Warhammer: Hail to the Void Lords!.

Chapter 798 08.797: "An incredible person?"

The heavy oak door of Admiral Samuel Hood's office closed behind him, shutting out the cold light of star maps and strategic briefings.

Horatio's heart had already flown away, and he ran towards the carrier-based shuttle as fast as possible without losing his dignity. The low roar of the engine was the most pleasant music to his ears at the moment.

During the short voyage, his fingertips unconsciously tapped the strange metal on the armor. Outside the porthole, the familiar outline of Alexander Hood's residence came closer and closer. Warm lights shone through several windows. One of them, he knew, belonged to Farida's boudoir.

His lover was waiting for him at home with their child, the continuation of his bloodline.

Although the pile of fleet affairs on the data pad still flashed through his mind, at this moment, nothing could stop him from meeting his new flesh and blood.

"It's a little miracle, don't you think? Look, his brow ridges have the heroic style of Captain Cochrane, but his mouth and nose are like yours, Farida." Lina's voice was soft and clear.

She had taken off her usual meticulous uniform of a naval civilian officer and put on an ivory Rococo dress. The silk of the skirt shone softly in the light of the fireplace.

She sat gracefully beside Farida, gazing at the swaddled baby.

The little fellow just stretched his chubby body and let out a satisfied hum. Then he opened his curious eyes wide, babbled, and stretched out his round little fists, instinctively reaching towards the direction of his mother and Lina's faces, grabbing at the source of light and sound.

Farida sighed softly, with a lingering regret on her smile: "It's a pity that I didn't have time to feed him my colostrum for a few days before the fleet's transfer order was issued. Most of this God-given nutrition was not fed to my child by hand."

A blush swept across her peach-like pink cheeks. Her fingers unconsciously twisted the delicate lace on her cuffs and pouted her red lips: "That guy got a bargain instead."

"Little Horace has grown up healthily. Thanks to the blessing of the God-Emperor."

Lina said quietly, gently holding the baby's soft little hand, "He really enjoys the low-gravity environment. Other maids told me that every time the shuttle landed on the surface of a planet, such as when it made a brief stop at the Aurora Port before, once it was in standard gravity, little Horace would cry non-stop.

But once he was placed back in the zero-gravity bassinet in the nursery, he immediately calmed down and enjoyed the floating sensation."

"You are truly born with naval blood. Perhaps, little Horace can fulfill his father's last wish for me." A hint of sadness flashed across Farida's eyes, mixed with the hope of being a new mother.

She subconsciously looked at the portrait hanging above the fireplace. It was her father, a fleet commander who had also dedicated his life to the stars, but was now unconscious in a stasis field due to a conspiracy by a villain.

At this moment, there was a slight vibration outside the mansion, followed by the metallic sound of the heavy bolt of the main door opening - clang.

A moment later, clear and rhythmic footsteps were heard in the hall downstairs. It was the unique echo of military boots stepping on the polished floor, steady and firm.

"Sir, please come this way. The lady is waiting for you in the room." The old but still meticulous and respectful voice of Marius, the old butler of the Alexander Hood family, came from the bottom of the stairs.

As soon as she heard the familiar footsteps, the sadness on Farida's face disappeared quietly like morning mist meeting the scorching sun, not instantly, but quickly. A touch of warm joy appeared on her face, and her eyes, which had been a little gloomy just now, now sparkled with bright and eager brilliance.

Horatio strode into the room, still carrying the admiralty's mixture of cold metal and purified air, but his eyes were gentle enough to melt ice.

"I came to see my little beauty and our little one to see if they are having a good time today. Oh, Miss Lina, it's nice to see you. I just visited your father. His contribution to the fleet is admirable. I sincerely congratulate him on his promotion to commodore."

He greeted the two ladies with an easy warmth.

"My dear, you are back from the Admiralty."

Farida, wearing a hazy silk dress, came forward, the hem of her dress swaying like water waves as she moved. One of her hands naturally rested on his strong arm, leaning on him and asking, "Any new news? How long can we stay in Abyss Harbor?"

Horatio’s voice, which was usually so decisive, now contained a rare hint of hesitation: “We…will be setting sail in two months.

It will be a long journey, almost across the entire Hazy Star Region.

I've been thinking, Farida... maybe it would be a better choice for you to stay in Abyss Harbor and take care of little Horatio." Her answer was quick and clear, with her chin slightly raised: "No, Horatio."

Her voice was soft, but with unquestionable firmness, "I have my mission, and my duty is on the bridge. Although the thought of leaving him, my heart..." She paused, her eyes cast at the sleeping baby in her arms, her eyes full of the struggle and reluctance of a mother.

In this moment of silence, the blond baby in his arms suddenly moved, and his round blue eyes, sparkling with the light of newborn intelligence, slowly opened.

An unclear murmur, but with the most primitive human emotion, rang out: "Dad... Dad... muamua..."

This was followed by a series of pleasant, wet babbling sounds, like an incomplete kiss.

A smile slowly spread across Horatio's face. He looked at Farida tenderly and asked in a low voice, "Is this your masterpiece, dear?"

Farida's hands unconsciously covered her lips, her eyes filled with surprise and excitement: "No... this is... this is the first time he called us."

Little Horace, who is almost one year old, has now been weaned and is babbling.

These simple syllables, however, caused deeper thoughts to well up in Horatio's mind.

The child's future and his education suddenly fell on his heart like a heavy ballast stone.

If you bring your children with you on the voyage, you can certainly take care of them at all times, but it also means that you will be away from the best educational resources in Abyss Port.

"Mr. Cochrane." Lina's voice was as steady as ever, with a unique calmness. She slightly adjusted the gold-rimmed glasses on her nose, and the lenses reflected soft light. "Excuse me, are you worried about the enlightenment education of young Master Horace?"

"You are very perceptive, Miss Lina. I am... a little worried."

“As Miss Farida Hood’s chief personal maid, I have received systematic training in childcare and early education since I was young.

Moreover, Yin Shuyao, Miss Tei, and I are all graduates of Plymmaw College for Women. We have received the best education for women in Abyssport.

Although our curriculum is designed specifically for ladies, the basic early education knowledge is universal, and we are fully capable of guiding young Master Horace through his elementary education.

Besides, wouldn't it be a better influence for him to be able to be by your side from time to time and receive the teachings and actions of an outstanding captain of the Imperial Navy in person?"

As soon as she finished speaking, a strong and warm hand suddenly pressed on Lina's shoulder—stronger and more steady than she expected.

This sudden touch, although well-intentioned, still made Lina tremble slightly involuntarily.

She looked up, her usual composure broken for a moment, and met Horatio's earnest gaze.

"Miss Lina!" Horatio's voice was filled with obvious relief. "Your proposal... is really timely. We are so lucky to have you by Farida's side and willing to take on this important task. This undoubtedly lifts a huge stone from our hearts."

"Please prepare as soon as possible, Mr. Cochrane," Lina quickly regained her usual composure and cleverly changed the subject, "You can't wear this uniform of armor to attend the school celebration."

"Huh? School anniversary?" Horatio was a little confused.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you, Horatio!" Farida's eyes suddenly flashed with excitement, and the solemnity just now was swept away.

She held his arm affectionately, her voice full of excitement and energy: "Abridal Zhongsi College is about to hold a celebration for its 800th anniversary! Oh, yes! This time, a great man will be attending the celebration!"

(End of this chapter)