Own Time

Chapter 06

End of Flashback

"So you're really going to take that child as your own?" the head maid inquired. I nodded silently "But there's one issue," Crost remarked, causing me to tilt my head in curiosity. I wondered if he meant the potential backlash from the people regarding the child. I was already aware that rumors would swirl, and undoubtedly, many would criticize the kid. "I know, I'll just ki..."

"What do you know about caring for a child?" he asked, his expression marked by concern. I blinked in confusion. 'What?'

"Exactly. All you seem to do is make a child cry or instill fear in everyone," Vel added, crossing his arms defiantly. I was rendered speechless. Glancing at the head maid for support, I found her avoiding eye contact altogether. I could tell she was struggling to hold back her laughter. I rolled my eyes, eager to move past this. "If you're finished insulting me, you can leave now," I said firmly.

"How about the child?" the three asked. I raised my brows, 'you've got to be kidding me?'

"Treat him as your second master. That should be clear enough for you to understand and act accordingly," I stated firmly. They continued to gaze at me incredulously. I clenched my teeth. "What. More. Do. You. Want?"

"Nothing, I'm going," Crost said, bowing before leaving my office. "Then, I'll arrange the servants who will be in charge of the young master's needs," the head maid said as she also left the room. Only Vel and I remained. I leveled a serious look at him and asked, "Have you completed the task I assigned to you?"

"Clearly, I took care of everything," he replied, appearing as if it were just another ordinary day for him. "But isn't it too cruel?" he asked, and I stared at him in disbelief. "What?"

"I mean, it's you being you. but doing those to them and the children is bit... you know..." he hesitated.

"No, they deserve it. They deserve more, but I'll let fate decide on that," I replied, recalling what the child had told me about what those fucking people had done to him and other innocent children. "Also, I want you to investigate them further. I'm certain they're involved in much of the corruption happening in that area," I instructed.

"Understood," he said, casting me a peculiar glance. I frowned. "What now?"

"Is it because you're the Estevel that you're doing this, or is it because of the kid?" he asked with a slight smirk. "Does it matter? Either get out or do my work for me," I said firmly, maintaining a serious expression. "Either way, you're still making me work, so how is that even a choice?"

"Well, the outcome will be different."

"Forget it, I choose the first option. At least I might get some rest," he said wearily, giving me an exhausted look before leaving the office. I shook my head and stared into space,

"Will I be able to raise him?"