Ch 10: Valerie Ignis

After we finished discussing the "marriage", we (or rather she) made the decision to live together (of course with the kids in tow), as soon as possible.

"Wife, we'll move into your house as soon as the process for adoptions is done!" She said excitedly, 'ha.. how did it come to this?'.

"Sure.. but before we adopt them, let's ask about Rodan's opinion first. After all, he did throw a tantrum when he found out he'll get adopted." I told Valerie, she nodded and we went to where Rodan and Cristina were located.

"Miss, you're back!" Rodan greeted me enthusiastically, seeing how happy he is to see me bring a smile to my face.

"I told you, it'll be just for a moment. Though Rodan, me and Valerie here would like to ask you a question." Seeing how serious our faces are, he sat up straight and nodded vigorously.

"So... Like I said earlier, I would adopt Cristina." Hearing those words he tensed up, tears welling out of his eyes. Not bearing to see him like that, I hugged him tight.

"Sweetie, we're not going to separate you and her." He looked up at me with surprise in his eyes. He looked at Valerie too with mouth gaping like a fish.

Valerie tousled his hair and laughed and said, "If it's alright with you, will you let us adopt you too?" When he heard those words, he burst out of tears. I hugged him tighter, I was so surprised to feel him hugging me too.

"Yes, t-thank you. Thank y-you so much." He answered while stuttering. I looked at Valerie, and saw that she was looking at me too. We both smiled, and then she wrapped her arms around us.

Hm.. I think I can manage this.

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Valerie's POV

I was born into the prestigious House Ignis, a family renowned for its mastery of fire magic and martial prowess. From the moment I drew my first breath, my fate was dictated by my lineage. Seen not as a child but as a tool to enhance the family's legacy, I was groomed to be a shining emblem of their power. My every move, every word, was meticulously shaped to reflect the family's ambition.

At the age of 7, I awakened my innate fire affinity, a rare and powerful gift that manifested in my blazing red hair and piercing silver eyes. To my family, this awakening was a means to an end—a weapon to secure more influence and fame. But to me, it was a moment of clarity. I realized that my life would never be my own if I stayed within the gilded cage of House Ignis.

Defying expectations, I willingly left my home and stepped onto the battlefield. While most children my age played and learned, I fought in skirmishes, honing my skills and forging my own identity amidst the chaos of war. My fiery determination and natural talent made me a prodigy. I quickly became a legend on the battlefield, earning the respect of allies and the fear of enemies.

One fateful day, I met 'her'. Serena Bellus like me, she awakened her powers at a young age. Though unlike me who willingly left to the battlefield to search for my freedom, she was sent to the battlefield against her will.

For her, the battlefield must be like a cage. Because of that I started examining her. It started as just a mere interest, but as time passed by, I noticed that those interests blossomed into love.

She helped people regardless if they were a hunter or just a mere porter, even though she's tired, she'll help people as much as she can. Even with her flimsy strength, she will willingly carry heavy things the elderly have.

I know that stalking is bad, but I just couldn't take my eyes off of her. Time passed, and she moved on to another battlefield. Leaving me with sadness and sorrow.

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"Why don't you try to take a break, Val?" My coworker, Jake said. It's not like I haven't thought about it yet, but I don't know what to do while on vacation.

"Well... I don't really know what to do on my vacation, and besides they might need my help." Jake sighed and rubbed his eyebrows.

"Listen here Val, your contract is about to end. Ever since you joined this guild, you've always been working your head off." He tiredly sighed. As if having a eureka moment, he grabbed both of my shoulders and shouted.

"Since you don't know what to do on your vacation, how about adopting a child?" He looked so proud of his idea, as if what he said wasn't disturbing.

I looked at him warningly and said, "You idiot, don't you dare do something to kids." Even if he's my friend, I won't tolerate pedophilia!

"Wha—! No! It's not what you're thinking about! How about you hear me out first?!" Brushing his hands off my shoulders, I urged him to talk.

"So, it's like this. Since you'll still be thinking about work while you're on your vacation why not, adopt a child and train it to be a soldier?" I clenched my fist, and looked at him threateningly.

Seeing as I'm about to kill him, he defended himself. "No! Just hear me out! If you can't take your head off of work, why not work while spending time with your loved one?" He said.

"Sorry, the way you put it was just so maddening." It kinda makes sense, since I can't take my head off work, why not bring work home? Also, having a child might bring me more happiness in life.

In the past, I used to daydream about adopting a kid with Serena. Maybe, I can make it true now (just not with her). I'm not lacking any money, and my contract will be over after my vacation, so all my attention will just be on the child.

Thanking Ethan, I made preparations for my plans.

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Harmonia Orphanage

It has been a week since I started my observations of the kids, and I must say. It was very interesting, all children had their own distinct features. Not like monsters at all, were if their race was slimy, they'll all be slimy.

If they were a wolf type monster, they'll all be wolf type. All monsters too have the same attack pattern, as their kin. Anyway, this kid Rodan is the most interesting child of the bunch. He's 7 years old right now, he has been around this orphanage for roughly 2 years.

I heard that he was abandoned by his parents, his father was an alcoholic, while his mother is a gambler. If they don't have money to buy alcohol or gamble, they'll beat the poor child out.

Still surprisingly, he was a cheerful child. He will give the toys he's playing with to other children, if they ask him to. He'll also give his food to others, if he finds out that the other child was still hungry. Though as a result, he'll be one who's hungry.

Still, he looked happy. Especially, yesterday.

A new child was brought here to the orphanage, he volunteered to take care of her. Calling her his little sister.

Though I don't want to separate them, I can only take care of one child. So I informed the head matron about my decision.

Just as I expected, he threw a tantrum. To be honest, it kinda hurts. Still his reaction was understandable, if I relate it to myself, it's like separating me from work. Which is, impossible. I decide to just stare at him and let all of his anger out.

I felt someone staring at me, and when I looked around I made eye contact with the said someone, when I realized who they were, it felt like my heart dropped to my stomach. "Serena." I muttered the name of someone who I thought I'll never see again.

Seeing her again feels like a collision of past and present, a rush of emotions I thought had long faded. As she stands across me in a pure white dress, the fabric flowing like soft clouds, time seems to slow down. Her semi see-through mask lends her an air of mystery, making her beauty feel both familiar and otherworldly.

"What seems to be the problem?" She asked, gently. Tilting her head slightly.

Her dirty blonde hair catches the light, a golden halo framing her face, and her hazel eyes, still as captivating as I remember, hold a depth that seems to pull me in. The gentle tone of her voice, so warm and soothing, stirs a bittersweet ache in my chest—memories of stolen glances and moments that could have been.

"M-Ms. Bellus! What're you doing here?!" The caretaker, taken aback just like me asked.

"I'm here to adopt a child." She smiled, her ever so loving, smile. Beside her, the caretaker looked like a gaping fish.

As they were talking about the kid in her arms, Rodan interjected them.

"Hey! What're you going to do with my sister?!" She looked quite taken aback. Probably not expecting the child she's holding to have a sibling.

She talked with the boy, and he quickly calmed down. They were whispering about something, I saw her look and pointed at me, not knowing what they were talking about, I just tilt my head. I saw Rodan giving her a salute, and she looked at him lovingly.

Seeing as she was about to approach me, I decided to shoot my shot and hope for the best!

"Marry me." I hope my sincere feelings reach you.