BXBX NOVEL Chapter 94 To The Capital!
The room again was filled with silence, however, only Eli displayed a shocked expression.
For the others in the room, they weren't shocked as they already knew of the Grandpas' decisions beforehand.
Eli was caught off guard with their decision. She initially thought that the grandpas would simply not insist, should she really not choose among the two of them.
But who could have known that the grandpas would go as far as to jointly declare her as a god daughter?
Thinking of this, Eli felt warm and full deep inside. Grandpa Andi and Grandpa Ben had always been protecting her unconditionally, since the first day she met them.
'What kind of good things have I done for me to deserve this unconditional love from them?'
The deep gratitude and endearment continuously filled Eli's heart that it overflowed through the tears gently rolling in her cheeks.
"Grandpa Andi.. Grandpa Ben.."
Eli couldn't compose any words to say. Her voice was trembling so much that she only managed to call their names softly. She looked at them with thankful and sincere eyes, as tears freely flowed from it.
"Aiyooo... Don't cry! You are making these old bones cry!" Grandpa Andi frantically patted Eli's shaking shoulders.
He couldn't help but also tear up. His tiny round nose and his chubby cheeks started to redden as he tried to contain his emotions too.
"Why must you cry eh? This is a joyous occasion! No crying…" Grandpa Ben was also stopping himself from tearing up.
He tried to stop his tears from falling by looking up at the wooden ceiling and brushing his long beard down.
The rest just stared at the trio thoughtfully. They allowed them to have their moment as they also felt genuinely happy for the them.
"Thank you.. Grandpas.. Thank you!" Eli soon managed to calm down her emotions and carefully thank the grandpas.
"No worries! Soon you will meet your god mothers and siblings! Even your grandchildren!" Grandpa Andi excitedly announced.
"Grandchildren.." Grandpa Reuben suddenly uttered, he noticed something amiss from Grandpa Andi's statement. Suddenly his eyebrows couldn't help but twitch.
"What?" Grandpa Andi asked, seeing his old friend acting in an unusual way.
"Aren't we making a mistake here? If Eli is our god daughter then that would mean she will have grandchildren that are almost her age, even older than her!" Grandpa Reuben replied in alarm.
Grandpa Andi also immediately understood what his old friend meant. They stared at each other in shock, as their faces showed a 'why didn't we think about this?!' expression.
Then they looked at Emperor Valentin.
"Eherm.." Stunned by the sudden look of the grandpas, Emperor Valentin dignifiedly cleared his throat and helped the grandpas get away with the awkward situation.
"Young Eli, I think the Grand Masters meant that they would adopt you as their god granddaughter… Because you are a generation younger than me. Besides, you'll technically be my god sibling if that's the case."
Eli couldn't help but let out a light chuckle and replied amiably, "Whatever Grandpa Andi and Grandpa Ben likes, I'm alright with it! I am happy that they always take care of me. In my heart, grandpas are already my family!"
"Uhn! Good girl!" The two grandpas were elated.
"Fortunately Eli liked our proposal! If not, our wives would let us sleep on the stable for who knows how long!" They exclaimed in delight.
"Sleep in the stable?" Eli asked curiously, it dawned on her that she hadn't known Grandpa Andi and Grandpa Ben's family yet.
Now that she will be adopted as 'god granddaughter'. She wanted to get to know their families in advance too.
"Ohhh, you don't know about this but our wives have been excitedly waiting for you in the capital! So don't worry about being awkward around our families! They have long known who you are!" Grandpa Andi replied in delight.
"Yes! Especially our dear wives as they couldn't wait to see a young one in the house! That is why we were 'gently' threatened to get you to be adopted in our families."
This was the second reason why the two decided not to let Eli choose between them anymore. Because their wives commanded them to take Eli into their families at all cost, if not…
Who knows how the wives of the legendary S Class grandpas would punish them?
Everyone felt awkward as they heard that the strongest personalities in the Empire were threatened to sleep at the stable.
"Pfft!"
No one knew who started it, but everyone had a good laugh right after. Although the people in the room are of different social backgrounds, one good laugh made them all just plain people, sharing this rare moment with each other.
After some time, the Emperor then navigated everyone back to the main discussion.
"So in two days the three of us will be back in the castle, while you, along with the Grand Masters, will also travel to the capital separately." He gently explained to Eli.
"Princess Azayn has guaranteed to nurse you back in health by that time, so you do not need to worry." He continued, while looking respectfully at Azayn, who gave a nod of confirmation.
"As to where you will stay, we decided that it is best that you stay in the Forgeworn territory as it was more secluded than the Faraulds." Grandpa Reuben declared.
Eli nodded wordlessly, just obediently taking in the arrangement of her elders. In fact, she also agreed that the Forgeworns were the best choice in terms of where to stay.
