Chapter 152: Bathing Elli

This was the second raid in three days, so Mark already knew what needed to be done. There was no reason for Kai to involve himself in the aftermath when the man was perfectly capable of handling things on his own.

Kai had never been particularly interested in dictating matters he knew little about, nor did he concern himself with how much of the carcasses were recovered. Those responsibilities belonged to Mark, and he was more than happy to leave them in his hands.

He was currently making his way home. They were expected to arrive at the venue around seven, and he still had a few things to take care of before then.

Adam had contacted him earlier, asking whether he needed any assistance with the preparations.

Kai assured him there was nothing to worry about. He already had a car and suitable clothes to make himself presentable for the occasion.

Truthfully, he had never cared much about appearances or the impression he left on others. However, this time would be different. He wasn’t attending alone, and the people waiting to meet him were diplomats, politicians, and other influential figures. Making a decent impression wouldn’t hurt, especially when he had no intention of giving anyone a reason to look down on the people accompanying him.

Ding-Dong.

Kai pressed the doorbell and waited.

Click.

The door opened, revealing Jean. He was momentarily surprised to find her wearing a face mask.

"Hello. Welcome back," she greeted him, her voice slightly muffled.

Kai smiled before glancing at the mask covering her face. "What’s this about?"

"Just hydrating my face. I heard it helps you look radiant under chandeliers."

Kai hummed thoughtfully. "Are you perhaps excited about the gathering?"

Jean removed the mask before giving him a proper answer.

"Mixed feelings, I suppose. I’m excited because all those people are gathering to meet you, the person who has contributed so much to humanity. But I’m also nervous." She paused, looking down at the mask in her hands. "This will be the first time in a while that I would be appearing in front of so many people."

Kai nodded before saying, "You can skip the event if you want to."

Jean immediately shook her head.

"No... why should I?" She gave him a faint smile. "Didn’t I tell you? I want to see people complimenting and admiring you." Her expression turned slightly mischievous. "Though I’d prefer it if you didn’t attract too many female admirers."

Kai chuckled before reaching for her hand.

His tone grew a little quieter as he asked,

"Jean... you know how people will interpret our relationship, right?"

With a baby in their arms and the two of them arriving in the same car, it wouldn’t take much for people to assume they were married or, at the very least, romantically involved.

"Are you doubtful?"

Kai immediately shook his head. "I could never be. Not when it comes to you. However, I want you to think this through."

Jean tilted her head, studying his expression before asking, "Why do you think I’d be uncertain about announcing our relationship, Kai? Maybe it’s time you realised your own worth and acknowledged that there are plenty of girls who would do anything to stand beside you."

Kai helplessly cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing lightly against her skin.

"But you aren’t just any girl. You’re Jean."

"And Jean loves you."

She said it without the slightest hesitation, her eyes meeting his with a sincerity that left little room for doubt.

Kai’s lips curved into a faint smile. He leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on the corner of her lips before pulling away.

Jean stiffened for a brief moment.

"That wasn’t a kiss."

"I was just getting back at you," Kai replied with a grin, already taking a step backward.

"Are you trying to make me take the initiative?" Jean asked, following him with narrowed eyes.

"Who knows? But if you want a kiss, you might have to ask for it."

Jean could only smile helplessly at his teasing.

"Let’s see, then... who loses his composure first."

Kai turned around and began walking backward, keeping his eyes on her as he replied, "You know me. I don’t lose. Never have, never will."

Jean animatedly nodded along, though she couldn’t hold back the chuckle that escaped her.

Kai finally turned around and made his way inside, a smile lingering on his face.

It had been a month since they started living together, and their relationship had come a long way in that time. They had grown considerably closer, both emotionally and in the little ways that made sharing a home feel natural.

A considerable part of that progress, however, could be attributed to the little girl currently sitting in her crib, happily playing with her sugar dispenser.

"What do we have here, baby? Showing off your collection of toys?"

Elara had arranged her mother’s scrunchie, a Rubik’s Cube, and a ring in front of her. Each item had been placed carefully, with a little space separating it from the others. Meanwhile, she held the sugar dispenser in her tiny hands, seemingly treating it as the most important item in her collection.

The moment she heard Kai’s voice, she turned towards him.

"Papa!"

Her face immediately lit up, and she began waving her arms excitedly.

Kai smiled and gently rubbed her head.

"Not now, Elli. Daddy needs to wash up first, or you might get sick."

He had yet to properly clean himself after returning from the dungeon. Until then, he wasn’t going to risk holding her, no matter how eagerly she reached for him.

Just then, Jean spoke up.

"Kai, would you mind bathing her as well?"

Kai hummed, glancing at her before looking back at the little girl.

"Are you sure I can handle that?"

Jean shrugged as she stepped into the room.

"I mean, you’ve helped me before. So... unless you’re too tired?"

Kai shook his head.

"Not at all."

He then turned his attention to his little princess, his smile growing as he saw her still waving her arms at him.

"Alright, then. Let’s get you cleaned up. Daddy’s going to give you a bath today."