25 A Choice (1/2)

”Adopt...me?” Rin spoke in a whisper with a glazed expression.

”En. However, I understand if you sincerely wish to refuse and move elsewhere.” Commander Bai spoke almost immediately.

Rin's innocent gaze on the Commander remained for a few possible minutes, slowly shifting down towards her rosy palms. She stared there for a while in breathless silence lost in thought.

He was allowing her a choice. A choice to have a family again. A choice that could possibly alter her fate forever.

Rin hadn't really planned what she'd do once she entered the neighboring city. She could get a job and work there until she grew stronger.

However, the possible chances of a puny child getting a job would be tough.

She'd most likely spend most nights sleeping comfortably in the woods with Ju until she got one.

But...how come she was hesitating?

Typically, had it been before she would have courteously declined on the spot, however, somehow thinking of abandoning the Bai army, Commander Bai and surprisingly even General Guo produced an unknown yet familiar pain to her heart.

Clenching her fists tightly Rin abruptly stares at the old Commander with fiercely determined eyes.

”Um…” Rin hesitated.

Commander Bai's ears perked as he waited for the little girl to complete her sentence. She appeared hesitant as she struggled to allow the words to come out of her mouth.

After a few minutes, she opened her small mouth once more.

”D-Does this mean…” Rin began, not breaking eye contact with the Commander. ”I can call you grandpa?”

”...”

For what seemed like forever, the old Commander Bai sat seated in his chair with a straight posture and wide eyes.

”Ahaha!” The Commander laughed with genuine joy a wide almost painful smile spread across his lips. ”Of course! Call me grandpa as many times as you'd like!”

Rin's eyes sparkled, the previous fear and hesitation in her eyes fading, replaced with eagerness and joy.

”Mm! I will grandpa!” The petite girl bobbed her head vigorously.

Watching the flushed cheeked girl look at him with admiration, the old man couldn't help but chuckle. Standing up from his stool he leans over to rub the girl's silken hair.

”Get plenty of rest. In a few days, we'll be returning to the Bai household.” He smiled tenderly.

Rin's eyes shone even brighter towards his words. She shyly bobbed her head while looking down, allowing the Commander to stroke her head.

Pleased with her reaction, Commander Bai smiled once more before exiting the tent, not forgetting to prompt her to drink plenty of fluids and take some medicine.

After the Commander exited, Rin was left alone in the large tent. She couldn't help but smile foolishly and unconsciously grip onto the blanket in her palms.

Suddenly, the sound of a pair of wings flapping gained her attention.

Looking in front of her a small brown falcon stood in front of her, it's eyes showing a hint of amusement and tenderness.

”Ju…” Rin smiled even wider. ”I have a grandpa…”

Hearing the words come from her mouth once more, Rin looks down in her palms a tender smile spreading on her lips.

She had a family again…

However, would she be able to protect them this time..?

She was merely a child, and the Commander was someone who fought in battles facing danger every day.

Could she bear losing another family member?

The thought of it caused the girl's frown to disappear from her soft face, replacing with a firm tight line. The light in her emerald eyes slowly fading.