The small dormitory of Kael was filled with an eerie calm, like the quiet before a storm.
Bishop Otto leisurely sipped tea that appeared from who knows where, while Kallen sat silently beside him, her gaze fixed on Kael.
Theresa clutched her bitter gourd pillow, like a cat guarding its territory, glaring menacingly.
Kiana bounced on the sofa, while Sirin hid behind the bedroom door, only her vigilant golden eyes peeking out.
Kael felt like he was being roasted over a fire, every gaze carrying a different temperature, making him restless. He tried to break the deadlock, clearing his throat: "Um... Kiana, do you want Uncle Kael to tell you a story?"
"Yes!" Kiana immediately cheered, pouncing to hug Kael's arm.
Seeing this, Theresa's internal alarm bells rang loudly!
No! She couldn't let Kael's attention be monopolized by this little brat!
Her "world-shaking wisdom" began to churn rapidly: Sirin's timid and dependent appearance, it seemed to really stir Kael's protective instincts? If only I also act gentle, considerate, and understanding, will Kael look at me in a new light and bring his attention back to me?
Yes! It must be like this!
Theresa instantly felt she had found the key to the problem! She immediately adjusted her expression, trying hard to suppress her jealousy and impatience, attempting to force out a "gentle and serene" smile, clearing her throat, and speaking in what she believed was her softest voice: "Kael, you must be tired after a day of work, right? How about I take Kiana to wash up first, and you rest a bit…"
However, before she could finish her sentence, another voice chimed in, more natural, calmer, and gentler than hers.
"Captain Kael does look a bit tired."
Kallen Kaslana had stood up at some point and walked over to Kael. Her voice was like a clear mountain spring, carrying a natural soothing power, "Taking care of children is hard work. Kiana, come, Auntie Kallen will take you to wash your face and hands, okay? Let Uncle Kael catch his breath."
She extended her hand to Kiana, a sincere and warm smile on her face, a smile that seemed to possess magic.
Even the lively Kiana quieted down, blinking her big eyes as she looked at Kallen, then at Kael, and actually nodded obediently, giving her hand to Kallen!
Theresa: "!!!"
She watched in stunned silence as Kallen so easily "captured" Kiana, and even managed to show off her gentle thoughtfulness! That was supposed to be her scene! Who was this silver-haired woman who suddenly appeared! Why was she stealing her thunder!
Kallen, holding Kiana's hand, then looked towards the bedroom door and offered an extremely gentle smile to Sirin, who was hiding behind it: "Sirin, is that right? Don't be afraid, we're just visiting. Do you want to come out too? Auntie Kallen can help you comb your hair and braid it beautifully."
Her tone was so natural and sincere, without any pretense, as if she really was just a gentle elder who liked children. Although Sirin remained wary, she felt Kallen's reassuring aura, somewhat similar to Kael's.
And Kallen's lack of forceful approach, her tense body relaxed slightly. Although she didn't come out, she didn't immediately shrink back either.
Kael watched as Kallen quickly appeased the two most difficult little ones, feeling secretly surprised and grateful. This Miss Kallen seemed to have a special charm.
"Thank you, Miss Kallen." Kael sincerely thanked her.
"It was nothing." Kallen smiled slightly, her gaze sweeping over Kael's face with a hint of imperceptible fondness, then naturally led Kiana towards the bathroom.
Theresa watched Kallen's retreating figure, then looked at Kael's visibly relaxed expression, feeling as if a jar of bitter gourd juice mixed with lemon juice had spilled in her heart, sour and bitter to the extreme! Her carefully devised "gentle strategy" was completely ruined by this unexpected interloper before it even began! And the other party had executed it so perfectly, making her own deliberately affected words just now seem utterly ridiculous!
Otto took it all in, a playful smile on her lips, and slowly spoke: "It seems Kallen is very good with children. After all, she once had a similar experience…" Her words were profound, her gaze subtly sweeping over Kael.
Kael didn't quite understand Otto's hidden meaning, only thinking that Miss Kallen had indeed helped a great deal. He turned to the still pouting Theresa, trying to lighten the mood: "Theresa, you must be tired too, right? How about…"
"I'm not tired!" Theresa interrupted him petulantly, plunking back down on the sofa and hugging her bitter gourd pillow even tighter, feeling immensely wronged in her heart.
She clearly wanted to help too! Why was she always a step too late! Why couldn't Kael see her good intentions!
Just then, Kallen emerged with a freshly washed and fragrant Kiana.
Kiana ran to Kael, saying in a childish voice: "Uncle, Auntie Kallen is so amazing! She tells such good stories!"
Kallen smiled gently, looking at Kael: "It's getting late, and the children should rest. Captain Kael, if you trust me, I can help take care of Kiana tonight and have her sleep at my place. I see Sirin also seems very dependent on you, so you can focus on taking care of her."
This suggestion was a godsend! Kael was worrying about how to arrange these two little lords for the night, especially Sirin, who, after the last incident, surely wouldn't dare sleep alone.
"This… that would be too much trouble for Miss Kallen!" Kael felt a bit apologetic.
"It's fine, I really like Kiana." Kallen stroked Kiana's head, her eyes gentle, "And, I also hope to… be of some help." Her last sentence was very soft, but carried a complex emotion.
Otto also rose at the appropriate moment, yawning: "Hmm, it seems there's nothing for us here. Kallen, let's go, don't disturb Captain Kael's rest."
She said, giving Theresa a meaningful look, "Little Theresa, you should go back too, you have 'important' state affairs to handle tomorrow."
Theresa stiffened at Otto's gaze, recalling the fear of being dominated by documents, and immediately wilted like a frosted eggplant. She gave Kael a resentful look, then glared fiercely at Kallen, who had "stolen her scene," before reluctantly following Otto out.
Before leaving, Kallen turned to look at Kael, her gaze so deep it seemed to contain a thousand words, ultimately transforming into a faint, slightly melancholic smile, as she softly closed the door.
The noisy dormitory finally quieted down, leaving only Kael and Sirin, who slowly walked out of the bedroom.
Sirin looked at Kael and asked softly: "…Brother… are they… all gone?"
"Yes, they're all gone." Kael breathed a sigh of relief, squatting down to look at her, "Tonight, Brother will sleep with you, okay?"
Sirin nodded vigorously, proactively reached out and hugged Kael's neck, burying her face in his neck, and whispered: "…That silver-haired auntie… seems… not bad…"
Kael held her, but his mind was still on Kallen, who had just left. There was an inexplicable sense of familiarity and a faint sadness about that woman, and her appearance and help were all rather peculiar. But no matter what, she had indeed been a great help tonight.
Meanwhile, Theresa, walking down the corridor, had already listed Kallen as her number one vigilant target! This silver-haired woman not only had a unique aura but also knew how to win people over (specifically children and Kael)!
She was definitely a more dangerous existence than Sirin and Kiana! Her "Pursuit of Kael" endeavor had encountered an unprecedented challenge!
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