Cristina giggled in my arms as I lifted her into the air, her chubby hands reaching for my face. I blew raspberries on her tiny belly, earning another round of squeals. This, I decided, was the best part of my day—playing with my baby without a care in the world.
Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw movement near the library entrance. Rodan and Leon stepped out, accompanied by Brianna.
Rodan was grinning ear to ear, his usual enthusiastic self, but what caught my attention was Leon. He had the same grin, albeit more tamed, as if he wanted to match Rodan's excitement but still maintain his signature "calm and composed" image. I squinted.
Leon and Cecilia aren't blood-related, and yet, the similarities were almost eerie. The cold expressions, the reserved demeanor, the painfully shy personality they tried so hard to hide—it was baffling.
Especially considering the fact that Brianna, a woman with the same level of enthusiasm as Rodan, had somehow raised Leon. Shouldn't he be bouncing off the walls by now? What kind of sorcery was this?
"Mom! Class was fun!" Rodan beamed as he ran up to me. "I can't wait for the next one!"
I smiled and patted his head, keeping my expression warm and supportive. Internally, however—'Good luck, son'.
Rodan blinked up at me, confused by my silent blessing, but ultimately, he just leaned into my touch, basking in the affection. He and Leon started playing nearby, while Brianna and I casually discussed the most important matter of the day.
"What should we have for lunch?" I asked, shifting Cristina to my hip.
Brianna hummed in thought. "Something easy. Maybe sandwiches? Or pasta?"
Before we could decide, movement at the entrance caught my attention again. Valerie and Cecilia were back.
Valerie's eyes locked onto mine, and instantly, I knew.
That look. That smug, mischievous glint. The kind that screamed I did something and you're going to find out soon.
"What did you do?" I asked, already preparing myself.
Valerie only smiled, then pulled me into a hug. "Nothing, hon." 'Nothing, my ass'.
I glanced at Cecilia, hoping for an answer, but she only gave me a small, amused smile. 'There it is again!'
I almost wanted to drag Leon next to Cecilia just to compare their expressions side by side. It was too uncanny. I shook my head, trying to focus as Cecilia finally spoke.
"Valerie offered to teach Leon swordsmanship."
Brianna, predictably, did not take this well.
"What?! Absolutely not!" She crossed her arms. "Rodan learning is one thing, but Leon doesn't have to—"
"It's only fair," I cut in. "You and Cecilia are training Rodan, so it makes sense for Valerie to train Leon."
"That's different! We're employees, this is part of our job!"
I waved a hand dismissively. "Don't think about the big picture. Just go with the flow."
Brianna groaned and rubbed her temples. "Fine."
That was her first mistake.
Valerie's smirk widened into something more… sinister. "Then he'll also be joining etiquette and human anatomy class."
Brianna, clearly drained, just nodded. Then slumped onto the couch in defeat.
The sudden sound of Valerie's alarm broke through the moment. 'Oh no'. It was time. It's time for "The Torture Session (a.k.a. Etiquette Class)."
The boys looked excited, practically bouncing at the idea of learning etiquette. The adults, however? We knew better.
================================
The library felt suffocating. Not because of the books or the atmosphere—but because I knew what was about to happen.
Valerie stood at the front, exuding the air of a professor about to deliver a long-winded lecture.
"Etiquette is the foundation of society," she began, voice clear and authoritative. "It dictates how one should behave in formal settings, how to show respect, and how to present oneself with dignity and grace."
Rodan and Leon listened intently, eyes wide with curiosity. Poor, innocent children.
I slumped in my seat, already feeling the past trauma resurface. I still remember my own etiquette training like it was yesterday 'well, I didn't really attend those classes, but because I inherited some of the OG Serena's memories, I can confidently say, I HATE ETIQUETTE CLASS'.
You'd think being an S-rank hunter meant you didn't need to know which spoon to use for soup, but no. Apparently, even the strongest warriors need to know how to hold a teacup properly.
"For today, we will start with posture," Valerie announced, grabbing two books. "Proper posture is crucial. Sit up straight, shoulders back, and keep your hands neatly on your lap."
Rodan and Leon obediently copied her movements.
"Good," Valerie nodded approvingly. "Now, we will balance books on our heads."
Rodan and Leon exchanged looks. Rodan, ever the enthusiastic one, saw this as a challenge. Leon… well, I saw the slight twitch in his eye. He was questioning his life choices.
As Valerie stacked the books on their heads, I leaned toward Brianna.
"I can feel their suffering."
Brianna sighed. "We all went through it."
Valerie clapped her hands. "Now, walk in a straight line."
I watched as the boys wobbled slightly, trying their best. Rodan, naturally energetic, had to focus hard to keep the book from slipping. Leon, on the other hand, had a look of sheer determination, his expression frozen in concentration.
It was… honestly adorable.
The lesson dragged on—correct ways to greet, proper cutlery usage, how to sip tea without looking like a savage. By the time it was over, the boys looked mentally exhausted.
I handed them their training clothes, ushering them to change.
"Time to move on to physical training," I announced.
Rodan perked up. Leon looked relieved.
Brianna? She was still mourning.
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Backyard Training & Shopping Plans
Outside, Cecilia was in full mentor mode. She positioned Rodan properly, explaining bow handling, posture, and necessary exercises. Meanwhile, Valerie was guiding Leon through basic sword stances, making him go through necessary conditioning.
On a nearby bench, Brianna and I sat, watching.
"So," I said, "we should go shopping."
Brianna perked up. "Finally, something enjoyable."
We started planning our shopping trip, discussing outfits and possible purchases.
I checked the time. We still had a long break. Perfect.
"Come help me cook?" I asked.
Brianna groaned but stood up. "Fine, but I get to taste-test everything."
=================================
After cooking, Valerie and Cecilia changed the boys while I set up a picnic outside. Once everyone was back, we dug into sandwiches, chicken salad, apple pie, and brownies. The homemade lemonade was the perfect touch.
Then, at last, it was time for the final class.
I stood in the library, facing Rodan and Leon.
"Today's lesson: Human Anatomy," I began. "Why is this important? Because if someone gets hurt, you need to help them—not make it worse. Also, if you're ever in danger, knowing vital points can save your life."
The boys nodded seriously.
"Once we finish human anatomy, we'll move on to monster anatomy. Because, let's be real, there are some things out there that have more limbs than necessary."
I launched into my explanation of basic anatomy, covering bones, muscles, and essential organs—all while sneaking in jokes.
The boys absorbed everything eagerly.
As I spoke, I realized something.
This—teaching, training, and spending time with my family—wasn't just routine. It was ours. And I wouldn't trade it for anything.