Marvel Magic Case Files

Chapter 1165 Bedroom Decision (Second Update)

If a typical family adopts a very young child, they are very likely to conceal the fact that there is no blood relation between them.

Salomon, however, believed that Milia's maturity would eventually lead her to realize that she was not related to him or the witch by blood. He wanted Milia to face the truth and not waste time on the meaningless emotional impact of blood ties—a thought that was harsh, but Milia's responsibilities did not allow her to dwell on it. The idea of ​​"doing everything to satisfy oneself," as ingrained in Western education, was completely absent from Salomon's own upbringing and his teachings of others; responsibility to the collective always outweighed personal desires.

Milia, as the daughter of a devil, possesses extraordinary talent, but as a pawn manipulated by beings from another dimension, she is destined to have little personal freedom. Under the protection and pampering of Salomon and Bayonetta, Milia can grow up healthy and happy; she can even climb up and down the gaps in the power armor of the Royal Guard and Salomon, running wild without restraint and learning everything she desires. Even so, she must still face the responsibilities and curses she bears—an inescapable reality.

If this were an American superhero comic or TV series, then Milia would, after discovering her true parentage, rise up against her adoptive father, rescue her birth mother, and then debut as a street fighter against crime. Perhaps later there would be a scene where she discovers her responsibilities and bravely takes them on, then, predictably, messes things up, plunging humanity into a huge crisis, until a prepared adult comes to the rescue [a cliché plot referencing DC's Teen Titans: Raven].

This scenario is now impossible, and Salomon himself dislikes and has no time for melodramatic plot twists in television dramas. Therefore, without the witch's permission, he arranged for Milia to meet her birth mother, Gabriella Rossetti, to gradually familiarize her with her true identity. Salomon believes that the sooner a wound is reopened, the sooner it will heal, and that this would be beneficial to Milia's mental health. Therefore, he accompanied her throughout their first few meetings to prevent the mad nun from influencing Milia's thinking.

The process of meeting her daughter was akin to a prison visit. Although Gabriella Rossetti was now working in a shop in the Immortal City, she could only see her daughter through thick bulletproof glass, as the corruption within her remained. Milia's biological father, Damon Helstrom, was completely unable to see his offspring, as he was still under close surveillance and control. Even Salomon's old friend, Anna Helstrom, had to apply to see her brother. However, Anna Helstrom's chances of seeing her niece were somewhat easier; she only needed to undergo an awakening assessment (including psychological tests such as Rorschach inkblot) to see Milia in the presence of Salomon or a witch.

After dinner, Salomon took the opportunity during their walk to give Milia some pointers on what to do when they met.

Milia was able to visit the Immortal City regularly to meet Gaby. Salomon had other plans for the girl he had put on his collar. Even a custom-made power armor and a greatsword personally crafted by Salomon were already in the armory, waiting for the user. Without any reservations, he told Milia's background, including how she was born, how he found her and adopted her, without adding any personal emotions.

For a child who was practically a blank slate, this almost cruel bluntness did not cause any emotional turmoil, because she had no concept of what a birth mother or an adoptive mother was. All she knew was that the person who doted on her would continue to dote on her, and nothing would change. This was also what Salomon repeatedly emphasized: even without blood ties, Milia was always his family.

After sending the satisfied Venerable back to the Himalayan headquarters via a portal, Bayonetta sat cross-legged on the sofa and picked up Milia, placing her beside her. A pistol rested on the sofa armrest, and two long swords leaned against her thighs; she looked about to get angry. Only Joan of Arc was still leisurely enjoying her enormous bowl of jelly dessert with elegant movements.

Salomon sighed and raised his hands in surrender.

He knew the witch wasn't petty enough to be angry because he hadn't informed the Venerable One of his upcoming visit; the only reason could be his arrangements for Milia—a glowing inscription was wrapped around Bayonetta's finger, playing back every word Salomon had ever said to Milia. The witch had control over the protective magic surrounding Milia, and Salomon hadn't paid much attention to it. Now that Bayonetta knew his plans, he had no intention of hiding anything.

"Milia's future is important." Salomon ordered his invisible servant to bring three cups and a bottle of chilled vodka, then sat down on the sofa opposite the witch, intending to have an open and frank discussion about Milia. Bayonetta understood Salomon's look, so she had Diana take Milia to her own room to sleep, along with Bayonetta's beloved Cheshire Cat plush toy and a real Cheshire Cat.

"I hope she can grow up to be a strong person. She must break free from the influence of her birth mother and bloodline as soon as possible, and rid herself of the madness and extreme ideologies hidden within her lineage," Salomon said earnestly, his voice filled with sincerity, which even made the witch waver slightly. "She must learn to face her past. Letting her come into contact with and accept our guidance from a young age will be very helpful for her mental health development."

"She's too young, Salomon. And she's a witch; her future is in my hands." Bayonetta rarely addressed her by her first name. "Milia will become the greatest witch of all time. Don't put her in power armor."

"Whether she becomes a witch or not, she must face her destiny. Pampering won't solve the problem; if she doesn't address it, the problem will come to her." Salomon handed Bayonetta and Joan a full glass of vodka. "We will provide her with a loving environment, but ultimately she will have to face the future alone. All we can do is prepare her for it. She can become a great person if she learns enough skills to face her destiny."

Family problems are usually resolved this way. Both the witch and he know that the ultimate winner of this argument is Salomon, who operates on rational thinking. This bottle of vodka is Salomon's way of letting the witch vent her dissatisfaction. And then there's the bedroom, Bayonetta's favorite place to initiate arguments. Every disagreement between Salomon and the witch is resolved there, which is why their family environment has been so harmonious since they started living together.

Bayonetta turned to look at Jeanne, and after a series of earth-shattering coughs, the white-haired witch wiped her mouth with feigned nonchalance and revealed her thoughts. However, this was of little practical significance; Jeanne did not agree with any of Bayonetta's or Salomon's ideas. She believed that it was enough for Milia to continue eating, drinking, playing, and studying diligently as usual.

Her statement was completely ignored by the other two, because it was too unambitious. Neither Bayonetta nor Salomon wanted to raise Milia into a useless person—in fact, only Joan of Arc could have such an idea. As the only lazybones in the house, Bayonetta had to drag her out of bed every morning, otherwise Joan of Arc could stay in bed until afternoon tea time.

"It's 10 PM now." Bayonetta bit her lower lip and glanced at the clock. "Five hours?"

"Until dawn, my dear, you know the winner will always be me."

Please vote for me!

(End of this chapter)