SSS Talent: From Trash to Tyrant Chapter 567: A Morning Before the Orphanage

Several days had evaporated since their excursion to the beach.

The second year of studies at Trafalgar's academy loomed, yet a few remaining tasks beckoned before the institution fully claimed his attention. He needed to visit Arden and Marella, and had also given his word to Bartholomew and Cynthia that he would accompany them to the orphanage.

These were not arduous duties, merely moments to cherish with those dear to him, holding their own special significance. The orphanage visit was scheduled for later, around noon. Until then, the morning was his own.

He was already within Velkaris.

More precisely, he found himself reclining on the sofa in the apartment he shared with Mayla, her form nestled warmly against his chest. Having arrived the previous day, they had spent the night together, and now, both savored the tranquil stillness that followed their intimate evening.

Mayla's head rested against him, one hand casually draped over his stomach, her fingers relaxed as if she harbored no intention of departing anytime soon. Trafalgar gently ran his hand through her hair before breaking the silence.

"Are you truly certain you desire no form of marital celebration, not even a small one?"

Mayla lifted her head from his chest, her gaze meeting his. "No. Truthfully, such a thing makes me uneasy. I prefer to maintain things as they are." A delicate smile graced her lips. "Besides, your schedule is already quite demanding."

Trafalgar tenderly brushed a few stray strands of hair from her face.

"Mayla, my time for you is boundless. You understand this."

Her smile widened at his words. "I do. That is precisely why I love you." She lowered her gaze towards her hand, turning it slightly to admire the ring once more. "But a ceremony holds no importance for me. And I already possess a remarkably beautiful ring."

Trafalgar followed her gaze.

The ring itself was understated by noble standards, far from the ostentatious displays he could have orchestrated. Yet, the modest diamond adorning it had sufficed. Mayla cherished it with a sincerity unique to her, which alone brought him solace regarding his choice.

Excellent. I am pleased she finds it pleasing!

A soft smile played on Mayla's lips as she admired the ring, then her eyes returned to his face.

"Formally, I am already your second wife. That is sufficient for me. I have my place by your side, and that is all I require."

Trafalgar grasped her sentiment, though a part of him still found the notion somewhat peculiar. Wife. Wives. The words retained a faint sense of unreality when applied to his own life. Even now, following all that had transpired, the concept hadn't entirely shed its peculiar weight.

Nevertheless, had Mayla desired a ceremony, he would have obliged. If she did not, he would respect her wishes. Her contentment was paramount.

Mayla shifted slightly in his embrace, allowing the comfortable silence to linger before inquiring, "Are you dining here today, by chance?"

Trafalgar responded with a shake of his head. "No. I cannot today. I am meeting Barth and Cynthia to visit the orphanage."

Mayla's eyes widened slightly. "Oh, the one that received the donation?"

"Not directly from me," Trafalgar clarified. "I provided funds to Barth because he assisted me, and he subsequently directed them to the orphanage. They all believe it originated from me, however." A faint, almost amused breath escaped him. "They have already expressed their gratitude, so now I intend to observe the progress there. I've heard the facility is undergoing renovations. That place holds significant importance for both Barth and Cynthia."

Mayla planted a swift kiss upon his lips.

"Do not exert yourself excessively," she advised, then, as if recalling it belatedly, added, "Aubrelle is visiting later today."

This announcement stirred a subtle change in him. "Aubrelle? Has something occurred?" Mayla rose from the sofa and moved towards the kitchen. Clad only in one of his shirts, the fabric draped loosely on her frame, swaying gently around her thighs as she walked. Trafalgar watched her departure, an unbidden but honest thought surfacing.

She looked exceptionally appealing in that attire.

Mayla glanced back, noting precisely where his attention lay, and a smile of quiet contentment touched her lips before she replied.

"No. Nothing has occurred. We have simply become very good friends. And given our familial connection, we've grown closer. We spend a great deal of time together."

Trafalgar adjusted himself to rest against the back of the sofa.

"Oh? And what occupies your extensive conversations when you are alone together?" Mayla reached the kitchen counter and turned back towards him, the shirt sliding momentarily off one shoulder before she casually adjusted it.

"At this rate, your gaze will consume me entirely."

A barely perceptible smirk graced his features in response.

