Chapter 131: An ordinary day
(Titus's POV)
Our days were surprisingly peaceful. Atalanta and I were closer than ever, even though she hadn't officially confessed her feelings. We talked about everything, and she seemed genuinely comfortable opening up to me.
"Mommy! When can we play?" Jack, perched on my shoulders, asked playfully.
"Soon, sweetie. We just have to go home first," I replied. But just then, Jack jumped into my arms, burying her face in my chest. "What's wrong, Maria?"
"Jack and Maria love Mommy," she mumbled, "and they want Mommy to relax. You've been working too hard."
Her concern melted my heart. Only kids, with their pure hearts, could truly understand their parents' worries. In my London dreamshift, Maria always scolded me for overworking, just like Jack was doing now.
"Mommy..." Jack cupped my face in her small hands and smiled. "If there's a next time, I would love to be born as your real daughter and take care of you like my real parent."
Her sweet wish made my eyes well up. Before I could say anything, a loud cry pierced the air.
"WAAAAAH!"
Atalanta rushed over, holding a five-month-old baby girl. It was an orphan we'd rescued after her mother died from illness. I had offered to take care of her, but Atalanta insisted on trying first. Unfortunately, the baby wouldn't stop crying whenever she was held by Atalanta.
It wasn't just this baby. Children in general seemed to shy away from Atalanta, despite her endless efforts to be kind and playful. This woman who dedicated her life to saving children, who yearned to connect with them, couldn't seem to win their affection. The irony wasn't lost on me.
"S-she won't stop crying..." Atalanta hung her head, defeated.
Jack and I exchanged a worried glance. After a moment, Jack vanished to explore the area, leaving me to comfort the crying baby.
"She is hungry." As soon as I took her from Atalanta's arms, the little girl's cries magically transformed into happy gurgles. Yep, children just loved me.
"I-is that so..." Atalanta sighed, looking dejected.
I knew I had to do something. I asked Atalanta to set up a picnic, and she did so efficiently. Spreading a sheet on the soft grass, she quickly built a fire and cooked lunch for us, even preparing milk for the baby.
Unlike any other woman I knew, Atalanta truly lived up to her legendary speed. She was fast on her feet, and apparently, with her hands too.
We enjoyed our lunch as I fed the baby. After drinking her milk, she was all smiles again, proving that her tears were reserved solely for Atalanta's embrace.
"Try holding her again," I suggested, handing the baby back to Atalanta.
"O-okay..." Atalanta hesitantly took the baby, and on cue...
"ooooAAAAAH!" The baby's cries echoed through the clearing.
"What's going on?" Atalanta was as confused as me, but I had an idea.
"Atalanta, you're too tense. Try relaxing your body and smiling."
"I'll try."
She nodded and attempted a smile, but it came out looking more like a grimace.
"WAAAAAAAH!" The little girl cried even louder.
I face-palmed. Maybe a relaxed smile wasn't the best suggestion. Her attempt looked more like something straight out of a horror movie.
"Sigh. Why do children hate me...?" Atalanta hung her head, but then she felt my palm on her head.
"They don't hate you. You're just very hard on yourself."
"What do you mean—wha!"
I picked up Atalanta and placed her on my lap. I also cupped her butt in my palm while supporting her back with my other arm.
"This is…" Atalanta blushed hard when my hand started touching her butt but then felt cozy and warm. She looked at me with lots of questions.
"Atalanta, feel this warmth and use this feeling to love that child. Let her feel that she is protected by her mother," I said. To my instructions, Atalanta nodded and closed her eyes.
She then adjusted her arms around the toddler. Just like that, the baby stopped crying. Finally, she was able to carry a child without making them cry.
Atalanta's eyes sparkled, filled with a sense of achievement.
"And..." I then closed the distance between us and placed a kiss on Atalanta's cheek. Atalanta's cheeks flushed, turning completely red. "How does it feel?" I inquired.
"W-warm..." Atalanta whispered back.
"Now, give the child a kiss just like that. Atalanta, children are incredibly sensitive and crave their mother's affection more than anything else. Therefore, kisses and embraces are an excellent way to show them they are loved and not isolated in this world."
Atalanta paused for a brief moment before her face broke into a smile. She then picked up the baby and gently kissed her on the cheek. For a short while, it felt as if time had come to a halt. The only sounds were the fluttering wind and the birds' songs.
"Guah~!" The toddler began to chuckle and play with Atalanta.
"Titus, look! She's smiling!" Atalanta exclaimed, her joy plainly evident.
"Good," I nodded, about to put her away when Atalanta raised her voice.
"I-I need to feel more warmth..." she stammered, avoiding my gaze with a blush.
I raised my brow, surprised by her sudden request.
"It seems like my huntress wife is getting a little more spoiled~!"
"Humph. Didn't you ask me to make demands as your wife?" Atalanta huffed, her cheeks turning redder. "By the way, I heard you like thighs and butt. So... you know... you can... rub them if you want..."
I was a little taken aback by her sudden boldness. Just like Morgan, she had been very reserved, but now she was starting to soften.
"Now that you've given me permission, I'll thoroughly touch you tonight. For now, bond with the little one," I replied, winking at her.
Atalanta nodded and continued to play with the toddler. But then the toddler suddenly pulled down Atalanta's blouse, exposing her breast. The baby then started sucking Atalanta's nipple while also slowly drifting into sleep.
"No, what are you doing, little one? Nothing will come out…" Atalanta mourned and asked me, "Is this normal?"
"Absolutely. In the London Dreamshift, toddlers used to suck my chest too since I had a little plump body." I reminded Atalanta of my time in old London.
Children tended to take anything by mouth. It was just their habits that many children carry from breastfeeding. That's why they would suck their thumbs.
Heck, even Artoria used to suck my chest all the time since I had a big body.
"Is that so..." Atalanta lifted her gaze, "But you don't seem surprised when you see my breasts. Is it because they are small?"
"No, it's not that. I'm just not particularly focused on breasts. Besides, you've slept beside me with nothing on. I've seen your entire body, including your most private areas," I explained with honesty.
She blushed at my straightforwardness, calling me a "Pervert."
Atalanta then let the baby sleep peacefully in her arms while she leaned against my chest.
"You know, I've made many mistakes in my life. I always wanted to protect children, to spare them the horrors I endured but never took real action. I always hoped for some miracle, a shortcut."
Looking into my eyes, warmth in hers, she continued, "When I married you, I felt betrayed when I couldn't save the children from the centaurs, thinking I was looking for an easy way out. But then, I realized you were the miracle I was looking for all along." Atalanta smiled, "Marrying you and embarking on adventures to save these children are the best decisions I've made."
"Haha, well, I'm glad to hear that. And I feel the same. Your desire to help children is noble and kind. I'm more than happy to support you in fulfilling your wish," I responded.
"You're too kind, Titus," Atalanta smiled, then surprisingly kissed my cheek, "This marriage, this bond of husband and wife, is sacred, and I'll honor it forever. I'll always have trust in you."
"Thanks," I thanked her, and she simply leaned in and closed her eyes.
I then looked up at the sky and sighed, "Trust me, huh? After everything that happened with Morgan, I'm not even sure I trust myself."
I glanced at the remaining time for my mission.
[Time Remaining: 6 months.]
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