The tantalizing aroma of sizzling bacon and toasted bread wafted through the air, coaxing Lucian from his sleep.
That smell...
He blinked groggily at the wooden beams of the convent ceiling before stretching with a quiet sigh. The scent alone was enough to lift his spirits.
As he descended the creaky staircase, familiar voices reached his ears.
"You're doing it wrong again, Marcus," Theo's deep yet amused tone echoed from the kitchen.
Marcus scoffed in response. "Says the guy who thought salt and sugar were interchangeable. Also, how did you even managed to burn porridge?!"
"Hey, at least I'm trying to learn," Theo shot back, clearly holding back a chuckle.
Lucian stopped a few steps from the doorway, listening to the banter. Before he could enter, Theo's head turned toward him, as if sensing his presence.
"Good morning, Father," Theo greeted, not missing a beat as he flipped a perfect slice of golden-brown toast.
Marcus turned as well, a sheepish grin on his face. "Morning, Father. Breakfast will be ready soon!"
Lucian stepped into the kitchen, and the sight that greeted him stopped him in his tracks.
Pffttt!
Shit! Don't laugh...
Theo stood in front of the stove, dressed in a snug tunic that seemed ready to rip open at any moment. It was clearly borrowed from Marcus— it was comically tight against his broad frame.
But what truly stole the show was the light pink apron he wore, embroidered with little cat icons and the name Agnes stitched proudly across the front.
Lucian couldn't help the laugh that escaped his mouth.
"It seemed that Theo had ditched his usual heavy armor." Lucian comments, trying to regain composure.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
"Is that Agnes' apron?" Lucian asked, raising an eyebrow.
Theo's golden eyes glinted with a mix of amusement and embarrassedment as he turned fully toward Lucian, holding a spatula in one hand.
"Master gave it to me," he replied casually. "It's surprisingly practical."
"Master?" Lucian asked with intrigue.
Marcus chirped in. "Madam Agnes started a cooking class in her home. We are learning from her."
"I see. I guess the old lady pamper you children a lot." Lucian replied with a grin.
"Nah. She very specific in expressing favoritism." Marcus shrugged while eyeing Theo.
Theo's lips twitched into a sheepish smile, but he didn't deny it.
"Well... it suits you," Lucian quipped, taking a seat at the table and pouring himself a cup of steaming coffee.
"Don't encourage him, Father," Marcus groaned. "Next thing you know, he'll start embroidering his own aprons."
Theo grinned, a rare, boyish smile lighting up his face. "That's a great idea!" his mind already spinning with ideas.
Before anyone could retort, the conversation was cut by the quiet pitter-patter of small feet that echoed down the stairs as the other boys began to make their way into the kitchen.
I guess the boys are up.
Matthew appeared first, dragging a massive stuffed toy twice his size behind him, his eyelids barely open.
Luke followed, yawning so wide it seemed his as if threatening to eat everyone.
Dylan, the youngest, arrived last, his steps much livelier than his brothers as he skip walked energetically into the room.
"Good morning," Matthew mumbled sleepily, plopping onto a chair with his stuffed toy still in tow.
"Morning, Father," Luke said, rubbing his eyes and collapsing at the table.
Dylan bypassed the chairs entirely, climbing up onto Lucian's lap as if it were his rightful throne.
Lucian didn't protest though, simply setting his coffee down to steady the boy. "Good morning, Dylan," he said with a smile.
The child nodded, already burying his face in Lucian's chest. "Morning, Father."
Theo and Marcus brought the food to the table, the smell causing even the sleepiest boys to perk up.
Plates of toast, bacon, and eggs were set before them, and the children wasted no time digging in.
---
"Don't eat all the bacon, Matthew!" Luke grumbled, pointing his fork accusingly.
Matthew, mouth full, mumbled through his food, "I'm growing. I need it."
"Yeah, growing sideways," Luke shot back with a smirk.
"I am not!"
"Boys, no fighting at the table," Lucian said, his tone stern but his smile betraying his amusement.
Dylan piped up, his voice small but authoritative. "Yeah, stop fighting. Be nice!"
Both older boys froze, blinking at their youngest sibling.
Marcus let out a low whistle. "Wow. Dylan's more responsible than both of you combined."
"Not fair," Matthew mumbled, cheeks puffed out.
"I was just teasing," Luke added, albeit grudgingly.
The table erupted into laughter as the boys continued their playful banter, their spirits as bright as the morning sun.
---
After breakfast, Lucian stood by the door, fastening his belt as he prepared for another long day of blessing the fields.
Slinging over his shoulder is a small basket filled with sandwiches, fruit, and water. Marcus and Theo had prepared them earlier.
"Father, can we come too?" Matthew asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Yeah, we'll help!" Luke added, bouncing on his heels.
Lucian turned to them, shaking his head with a soft smile. "Not today. The lands I'm blessing are too far from the village, and it'll be a long walk."
"But—"
"No buts." Dylan's small voice cut through, and all eyes turned to him. "Father said no. We can help him later when he work closer."
The older boys pouted but nodded reluctantly, clearly swayed by their youngest brother's maturity.
Theo, who had been quietly observing, stepped forward. "I'll accompany you, Father," he offered. "It's dangerous to go too far from the village alone."
Lucian considered for a moment before nodding. "Alright. Marcus, I'll leave you in charge here today. Help with the wall construction and keep an eye on the boys."
Marcus saluted dramatically. "You can count on me, Father."
Lucian sighed, shaking his head with a faint smile. "I hope so."
With Theo following behind him, Lucian stepped out into the crisp morning air, the sounds of the children slowly fading as they began their journey to the fields.
