The clamor faded, and finally, only Kael and Sirin were left in the dorm room.
Kael let out a long sigh of relief, feeling as if he had just fought a tough battle.
Sirin still held tightly onto his neck, her small face buried in his shoulder, as if only this could confirm her safety. Kael could feel her subtle trembling gradually subside, replaced by a complete reliance.
He gently patted her back and softly said, "It's okay, Sirin, it's just the two of us now."
Sirin slowly raised her head, her golden eyes, which appeared exceptionally clear in the moonlight, gazed unblinkingly at Kael, filled with the peace of surviving a catastrophe and an almost pure adoration.
She looked at him for a long time, as if to engrave his image deep into her soul, and then, with an extremely soft yet incredibly clear voice, imbued with a certain determination, she said, word by word:
"...Sirin loves Big Brother the most."
These words were not like a child's jest, but more like a vow, a resolute commitment that staked all her emotions and trust on him.
Under the moonlight, her small face looked exceptionally serious, even with a hint of stubbornness unbefitting her age.
Kael's heart felt as if it had been gently brushed by the softest feather, or enveloped by warm spring water.
He did not know that behind this seemingly innocent confession, lay a seed of potential obsession, born from an extreme lack of security.
He merely took it as the most direct way for a child to express dependence and gratitude, the most sincere echo he received after lighting a small lamp in her dark world.
He showed an extremely gentle smile, lightly touched her forehead with his own, and responded, "Mm, Big Brother likes Sirin too. Very much."
This liking was pity, responsibility, and the hope for her healthy and happy growth.
He thought that time would slowly heal her wounds, and this dependence would gradually transform into healthy familial affection as she grew stronger.
He gently picked her up and walked towards the bedroom: "It's late, time to sleep."
Sirin obediently leaned against him, her small hand still clutching his collar, and repeated, her voice drowsy but exceptionally persistent: "...Loves Big Brother the most..."
Kael placed her on the bed, covered her with the blanket, and then lay down beside her.
Sirin immediately snuggled into his arms like a kitten seeking warmth, found the most comfortable position, and soon her breathing became even as she fell asleep.
Kael looked at her peaceful sleeping face, listened to her steady breathing, and felt a wave of tenderness. He gently brushed away the purple strands of hair from her forehead and whispered, "Goodnight, Sirin."
He thought this was the beginning of protection, the process of healing.
He didn't know that beneath the surface of some healed wounds, even more twisted obsessions might fester.
Sirin's world was too small, so small that only Kael remained as her ray of light.
And all of this, Kael was completely unaware of at the moment. He was merely immersed in the warmth and responsibility of being "needed."
The following days seemed to settle into a calm rhythm.
Kael meticulously cared for Sirin, taught her to read, took her for walks, and patiently guided her to interact with the outside world.
Under his care, Sirin's face gradually regained color, and her smiles became more frequent. Although still timid, she was at least no longer in a constant state of fear as she was initially. She was like a seedling receiving sunlight and rain, slowly unfurling her branches and leaves.
However, beneath this calm, undercurrents still surged.
Although Theresa was forcefully "suppressed" by Otto with official duties, she would run over to "establish her presence" whenever she had free time, engaging in a silent "eye battle" with Sirin each time.
Kiana was also occasionally "thrown" over by Siegfried; her liveliness often made the quiet-loving Sirin uncomfortable, but Kael always skillfully balanced the needs of both children.
What made Kael feel most subtle was Kallen Kaslana.
She seemed to have truly settled at the headquarters and would always "happen" to appear near him and Sirin.
Sometimes it was a chance encounter during a walk, sometimes she would bring some snacks or books suitable for children.
Her demeanor was always gentle and polite, maintaining an appropriate distance, but Kael could always feel the undeniable attention in her gaze.
One day, Kael was feeding pigeons in the garden with Sirin, and Kallen stood quietly watching from a distance.
Sirin was initially a bit nervous, but Kallen did not approach, merely offering a friendly smile from afar. When a pigeon landed on Sirin's hand, she exclaimed in surprise, instinctively looking at Kael, who smiled encouragingly at her.
At that moment, Kallen watched their interaction, her gaze momentarily lost in thought, then she showed an extremely complex and bitter smile, turning and quietly leaving.
Kael watched her retreating figure and the gesture of seemingly wiping away tears, his confusion deepening.
He vaguely felt that Kallen's appearance was related to him, but Bishop Otto was tight-lipped, and Kallen herself never mentioned the past, so he had no way of knowing the truth behind that mist.
And all these disturbances surrounding Kael were silently observed by Sirin's increasingly clear golden eyes.
She no longer just hid in fear as she did initially, but learned to observe.
She saw Sister Theresa's closeness to Big Brother, Sister Kiana's dependence on Big Brother, and also the silver-haired Aunt Kallen's special attention to Big Brother.
Whenever this happened, she wouldn't make a fuss or say anything; she would just hold Kael's hand even tighter, or subtly shift her position when he spoke to others, ensuring she was closest to him.
She would look at Kael with a gaze of complete, unquestioning dependence, as if silently proclaiming: Big Brother belongs to Sirin.
The sunlight remained warm, and the days seemed peaceful. Kael held Sirin's hand, walking along the sun-drenched paths of the headquarters, thinking he could always protect her as she grew up.
He didn't know what kind of twisted and fervent flower this dependence, which he personally nurtured, would eventually bloom into.
💎 Power Stone Bonus: Every 100 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter
🌟 5-Star Review Bonus: Every 5 (5-Star) Reviews = +2 Extra Chapters
💬 Comment Speed-Up: If any chapter reaches +10 Comments = The Next Chapter Will Be Released Faster!
🔥 Want to Read Ahead? If you want to read advanced chapters, check out my buymeacoffee(.)com/02netnovel