Chapter 242: The Perfect Candidate [Bonus Chapter]

Finding a nanny had turned out to be considerably more complicated than Liam had expected.

After the interviews the previous day, he and Lydia had received messages from several other people interested in the position. However, none of them seemed to meet their requirements.

Some had experience caring for babies but weren't prepared to deal with the twins' abilities. Others seemed willing to accept the job until Lydia explained that their children could do some rather unconventional things.

And after what had happened with the first candidates, Liam wasn't particularly enthusiastic about continuing to interview people who would end up running away in fright.

That morning, he was sitting beside Lydia in the living room, going through the messages they had received.

"This woman has some good references," she commented, showing him a candidate's profile.

Liam read through the information for a few seconds.

"She worked at a daycare center for five years... She seems quite qualified."

"Yes, but when I explained that the children had some special abilities, she stopped responding."

"I suppose that means she's not interested."

Lydia let out a small sigh.

"We're having quite a hard time with this."

Liam glanced toward the blanket where the twins were playing.

Lionel was playing with a stuffed doll, while Liana was tossing around a rattle that had been left near her brother. Fortunately, both of them were behaving themselves.

Although Liam had already begun getting used to his children's unusual traits, he still found it strange to think that two babies so young could possess such extraordinary abilities.

"Maybe we should look for someone connected to the hunter world," he suggested.

Lydia looked up.

"A female hunter?"

"Yeah. Someone who's used to seeing strange abilities and dealing with unusual situations. Maybe they wouldn't be so surprised when Liana stretches her arms or Lionel tries to eat something he shouldn't."

Lydia smiled.

"Actually, that's not a bad idea."

"Besides, someone with experience as a hunter would probably have good reflexes. That could come in handy if the children do something else unexpected."

"Then we'll have to find someone willing to take the job."

Liam nodded, although he soon began thinking of a few people who might be suitable.

He had met quite a few hunters over the past year while working on various dungeon raids. However, not all of them had the patience needed to look after babies, let alone take care of two little ones with special abilities.

Then he remembered someone.

'Wait... What about Harper?'

Liam fell silent for a moment.

Harper had been one of his former teammates during several dungeon raids. He had worked alongside Lucas, Eve, Steve, and her. Although their paths had eventually diverged, he still remembered her personality quite well.

She was a kind, cheerful, and fairly responsible woman. She also had experience working as part of a team and was accustomed to facing monsters and dangerous situations.

On top of that, she was a Gold-Rank hunter.

'I think she could work...'

"What are you thinking about?" Lydia asked, noticing that he had gone quiet.

"Remembering an old teammate."

"One of our old teammates?"

"Harper. Although it's been a long time since we last heard from her."

Lydia looked at him with interest.

"Do you think she might accept the job?"

"I don't know, but I think it's worth asking."

Liam picked up his phone and searched for Harper's contact.

It had been quite a while since they'd spoken directly, although he still had her number. He knew she didn't belong to any major guild and continued working as an independent hunter.

He also remembered that she had tried to join Ouroboros in the past but hadn't been accepted.

'I hope she's still working as a hunter...'

He opened their conversation and began typing.

[Liam: Hey, Harper. How have you been? It's been quite a while since we last talked.]

He didn't have to wait long for a reply.

[Harper: LIAM?! What a surprise! I thought you'd forgotten all about us!]

Liam smiled as he read the message.

[Liam: I could never forget my old teammates. How have you been?]

[Harper: Pretty good! I'm still working as an independent hunter. What about you? I heard you even became a sub-captain. Congratulations, Boss!]

'Boss...'

Liam smiled at the word, remembering the old days.

[Liam: Thanks. Quite a lot has changed since the last time we saw each other.]

[Harper: It certainly seems that way! What about Lucas and Eve? Are they still working with you?]

[Liam: Yeah. In fact, they're both part of my squad now.]

[Harper: I'm glad to hear that! I always thought you guys would end up working together again.]

Liam smiled.

It was nice talking to an old teammate again. Harper still had the same energy as always.

After exchanging a few more messages, Liam decided to get straight to the point.

[Liam: Actually, there's something I wanted to ask you about. Lydia and I are looking for someone we can trust to take care of our children for a while.]

[Harper: YOU HAVE CHILDREN?!]

[Liam: Yeah. We have six-month-old twins.]

[Harper: TWINS?! I definitely wasn't expecting that! Congratulations to both of you!]

Liam let out a small laugh.

[Liam: Thanks. The problem is that we'll soon have to participate in a rather important operation, and we need someone who can stay with them while we're away.]

[Harper: I see. And you thought of me?]

[Liam: Yeah. I remembered how responsible you are and that you have experience as a hunter. Besides, I think you'd be able to adapt to some of our children's unusual traits better than a conventional nanny.]

[Harper: Unusual traits?]

Liam stared at the screen for a few seconds.

He wasn't sure how to explain that one of his daughters could stretch her arms in unnatural ways while his son had a habit of swallowing entire objects.

He decided it would be better to discuss it in person.

[Liam: It's a little complicated to explain over text. I'd rather tell you in person, along with the details of the job.]

[Harper: Now you've really made me curious!]

[Liam: Would you like to come over so we can talk? Lydia will be here too.]

[Harper: Of course! I'd love to see you both after all this time.]

[Liam: Perfect. How about tomorrow afternoon?]

[Harper: Sounds good! Send me the address, and I'll be there.]

[Liam: All right. See you tomorrow.]

[Harper: See you tomorrow, Liam! And give Lydia my regards.]

Liam put his phone down on the table and turned toward his wife.

"Harper agreed to come over tomorrow."

Lydia nodded, and Liam smiled.

"I explained that we needed someone we could trust and that it would be a temporary job while we participate in the Antarctic operation. I didn't give her too many details about the children, but I mentioned that they have a few unusual traits."

"And how did she respond?"

"She seemed quite interested. I think she's curious to meet them."

Lydia let out a small laugh.

"Then she'll be in for a surprise when she sees Lionel and Liana."

Liam glanced toward the blanket.

Lionel was busy playing with a rubber toy, while Liana was waving her hands around, trying to get her brother's attention.

"I hope things go well this time."

"Me too."

◇◆◇

Later, Liam took advantage of a free moment to check some messages regarding his squad's preparations.

The international operation still didn't have a definitive date, but James had insisted that everyone remain ready.

Training continued at Ace of Spades, and the members of the Sixth Squad were spending more time improving their abilities.

Zayn and Nora were working together on reconnaissance and speed exercises, while Carol and Emily practiced new combinations of their powers. Jordan and Ray had also been training their defensive abilities, and Chloe was focused on improving coordination among the others through her [Resonance].

Chuck and Lena, as usual, always found a way to turn training into a competition, while Lucas and Eve continued adapting to their new squad.

Liam knew they still had plenty of room for improvement, but he trusted them.

However, for the time being, his main concern was at home.

When he checked his phone again, he found one last notification from Harper.

[Harper: By the way! I'm really happy you thought of me. I can't wait to see you guys!]

Liam replied with a smile.

[Liam: We're looking forward to it too. See you tomorrow.]

He put his phone away and approached Lydia, who was playing with the twins.

"Everything all right?" she asked.

"Yeah. Harper just confirmed she'll be coming tomorrow afternoon."

"Then we'll see if she's the right person for the job."

Liam sat beside his wife and picked Lionel up.

'I hope we have better luck this time...'

After all, finding someone capable of taking care of their children wasn't an easy task.

But Liam had a good feeling about this one.