Chapter 5 The Father and His Daughter
As the two continued their conversation, Adam calmly approached them from behind."what are you discussing, if I may ask?" Adam said as he positioned himself behind the white wooden bench. From where he stood, he was perfectly aligned with the sunlight. Whether intentional or not, at that moment, he resembled an angel of the sun, with his pure golden eyes and pale skin.
"We were talking about you and what you've done for your Lord over the past five years,"Elara replied honestly, hiding nothing. The priest beside her remained silent until Adam looked at him and said warmly, "It's fine, you may return to your duties. And thank you for keeping Elara company."
As the priest stood up, he replied with the same composed expression, "Do not worry, Your Holiness, it is only my duty." Despite his words, Adam noticed that he wanted to ask something, but ultimately chose to remain silent and left after saying goodbye to the two of them.
"So, Elara, as your mother told you, you will be living with me from now on," Adam declared while looking at the little girl. As if sensing her emotions, he continued, "Your mother has a complicated job, but as soon as she has some free time, she will come to see us."
After hearing this, Elara nodded eagerly, a bright smile spreading across her childish face.
"Come, let's put your things away in your new room," Adam said, taking his daughter's hand. "You arrived just in time for dinner, so after you finish organizing your things, you'll go eat," he added as they walked together. As her curious gaze wandered around, she couldn't help but marvel at the church.
Her shoes made a soft, rhythmic sound against the white floor. They passed by a large fountain where the water shimmered as if tiny stars were floating within it. Elara lifted her head to look at the towering spires of the cathedral overlooking the garden. The stained glass windows along the corridor reflected golden light, casting gentle patterns across the ground.
"It's so big…" she murmured. "It feels like no matter where you stand, you're always under the sunlight."
Adam did not respond. He simply continued walking at his pace, holding Elara's hand."What a lively and energetic child… It seems her arrival will change my daily life," he thought, gazing ahead.
After a few moments, father and daughter arrived in front of a wooden door. Adam opened it gently. Inside was a simple yet comfortable room. The walls, like those of the cathedral, were white with simple patterns. A large bed stood at the center, covered with clean, light-colored sheets as if freshly washed. In the left corner stood a desk with books already placed on it. Even though it was part of a church, the room lacked nothing compared to a normal bedroom.
"This will be your room from now on," Adam informed her, watching the little girl at his feet as she wandered off to explore her new space with curiosity. "Put your things away, dinner will be ready soon. Someone will come guide you later, or if you prefer, you may eat here. The choice is yours," he said before turning to leave. He still had important matters to attend to.
Seeing her father turn away, Elara hurried forward and gently grabbed his sleeve."Are you leaving?" she asked timidly.
After a brief pause, she gathered her courage and added, "Can you sleep with me tonight and tell me a story so I can fall asleep? Mom used to do that…"
Adam looked down at the little girl, who barely reached his waist, and murmured to himself,"It seems her lively and energetic behavior was mostly a way to hide her nervousness about this new environment and situation… There is no harm in staying tonight."
Looking at her face, one could see hope and anticipation.
So Adam answered calmly, "Of course I can. Go put your things away, and I'll bring the food."
Hearing this, the little girl jumped with joy and quickly began putting her belongings into the wardrobe against the right wall. Meanwhile, Adam had already left to fetch the meal.
After about ten minutes, Elara had finished organizing her things and sat on her bed, waiting for her father. At that moment, Adam returned carrying a tray filled with various dishes. Seeing him, Elara jumped off the bed and ran toward him.
But noticing there was only one tray, she asked,"Why is there only one tray?"
Adam looked at her with slight curiosity and replied, "Of course, it's for you."
Hearing that, she looked at him in confusion."And you?" she asked.
Adam simply replied that he did not need to eat. However, this answer did not satisfy Elara, who insisted that they eat together. After her persistence, despite his initial refusal, he eventually agreed.
After eating, Elara lay down on her bed after brushing her teeth and putting on her pajamas. Adam sat on a chair, reading a book. After a long silence, Elara asked curiously,"Why were there so few people in the church?"
Adam replied that he had dismissed them for the afternoon.
"It's time to sleep,"Adam said. But the little girl asked for a story, which he accepted. He then told her a story from his past life until she fell asleep.
As he watched her sleeping, he thought,"Now I have a daughter… I don't know whether that is a good thing or not, but her existence is useful to me in many ways."
Through her, he could manipulate the Stellaron Hunters and learn their next moves. Through her, he could establish himself more easily elsewhere, and she could serve as the image of a holy maiden for the Church.
Or perhaps she might allow him to feel what others call "paternal love"… That would make for an excellent anecdote in his future sermons.
But deep within, behind the smile and the silver cross, the Sun saw only tools.