what are you thinking so hard for?" I heard my son say.

"It's nothing serious. Anyway, you should go and play with your friends." We are currently in the park. Since my job ended early today, I decided to go with him to make sure that he doesn't hurt himself. "No, I'm good." I heard him say that, and he sighed.

'That's weird? Is he back in his "I hate the world" phase?'. Ever since my son visited the Harmonia Orphanage, which was close by to our house, he started being brighter but now.... 'What happened to him?'

I should ask, "Leon, what's the matter?" I heard him huff and said nothing. "You know you can tell mom everything, right?" He sighed and started telling me about his problem. "Well.. I had a new friend, Rodan." Hm.. is this..?

"Well.. he was an orphan on Harmonia, but then, a couple adopted him." Oh, nevermind. He must be worried and sad, I asked him to continue, "his parents aren't the normal type though.." WHAT? ARE THEY PEDOPHILES??

"Mom! I know that look, they're not. He doesn't have a dad, he has 2 mothers." Oh.. I see, his friend left him because of his mouth, huh? I'm not denying it, my son's a bit homophobic. I told him that wasn't nice and all that stuff, but he insisted that a normal household should have a dad, a mom, and kid/s.

"That's why I told you that you shouldn't think like that. Now you're acting all emo because your friend left you." I sighed exasperatedly, "WAIT MOM! At first it was like that! But I changed, I promise!" He started waving his hands in the air.

Though, what got my attention is that, 'He changed? This son of mine?', huh.. who knew miracles are true, and what did he mean at first?? I raised my eyebrows at him, and he answered, "Well.. yeah. I kinda, talked bad things behind their backs."

*Clench* "WAIT MOM! I woke up okay? We made up, his parents forgave me, and we became friends." Ha... I knew he was problematic, but not to this extent. Still, I'm thankful that they let it slide. Though, I'll make sure to send them an apology if I have the chance to meet them.

"*Ehem* back to I was saying, he was adopted. They moved, but he didn't tell me where they were going to live." He sighed, and then started looking upwards. 'Why is my son, so dramatic? Like boy, what're you even looking for?'.

I placed my hand on his shoulder, "You know son, I'm sure he's thinking about you too. Just wait for him, I'm sure he'll be back." I offered him a reassuring smile, and he turned towards me and did the same. "You're right, Mom."

"LEON!!!"