Own Time

Chapter 05

Aditya's POV

"What came into your mind to make such a reckless decision?!" Head Maid Griza scolded as soon as I sat down in my office chair. The atmosphere was tense, especially with Crost, the Leader of the Black Knights, looking worried.

"You can't just pick a child out of nowhere, master," Crost added, voicing his concern.

I rested both of my arms on the desk, crossed my fingers, and placed my chin on top of them before speaking. "I'm pretty sure I already informed both of you, including Vel, about this. Or did you not pay attention to what I said?" Their sighs were audible.

"We didn't really think you were serious about it," Crost replied, which offended me.

"That's quite correct, and I've known you since you were born, so I thought you were just being sarcastic," Head Maid chimed in. She had been my nanny since childhood. Their words triggered memories of why I had made such a decision.

.............

Flashback where The discission was made 

"I'm going to adopt a child," I declared without hesitation in the meeting room, causing Crost, Head Maid, and Vel to sit with widened eyes.

"You? Adopt a child? Master, do you even know what you're saying?" Crost questioned incredulously.

"Crost is right. I think you're forgetting that every time a child sees you or even takes a glance at you, they start crying like they've seen the most evil character in a children's book," Vel pointed out. "Not just children; even full-grown adults are capable of crying just from taking a glance at you," Crost added, which irritated me enough to feel a surge of dark energy.

"Now, now, calm down, my lady. No need to destroy this office," Head Maid said soothingly as I took a deep breath, glaring at Crost and Vel.

"How about we rethink this before taking any action?" she suggested with a reassuring smile, and I remained silent, contemplating her words.

..............

"What?! You're still going to do it?" Vel exclaimed, handing me my paperwork. It had been a week since I informed them, and my mind hadn't changed.

"Yeah, I'm heading to the orphanage right now," I replied firmly, standing up and putting on my coat.

"And I'm left with your work again, how nice," Vel grumbled, glaring at me, but I couldn't care less.

"Don't worry, because you're coming with me," I said, brushing past him confidently.

"In your dreams. I'd rather do your work than be dragged into your foolish actions," Vel retorted, hastily gathering up all the papers.

"Triple pay," I offered as a tempting incentive. He paused, then swiftly ran to the office door, holding it open for me. I stepped outside and looked at him expectantly.

"It will be an honor to help you, master," Vel said with a wide smile that I knew was genuine because it involved money.

We found ourselves on the mahika karera now, and I glanced over at him as he grinned foolishly. "Money really does keep things moving," he remarked. He met my gaze. "Certainly, who doesn't appreciate money? But that's not the sole reason I joined you. I'm also eager to see something."

I arched my right eyebrow. "And what might that be?" He grinned before answering, "Watching children cry when they see you is rather entertaining." I released a burst of fiery energy where he sat, causing him to jump up. "Ouch! That burns! I think I'll take that as my cue to move to the roof." With that, he disappeared, and I heard a tap on the rooftop. The journey continued.

.............

We visited several orphanages, and it was a familiar scene everywhere—children crying at the sight of me, while Vel chuckled beside me. "We're heading to our final orphanage now. If this doesn't work out, I suppose my family line ends here."

We arrived, and as I stepped outside, a wave of children rushed towards me. It was clear they were too frightened to meet my gaze. After a futile conversation with the bald-headed owner, he reluctantly allowed the children to approach. As expected, all of them burst into tears upon seeing me.

"Alright, I'll be on my way now," I said, turning to leave. Just then, I sensed someone approaching. Turning back around, I saw a little boy standing there.

I stood there, waiting for the boy to speak, but the bald man interrupted and whisked him away. I was displeased with how roughly he handled the child, and I even heard the boy gasp in pain. Rage simmered inside me as I debated whether I should end this man's life right then and there.

He carried the child towards the building when suddenly, "Help me!!!" the boy shouted. It was the final straw. "Stop!" I commanded.

"Turn around and bring the child here," I ordered, my voice firm and commanding.

"But he is..." I released a surge of heavy energy, expressing my frustration at being made to wait. Reluctantly, the man put the child down. The boy dashed towards me, but guards blocked his path. "Out of his way," I commanded sharply. They complied, allowing the child to approach. To my surprise, he suddenly dropped to his knees and bowed his head before me.

'What the... Why is the kid doing this?' I glanced at Vel, who simply shook his head in confusion.

"What are you doing?" I asked, taken aback and unsure of how to respond. "Please take me, I'll do whatever you ask," the boy pleaded, his voice filled with desperation. I was perplexed by his request, but I felt compelled to hear him out.

"Raise your head and stand up," I commanded. He obeyed immediately, looking at me expectantly. "Kid, you're asking me this with such desperation. Do you even know who I am?" I needed to gauge if he comprehended the gravity of his request.

"You're Aditya Krieger... The ESTEVEL of Norouca," he replied confidently. As he spoke, I sensed something unusual about him, and it seemed like there was a faint glow in his eyes.

'Oh, how fortunate. I think I've found myself a successor'