Ch 21: Building and Wishing

*After 3 hours since Valerie's and Brianna's talk*

Cecilia's POV

The air in Valerie's luxurious living room felt warm and inviting, the faint scent of lavender lingering from a candle burning on the mantle. I sat across from her, my bow propped neatly against the chair.

Valerie exuded confidence and warmth, her sharp features softened by a welcoming smile. Still, I couldn't shake the nervous flutter in my chest—hiring me, an archer, to teach her son Rodan was an honor, but our latest topic of conversation had me feeling on edge.

Valerie leaned forward, her elbows on her knees. "So, Cecilia, I've been thinking. You'll start training Rodan in three days. He's already so excited; he can't stop talking about it."

I smiled faintly, gripping my mug of tea a little tighter. "I'm looking forward to it as well. He seems like a bright and enthusiastic kid."

"Oh, he is," she said with a fond chuckle. "He's got so much energy. You'll see what I mean once you start. But… that's not all I wanted to discuss with you today." Valerie's tone shifted slightly, and my stomach tightened. "What else is on your mind?" I asked, keeping my voice even.

"Well," she began, "you've seen how spacious our private property is. The cottage we live in is wonderful, but it's clear we're going to need more space. Rodan's tutors will need places to stay—people like you. That's why I've decided we're going to build a new cottage nearby, something practical but comfortable, specifically for the tutors." I blinked, caught off guard. "A… cottage?"

"Yes," Valerie said, her tone casual but decisive. "I've already discussed it with my (future) wife. We want it close enough to the main house for convenience but far enough to provide privacy for you and the others. I think it'll make things easier for everyone involved." 'HEHEHEHEHE SHE CALLED SERENA, HER WIFE. WHAT A GREAT DAY TO BE A SHIPPER'. Ah–! I'm losing focus.

The idea was practical, even generous. But the fact that this property was in the middle of a jungle teeming with monsters made my heart race. I'd seen signs of the dangers lurking in the shadows of the forest, though Valerie and her family seemed unfazed by them. Still, I couldn't voice my concerns—not to someone as composed and assured as Valerie. Instead, I nodded. "That sounds… like a solid plan."

Valerie smiled, clearly pleased. "Good. I was hoping you'd think so. We'll start building as soon as I get home from my next trip. I already have a location in mind—it's on higher ground, about a fifteen-minute walk from here. The spot overlooks the river, so the view will be stunning. We'll clear just enough of the trees to make space while keeping the natural beauty intact."

"That does sound beautiful," I admitted, though my nerves were far from soothed. "When were you planning to start?"

"As soon as possible," Valerie said without hesitation. "We'll hire a construction team, of course, but I'll need your input as well. After all, you'll be one of the first people staying there. I want it to feel like a place you'd enjoy."

I hesitated for a moment, unsure how to respond. Her determination was impressive, but my unease about the jungle's dangers lingered. "I'll do my best to provide helpful input," I said carefully. "It's kind of you to involve me in the process."

"It's only fair," Valerie said with a wave of her hand. "I want the cottage to be more than just a functional space—it should feel like a home away from home for you and the others. But don't worry too much about the monsters," she added lightly, as though reading my mind. "We've dealt with them for years. There's a system in place, and we'll make sure the area around the new cottage is secure." I nodded again, offering a polite smile. "I trust your judgment."

"Good," she said, standing and smoothing the front of her shirt. "We'll finalize the plans after my trip, and you'll start working with Rodan in the meantime. It's going to be a busy few weeks, but I think this will all be worth it."

As the conversation wound down, I followed Valerie to the door, her confidence leaving me both reassured and uneasy. Building a cottage in a jungle full of monsters was far from my comfort zone, but something about her unwavering belief in the plan made it hard to voice my doubts. For now, I'd focus on teaching Rodan and hope that Valerie's assurances about the jungle's safety weren't misplaced.

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*A day later*

The sun had already begun to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the jungle as the construction on the new cottage progressed.

We'd been working non-stop for the past day, with Valerie overseeing everything, her commanding presence ensuring the job got done efficiently. Despite the nerves I had about the dangers lurking in the dense foliage nearby, the work was surprisingly smooth.

I wiped the sweat from my brow as I moved a pile of stone to the side, trying to focus on my task. The builders were skilled, and the construction was moving along faster than I anticipated.

Yet, something about this new cottage made me uneasy. The luxury of it, the speed with which it was taking shape—it was almost too much. Too grand for a place meant for tutors, I thought.

