Chapter 25

Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad Chapter 25

The twins, carried by each parent, looked around curiously, their bright eyes darting left and right in fascination. Every week, the family would attend church, and this was the only time Arabella and Iñigo could explore the neighborhood beyond the familiar sight of their home. The twins were excited as they observed the outside world and the many people walking around dressed in formal Sunday clothes.

It only took a few minutes for the family to reach a small church that could house about 100 people. Its white-painted walls felt divine. The worship music had just started as they found their seats near the back, where there was enough space for the family.

Arabella and Iñigo listened as the congregation sang hymns respectfully, their unified voices filling the church like a wave of devotion. The twins also glanced at their parents, who were singing along with soft expressions.

Iñigo curiously stared at his father, who was currently carrying him. Karlos looked back at his son, who was gazing up at him with wide eyes full of wonder. He smiled at the baby boy, and Iñigo giggled.

Meanwhile, Maya and Arabella were in sync. The baby girl babbled as if trying to mimic her mother’s singing, letting out random sounds. Unfortunately, the best she could manage were “ga,” “ah,” and “baa!”

Arabella seemed to be enjoying herself. Since over a hundred people were singing, her babbling didn’t stand out and was completely drowned out by the voices around her.

Once the worship ended, the priest began his sermon, preaching about the greatness of the Ocean Goddess. The congregation listened respectfully with solemn attention.

Karlos had learned that this world had once possessed magic, but that mysterious power gradually faded away until people began relying on science to improve their lives.

However, despite the disappearance of magic and the rise of science, religion remained strong in many countries. Karlos followed the Ocean Church due to his occupation as a full-time fisherman who risked his life every time he sailed.

He didn’t find it strange or unusual. As a fisherman, the best he could do was worship the Goddess who held authority over the ocean, hoping she would be merciful and kind.

In fact, unlike others who were uncertain about the Goddess's existence, Karlos's faith was firm and rooted in personal experience.

He had once met a congregation of deities before being isekai-ed into this world, a memory he would never forget. Since then, he had put his faith in the Ocean Church as a way of honoring that divine encounter.

When the sermon ended, the church members gave offerings to the statue of the Ocean Goddess, which stood tall at the altar, sculpted from polished stone. The money collected was used to pay the priests and church staff, maintain the church, repaint walls, and fix broken things.

Karlos wasn’t sure if the money was always used for its intended purpose or if some went into private pockets, but he still sincerely offered 1,000 pesos every week without complaint. That amount could feed a family of five for one or two weeks, depending on how frugal they were, yet Karlos gave it willingly.

He had his reasons for every offering. He wanted to show sincerity to the Ocean Goddess and prayed she would take care of him and protect him from disaster whenever he went out to sea.

'Dear Ocean Goddess, I hope you will protect me from the danger of the ocean. Please bless me with a bountiful catch every time I fish. Thank you,' he whispered silently in his heart, hoping his words would reach her.

Karlos quietly prayed after inserting his offering into the box at the feet of the Ocean Goddess’s statue, his head slightly bowed in respect.

He hoped his sincerity would satisfy the Goddess and bring him protection. As a fisherman, he knew he was no match for the terror of the ocean. When logic and strength failed, faith was all he could rely on.

After that, the family didn’t return to Kubo. Instead, they hired a tricycle to take them to the bank in the middle of town. Their town had three different banks to accommodate boat owners who earned income from selling their catch. Carrying money worth around 100,000 pesos was risky, so depositing it in a bank was safer and more convenient. That’s why the three banks were built close to the town center.

This time, the couple decided to deposit the 19,000 pesos they had saved over the past few days. They also wanted to open savings accounts for the twins as part of their long-term plan. They intended to deposit 2,000 pesos every month into each account. They would continue doing this until the kids started college, ensuring they wouldn’t struggle with tuition fees. With this, they didn’t have to worry about the children’s education funds.

It was the twins’ first time riding a tricycle, and they were startled when the vehicle roared like an angry beast in their ears.

When they arrived at the National Adobo Bank, one of the major banks in the country known for its trustworthy service, they were relieved to see that only a few people were inside and the queue was short.

They waited in line quietly and patiently. However, Arabella unexpectedly peed her diaper, so Maya had to take her to the restroom to change her diaper with motherly speed.

When their names were called, Maya still hadn’t returned from the restroom, so Karlos had to handle the bank business on his own, despite feeling unsure about some of the paperwork.

The female bank teller smiled at Karlos, clearly impressed by his appearance and the quiet confidence he radiated. Dressed in formal attire, Karlos exuded charisma like a businessman who had just closed a major deal.

When Karlos smiled back, the bank teller blushed and fumbled the pen in her hand.

“Sir, what’s your business in our bank?”

“I want to deposit 15,000 into my wife’s bank account. Also, I want to open two savings accounts for my twins,” he said clearly and politely.

“Alright, wait, Sir, did you just say wife?”

“Ah? Is there something wrong?”

“Yes, is there something wrong with what my husband said?” Maya suddenly appeared, her voice sharp and cold.

Maya had returned, but she was not in a good mood, and it showed clearly in her expression. She sat down beside Karlos, holding Arabella, who had just been changed. The bank teller coughed and avoided Maya’s gaze, realizing her mistake. Maya had seen how the teller was mesmerized by Karlos and didn’t like it one bit.

The bank teller awkwardly processed their requests while avoiding further eye contact with Maya. She also asked for the twins’ birth certificates since the accounts were under their names as part of the bank’s identification process. They even took thumbprints from the twins to authenticate account ownership in the future. That was why the children had to be present, even though they clearly had no idea what was going on.

When the couple exited the bank, Maya narrowed her gaze at Karlos, still visibly displeased.

“That bank teller was flirting with you. Do you know that?”

“What? I didn’t know,” Karlos replied innocently, while Iñigo pulled at his collar, trying to get his attention.

“You even smiled at her,” Maya said coldly, with a hint of sarcasm.

“I did?” Karlos tilted his head in genuine confusion.

“…Tch, let’s go back. We’ve already finished our business,” Maya adjusted Arabella in her arms.

They hired another tricycle to return to their small coastal home. Walking would have taken two hours, and the kids wouldn’t have endured that without becoming cranky, so hiring a tricycle was the better option despite the extra cost.

Karlos felt like he had messed up, even though he had been innocent. He knew he had to make it up to Maya later with extra affection and sincere apologies...

That night, Karlos and Maya had make-up sex as a way to settle things peacefully between them.

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