Arabella | totcf au

Chapter 8: Preparations and Adoption

Arabella woke up the next day. She was still lying down because even sitting up was not allowed by everyone.

Everyone was smothering her with affection immediately. Her big brother, especially. They all expressed their worries over her, how scared they were when they found out that she was almost assaulted by some unknown man.

She then found out that Choi Han did get his request for the Harris Village. So for today, Choi Han isn't with them.

"Of all people," She could only nervously laugh at her big brother's grumbling. Just a few hours ago, Choi Han was officially their Guardian Knight. Cale doesn't like it, he was a sword and aura master, why does he need a knight, was his argument.

"Father talked to me earlier," He started another topic, "Well, after you were looked over last night. He wants us to go to the capital,"

"Eh?" She blinked at her older twin.

Cale sighed, "You and I. We have to go to the celebration,"

"Did Papa say that?" She asked.

"Well, it's technically just me. But I told him it would be good for you to be out of the territory and official make your social debut as well,"

The hidden meaning was well spoken as well. Cale was well aware of her plans, so her accompanying him to the banquet was good as well.

"But what about the invitation?" Arabella asked again, "Isn't it only just for one?"

"He talked to His Majesty, we got another one for you," Since when did the Henituses were close with the Royal Family? That wasn't mentioned in the novel at all.

"So by technicality, as our knight, Choi Han would be going with us," Her big brother really did not like the thought of Choi Han being their knight. Aigoo. Cale approached her, and sat beside her on her bed. He was simply staring at her. After a few moments, he reached out his right hand and placed it on her right cheek; as if he was caressing it. Unconsciously, she leaned into his touch.

"Stay by my side during everything, do you understand?"

"Yes, big brother,"

"Do not do anything so reckless,"

"Of course,"

The wheelchair is so comfortable today, what the hell.

"Ara, how are you feeling?" Their father asked.

She nodded, "Yes, Papa. Is there something you wanted to ask me though? You look like you do,"

"Ehem," He faked cough, "Was I that obvious?"

They giggled at him.

"Sort of," She says.

"Well," He began, "I was wondering about the children you had Choi Han bring home with you last night. Is there a reason?"

Arabella nodded, "Yes.. Since I don't want to be the heir.. I'm sure big brother doesn't want to be one too," Ah, yes. She was really going there. Sorry Cale, "I was hoping if I could adopt those children as my children,"

There was silence.

— I'm too young to be an uncle, Bella, what the hell.

— You're 40.

— Point taken.

(Cale would give her the side eye whenever they argue about their ages though. Soul-wise, she was the older one. Millennial old soul of a former(?) God vs 40 year old soul of a Regressor.

Cale is still the older twin though, according to him.)

She was staring into their father's eyes. Trying to convey her sincerity on adopting those children. Deep down, she had longed for children, living for almost 40 years as Kim Rok Soo does, whether they were her flesh and blood or not.