Chapter 41

The top graduate of the Officer Academy, Lieutenant Costance Orsi, saves the world.

Costance’s face began to be known to the world.

Newspapers and broadcasters waited in front of the military base, and women began to buy and collect Costance’s photos as if it were a trend.

“How do you feel about it, Costance?”

Captain Elvin asked sarcastically.

“What do you mean?”

“You’ve become a popular star. Aren’t you going to enter the film industry soon?”

“Don’t talk nonsense.”

Everyone was enthusiastic about Costance, but he himself remained indifferent. Except for the interview that became an issue, he did not respond to any coverage.

The Marquis Orsi evaluated his son as still lacking. Additionally, the Marquis (a former Navy admiral) requested restraint on the attention, as his son might become arrogant…(omitted)…

Costance crumpled the newspaper in front of him. Since being commissioned as an officer, he had never seen his father. Yet, using this as an excuse to meddle was absurd.

“Costance…?”

“I shouldn’t have done the interview…”

Above all, Costance was troubled by the current situation. It had been months since he couldn’t visit the orphanage.

Moreover, a few days ago was Alonso’s birthday. Every year, Costance would secretly visit the orphanage or send gifts anonymously, but this time he couldn’t do anything.

Costance thought time would be the remedy. In a few days… this attention towards him would fade away.

Of course, time was a remedy, but it took not just days but months.

In the meantime, Costance was promoted to Captain. Also, his duty changed from maritime to land duty. He was assigned to the operations department at the command center located in Canary Village, very close to the orphanage.

“Oh? It’s been a while since you came?”

The nun at the cathedral greeted Costance. Costance, who came here after several months, was more heavily disguised than before.

He wore large horn-rimmed glasses and a big jumper. He also covered his chin with a scarf.

The nun cautiously greeted him while still wary.

“…Yes.”

“You seem busy these days…”

The greeting ended there. The nun fidgeted and suddenly turned her gaze elsewhere.

“Oh, Vivi! You’re here?”

“Ah!”

“Oh my, are you okay? Vivi!”

Costance followed the nun’s gaze.

There was a woman picking up scattered items. She was busy, holding her wind-blown light brown hair with one hand while moving her other arm. Costance considered helping her with the nun but ultimately hid himself.

‘She would be wary of me.’

If he helped her looking like this, it was obvious the woman would feel burdened.

“What did you bring so much?”

“I’m sorry. It’s just… I promised Eugene. I was going to teach him chess today. But the chessboard was heavier than I thought… Ah, could you pick up that pawn for me?”

The mention of Alonso’s name from the woman’s mouth stopped Costance in his tracks. Costance looked at the woman again. At that moment, the woman raised her head.

“……”

The woman’s blue eyes entered Costance’s sight.

The woman, dusting off her knees, stood up with a small smile. A pure white dress that matched her, slender wrists, dimples that appeared when she smiled, and soft lips. Costance quickly took in the face of the woman named Vivi.

‘……’

For a moment, sunlight cast over Costance’s dark face. His neck and hands warmed due to the light.

“But did Eugene say he plays chess?”

“Yes… So I brought it myself.”

“Eugene likes you too much, Vivi, that’s the problem.”

“I like Eugene too.”

The woman’s pure and shy smile made Costance’s head tingle.

* * *

Her name was Vivi Ferren. A young woman living in Canary Village.

Costance only learned her last name a month later. He watched Vivi inside the orphanage through the window. Undoubtedly, Costance neither fell in love at first sight with her nor suddenly fell in love.

‘She is beautiful, though…’

Of course, he was drawn to Vivi’s beautiful appearance.

He just felt a little moved. Costance had no intention of spying on her.

Whenever he went to see Alonso, Vivi Ferren was always by his side. Alonso liked Vivi more than the nun, and Vivi played well with Alonso.

Costance watched Alonso and Vivi sitting side by side on the swing. They exchanged words, giggling as if something was amusing.

“Vivi, I want to marry you someday. What kind of man do you like?”

“Well, I like someone quiet. Calm without ups and downs. But I wish he had a sense of humor.”

“Then do you like handsome people?”

“Well, too handsome is burdensome.”

At Vivi’s words, Alonso became sullen. That cheeky boy believed he was the most handsome person in the world. But the man secretly watching them was relieved. Costance didn’t particularly think of himself as exceptionally handsome.

“I still want to marry you, Vivi!”

Alonso was very fond of Vivi. Costance was curious about what attracted Alonso to Vivi. Costance’s gaze was constantly on Vivi.

“Eugene! There you are!”

The nun came running to Alonso.

“Haa… Vivi, you’re here too. More than that, Eugene, someone has come to see you. They want to talk to you, what do you think?”

“Me?”

Hearing that, Alonso’s body stiffened.

“Me?”

“Yes, Eugene.”

Behind the nun, a middle-aged couple stood waiting for Alonso. As if he couldn’t believe the situation, Alonso’s mouth slowly opened. Vivi, too, was surprised and covered her mouth with her hand.

“No way…”

“Why don’t you try talking to them? If you want to, that is.”

“Of course, I want to!”

Alonso answered immediately. The corners of his mouth twitched.

“……”

Costance, who was watching the scene blankly, froze.

‘…Who are that middle-aged couple?’

The middle-aged couple was a problem, but Alonso’s reaction was a fresh shock to Costance.

The boy, in anticipation of possibly being adopted, was already excited. The boy, whom Costance thought was perfectly happy with his life at the orphanage, actually wanted parents, as shown by his excitement.

Vivi and the nun smiled warmly at Alonso. Only Costance felt an ominous premonition.

* * *

“I was about to contact you about this matter, Captain. Three couples have appeared wanting to adopt your brother in recent days.”

The detective laid out the documents in front of Costance.

The three couples wanting to adopt Alonso had something in common. They were either nobles or of noble origin, wealthy, and all had environments suitable for adopting a child.

– Identified as a cousin acquaintance of the Orsi maternal family.

– Presumed to be an acquaintance of Marquis Orsi’s friend.

– No direct connection to the Orsi family, but rumors suggest they will soon receive support from the Orsi family. (Not confirmed yet)

Additionally, all three couples were connected to the Orsi family.

“Some couples already have children. Through neighbors, I found out that there are rumors of a bad relationship between the couple and their children. They say they hear the father’s scolding every night.”

Costance’s bad premonition was spot on. It was a scheme by the Marquis Orsi. He hung his head low.

“Devilish person…”

The middle-aged couple who visited recently had a bad reputation.

“It’s definitely a scheme by Marquis Orsi, damn it.”

“Captain, please don’t think too negatively about this situation.”

“What did you just say?”

Costance raised his head at the detective’s words.

“Please don’t misunderstand me. Captain. I was speaking for your brother.”

“……”

“The presence of ‘parents’ is very significant to a child. Even more so when your brother reaches adolescence. The absence and loss of parents can remain a trauma until adulthood or even old age.”

The detective spoke calmly.

“Excluding the couple who already have children, the other couples seem quite decent. And if they came to the orphanage to see your brother in person, the Marquis must have already given them a lot of money and support. These couples probably won’t treat your brother recklessly.”

It means it’s beneficial for both the couple and Alonso. Watching the conflicted Costance, the detective spoke one last time.

“So please think carefully, Captain.”