I Became a Kindergarten Teacher for Monster Babies!-Chapter 347 Goodbye

When it was finally time to leave, a soft heaviness settled over the group. The glowing palace lights shimmered across the water, sending gentle waves of blue rippling over the children as they gathered near the turtle bus. Kelpie stood a little apart from the others, his eyes already turning glassy with the tears he was struggling so hard to hold back.

Rocky could not take it anymore. He rushed forward and wrapped his small, stone-warm arms around Kelpie with all the strength his tiny body could offer.

"I miss you," Rocky mumbled into Kelpie’s shoulder, his voice trembling just a little.

Kelpie’s face crumpled instantly. "Me too," he whispered as he hugged him back tightly.

When they finally pulled apart, one of Kelpie’s attendants stepped forward holding a small shiny pouch.

Kelpie wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, sniffed once, and held the pouch out shyly. "Rocky... inside there are pebbles I collected. I... I thought you would like them."

Rocky opened the pouch with trembling fingers. The moment he saw the tiny gleaming stones, each one polished smooth and sparkling like treasure, his eyes widened so dramatically it would have been funny if it were not so precious.

"I love it. They are so shiny. Kelpie, they are perfect," he cried happily, clutching the pouch to his chest as if it were priceless.

Kelpie’s face brightened a little at Rocky’s joy.

But then a soft gasp rippled through the group.

Sable’s shadows quivered with excitement as he noticed Arielle swimming toward him with her mother, her silver-pink tail glowing softly in the palace light. Everyone looked over curiously, and Sable immediately turned bright red, his shadows curling around his ankles like shy little ribbons.

Arielle swam right up to him, her eyes sparkling, her smile bright and sweet enough to make Sable forget how to breathe.

"Sable, we will meet again," she said cheerfully. "Mother said she will send me to the same kindergarten as you. So we can see each other every day and play again."

Sable’s heart almost jumped out of his tiny chest. He looked up at her with wide, disbelieving eyes, his shadows swirling wildly behind him like excited puppies.

"Really?" he whispered, excitement shaking his voice.

Arielle giggled and nodded, her long silver hair floating around her like a soft banner. "Really. So do not forget me, alright?"

Sable shook his head so fast that even Boo blinked in surprise. "Never. I will never forget you," he squeaked, his shadows bursting into tiny joyful twirls behind him.

The other babies grinned at him. Luna nudged Drake with her elbow, and even Vlad Jr. hid a small regal smile behind his elegant hand.

Kelpie sniffled again beside Rocky. "Everyone is leaving," he murmured sadly.

Alina stepped forward then, her voice warm and gentle as she gathered all her little ones close. "Goodbyes feel sad, but we will meet again very soon. And today gave all of you such beautiful memories, did it not?"

The babies nodded together, their eyes shining with a mix of joy and longing.

Lady Maris drifted closer at that moment, gliding gracefully toward them as soon as all the little ones finished their goodbyes. Her silver-aqua hair floated around her like a soft halo, and her lagoon-blue eyes were filled with a warm, almost motherly tenderness. She reached out and gently pulled Alina into her arms. The embrace was soft yet firm, the kind of hug that made Alina freeze for a heartbeat before she slowly relaxed into it.

"My dear," Lady Maris whispered, her voice as soothing as waves brushing the shore, "thank you for bringing such joy to our little tide and to all of us. Please come back again. Our palace will always welcome you."

Alina blinked quickly as her cheeks warmed. "Lady Maris, I... I should be the one thanking you. You have been so kind, far too kind."

Before she could speak further, Lady Maris pulled back with a bright smile. She reached into a small pearl-lined pouch carried by one of her attendants and took out a delicate box made of pure shell with soft shimmering layers shifting from lavender to pale gold.

"Here," she said gently, placing the box into Alina’s hands. "A small gift. Something from the ocean to remember us by."

Alina immediately shook her head, flustered. "Oh, no, no, please. I cannot accept something so expensive. You have already given us everything today. I really do not need—"

Lady Maris raised a graceful brow and pressed the box more firmly into Alina’s palms.

"You will take it," she said with warm playfulness, her smile leaving no room for refusal. "It is not payment. It is gratitude. And perhaps a little wish from a mother. May your path shine as brightly as this gift."

Alina’s throat tightened as she finally accepted it, her fingers curling around the smooth shell.

"Thank you," she whispered, her heart full and trembling.

Lady Maris smiled softly and cupped Alina’s cheek for a brief moment, a gesture so gentle it made Alina’s eyes sting.

"Come back to us soon," she said warmly. "Thalantis feels a little brighter with you in it."

Behind them, Kelpie waved both hands wildly, the pearls woven into his hair jingling like tiny bells. Drake cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, "BYE AUNTY" with such enthusiastic volume that Lady Maris covered her lips to hide a laugh. Sable lifted his hand shyly toward Arielle, his cheeks glowing pink as she waved back with both hands and blew him a tiny bubble kiss. Boo wrapped himself around Alina’s neck like an overexcited floating scarf, spinning proudly as if escorting her like a heroic guardian spirit.

King Corvus stepped forward then, his deep storm-blue eyes warm as he looked at Alina. "You are welcome in Thalantis anytime, Miss Alina," he said, his voice steady and sincere. "Our palace doors will always open for you."

Alina bowed her head slightly with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Truly."

Beside her, Dante extended his hand toward the king, a rare gesture from the usually distant Nightshade lord. King Corvus accepted it immediately, their grips firm and respectful, carrying the silent understanding of two powerful rulers who had just shared the same fear for their children.

"Thank you for the hospitality," Dante said quietly.

"And thank you for bringing your young ones," King Corvus replied with a small smile. "They brightened the entire palace today."

When their hands parted, Dante turned to the children and gently guided them toward the turtle bus, his hand resting lightly on Lucien’s back to keep him close. Alina hurried beside him, helping each little one climb up the steps, Rocky with his pouch of shiny stones held tightly against his chest, Luna still sniffling softly from saying goodbye to her new friends.