Chapter 46 ~ The Life of Luca

“So, what about your mother?” Luca asked. 

“My mom is just a merchant at the wet market, selling meat and fish,” replied Belinda. 

“What's a trader?” asked Luca. 

Belinda was silent for a moment, and began to explain Luca's question. 

“A merchant is a person who sells goods for money. In this case, my mom sells meat and fish at the market. She works hard every day to make ends meet.” Belinda explained it clearly. 

Luca nodded, trying to understand. “So, she provides the food for you?”

“Yes, exactly,” Belinda replied with a small smile. “And she's also well known among the customers. Many people like to buy from my mom, because she always maintains the quality of her wares.” Luca was amazed when Belinda immediately brightened up and her face lit up when she told him about her mother. 

“How does it feel to have a mother who works in the market?” Luca asks further. 

“Sometimes I feel sorry for her when she's exhausted, but I'm proud of her,” Belinda says. “She is a strong and independent person. I learned a lot from her about perseverance and hard work.” 

“I find her very inspiring,” Luca said sincerely. “You must have a lot of memories with her.”

Belinda nodded, thinking of the times she had helped her mother sell merchandise. “Positive and negative. But I prefer to remember the positive ones. We shared a lot of laughter, even in the midst of our busy lives.”

“It seems like your relationship is very strong,” Luca said. 

“Yes, that's the most important thing. We both support each other,” Belinda replied, feeling the warm sense of family flowing through her.

“What about your parents, Luca?” asked Belinda. 

My parents? There are no special memories in my memory. In fact, I interact with my father when he calls me, just like when I need a servant,” said Luca, leaving Belinda stunned. 

“My mother died giving birth to me. And I grew up being taken care of by my nanny. My life was monotonous and nothing special, every day was just. Studying, training and fighting. In fact, at the age of six, I was already fighting and killing monsters,” Luca replied, leaving Belinda shocked. 

Belinda was wide-eyed at Luca's explanation. “Wait... you've been fighting monsters since the age of six? That's so scary!” 

Luca nodded, his face looking flat. “In my place, it's a natural thing. Monsters are everywhere, and we have to protect ourselves. However, I don't want to discuss it further. It's a dark past,” he said, looking down.

“Sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable,” Belinda said gently. “But, how does it feel to grow up without your parents' love? You must have felt lonely.”

“Lonely? Maybe,” Luca replied, scratching the back of his neck. “But I'm used to it. I had a coach who trained me, and a nanny who took good care of me. Even though there was no motherly love, I learned to be strong and independent.”

Belinda sensed the pain in Luca's voice. “I can't imagine living like that. But you managed to overcome it. That's amazing.”

“Thank you,” Luca said, smiling slightly. “But I want more than just training and fighting. I want to find something more meaningful in my life,” Luca said, looking at Belinda in front of him. 

“What will you do to achieve that?” asked Belinda curiously.

“I don't know,” Luca replied, staring into the distance. “Maybe explore the world beyond my place, experience new things, and interact with people. Like you, for example. Learning from other people's experiences.”

Belinda was touched by Luca's words. “I hope you find what you're looking for. Life is more than just fighting a war. There is much happiness to be found out there.”

“Yes, I hope so too,” Luca said with a smile. “Perhaps we can help each other in this quest.” 

Belinda nodded. “I'd love to explore this whole galaxy and create new memories. If you're willing, I'll accompany you.”

“Are you really going to keep me company, Bell?” asked Luca, surprised to hear that Belinda wanted to keep him company. 

“Of course. A pet should always follow its master,” she replied in a joking tone. 

“You're my queen now, Belinda. You're the queen of the North,” Luca said with emphasis. 

“I know,” Belinda replied with a sweet smile. 

As time passed, the two grew closer to each other. Without realizing it, Belinda felt their fingers rubbing together. There was a growing attraction and mutual understanding between them.

“Are you feeling relaxed now?” asked Luca looking at their interlocking fingers.

“Yes,” Belinda replied. 

Their gazes were drawn to each other. Luca moved closer to Belinda and caressed her firm, tiny jaw. 

“You're so tiny,” Luca whispered. “I was afraid to hurt you.”

“I am a descendant of the goddess Bloodmoon; nothing can make me weak,” Belinda replied, making Luca smile.

Luca brought their faces closer and kissed Belinda very gently on the lips. Not idly, Belinda returned the man's kiss by draping her arms around Luca's neck. 

Luca pulled Belinda's small body onto his lap without letting go of their increasingly intense and passionate kiss. 

When their lips parted for a moment, Belinda felt her heartbeat quicken. Her eyes met Luca's, and there was a sparkle of feeling that warmed her entire body. 

“I've never felt like this before,” Belinda whispered, her voice almost inaudible.

“Neither have I,” Luca replied, his heavy voice thrilling. “It's like we found each other in the midst of this difficult life.”

Belinda smiles a little, her fingers playing with the dark strands of Luca's hair. “I guess we do complement each other,” she says, then shifts her face closer.