"We have reached the Vallemont residence" An old man said to the boy who was sitting on the carriage, looking at the mansion.
"Young master," The old man called out to him as the boy batted an eyelid to him. He knew that once he enters this residence and becomes one of them, things will never be the same as it was before from his past life.
That's right, he was just a boy living in an orphanage, he grew up without his parents since he was abandoned but there came the news that the duke wanted to adopt a boy. There was no official announcement about why he wanted to adopt a boy, only an announcement that he wants to adopt one.
"Alright Kids, I have a big announcement for you today!" Sister Carmelita said in a happy tone.
All of the children in the orphanage stopped what they're doing as we all ran towards her, calling her name as we guessed what announcement she is going to announce.
"Sister, will we be having a big feast tonight?" "Or maybe a new one is showing? Is it a he or a she?" "Idiot it must be food, F O O D" The other started guessing too as they were all hushed up by a grinning Carmelita.
"Okay that's enough guessing, No one guessed the correct answer," She said as a group of armored men walked inside. They were all wearing the crest of the… Vallemont Family?
"One you here will be chosen as the newly adopted son of the Vallemont Family" Sister Carmelita rejoiced as the boys shouted in glee as this is a very rare opportunity, I of course was also happy, who wouldn't? this duke, who is known for his many achievements and merits decided to adopt a boy, furthermore, it might be me or one of us in this orphanage!
All of us, boys were happily chatting In the middle of the room as we were waiting for our name to be called while the girls were sulking in the other room because they couldn't grab the chance to be adopted since they are not boys.
"Hey let's play a game!" One of us suggested, it was Jones who said that.
"Let's play the what if you will be chosen as the adopted son of the duke" He added, majority of us nodded in agreement as we gathered around him.
"So what if I will be chosen as the adopted son of the duke, Ben you go first" Jones said smiling. He was always smiling, he is like the most cheerful and happy kid in this place. He brings this kind of aura around him that makes people feel relaxed and happy around him. Wherever he goes and whatever he does, he will always bring you a smile on your face that will lighten the mood.
"Eh? Why me, well…if I become one, I will maybe…eat a lot since I could have the chance to eat whatever I want right?" Ben said unsure, some of them nodded.
"Same for me! We don't really have much to eat here in the orphanage because our stocks are limited, after all right?" We all nodded once again.
All of us took turns as I was called the last, "So Syd, what if you will be chosen as the adopted son of the duke?" Jones asked as he smiled.
I thought for a while, but nothing interesting popped out. I mean, Sure I can spoil myself a little but other than that, will my life be like this just like in the orphanage? Surely I can eat a lot without minding if there's food left for tomorrow or will our stocks last 'til this winter, but can I be happy and have fun memories there?
This orphanage meant a lot for me considering that I don't have a family, it just gives me the strength to live for tomorrow…It would feel sad and lonely if I won't be able to see them every day plus we still don't know about the real reason why the duke decided to adopt a son.
"Me? I'm okay if I'm not chosen, if I could be with you guys forever I'm fine with it" I said as I smiled faintly.
"Really? You're okay with just that?" Jones asked, surprised by my answer as I nodded.
"You still haven't told us what you would do if you will be chosen as the adopted son of the duke," I said as we all looked at Jones in excitement.
"Me?" He asked pointing to himself as he rubbed his nose.
"Well, first I'd definitely go with Ben's Idea First!" He declared proudly. Right, Food. I laughed internally.
"But that's not all," He said as he stood tall.
"I will visit you guys here every day and play with you like always, though if I could but not only that, I will work hard to earn favor from the duke and help you guys here in the orphanage, especially at winters, We all remembered that winters are very hard for us here, that's why when I will be chosen, I will do my best to contribute more in this house. I mean… Even if one of us is chosen here
We're all still family alright?" He said as he grinned at us.
Our hopes perked up, even if we couldn't be chosen, we wanted for Jones to be the one…We always admired him because of this, but in the end…I was the one who was chosen.
I don't know for what reason, but I was chosen.
I could still remember the look that Jones had when he wasn't chosen but he decided to mask it with a smiling face. He was a year older than me and I knew that he wanted that feeling of having a family by his side.
That's why I promised him, I will carry out what he wanted to do if he will be chosen.
"I will visit you guys here every day and play with you like always, though if I could but not only that, I will work hard to earn favor from the duke and help you guys here in the orphanage, especially at winters, We all remembered that winters are very hard for us here, that's why when I will be chosen, I will do my best to contribute more in this house. I mean… Even if one of us is chosen here
We're all still family alright?"
I will curry favor to the duke, help them with their situation. I will visit them every day and play with them just like always.
I strode down the vast hallway as I followed the old man who was wearing a butler's uniform as we both stopped in a big wooden door.
He knocked softly before he opened it and bowed. "Your grace," He said as I heard a voice inside calling us. "Come in"
My body quivered in fear as my adrenaline shot up. My heart keeps on beating as I walked inside carefully.
"This is?" The man asked as I tried to glance at him. The whole room felt dark even though the sun was illuminating the room from the window.
"This is Syd, the one we have chosen to be your adopted son," The old man said as I felt his eyes roam on me. I still decided to keep my head on the floor as I didn't dare to look at him.
"Raise your head," He said, His voice was very authoritative as I slowly raised my head. He took a moment to scan me before he smiled,
"Welcome to the Vallemont Family, Syd," The Duke said as he smiled on me as I was frozen there.
He was smiling yet I could still feel the pressure behind his back, a very dark and heavy pressure.
Is this the so-called Duke Vallemont?
He is truly something, and for me to be part of their family… this is truly outrageous.