Chapter 9: Naming the children

The two families came together on that appointed hour of naming. The cradles in the room were decorated with violet, indigo, and cyan-colored flowers. Many candles lit up the room. 

Bianca, Anette, Mitchell, and Merlin engaged in small talk while waiting for the sun to set. It was a tradition from the kingdom in the custom of the dragon's descendants. To name the children on the hundredth day and dedicate them to their ancestor who was believed to be a dragon, Kredorah. The same as the name of the Kingdom.

"We finally know how to make a living within Grinas village. Though I hate doing such trivial things when we have all we need," said Anette irritably. 

She didn't like working when it was unnecessary in their case. They literally, had endless supplies in the storage bag.

"Did you forget why we are doing this? We need to fit in as much as possible, it is customary for many. For that, just like the other villagers, we have to work. Besides, isn't it mostly Merlin and Mitchell doing this stuff?" Bianca emphasized her point.

She was rather confused as to why Anette was not happy when she wasn't the one doing the work at the village.

"She doesn't want to be left with all the housework. Taking care of children isn't her strong suit either." Mitchell shrugged as he clarified. 

Everyone nodded in understanding. It made sense given Anette never laid her hands on housework back at the Howell family castle. None of them did before leaving home.

It all made sense now. 

Mitchell tried hard to ignore the chilling stare beside him.

"Mhn!" Merlin affirmed.

His silent nature never changed.

"Oh~! It is time, the sun is almost going down. Such a colorful twilight, simply breathtaking~" Said Bianca. 

Her excited voice a few tones higher with excitement.

"Yes." Merlin nodded. 

Bianca took a step forward and took the baby in a cradle into her arms. The baby's blue eyes stared at her in curiosity. She smiled and released her magic. A gentle current flowed embracing the two in a safe cocoon. Her brunette hair flowed up against gravity as her crystalline ocean blue iris shone in neon azure glow. She imbued her words with her mana creating an ethereal voice that seemed to echo in the distance not from her mouth but from a magical place.

Seemingly unreal but weirdly clear.

"Darling, your name shall be Lucien, given name Allastir, and shall take on the family name Alaric. You, Lucien Allastir Alaric will be the light to the world, the defender of men, and my precious miracle." Her words resonated giving the mana current a unique glow as if coming to life. 

She guided it to the child before the rest dissipated. With that, the cocoon burst bringing a gentle breeze to the room. She had returned to normal before long as she gently returned baby Lucien to his cradle.

Anette stepped forward and took her child into her arms. Unlike Bianca, she released her foggy dark violet aura. The pressure weighed heavy on her but it effectively avoided the baby in her arms. Her blood-red iris shone with crimson intent. Not a trace of bloodthirst but pure intent. 

She imbued aura into her words bringing forth gravity pressure to her surroundings. Her child was protected in a cocoon wall of aura preventing any effect on him. Her words seemed to tear everything as she sounded her words.

"My child, you will be called Mikaela, given name Rehael, and shall take on my family name Howell. Your name is Mikaela Rehael Howell, the love-filled beloved of the world, my sharp little blade." blades of wind blew around them, and calmed down after slowly being guided to the child. Anette was so focused that beads of sweat formed on her forehead. Any slight mistake could cause an injury to her child. She could not afford to relax. 

Baby Mikaela giggled in joy at witnessing the magical scene. Anette placed him in his cradle. Her gaze softened as she gazed at him. Mitchell walked to her and slid his arm on her waist hugging her gently a loving smile formed on his lips.

'Maybe the child will break her ice heart.' He leisurely thought.

On this day, the children got their names and found their first identity in the world.

Spring soon ended with Merlin and Mitchell assuming hunting as their work. Bianca and Anette tended the yard and had several vegetables planted. They took care of it with great care being their first time doing such work.

During this time, a few elderly and married women would come over to visit for gossip and tea. Over the interactions, Bianca picked up sewing and knitting while Anette learned to make better pot meals. 

They all tried finding something to do independently.

Of course, the madams of the house pushed the responsibility of making a living to their husbands. They remained home and cared for the children while further studying the books on housekeeping and child care.

This is not to say they neglected their training. They dedicated a portion of the day to practicing their swordsmanship and magic spells. Now they they were fully recovered from their birth. 

Summer came swiftly, the season of Sol. The sun shone brightly in the sky and it was no longer cold. With the change of weather, came the need to change clothes.

With the fabric in their magic storage rings and pouches, Bianca made many sets of clothes during her practices in the last months. She had improved greatly and even evolved to knitting the children's clothes. 

"My dear. You have improved so fast. You are such a smart child." A villager said. Her voice was mellow as she happily expressed her pride in being one of Bianca's teachers regarding this. 

"Yes, she can even make beautiful patterns on top of nice designs. Her ideas are very enlightening." Another echoed the praise.

"Fufu~ This is all thanks to your attentive guidance. I am grateful," said Bianca.

This was a gathering in the living room of her house. It was spacious enough to have all ten or so guests in the room. She invited married women and grannies who had helped her during her stay in the village. They were more than happy to come and even brought presents such as fruit baskets and some of their farm yields. One even brought a rare brew of berry wine. 

It was one of the advantages of having bigger social circles. 

She was learning more about parenthood from them than she could from books as well. She found such a time extremely delightful.

(～￣▽￣)～