Chapter 247: Christine’s Situation
Christine smiled warmly at Adrian as she placed a freshly trimmed rose into her basket. The gentle glow of lanterns illuminated the garden, highlighting her youthful features and the serene expression on her face.
"Yes, big brother," she said softly, her voice carrying an undercurrent of contentment. "I love tending to flowers. They're so beautiful, and they put me at ease."
Adrian's expression softened as he stepped closer and gently patted her head. "You've done a wonderful job, Christine. The flowers look as lovely as you do when you're smiling like this."
Christine's cheeks turned a soft shade of pink as she tilted her head upward, her smile widening at his words.
She basked in the moment, her heart swelling with the warmth of his affection. It was in these small, tender gestures that Adrian showed his care, and Christine cherished every one of them.
Adrian observed her closely, his mind unexpectedly wandering to a thought that had been lurking at the back of his consciousness for some time.
As he looked at the young girl who now saw him as her family, he couldn't help but feel a surge of protectiveness and love.
To him, Christine was not just Chris's younger sister or a maid in his household. She was his little sister in every way that mattered—a precious part of his growing family.
And as he thought about her future, a realization struck him: Christine was unawakened.
She was still 2 year away from second baptization that would grant her access to mana and the abilities that could come with it along with the level system of this world.
In a world filled with dangers, where power dictated one's ability to survive, her unawakened state left her vulnerable.
He couldn't allow that. Not when he had the means to give her a better chance at life. So, he decided to lead her to asking her opinion on awakening but asking about her first baptization.
"Christine," Adrian began, his tone shifting slightly, carrying a thoughtful undertone. "How was your first baptizing ceremony when you were 10 years old?"
Christine blinked, startled by the question. Her hands paused over the basket of roses, and she looked up at him with wide eyes.
"The awakening ceremony?" she echoed, her voice tinged with confusion. "No… I've never had the chance. My father never let me go anywhere, as he feared I won't do household chores and waste my time with other kids playing and running around. So, I haven't been baptized for awakening."
Adrian frowned, his brow furrowing slightly. The awakening ceremony was a crucial milestone in a person's life.
The first baptism, typically performed at the age of ten, allowed individuals to sense mana in their surroundings—a vital step in preparing for the second baptism at fifteen years old, which would determine whether they could fully awaken their abilities and activate their level.
Christine was thirteen now, well past the optimal age for her first baptism. Missing that window could severely hinder her chances of awakening properly. The realization weighed heavily on Adrian, but he refused to let it deter him.
Adrian’s frown deepened as he processed Christine’s words. A surge of anger welled up within him, his usually calm demeanor cracking slightly.
Her father, a drunkard and a gambler, had deprived her of one of the most important moments in her life—not out of necessity, but sheer neglect and selfishness.
The thought of Christine being denied the chance to unlock not only her potential but also the fact that she was denied a proper childhood because of her father’s irresponsibility made his blood boil.
“That man…” Adrian muttered under his breath, his jaw tightening. His voice carried a steely edge as he continued, “He had no right to rob you of your future like that. Keeping you from the baptism just so you could do household chores? Unforgivable.”
Christine flinched slightly at the intensity in Adrian’s voice, her hands trembling as she clutched the basket. “Big brother…” she began hesitantly, unsure of how to respond to his sudden anger.
Noticing her reaction, Adrian softened immediately, his expression shifting to one of regret. He crouched to her eye level, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
“I’m sorry, Christine. I didn’t mean to scare you. I just… I can’t stand the thought of someone as kind and hardworking as you being held back because of someone else’s mistakes.”
Christine’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, her lips trembling as she nodded. “I didn’t mind, big brother. I… I was happy to help in any way I could. Big sister was working hard and mother was sick, so I didn't mind doing work. But sometimes, I did wonder… What would it feel like to sense mana? To have friends to play with?”
Adrian’s heart ached at her words. Despite everything, she had remained so selfless, never once complaining about the opportunities she had missed. But he wouldn’t let her remain in the dark any longer.
He patted her head gently, his expression determined. “Christine, have you ever thought about becoming awakened like me and the others?”
Christine’s eyes widened in surprise, and she stared at him as if unsure whether she had heard him correctly. “Me? Awakened?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Adrian smiled softly. “Yes, you. Why not? You deserve the chance just like everyone else. We may have missed the ideal time for your first baptism, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late.”
Christine hesitated, her gaze dropping to the ground. “But… Would it even be possible for me? Isn’t it too late? I’ve heard that the first baptism at ten is critical…”
Adrian’s hand moved to gently tilt her chin upward, forcing her to meet his eyes. “Do you trust me, Christine?”
Her lips parted slightly in surprise, and she blinked up at him. After a moment, she nodded firmly. “I trust you, big brother. More than anyone.”
“Good,” Adrian said, his voice filled with warmth. “Then leave it to me. I’ll find a way to make it work. I won’t let anything stop me from giving you the chance to awaken.”
Christine’s chest tightened with emotion. She had never dared to hope for such a thing, but hearing Adrian’s unwavering confidence made her heart swell.
Without thinking, she dropped the basket she had been holding and threw her arms around him, burying her face in his chest.
“Thank you,” she sobbed, her tears soaking into his shirt. “Thank you, big brother. I… I’ve never felt so cared for before.”
Adrian held her gently, his hand stroking her back as she cried. “You’re my little sister, Christine. I’ll always look out for you. You’re part of my family now.”
In his heart, Adrian silently vowed to give Christine the life she deserved. He wanted her to live a long, fulfilling life, filled with joy and free from the shadows of her past.
He would ensure that she could follow him, stand by his side, and witness the greatness they would achieve together.
After a while, Christine pulled back, her face red and tear-streaked, but her eyes sparkled with hope and gratitude.
“Big brother, you’re amazing,” she said with a shaky smile. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”
Adrian chuckled softly and patted her head once more. “You didn’t have to do anything, Christine. You’re family—that’s all that matters.”
He stood, offering her his hand. “Come on. Let’s go talk to Aunt. If anyone can guide us through this, it’s her if not big brother still has one more secret trump card.”
Christine nodded, wiping her tears away as she placed her small hand in his. Together, they walked back toward the manor, the moonlight casting a gentle glow over them.
For the first time in her life, Christine felt a glimmer of true security and hope for the future. And for Adrian, the resolve to protect and nurture his family burned brighter than ever.