ETERNAL INSECT SYSTEM

005 - HE IS ARTE BALDER

"I don't care about any of that, let his identity remain a mystery in this World of Magic and Sword.” Hilda no longer cared about her husband's wild assumptions.

She continued, “What matters now is that we both take care of this baby. Honestly, I've fallen in love with this adorable little one!"

“Perhaps, this is the answer from the Gods to our long-time prayers for a child. May we adopt him as our own, my dear husband?" she asked with hopeful eyes.

Gunnar smiled, especially seeing that the tiny baby was now calm and soundly asleep in Hilda's arms. His heart instantly melted.

"Of course, I wanted to suggest the same. This is a blessing from the Gods for us, who haven't had a child yet!” Gunnar softly stroked his wife’s hair.

He then leaned closer to inspect a necklace on the baby. “It says Arte here. It seems the baby’s name is Arte!” Gunnar whispered.

“How about we name him after our family name? He would be Arte Balder. That way, no one would suspect anything in the future," Gunnar proposed enthusiastically.

"Sounds good, I also immediately felt a strong connection with this little one. It's as if he's happy with that name," Hilda smiled, nodding in agreement.

"Very well, little one, from now on you are Arte Balder! Whoever your birth parents are who abandoned you, from today, you are our son!" declared Gunnar, looking so proud.

Meanwhile, Hilda, still cradling and nursing little Arte, couldn't stop smiling. She gazed at her baby with a mother's genuine smile.

From then on, Arte became known as the son of Baron Gunnar and Hilda, who ruled several small villages nearby.

Though he would bear the baron title, his life was far from lavish and opulent, unlike most nobles in the kingdom.

However, in exchange, Arte would have a harmonious and loving family. Even the village residents adored young Arte.

That very night, the Baron's family held a small feast to celebrate their joy of having Arte Balder.

The villagers were ecstatic and none were suspicious, for Gunnar and Hilda had recently moved there, so their story didn't seem out of place.

And so began the story of young Arte Balder, growing up among the residents of that remote village. His childhood was blissful, as everyone was delighted by his presence.

***

A decade passed swiftly. Arte Balder had grown into an active and slightly mischievous boy. He was known to quarrel with his friends over minor things.

However, being physically stronger than his peers, he always came out on top if things got physical.

Today, Hilda happened to witness her son's antics. Without wasting any time, she scolded young Arte all day.

Meanwhile, Gunnar merely watched from a distance, smiling. He didn’t dare intervene, fearing his fearsome wife's wrath might turn on him.

"How many times have I told you not to fight! Do you want to be punished again, you naughty little Arte?" Hilda sternly questioned, hands on her hips, as Arte knelt before her, head bowed.

Hilda was frustrated with Arte's constant mischief. Sometimes, other parents in the village, whose kids were victims of Arte's pranks, complained to her.

Countless times, Hilda had to cover the medical bills for those kids. Nobody else to blame but her handsome and strong son, Arte Balder.

"I'm sorry, Mom, but my friends hate insects! They often kill them, even though insects never harm anyone! I'm just so angry at them," Arte responded.

"Don't I have a right to be angry? And didn't you teach me to be kind to all living things? Insects are included, right? Why do you only scold me and not my other friends?" he added.

Arte defended himself well, but overwhelmed by the scolding, tears flowed from his eyes.

Hilda paused, sensing her son's honesty. She felt a pang of guilt in the silence.

Yet, she had to admit, despite his recent tears, his charm and wit were undiminished. Young Arte, with his neat hair and fair complexion, was unmistakably handsome and smart from an early age.

"You always have an answer for everything! You're right, my dear Arte. But you shouldn’t resolve things with violence. You can talk to your friends nicely, can't you?"

Hilda's heart softened, and she gently hugged her son. She couldn't stay mad, especially when he was like this. All she wanted was for her son to grow up kind.

But she was taken aback by his next words, staring wide-eyed in disbelief.

"But Mom, Dad taught me all that! He said if they don't listen to words alone, then the only way is to give them a good thrashing, right Dad?" 

Young Arte looked towards his father, leaning against the door frame. He was innocent, but his words were undeniable. All of it had been taught by his father, Baron Gunnar Balder.

"So, it was you who taught our son such things?! Looks like you're sleeping in the horse stable tonight! You're not allowed inside until tomorrow!" Hilda glared at Gunnar.

She stared at her husband like a predator ready to pounce. Her hand still wiping away Arte's tears. She was like a lioness.

"That's not fair, my wife! I merely provided guidance on how a true man should act, so he can be strong and not too soft," Gunnar protested.

Once a gentle and obedient wife, now a fierce mother, not only to Arte but to him too. Such rotten luck!

Hilda, catching Gunnar's muttering, gave a chilling smile, then pushed her husband out the wooden door, shutting it behind.

"Get out now! And if you ask Arte for help to open the door, remember, Arte, you'll also sleep outside with your father!" Hilda threatened, voice fierce.

Both the grown man and young boy stood in silence. They looked at each other, not daring to defy the house's ruler.

"You've put me in an unfavorable position! I'll get you for this, little Arte! I have to sleep in the horse stable tonight!" Gunnar shouted from outside the closed door.

Arte silently observed, thinking, “I'm sorry, Dad. I was just being honest and didn't dare defy Mom. Please forgive me…”