In District Hevo of Clareo City, renowned for producing powerful ability users, the esteemed Bellator family made their home.
This district lived in relative peace, its citizens feeling a sense of security with the Bellators nearby. Strict laws kept crime in check, making Hevo a unique haven compared to other districts.
When a young boy was seen wandering the Bellator gardens, no one questioned it, assuming the family kept him hidden for reasons of their own—no one dared to pry into Bellator affairs.
---Flashback---
The night Valens arrived at the Bellator estate, rain poured relentlessly. Exeo Bellator, the eldest son of Ino and Rueol Bellator, brought him home, both of them soaked from the journey.
As they entered, Head Butler Nox opened the door, his gaze shifting from Exeo to the shivering, dripping boy at his side.
"Master, you've returned," Nox greeted with a slight bow. His gaze lingered on Valens as he asked, "If I may, why did you bring this boy home?"
Exeo offered a faint, unreadable smile. Nox knew that look—it meant explanations would come later. Nox turned to the boy, bowing slightly with a soft smile. "Young Master, may I know your name?"
Valens looked from Exeo to Nox, unsure, but a nod from Exeo gave him the courage to answer. "Valens," he said, his voice steady.
"Ah, Young Master Valens," Nox replied, surprised by the boy's determination. "I am Nox, the Head Butler of the Bellator family. It's a pleasure to know your name."
Valens blinked, recognition dawning on his face. "Bellator? As in Exeo Bellator, the strongest ability user in the country?!"
Both Exeo and Nox flinched at the volume, but Exeo simply chuckled, ruffling his hair. "Oh boy," he muttered under his breath.
Valens' eyes darted between them. "So… am I here to work?"
Nox's brow furrowed slightly. His gaze silently questioned Exeo—had he really not explained anything to the boy? Exeo's blank look back was answer enough.
With a sigh, Exeo knelt, meeting Valens at eye level.
"Valens," he asked gently, "do you know why I brought you here?"
Valens shook his head. "You said if I followed you, you'd give me a name, so I did. But… if I followed you here, and you gave me a name… am I supposed to work for you?"
Nox crouched down, his voice gentle but clear. "No, Young Master. You are now a part of the Bellator family. You are Valens Bellator."
Valens lowered his head, repeating the words to himself, "Valens Bellator…" He seemed to be mulling it over, then looked up at Exeo, his expression earnest. "Then… what am I to you?"
Exeo's eyes widened, then softened. He released Valens' hand, placing a reassuring hand on his head. "I'm too young to have a son," he said with a gentle smile. "So, you, Valens, will be my little brother."
Valens' eyes sparkled. "Then, Big Brother Exeo, I'm indebted to you. I won't taint the Bellator name—I promise!" His voice boomed with newfound confidence, making both men flinch once more.
"Val, you're too loud," Exeo chided lightly, though he couldn't help but keep his hand on the boy's head, already feeling protective.
Grinning widely, Valens leaned into Exeo's touch, savoring the moment. Nox observed quietly, starting to understand this new bond forming. He straightened up, glancing at both of them. "Master Exeo, Young Master Valens, you're both drenched. I'll have the maids prepare hot baths for you."
He turned to go, but Valens spoke up, looking between Nox and Exeo with hesitation. Gathering his courage, he shut his eyes and blurted out, "Canistaywithmybigbrothertonight?!"
Exeo's eyes widened at the outburst, but quickly broke into laughter, loud and unabashed. Calming himself, he looked down at Valens, amusement still twinkling in his eyes. "Valens, you can stay with me tonight. But starting tomorrow, you'll sleep in your own room. Is that okay?"
Valens nodded eagerly. "Yes, that's fine! I just… I just want to get to know my new big brother."
Exeo chuckled again, nodding. "Alright, let's wait for Nox, and then we'll head to my room."
Nox watched the two of them head upstairs together, following at a respectful distance. A faint smile crossed his face as he thought, It's going to be a long night for Master Exeo.
---Flashback End---