Well, scratch that.
For sothing this good just could not be an "oops."
With a brand-spanking new grill courtesy of the good-natured dwarf, Luca decided to at least show his Auntie Cece what he was planning on doing with her marvelous creation.
Though, it was really more because she kept lingering, trying to figure out what he was going to do next.
And the little cook thought that he should sohow thank her properly for making him sothing like this.
But only if this thing turned out edible!
However, he probably shouldn’t have underestimated the power of grilled lobster and garlic butter, because the mont the rich, savory aroma hit Cece’s sensitive dwarven nose, it was ga over.
She knew in her heart that those grills were getting made even when she’d just died and revived not so long ago.
Oh, it was happening, alright.
And she wouldn’t even bat an eye if soone said this was to be her life’s purpose!
Not when even Luca thought that this might just work.
But really, it would do more than just work, as it would likely revolutionize the era of valued pets, as these normally creepy-looking creatures would start looking different in the eyes of so many people.
And that was exactly what happened when one excited cook took his gaggle of friends over to have an initial look at this "experience."
Naturally, Ollie was among them, after risking life and limb to join after dramatically faking his way out of bed with a very unconvincing, "I just woke up!"
No one but Luca and Jax really believed him, but the parents honestly just found him too amusing to call him out.
Even Marquise Julienne, who was itching to pinch his butt like he was still five, decided to let it slide.
Maybe just for today.
For he managed to have notable achievents despite everything! After all, who gets himself a baby daddy and a spiritual rating advancent on the sa day?
Her son, apparently!
So she’ll just wait until later to pinch his ever-loving behind!
But for now, curiosity over all this excitent reigned as everyone almost ran ahead of the actual dungeon owner, leaving behind the two won who decided they had a few things to discuss without the ears of these n.
The two won exchanged knowing looks before falling a step behind.
"Duchess Alia. I would like to sincerely apologize for causing several scenes today. I feel terrible because today should’ve been really special for you and your family," apologized the Marquise, who never thought they’d be this much of a burden to anyone!
Alia, to her credit, only chuckled good-naturedly, eyes warm.
"It’s really no trouble, Marquise Julienne. You see, I’ve heard a lot of good things about your son. And that’s not even counting the good things I have witnessed myself."
"Ollie was our boy’s first real friend, and as you can see, the boys are inseparable. And they have apparently been through thick and thin long before we arrived in the picture."
The duchess’ voice softened, the weight of her words lingering in the air.
She wasn’t even kidding, for none of it was farts blown for the sake of pleasantries.
Truth be told, knowing what she knew now, she realized things could have turned out very differently if Luca hadn’t t Ollie.
For her boy, who had once been alone, could’ve been taken advantage of, manipulated, destroyed—if not for the pure-hearted blonde who sohow barreled his way into Luca’s life.
"So, instead of apologies, we should be thanking you for raising such a precious child."
"You might not know just yet, but eting your son has probably contributed much to our son’s survival. If he had encountered soone else in his ti of need, we might not even be here talking right now."
"I might not have made it out alive. And even now, Cece only lives because your son ca prepared." She looked at the marquise squarely as she expressed her sincerity.
anwhile, the marquise blinked, montarily caught off guard. She knew her son was special, of course, she did. But...hearing another mother speak of him like this, with such raw sincerity, was sothing else entirely.
After years of judgnt and whispered gossip, this was surely unexpected.
"I—you’re welco, Duchess Alia." She finally decided to accept her thanks, but simultaneously extended hers for being such an accepting family and looking after their child like he was their own.
"But we’d also like to thank you for treating Ollie like he’s part of the family. And for allowing him to be himself." Said the mother, who was at least glad that her child had found sothing and people he really cherished.
Alia gave a soft, almost wistful smile.
"About that, there is nothing to thank us for, especially when we haven’t been able to really watch over them. We didn’t exactly expect how family-oriented these guys could be. If anything, we were late to the party."
Seriously late.
She cleared her throat lightly, cheeks faintly flushed, especially after realizing that her son might not have been the only one plucked from his patch, and all of it happened under the noses of all these self-proclaid adults.
But surprisingly, the woman before her only looked amused as she pinched the bridge of her nose.
"That boy...He’s actually not aware of it. Better yet, he’s still stuck in the notion of looking for a cute girl to start a future with..."
Duchess Alia’s eyes widened in both awe and slight horror, and the marquise understood, she really did. And the woman could only nod as she said, "Yeah, imagine that."
"Well," the duchess started before clearing her throat, "there would certainly be won who would love such an adorable guy. I’m sure of it."
"Sure—if they’re willing to live with soone who practically has a foot in hell’s door every other week, Your Grace."
They both laughed softly.
"But Duchess Alia, about your son...Does the Duke know?" She said in a whisper so low they were practically reading lips.
"About a relationship existing...yes. And it’s one where he pities the giant for well, being pitiful." Which was also, in part, what she thought about him who had to go through all that.
Julienne snorted softly, smiling.
"But Your Grace, it’s not just that, is it?"
Duchess Alia’s eyes trembled, and she looked like she actually wanted to burst into tears while ranting.
Because she did.
She had a lot of grievances, and while they were unfair and likely didn’t account for everyone’s good character, it was really difficult to just let go of her baby. Especially since she barely had a mont to process any of it!
Not to ntion how she had suddenly needed to jump from a little boy to a young man who started a family before they even t!
She felt like she had been robbed, and this woman before her just asked the right question, which poked at her heart.
And for all her grievances, Marquise Julienne offered a comforting pat on the back.
"Your Grace, this might be stepping out of line, but I think the only good thing about this is being able to look forward to seeing grandchildren while we are still able to walk. Maybe that if nothing else." She smiled wryly.
Now Duchess Alia really wanted to cry!
Her baby and his babies!
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