Chapter 412 - Playful Children (2) (unedited) (2/2)
”Ouch…” Deimos flinched in pain. ”If you act like that, then no one will ever like you.” Aliyah was fuming with anger at her twin brother.
”Hahahaha…” The other children laughed at the scene.
”Well I also have a crush on a knight.” Aerith blushed thinking about her crush. ”Well he is still an apprentice, but I believe he will be knighted in no time.” She smiled innocently.
”I think we all know who that is, right?” Alphonse replied and the children all nodded.
”A-Am I that obvious?” Aerith blushed and felt embarrassed. ”What will I do if he finds out?”
”I guess he won't for now sis.” Leonhart replied. ”He seems like more focused on his job and the apprenticeship. The exams are just around the corner for the knightage.”
”You are right.” Aerith sighed. ”Well, I do not have any plans confessing. He will just think it childish love. I am planning on confessing when I get older.”
”Yeah, me too.” Aliyah replied. ”How about you boys, you have crushes?”
”Hah, crushes are for girls.” Leonhart scoffed. ”I just want to train hard on the sword and become as cool as brother and father.” He was holding an imaginary sword and made poses.
”Hart is right, crushes are childish.” Deimos replied. ”I plan on studying hard and help father in the future.”
”Ahhhh… you guys are such a kill joy.” Aliyah replied. ”What about you Thalia, you have a crush?”
”U-Um…” Thalia said shyly. ”W-What is a crush? Is it something you eat?”
”Ahhh, she is such a cutie.” Aerith was smitten with the doll like Thalia that she cannot resist but hug her. ”You do not need to think about crushes. Just be cute the way you are.”
”O-Okay.” Thalia smiled cutely like an angel.
All the while, Alphonse has his eyes looking at Thalia unknowingly.
”How about you, Al?” Aliyah asked.
”W-What?!” Alphonse was startled that he was on the spotlight all of a sudden.
”You have any crushes, puppy love, the sorts?” Aliyah asked.
”W-Well… I haven't had such emotions before.” Alphonse replied shyly.
”It is because brother has a huge responsibility ahead.” Leonhart said with such adoration for his big brother. ”He is the reincarnation of the Almighty One after all. He is meant to do great things in the future.” He said with a proud expression.
The information that Alphonse is the reincarnation of the Almighty One is no secret within their family. The ȧduŀts know what burden the little boy has and the children knows what power Alphonse possess.
”I still have a long way to go. I am still far away from the expectations the ȧduŀts have in me.” Alphonse replied awkwardly. ”I am confident with my magic skills, but I still need to improve with my sword skills. Philip sill beats me when we practice.”
”Of course, he will. He is still older than you.” Aerith said. ”I know you are worrying about the expectations of the ȧduŀts. But do not forget that you have us. We have your back, Al. Right?” She asked the other children present.
”Yes!” The children replied in a heartbeat.
”We are here for you.” Aliyah replied.
”We have your back.” Deimos said.
”I will always be there to back you up brother.” Leonhart replied with confidence.
”And I will become your support and will always stay by your side.” Aerith replied. ”And Thalia is also here to help. Right, Thalia.”
”Y-Yes.” Thalia replied shyly. ”I will do anything in my power to support the heir to the throne.”
”No need to be so formal. Hahaha.” Aliyah said and all the children laughed.
”We are family, and we are here by your side. For better or for worse.” Aerith said with confidence.
”Thank you all.” Alphonse felt shy and blushed, but deep inside his heart swelled with warmth and love.
This little group of children are the hope of the future. They still do not have any idea of the future that will come, but they are sure that their bond with each other will overcome any hardships and difficulties to come.