A Heart's Resolve to Adopt
Her heart had decided to adopt Riru. The siblings' debate dragged on briefly before fizzling out. Their opinions converged, tipping decisively one way. Adoption seemed necessary.
The reasons boiled down to two. First, Riru's talent was dangerously high. If another family caught wind of it, she could be kidnapped at her tender age. Kidnapped? A child who'd endured abuse? Better to shield her under the Cardia name. Let her roam free here like a cherished lamb.
Second, simply taking her in without formalities could backfire if the Collodics noticed. They'd abandoned her, yet if the Cardias paraded her around, those cunning snakes would sense something amiss and try to reclaim her. Even the Cardias would have to yield before the law. Riru was still Riru Collodic, not Riru Cardia. A lawsuit would send her right back. So, finalize the adoption first. Make her Riru Cardia, then deal with the rest.
By then, even if they squawk, it's post-adoption—Riru gets the choice. Under imperial law, an adopted child could pick between families. A bizarre rule, but it bought them breathing room. Their parents would approve, no doubt. What better example of talent scouting?
The Cardia siblings settled on treating Riru first. But with no injuries among the uninjured family—and their mother having taken the house physician on her outing—they lacked the means. So they contacted the temple.
"Come in."
The temple. A group wielding divine power through the gods' blessings, spreading miracles far and wide. Rumors painted them as stuffy and insular. But not to the Cardias' prodigies.
"Hah... hah... What... huff... brings you to summon us... with magic?"
The temple bore no love for nobles. Those who exploited the masses and lived high? The temple sent them sour faces and curt history lessons. The Cardias were different. Self-proclaimed Empire's Eye, spreading good influence, partnering with the temple to safeguard the realm. Thus, the temple favored them—with a dedicated channel.
A small bell infused with Monte's mana. Focus, and it rang across vast distances.
"Here, have some water first."
Moments ago, the bell tolled. The temple dispatched the nearest priestess in haste. The Cardias were too mighty to get hurt or need much, so the temple secretly yearned for a chance to be useful. That's why they rushed her out.
The dispatched priestess gulped down a cup, catching her breath. She wiped sweat with her sleeve, then eyed the two before her.
Good lord, both of them together?
Monté Cardia—infamous in high society, genius hailed by mages. He looked every bit the thug, but a hint of noble grace shone through.
This one, though? Nobility radiated from head to toe. Rudmila, looming gigantic, gazing down.
I always wanted to meet her...! The priestess's heart raced. She hid it desperately, but excitement bubbled over. Rudmila's stoic bluntness made her prickly to priests and nobles alike. A woman fending off armies, stunning looks. Women couldn't help idolizing her.
Rudmila, meeting those adoring eyes, spoke.
"We needed the temple's aid urgently. Hope it's not rude."
"Not at all! Anyone hurt? I heard the matriarch's purging an orc nest. Surely not...?"
The priestess glanced around cautiously. No blood scent... Why the emergency summon?
"Mother could survive a dragon's lair. Orcs won't scratch her."
"Monte. Go inside."
Young Master Monte chimed in; Rudmila shouldered him aside. Sensing needless chatter, she turned icy.
Monté scowled.
"Fine. Just spit it out quick."
He waved impatiently. Rudmila nodded. The priestess swallowed hard. What crisis in mighty Cardia? Why so grave? She nodded warily.
Rudmila began. Midway, the priestess stopped nodding, scratched her head.
Confirming she'd heard right.
"So... a child with burns?"
Nod. Both siblings nodded.
The priestess couldn't fathom a child in Cardia. Monte tutoring kids lately? She nodded, asked where.
Monté raised a hand to answer—then clamped his mouth. They exchanged glances. Monté grimaced.
"She stepped out earlier... Not back yet...?"
"......"
"Uh, um... Yes?"
Monté reflected. Burns on her belly. Abandoned by her house. She bared her past, showed burns despite being a girl. Yet the adults just stood silent? No words for her plea for power to avenge?
We stayed mum.
"My mistake."
Rudmila's face twisted in regret. Riru's blazing resolve had mesmerized her briefly, but she shook it off.
Guilt gnawing, resolve firming, they moved first.
"We'll fetch her quick."
"She wouldn't leave the mansion, right? Sigh, we bungled it with the kid."
They bolted out in a fluster. Candle flames danced in the night. The priestess stood stranded, bemused.
Monté dashed back: 'Wait just a bit!' That was all she saw.
Cardia's twin titans, flustered like that?
Monte 21, Rudmila 23. Younger than her, still imperfect. The ducal house loomed so exalted, maybe they bungled people skills.
But flustering like that? Unthinkable. Their matriarch 'she' wielded vast imperial sway, close to the emperor. What child inspired such fuss?
A spark ignited in the priestess. She had to see that kid. For real.