She let out a soft chuckle, continuing before he could formulate a response. "We discuss a myriad of subjects. Daily happenings. Visions of what the future might hold. Sometimes, we even touch upon your remarkable handsomeness. Or perhaps how alluring you appear right now, sans shirt." A roguish glint entered her smile. "And on occasion, we playfully wager on who will be the next."

Trafalgar, utterly unprepared for such a statement, actually sputtered on his own saliva.

This remark had completely blindsided him.

Observing his reaction, Mayla's smile broadened with an even more impish delight.

"What culinary delights do you fancy for breakfast?" she inquired sweetly, as if she hadn't just introduced such a topic into the conversation and left it hanging in the air.

Trafalgar rose to his feet, following her into the kitchen.

"My immediate inclination would be to say 'you'," he replied, "but alas, hunger prevails, so let us opt for something light. A meal of simplicity."

He then added, "And coffee. I shall take care of the coffee preparation."

Mayla gave a slight nod. "Agreed. I will prepare eggs and a light accompaniment."

The remainder of the morning unfolded with effortless ease.

He took charge of the coffee brewing while Mayla handled the cooking. They shared their meal at the cozy table nestled near the window, engaging in small talk, allowing the hours to drift by without any sense of haste. It was a rare moment of tranquility for Trafalgar, a peacefulness he seldom experienced, which consequently imbued it with a value he rarely acknowledged openly.

As the moment for his departure arrived, Mayla escorted him to the door.

She bestowed upon him a brief yet warm kiss, murmuring, "Exercise caution."

"I shall," he assured her.

Mayla cast a glance back, her gaze landing precisely where his attention was directed, and a smile of quiet contentment graced her features before she offered her response.

"No, nothing untoward occurred. We've simply become very good friends. And given our familial connection, our bond has deepened. We find ourselves spending a considerable amount of time together." Trafalgar propped himself up slightly, leaning against the sofa's backrest.

"Oh? And what is it that you two converse about so extensively when you are alone?" Mayla reached the kitchen counter, turning to face him, the fabric of her shirt momentarily sliding off one shoulder before she casually adjusted it.

"At this pace, I fear your gaze might consume me entirely."

A barely perceptible facial tic was the only response this elicited from him.

She let out a soft chuckle, continuing before he could formulate a response. "We discuss a myriad of subjects, everyday life, visions of what the future might hold. Sometimes, we touch upon your remarkable handsomeness, or how alluring you appear right now, sans shirt." A roguish glint entered her smile. "And on occasion, we playfully wager on who will be the next."

Trafalgar, utterly unprepared for such a statement, actually sputtered on his own saliva.

This remark had completely blindsided him.

Observing his reaction, Mayla's smile broadened with an even more impish delight.

"What culinary delights do you fancy for breakfast?" she inquired sweetly, as if she hadn't just introduced such a topic into the conversation and left it hanging in the air.

Trafalgar rose to his feet, following her into the kitchen.

"My immediate inclination would be to say 'you'," he replied, "but alas, hunger prevails, so let us opt for something light. A meal of simplicity."

He then added, "And coffee. I shall take care of the coffee preparation."

Mayla gave a slight nod. "Agreed. I will prepare eggs and a light accompaniment."

The remainder of the morning unfolded with effortless ease.

He took charge of the coffee brewing while Mayla handled the cooking. They shared their meal at the cozy table nestled near the window, engaging in small talk, allowing the hours to drift by without any sense of haste. It was a rare moment of tranquility for Trafalgar, a peacefulness he seldom experienced, which consequently imbued it with a value he rarely acknowledged openly.

As the moment for his departure arrived, Mayla escorted him to the door.

She bestowed upon him a brief yet warm kiss, murmuring, "Exercise caution."

"I shall," he assured her. He then stepped outside, commencing his journey through Velkaris on foot. The walk to the orphanage was sufficiently long to allow his thoughts to wander freely, although, for a change, they did not dwell on somber matters. The city hummed around him in its familiar cadence – the sounds of traffic, the murmur of voices, the mana lamps still subdued under the morning light. He moved amidst it all, hands nestled in his pockets, his mind considerably calmer than usual. By the time he reached the orphanage's entrance, an individual was already present, awaiting his arrival.

Bartholomew.

The instant he spotted Trafalgar approaching, Bartholomew's entire countenance lit up. "Good morning, Trafalgar!" he exclaimed, raising a hand. "I was anticipating your arrival!"