Today was a special day, because it was the first day of the month.
This was the day Van always went to the chapel to pray, though he often came here on ordinary days too.
But today, he had another important matter to handle: becoming Troubadour's daughter's godfather under the witness of the Spirit of the Wind, Janna.
Van had no idea what baptism ceremonies were like in other faiths. Janna did not even have a church. Still, he felt something like this only needed to be reported to Janna. Janna would not mind. She loved everyone.
There were no witnesses either. Among Janna's believers in the whole Undercity, there was no one as devout or as respected as Van.
When Van had agreed to Troubadour's request, he had done it rather casually, but as the day arrived, he could not help feeling a little nervous. Even if he was only a godfather, he would still take on the duty of protecting and teaching his godchild. Calling him a second father would not be an exaggeration.
The thought left Van briefly dazed. Did this count as… becoming a father?
"About to be a dad?"
"Just a godfather."
"You look pretty thrilled to me."
Jinx teased Van from the side. Although no witnesses were needed, plenty of idle Firelights had still come on their own.
Except Zeri. She had been ordered not to leave.
"I'm fine…"
"And you even changed into such a nice outfit… Tsk, tsk. When Sati saw you like this this morning, her eyes nearly stuck to you."
All he had done was change into a clean black coat. Of course, with his presence, looks, and build, Van drew attention no matter what he wore. Jinx had also helped him tidy his hair a little, making him look neat and formal.
Without changing expression, Van glanced at Sati, who was standing not far away in a daze, only to meet her direct stare.
Van calmly looked away and pretended nothing had happened.
"Although I hated that fake at first, she's actually not bad, right?"
Van did not respond to Jinx. He had no intention of wasting words on this topic.
Before long, Troubadour and his family arrived at the chapel as promised. Troubadour and his wife were dressed very formally, and their outfits had clearly been carefully matched, carrying a strong topside flavor.
Van did not like it. When he was young, he had liked wearing topside clothes and looking at the sights of topside, but now he loved this barren, toxin-filled land even more.
"Mr. Torvan, sorry to keep you waiting."
Troubadour quickly walked over, and his wife greeted Van respectfully as well. Van remembered her. When he was very young, she had seemed to be one of the most beautiful women in the Lanes. He still had no idea how the plain, honest Troubadour had managed to win her over.
"It's fine…"
Van nodded to the couple, but his eyes could not help moving to the little girl following behind them. Then he froze.
Her skin was delicate and fair as snow, her smooth pink hair was soft and flowing, and her sky-blue eyes shone like sapphires. She was still very young, but her grace had already reached the limit of what Van could imagine.
She wore a white dress, the kind of clothing completely unsuited for walking through dusty Zaun, yet it only made the unusual air around her stand out even more.
"This is my daughter, Seraphine…"
Troubadour gently pushed the daughter hiding behind him forward.
"You were right, Troubadour…"
Van slowly recovered from his daze and spoke with genuine seriousness.
"This child truly isn't suited to staying in the Undercity."
Seraphine lifted her face, innocent and well-behaved. She stared at Van with her bright, watery eyes.
"Mr. Torvan, you're so tall!"
Van smiled, bent down, and crouched in front of Seraphine. He gently patted her head. Her smooth hair felt very pleasant beneath his hand.
But when Van's hand rested on Seraphine's head, she slowly closed her eyes.
"Your voice is so warm, but it's so… noisy."
Seraphine opened her eyes and looked at Van innocently.
"Voice? I didn't say anything just now."
Van smiled in surprise. This was his first time becoming a godfather, and facing the little girl who was about to become his daughter, he still felt a little stiff. He had not even organized what to say yet.
"I really heard it…"
"Uh… Mr. Torvan."
Troubadour spoke at the right moment to explain.
"Seraphine… was born with a special ability. She can hear certain sounds ordinary people can't."
"Sounds ordinary people can't hear? Including thoughts?"
Van was a little startled and quietly withdrew his hand without changing expression.
"Not thoughts. She can only feel the emotions in someone's voice."
"Oh~"
Van stood up, understanding. It was probably an innate magical ability, like Zeri's.
But Zeri's ability had grown stronger with age, to the point where she could no longer control it. He wondered if Seraphine would also be affected by her ability when she grew up.
"All right. It's getting late. Let's go in. Perhaps Janna is waiting for us."
…
…
The ceremony was very simple. No one knew how a baptism in Janna's faith was supposed to work, so under the eyes of the Firelights and under Janna's witness, the ceremony ended quickly.
Although the ceremony was simple, Troubadour and his wife were very happy, their faces flushed with excitement. Not only was their daughter's future move to Piltover settled, but their precious girl now had a gang boss as her godfather, so her safety was also secured.
After all, they had both grown up in Zaun. Compared to topside law, they trusted the fists of Undercity gangs more.
Seraphine had already been pulled off to the side by Jinx to play. Jinx liked teasing children, and seeing such a special, adorable little girl had made her even more interested. The moment the ceremony ended, she had taken Seraphine away.
Van walked up to Troubadour and his wife to go over the arrangements.
"I've already had people handle your move to topside. There won't be any obstacles, and no Enforcers will come looking for trouble. As for Seraphine's schooling, I had originally made arrangements, but now I have a better plan. I'll find her a suitable teacher."
"Thank you so much, Mr. Torvan!"
Troubadour and his wife kept thanking him over and over, while Van only waved his hand.
"Little Sera is my daughter now too. This is what I should do."
[End of chapter]