Thus abandoned in the empty room.
...Somehow, sweet pancake scent lingered.
I'd grasped life's truth. Greet nicely, and food appears.
"My, your cheeks are plumping up!"
"Wanna try this, kiddo?"
"The knight's daughter? Doesn't look much li... Ahem. Your wife's a beauty, eh?"
After the bathroom, hunger prowled me around. I'd eaten plenty, yet tummy rumbled. Sperédo nagged about returning, but nah. Conversations stayed silent; they'd said zilch if I wandered.
So I roamed carefree. Found the kitchen.
Aromatic scents I'd never dreamed of. I fluttered in like a butterfly, stinging like a bee.
Before trailing Sperédo could speak, I bowed navel-deep, declared hunger.
They swarmed, offering treats like tribute.
Sperédo flapped wordlessly at the sight, then shrugged as food vanished into my maw. Whatever.
"...No need to go in?"
"Fihhhne."
"Don't talk with your mouth stuffed."
Sperédo scratched his head, eyeing me. I chewed instead of replying.
Feels like the zoo mascot.
Kitchen crawled with folk. Maids popping in, head chef—all beaming fondly.
Might not return, so fill the tank.
Those two looked off earlier. Not staying long, probably. Stuff belly before bounce. Helping research was separate; this was survival.
But conscience pricked. Can't mooch shamelessly...
Pinch.
"Mmuuuh."
Mid-bite, maids poked cheeks. I let it slide. Leftovers or not, freeloading felt rude.
One maid stretched my ballooning cheek, baffled, then gently reset it. Trembling:
"Kyaa! So squishy!"
"Don't bug the eater! And why solo fondle?"
"Cute... Too cute. What's your name?"
Gulp, swallow. Full mouth cleared.
"Riru."
My name sparked squeals.
"Even the name's adorable."
"Little miss, try this? Super yummy."
"Never seen a kid devour like this..."
Baby talk. I glared a tad, but it registered cute too.
"Here, ahh."
Dream maid-feed, real. Girl body weirded me out, but hunger won. Mouth agape.
Flavor hit tongue.
"Hoong!"
Gasp escaped. Texture, taste—insane. Melted silky. Meaty? How?! Jaw worked overtime, savoring bounty.
"Heh... heh heh. Thanks for eating heaps."
Chef's villainous chuckle. I blinked; maids defended.
"Two head chefs here, but Cardias rarely praise 'em."
"Serving Cardia means praise drought. Yup."
"Oh, where's the pancake chef from earlier?"
Praise-starved soul. Two chefs explained flavors. Nodded. Pancakes tasty; these richer.
"Yummy!"
"Ttahek!"
Thumbs-up zinged chef to griddle. Whipped secret sauce, wok-flying. Sperédo watched, shook head.
"How long you eating?"
"...Halfway empty still."
"You... Didn't you solo a fawn once?"
"Yup?"
"...Mages eat tons?"
He muttered; I munched. Maids cheek-itchy but mutual glare-fest kept peace.
Till intruder shattered bliss.
Towering frame eclipsed kitchen. Chef straightened; maids uncurled, stood.
"Here you were."
Rudmila. Hand on hip, scanned, gaze dropped.
I met eyes, tiny mouth gnawing chicken leg.
"......"
"......"
Chew-chew echoed. Rudmila silent.
"...Nyam."
Why here sudden? More chicken chomp. Sperédo gawked; maids stared shocked.
More to say?
Collodic silences turned me invisible. No glances, no chat.
Chewed deliberate. Eyes on her, mouth busy. Munch munch...
Silence stretched. Rudmila's face twitched.
"Pft."
Laughter burst. All froze; one maid backpedaled.
"Hahaha..."
Spooked me. How laugh like textbook recitation? Stiff guffaws iced the room. Nah, Sperédo's mug screamed she laughed?!
What, Cthulhu sighting?
Sperédo's eldritch horror face—award-worthy. Serious.
"..."
Maids mum too.
"Truly... something."
Rudmila stiffened anew, crouched. Knee down, eye-level—still taller.
"Riru, something I must do for you. Will you come?"
Her eyes sharp, rigid. Hand huge, scarred. Yet...
Gentle... Warmth in her gaze melted me.
"This first, then...?"
Grabbed hand mindless. Chicken grease smeared. She laughed again.
"I'll get you tastier stuff."
"Really?"
"But eating later."
Urgent, huh. Fine.
"...Okay. Right away."
Regret at empty plates aside, rose.
But Rudmila arms outstretched. Whoosh—lifted.
Princess carry.
Wha—
Tiny frame nestled her sturdy bosom. Her fond smile unstoppable.
"Let's go."
......
My manly soul yelled dismount. But her chest warmer than thought. Comfy ride.