Faraulds are a scholarly clan. Aside from the lively institution they have, their estate was bound to have lots of personalities visiting them from time to time.
While the Forgeworn were considered the strongest merchant company in Seirende, they were still of dwarven race. Humans tend to give them space intentionally or unintentionally, because of their natural differences.
Nevertheless, their influence and power was undeniable that their presence could not be ignored in the capital.
"You can just visit us from time to time! Oh, if you want to explore the academy you are also welcome!" Grandpa Reuben added cheerfully.
From Eli's perspective, it seems like the two had already planned her and Little Han's arrangement in the capital.
"Once our target outcome in the black hair industry is attained, we can proceed with the acknowledgement ceremony for you!" Grandpa Andi also excitedly explained.
"Thank you grandpas!" Eli nodded and gratefully looked at the two excited elders.
She didn't forget the reason why the two were going to such lengths. It was to ensure that Eli and Little Han had a legitimate identity to support them. Especially to Little Han by the time he would be acknowledged in the Imperial Family.
"At most, we can hide your existence for two years. I could only pray that we could prepare ourselves enough, before Little Han's existence is revealed." Emperor Valentin commented in worry.
All this planning was for Little Han to be able to safely be recognized as a member of the Seirende Family. Due to the complicated identities of both his parents, these long winding steps must be carefully executed for his future!
"Father, I too, will also do my best to cleanse the Empire of the Spectre." Leon declared with resolution.
"Uhn.. Don't worry, we give you our full support." Emperor Valentin patted Leon's shoulders with an expectant look.
"I too.. needed to do something for Little Han." Eli declared in a low steady voice.
"My! Eli, you do not need to bother, just let us do our thing and focus on Little Han!"
Queen Tehila and the rest commented worriedly. They didn't want to see Eli take more than what she could take on her plate.
Seeing their sincere and worried eyes, Eli gently shook her head with a bittersweet smile and replied,
"Even with the grandpas adopting me, I still need to reinforce my identity to ensure that I have proven myself enough for their attention."
"That is why I am planning to continue creating projects, just like the water pressure and heating system you all have witnessed and used in this humble house.."
!!!
A trace of shock appeared on the Emperor and Queen, excited and agitated looks flashed on the grandpa's faces. As to Leon and Azayn, it was an expression of being proud of Eli.
"Young Eli, you mean.." Grandpa Andi cautiously confirmed what was on their minds at the moment, just in case they misunderstood Eli.
"Yes grandpa, I plan to make 'Eli the inventor' known throughout the Empire." She said with a sharp and astute manner.
Her gentle and motherly demeanor could no longer be seen, but a shrewd and dignified salary woman who wants to excitedly take on another hard job!
"Waaaah!~~~" As if cheering for his mommy from taking on another challenge, Little Han let out a tiny squeal. He did his best in nudging his head and body adorably in Eli's arms.
Everyone let out warm chuckles upon seeing Little Han's cute behavior.
"It seems like Little Han himself likes to support you with that. How can we not!" They all said in surrender.
--
The day of traveling came, Emperor Valentin, Queen Tehila and Leon were dignifiedly dressed again for their return to the palace.
Stepping on the enhanced teleportation array, they all gave a thoughtful glance towards the crowd, "We will go ahead. See you in the capital!" Emperor Valentin said as the array activated.
"Uhn.. We'll take care of Eli. See you soon!" The grandpas patted Eli's shoulder as they all looked at Leon and his parents slowly fading in the array light.
Soon the trio vanished.
Turning to Eli, who was nervously sitting with Little Han in her arms, Grandpa Andi gently said, "Now shall we all prepare to go too?"
Eli gave a nod. Then she thoughtfully looked at Azayn with sadness in her eyes, "Azayn.. Thank you so much for everything, even the Chief and the Silver Dew Elves."
Azayn just gently nodded and didn't say anything more but, "We will see each other soon!"
"Uhn!" Eli nodded while looking at her with a melancholic expression. She will surely miss her.
She swept her gaze towards the cozy living room where she had created lots of memories with the people she hold dear. She burned it all in her heart.
Then, she glanced at the area where her study corner and grand piano were located. She took her space pouch and took these items with her.
These are the only things she could bring to the capital. The rest will be kept in her memories.
Taking a deep breath, she nodded towards the two grandpas. She slowly stood up and placed Little Han on the crystal shell cradle. Grandpa Reuben casted a gentle barrier for Little Han afterwards.
Finally they stepped into the array. They will be the first ones to be transported, as Olivier, Randel, Baobao and Wisey must still wrap up the place.
"Are you ready?" Grandpa Andi beamed as he looked up at Eli.
"Yes grandpa!" Eli steeled her heart, she did not know what's waiting for her and Little Han in the capital.
But it's bound to happen anyways!
"Then.." Grandpa Reuben activated the array and said.
"To the capital!"