NEW LIFE IN ANOTHER WORLD

17: Family Registration

As dawn broke the next day, Seraphina rose early, a sense of purpose guiding her every move. Today was a significant day, not just because it marked the final preparations for her store's grand opening, but because it was the day she would officially register Aurel as her son.

The weight of the responsibility she had taken on was immense, but she felt an unexpected lightness in her heart as she looked at the little boy who had quickly become the center of her world.

After preparing herself for the day, Seraphina turned her attention to Aurel. She selected a fine set of clothes for him, ensuring he looked as dignified as the situation called for.

The little boy, still adjusting to his new life, remained quiet but obedient, his large eyes observing everything with a mix of curiosity and wariness. As she buttoned his shirt and smoothed down his hair, Seraphina spoke to him softly.

"Aurel, today we're going on a little adventure," she said, her voice warm and reassuring. "We’re going to make it official that you’re my son. Doesn’t that sound nice?"

Aurel nodded, though he seemed uncertain of what it all meant. Still, the gentleness in Seraphina’s tone and the care with which she dressed him made him feel safe.

Once Aurel was ready, Seraphina lifted him into her arms. He clung to her instinctively, burying his face in her shoulder. She smiled softly, feeling a protective surge within her. "Don’t worry, Aurel. I’ll take care of everything."

She called for a carriage, knowing the registration office was too far to walk, especially with Aurel. As they waited for the carriage to arrive, Aurel looked up at her, his tiny voice breaking the silence. "Where we going, Mama?"

Seraphina’s heart skipped a beat at the word ‘Mama’. It was the first time he had talk and he even called her that, and it filled her with a deep, unspoken joy. "We’re going to the place where they make everything official," she explained. "It’s important that everyone knows you’re my son."

The carriage soon arrived, and Seraphina carefully climbed in, still holding Aurel close. As they settled into the cushioned seat, Aurel relaxed a little, though he still clung to her hand. The city passed by in a blur outside the window, but Seraphina’s focus remained on the child beside her.

"Do you like the city, Aurel?" she asked, trying to ease any lingering anxiety he might have.

Aurel looked out the window, taking in the sights of bustling streets and colorful shops. "big," he said simply, his voice tinged with awe.

Seraphina chuckled softly. "It is. But you’ll get used to it. And don’t worry, I’ll be with you every step of the way."

Their conversation was light, filled with small reassurances as the carriage wound its way through the city. When they finally arrived at the registration office, Seraphina stepped out, still holding Aurel. The large, official-looking building loomed before them, and she could feel the curious stares of passersby as they made their way inside.

Once they entered, the bustling noise of the city faded, replaced by the quieter atmosphere of the office. The clerk behind the counter, a man who had seen countless faces pass through over the years, looked up as they approached. His reaction was immediate—his eyes widened in surprise, and his mouth opened slightly as if to speak, but no words came out.

Seraphina approached the counter confidently, holding Aurel with one arm while keeping her other hand on his back to steady him. "Good morning," she greeted the clerk with a polite smile. "I’m here to register my son."

The clerk blinked rapidly, as if trying to process what he was seeing and hearing. "Your… son?" he repeated, his voice filled with disbelief.

"Yes," Seraphina confirmed. "This is Aurel Vale, my son."