Chapter 19

A/N:

We reached THE GREAT 69 position on webnovel ranking lol! This is great. We are yet to reach 100 stones but I can't help but give you chapters for putting the effort in!

So here are TWO additional chapters!

Don't forget to give the stones tho.

....

At that moment, the sound of hurried footsteps came from outside the door.

Natasha's muscles instinctively tensed, but she quickly noticed how relaxed the three of them were. Realizing there was no threat, she let herself relax as well.

"Hey, Boss Leon, Wanda, Sergei, you're back!" someone called out.

"Brother Leon, Sister Wanda, Brother Sergei!" echoed another voice.

Figures began to appear at the doorway, revealing Pietro and the others who had been training by the waterfall.

Two ten-year-old children cheered excitedly and, with their short legs, sprinted into the arms of Leon and Wanda, brimming with joy.

They kept rubbing their wet heads against their neck.

Leon and Wanda didn't seem to mind, and gently patted the little ones on their heads.

"How was your practice today?" Leon asked.

"Great! I'm getting stronger again!" one of the kids exclaimed.

"Very good. Go take a shower. We'll be making dinner later. Wanda also bought you a lot of snacks."

"Thank you, Sister Wanda!" they chimed.

The younger ones beamed with excitement, and two little girls even gave Wanda a kiss on the cheek.

The older children glanced curiously at Natasha, sitting on the sofa, unsure of why this beautiful woman was there. Still, they all made their way upstairs for a shower.

"They're really happy," Natasha remarked, feeling more at ease seeing how warmly and closely the family interacted.

"Isn't that what families are for?" Leon responded, standing up. "I bet you're hungry too. Want to help us prepare dinner? After all, you're part of this now."

"Good!" Natasha replied, feeling the warmth of inclusion. This boy's intuition is as clear and delicate as water, she thought.

Natasha understood what Leon was implying but didn't refuse.

However, as she looked around, it suddenly dawned on her that preparing a meal for this large family was no small task. They were pulling out dozens of kilograms of chopped beef and lamb from the fridge, along with a massive box of seafood, not to mention all the vegetables.

No wonder there were five or six people working in the open kitchen, using a large boiler for cooking. Natasha estimated the food consumption and realized that each person was eating four to five times the amount of a typical adult. Do they have monster-sized appetites?

As dinner preparations went on, the rest of the family, having finished their showers, joined in. Everyone knew their role—some chopped vegetables, others cooked, washed, or set the table. The routine was well-practiced, and the teamwork seamless.

Throughout the process, the children were curious about Natasha, intrigued by this mature, beautiful woman. Taking the opportunity, Leon shared her story, explaining how they had met. Hearing about her similar experiences, the children—still so kind despite their struggles—quickly warmed to Natasha.

Their acceptance touched her deeply. It wasn't easy for a spy like Natasha, who rarely opened up, to feel such warmth. But seeing these children, who had been through so much darkness and despair, still hold on to their innocence and kindness made her feel something she hadn't in a long time.

And for the first time, she gained a deeper understanding of Leon.

Only kind-hearted people would work so hard to give these children the same sense of quality in life.

The meal took a full hour to prepare, but it was a shared effort. Each time the food they helped make appeared on the table, everyone felt a sense of accomplishment. Naturally, their appetites grew with that satisfaction.

The large round table was full, everyone leaning on each other's shoulders while enjoying the delicious food. Night had fallen outside, but inside the wooden house, there was only the sound of laughter and cheerful voices.

Natasha sat beside Wanda, eating and answering the curious questions of the children. Their inquisitive yet innocent eyes slowly made her drop her guard without even realizing it.

This place was truly beautiful—far removed from the complications of the outside world. There was no need for constant vigilance, no fear of sniper rifles or sudden attacks while you slept. Here, there were only smiles and the pure, hearty laughter of children, like a clear spring washing away all her worries.

Natasha found herself really liking this place. It wasn't just because of Leon and the others' strength, but because it was a safe and warm haven.

After dinner, everyone helped wash the dishes. Once the cleaning was done, the group scattered—some watched TV, some played games. There was laughter from those who won and grumbling from those who lost. Meanwhile, a few of the children were especially curious about Natasha. Two of the ten-year-olds, in particular, couldn't get enough of her, convinced that this "beautiful sister" liked them very much.

Although the two younger kids were the favorites, Natasha soon became the center of attention. She was pulled into playing games, watching TV, discussing plot twists, and was even offered the kids' favorite snacks.

Leon watched with a smile. Seeing Natasha relax and laugh sincerely, he knew that his family had grown stronger.

In this world, having a place to belong, bonds to care about—it wasn't a bad thing. At least now, he had something to fight for, reasons to survive: his brothers and sisters. Anyone who threatened them would face hell.

The nearest threat was Hydra, but on the horizon was Thanos. Leon made a mental note: he would have to take down Thanos first.

Who in their right mind tries to enforce "family planning" on the entire universe? Thanos was truly deranged.

This world, for all its sins, was still beautiful. Better than being wiped out by random chance. Leon had raised a group of siblings with monster-level strength. He'd have to give them something—or someone—to focus their energy on when they got bored.

And really, what's so wrong about robbing the rich to give to the poor?