POV Rain
Hello everyone, my name is Rain. I'm an orphan who's been taken in by Uncle Martin. I was adopted along with my siblings. I have no clue why our parents didn't want us, but at the very least, I can now say thank you to them for not wanting me.
Well, actually, they're not my blood siblings, but we are from the same orphanage. Aira and Airel were very close to me back at the orphanage. They've become like true siblings to me. There's a reason we ended up on the streets. That's because I whisked them away before we could all be turned into slaves.
Our orphanage was situated in Baron Brown's territory, a man with a fondness for money. He sold the orphanage to illegal slave traders. I wanted to tell Uncle Martin, but I couldn't as it involved the nobility and could endanger him.
Before we were sold, I quickly snuck onto a food merchant's wagon, taking Aira and Airel with me until we reached Marquiss Bezos' land. Fortunately, we were all under 11, an age when we weren't required to have identification.
I've done all kinds of odd jobs to support my siblings, from rough work on the streets to small tasks in shops. You might think I'd complain about how hard life is, but honestly, I enjoy it. At least we're safe from becoming illegal slaves. I can manage to provide food. However, all of a sudden, Airel developed a fever. I've done my best to make as much money as possible, but I can only afford medicine worth 10 silver coins. With more time, I'm sure I could look after Airel's needs.
"What should I do?"
Airel has been sick for two days and is getting weaker. I can't let anything happen to him. If only I were an adult—adults earn so much more.
While deep in thought, I saw a bread seller chatting with his guard at the corner.
"Isn't this an opportunity?"
Perhaps this term fits what I'm about to do. Crime isn't about intent, but about opportunity.
Blinded by desperation, I snatched bread from the merchant.
"HEY KID! RETURN MY BREAD! WISE, CHASE AFTER HIM!"
I ran with all my might away from them. But, perhaps a divine force does not permit such misdeeds, and I collided with someone and fell, leading to my capture.
The man I bumped into, who seemed to be surveying the area, turned out to be Uncle Martin, the last person I expected. Yet, he helped me out. His kindness sparked an idea for the sake of my siblings.
"Uncle, would you come with me...?"
I asked Uncle Martin to follow me. I hadn't noticed that Uncle Martin had brought his family.
Reaching the spot where I'd been taking care of Aira and Airel, I immediately fed Airel the bread and medicine. I hope he recovers quickly. Uncle seemed uncomfortable eating without a drink and promptly gave Airel some water. This affirmed the idea in my mind. Seeing Uncle about to leave, I suddenly dropped to my knees.
"Could you adopt my siblings? Please, I'm even willing to be your servant."
Those were my heartfelt words. Uncle hesitated, but was swayed by the pleading of Alice, which fortified his resolve.
At last, we were cared for by Uncle Martin. He gave us a proper life and the warmth of a home, long lost to us. Someday, I must repay Uncle's kindness.
***
POV Aira
Hi, I'm Aira, 5 years old. I am Rain's younger sister and Airel's elder sister. Unlike boisterous Airel, I'm quite reserved. I'm aware that Rain isn't our real brother, and neither is Airel, but he'll always be the best brother to me. We were discarded as infants, so we have no attachment to our biological parents.
Initially, I thought our lives were quite miserable, but now, I am truly grateful.
Yes, it's because we met Uncle Martin, our savior. I am so thankful for this. You see, anyone might lend a hand, but not everyone can provide warmth in their aid.
Uncle tells us to always study hard. I love numbers and I enjoy calculating. Uncle says I could be a trader like him when I grow up because I'm good with numbers.
Uncle, you know, I want to be like you one day—a capable merchant. I'm sure I can do it; I promise to study even harder.
Uncle I know is someone who calculates every move, always efficient, and even with his calculations, he never stints on us. Our needs are met by him, even education.
I'm also grateful to have siblings like Alice and big brother Riese. They're as kind to us as Rain is. Alice is just like Airel: cheerful, while Riese is intelligent and always caring for us. Ah, so that means Riese is also one of the best siblings, right?
Alice is also cute, and just like Airel when it comes to cuteness. We like playing together.
I remember Alice even lent us her favorite Garfield plushie. After all, we girls like cute things too.
While playing together, Uncle came by and saw us with Garfield. I don't know why, but he apologized to us and ended up giving us Odie, a dog character friend of Garfield, and Arlene, Garfield's girlfriend doll. Uncle, you are so kind.
The three of us hugged him. I chose Arlene, and Airel took Odie. They're adorable. We were so happy to receive these dolls from Uncle. Alice was happy for us, too. Oh, is this what having a father feels like?
Thank you, God, for giving us a happiness I believe can't even be felt by those with their own families.
***
POV Airel
Hello, Airel is Airel. Airel is 5 years old. Airel is the youngest here. Besides being the youngest, Airel is also the weakest. Airel gets sick easily, which is why Airel often causes trouble for big brother Rain. But no one ever considers Airel a burden. Everyone loves Airel. Airel is thankful to be amidst such a loving family.
Airel loves reading since Uncle Martin taught him. You know, Airel always wanted a father. Whenever Airel saw other kids with their dads, Airel felt so envious. Airel still remembers how Uncle carried Airel to the store, the warmth from Uncle to Airel. When ill, Uncle gave Airel sweet medicine; it didn't taste like medicine at all, and Airel liked it a lot.
Airel is also taught many things by Uncle, from reading to writing and drawing. Alice's drawings are great; Airel loves watching Alice draw. Uncle says Airel is very good at reading. Books are windows to the world, he'd say; you can learn about everything through books. Airel feels the same about that saying.
After discovering our individual talents, Uncle supports us by giving us what we enjoy. Uncle says it's okay as long as it's not something bad. He gave Alice crayons and paper. Aira got a basic math book, and I received a storybook. Ah, Rain was given special clothes for martial arts training. Rain says he will protect all of us in the future. Rain is so cool... well, not as cool as Uncle yet. We love him so much. Sometimes, Airel wishes Uncle were Airel's real father.
But even so, Airel feels this is more than enough. The most important thing is that everyone is happy. Oh, I forgot, Uncle has promised to give us gifts if we pass the entrance exam to the Academy. Airel is very excited about what gift Uncle will give.
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