Chapter 10
Duke Maximiliano rose from his seat and walked toward Renata.
"Do you wish to know more about them?" he asked, pointing to the children who were playing happily with his wife and daughter.
"Oh… Well, they are the Duran siblings. Two years ago they arrived here after their house caught fire. Their nanny managed to get them out in time, but their parents and an older sister died in the fire. It is a very sad story. Many have wanted to adopt them separately, but four children at once is a lot for any family. I do not have the heart to separate them; they have suffered too much already."
"The Duran family… yes, I remember them now. They were of a noble family, weren't they?" Maximiliano paused. "Could you give me a moment more? I need to speak with my wife."
"Of course, I shall return in an instant."
The Duke approached Renata and pulled her away from the group of children, letting Valeria continue playing with them. He told her everything that Mrs. Rosa had mentioned, and the Duchess could not help but feel moved; so small and they had already gone through so much suffering.
"So, what do you say, darling? Do you think we could give them a home?"
"Are you serious?" Renata asked, with a mixture of surprise and emotion. "It is a great responsibility, but I believe we can give them all the love they deserve. Do you think Valeria will agree?"
"Of course she will, just look at her," Maximiliano said, pointing to his daughter, who was laughing while playing with the children.
Renata smiled; she was more than happy with the idea of adopting the Durans. She did not know how Valeria would react to so many children at once, but seeing her so happy playing, she knew she had already accepted them.
The Dukes looked for Mrs. Rosa to inform her of their decision and began the legal paperwork. Once finished, they returned to the children to give them the great news.
"We are back, children. We have a question for you," Maximiliano said.
"Would you like to live with us and be part of our family?"
Renata felt nervous; she really wanted to care for those little ones.
"A family? Are you going to adopt us all?" Sofia asked, incredulous.
"Yes, we are not going to separate you. You will live with us and you will be our children. What do you say, do you want to be part of our family?" Maximiliano added, with a nervous but sincere smile.
"Well… I do want to go with the fairy," little Mia said, looking at her siblings. Everyone waited for Sofia's response.
"Alright, we can try to be a family," Sofia accepted.
The Dukes released the air they had unconsciously been holding and embraced the children with genuine happiness. Valeria, moved by the scene, joined the group hug, and while a few tears of joy slid down, she exclaimed:
"The Cortes family certainly did grow!"
The Dukes let out a laugh; they had gone thinking of adopting one child and ended up taking four. After gathering their belongings, the children said goodbye to their friends and Mrs. Rosa.
"Remember to behave well with the Cortes family. You may visit us whenever you wish," Rosa said, while a treacherous tear escaped her.
"Of course we will return, Mrs. Rosa!" everyone responded in unison.
The Dukes and Valeria helped the children into the carriage, and during the journey to the duchy, they did not stop laughing at the children's antics.
Upon arrival, Maximiliano got down first, extended his hand to help Renata, and then the children. The servants of the duchy were surprised to see so many children behind their masters; no one knew who they were or that they were going to stay there.
Fredo, the butler, was the first to greet them, as he was the only one who knew about the adoption. Great was his surprise to see four children following his lords.
"Your excellencies, welcome."
"Thank you, Fredo. Please, gather all the staff in the main hall; we need to give some important news."
"As you command, Duke."
The children looked at the mansion in wonder; it seemed like a castle to them because of its size. Upon reaching the main hall, all the servants and some soldiers were already there, ready to receive the news.
"We have gathered you here because today we have decided, together with my wife and daughter, to grow our family," Maximiliano said. "I want to introduce you to the new members of the Cortes family: she is Sofia, they are Tomas and Lucas, and finally, Mia."
"They are now part of our family. We expect you to care for them and treat them with the same respect as any member of the house."
With this, they made it clear that they would not allow the children to be mistreated. The servants smiled happily; they had always wanted more children in the family and were not surprised by this decision.
"That is all. You may return to your duties. Fredo, I need you to find four maids to take personal charge of each child."
"Of course, sir. And allow me to congratulate you."
"Thank you, Fredo. Children, what do you say we show you your rooms?"
"Yes!" they responded in unison.
"Then let's go," Valeria said, taking the children by the hand. Renata took Sofia by the hand and Maximiliano carried Mia.
They showed them their rooms and told them that later on they could decorate them as they wished. Then four girls presented themselves who would take personal charge of each child. They helped them bathe and put on clean clothes. Once ready, they headed to the dining room where lunch was already prepared.
The children were somewhat nervous, so Valeria spoke to them:
"What is the matter, children? Do you not like the food?"
"We do like it, it is just that we do not know how to use the silverware," Tomas said, blushing.
Valeria smiled at his shyness and gave him a playful little pinch on the cheek. The Dukes imitated the action with the other children. Afterward, everyone returned to the table.
"Now you can eat as you wish. We are family; do not worry about etiquette. Later on, father will hire a teacher so you can learn, but for now, enjoy the food."
"Of course, children. As Valeria said, eat peacefully before it gets cold."
The servants watched them happily; seeing how their masters cared for and protected the new members of the family filled them with pride. After lunch, Maximiliano excused himself; he had to go to the palace, as the previous day he had agreed to meet with the Emperor.