Volume 1 Chapter 16

Volume 1 + Chapter 16: Can I?

Eve originally thought the little one would hesitate, or might even instinctively refuse, after all, in her heart, the mother who left her so early should have held a very important place, right?

So Eve didn’t dare to look at her expression, just pretending to be casual while looking around at their surroundings.

But she knew very clearly that her eyes couldn’t focus at all, as all she could think about was the little one beside her.

After waiting for a while, Eve didn’t hear her response. When Eve slowly turned to look at her, she saw those big eyes filled with tears were already full of bright light.

Before Eve could speak, she carefully asked… “Can I?”

That question carried a slight tremor, gentle with a touch of hope for the future, making Eve’s heart tremble.

“Of course you can, would you like to?”

“I would! I would… Mama.”

Once confirmed that everything Eve said was true, Leah unconsciously broke into a smile, one that couldn’t be hidden no matter how she tried.

Perhaps due to nervousness, she seemed somewhat awkward, as if she didn’t know where to put her hands and feet.

“Good, then let’s go, it’s getting late, let’s head home.”

“Mm!”

Leah didn’t know where Eve’s so-called home was, but she knew Eve was by her side, and wherever Eve was would be home.

Leah followed Eve’s footsteps, one hand carrying the basket with bread and pastries, carefully holding the letter of recommendation against her chest, while deliberately keeping one hand free, held somewhat awkwardly at her side.

She wanted to hold Eve’s hand but was too shy to do so.

Just as she was hesitating, Eve had already gently taken her small hand, the warmth from Eve’s palm making Leah’s lips curl up even more.

Facing the gradually setting sun, their two shadows stretched very long, this moment would probably be unforgettable for Leah for the rest of her life.

“So mama, what were you worried about earlier?”

“Nothing much, just thinking… if it were you, what would you say in the graduate representative’s speech?”

Eve smiled, not telling Leah about her inner troubles.

Honestly, it wouldn’t be a problem if Leah couldn’t become the outstanding graduate representative, at worst they could work together to pay back the student loan.

This money must be repaid, they couldn’t just leave the empire completely to escape this loan.

It wasn’t because Eve had particularly deep feelings for this empire, nor was she still being a sycophant to the Holy Church…

It was because the loans the Holy Church allocated to poor students were limited, if someone didn’t repay, then the struggling students who came after would have no loans available.

This loan system was originally established by Eve, meant to help more children like Leah.

The student loan was one of the few humane actions from the inhumane Holy Church, so Eve didn’t want to damage it.

“Me… I probably won’t become the outstanding graduate representative, right?”

Leah lowered her head and said softly, but one could see there was some unwillingness in her heart.

She certainly knew who controlled the outstanding graduate position, and knew the value of being the outstanding graduate representative.

She also certainly knew how much she deserved this title…

“Then if, I’m just saying if… if I became the outstanding graduate representative, would you come to my graduation ceremony?”

There was some evasiveness in Leah’s eyes.

“Because I want to prove to those who bullied me that I’m not the illegitimate child they called me, I’m a child loved by my mother.”

And my mother, she is the gentlest and kindest mother in the world!