"We're halfway done already," Valerie called from across the site, her voice carrying with a proud note. She seemed completely unfazed, overseeing everything as if she were simply managing a garden. "I told you we'd get it done quickly."

I nodded, still absorbing the sheer scale of what was happening around me. The foundation had already been set, and the walls were going up. But what struck me most was the design. This wasn't just any cottage—it was a beautiful, high-end home.

The stone walls, the wood beams carved with intricate designs, and the layout that seemed to open up into a cozy yet grand living space. I hadn't expected something like this in a jungle, surrounded by nature. "I wasn't expecting it to be like this," I said, more to myself than to anyone in particular.

"I know," Valerie replied, glancing back over her shoulder. "I wanted it to be comfortable, a place where all of our tutors can feel at home. After all, you're not just helping Rodan—you'll be spending a lot of time here. Might as well make it a place you'll enjoy."

Before I could respond, a soft voice interrupted the moment. Serena, Valerie's (future) wife, stepped into view, carrying a large basket filled with what smelled like a delicious meal. She looked even more beautiful in the soft afternoon light, her calm and gentle demeanor a perfect contrast to Valerie's fiery presence.

"I brought you all lunch," Serena said with a smile, setting the basket down on a nearby table. "You must be starving after all this work."

"Thank you, Serena," Valerie said warmly, her expression softening when she looked at her wife. It was obvious to anyone who watched them that the two shared a deep affection for each other. "You didn't have to—"

"I wanted to," Serena said, cutting her off with a gentle laugh. "Just make sure you eat something. You've been pushing yourself too much lately."

I took a deep breath as I grabbed a plate and helped myself to the food. It was so simple yet so perfect: roasted chicken, fresh vegetables, and a side of warm bread that tasted like it had just been baked that morning. The flavors were rich, each bite reminding me of something more comforting than I could remember.

As we ate in silence, I found myself reflecting on the exchange between Serena and Valerie. Their dynamic was something I hadn't seen in a long time—so pure, so effortless. Serena's kindness and gentleness, paired with Valerie's strength and determination, created an undeniable harmony.

I couldn't help but wish, for just a fleeting moment, that I too could find a love like that. The kind where you could work together, support each other, and have those quiet, tender moments amidst everything else.

"Are you alright, Cecilia?" Serena asked, her voice bringing me out of my thoughts. Her eyes met mine with a soft concern, and I quickly masked my feelings with a smile.

"Yes, I'm just… admiring how well things are going," I said, hoping I didn't sound too distracted. "It's incredible how much has been done already." Serena chuckled lightly. "Valerie's good at getting things done. But you're doing great, too. Keep up the good work."

"Thanks," I replied, my smile becoming a little more genuine. I appreciated Serena's kindness, though I wasn't sure if I could ever truly belong in this world of luxury and ease.

After lunch, Serena lingered for a few more moments, chatting briefly with Valerie, offering a few words of encouragement, and making sure everyone had what they needed. Before long, she was on her way back to the main house, leaving us to continue the work at hand.

As the day wore on, we neared the final stages of the cottage's construction. The roof was nearly complete, and the finishing touches were being applied to the stonework. I couldn't believe how quickly everything had come together.

By the time the sun began its descent toward the horizon, I stood at the edge of the construction site, gazing at the structure before me. The luxury was unmistakable. The space, the materials, the meticulous attention to detail—it was everything a person could want in a home.

I felt a strange mixture of awe and disbelief. How could this be? This cottage—this beautiful place—was meant for people like me. I wasn't sure if I felt like I belonged here, but I didn't want to voice my unease. Valerie and Serena were already a part of this world, a world I wasn't sure I could fully step into.

"Almost done for the day," Valerie called over her shoulder as she wiped her hands on a cloth. "We'll finish the last bits tomorrow morning, but we've done great progress."

I nodded silently, though a part of me wished I could stay back and take in the view. It was beautiful, the sunset casting an orange glow over the landscape, but the luxury of it all still made me feel out of place. I focused on the work, knowing I had no choice but to continue.

As we wrapped up for the day and began heading back to the main house, I couldn't help but feel a little conflicted. Tomorrow we'd finish the cottage, and I'd continue my work with Rodan. But something about this place, this world of abundance, felt like a dream I wasn't sure I could stay in for long.

The love Valerie and Serena shared, the luxury they'd built, the life they lived—it was something I admired from a distance, wishing for a love of my own, but unsure if I would ever fit into this world completely.