The Villainous Son Loves His Mother - Chapter 10

◆

My mornings start early.
I wake up before sunrise, or shortly after, and get ready.
Just as I finished changing into my workout clothes, there was a knock on the door.

“Young Master, it’s Feri.”

“Come in.”

With my permission, Feri, the head servant, entered the room.
Feri oversees several servants responsible for various household tasks. She’s competent enough that I’ve bothered to remember her name.
She’s also not human, but that’s irrelevant to me.
Like Gaddem, Feri was purchased from a slave trader who was on friendly terms with the previous head of the family, Damian, and is a rare species called a Delphen.
She has dark skin, pointed ears, and long, narrow, hazel-colored eyes that shine mysteriously.
Well, I think she looks good enough to be shown to outsiders as a servant.
Because of these characteristics, Delphens are valued as playthings, but I’m not so vulgar that I would indulge in acts without love.

That’s why I assigned Feri a job that suits her particular traits.
Like Gaddem, Feri is very loyal to the House of Aster.
Well, after all, I restored her from a state where her limbs and tongue had been severed, and she’d been used as a s3x doll.
If she hadn’t been loyal after that, I wouldn’t have kept her alive.
But now that I think about it, even I don’t fully understand why I bought Feri in such a state.
I just felt this inexplicable urge that I had to buy her.

Perhaps it was just a whim.
Her restoration was quite arduous.
It required advanced magic and several expensive catalysts.
The total cost far exceeded her purchase price—it’s almost laughable.

“Sir Gaddem has finished his preparations at the training grounds and is waiting. Lady Helga has already begun her duties, and there is nothing else to report.”

“Understood. Very well.”

“Very well. I shall take my leave.”

Having concluded our conversation, I headed to the training grounds.
What else would I be doing there but training?
As members of the House of Aster, we must remain strong.
While such a relentless pursuit of power isn’t typically expected of a Duchal House, there’s a clear reason for it.
The Gaines Empire boasts twenty-four Duchal Houses, but twelve of them, unlike their counterparts, fulfill special roles and are scattered across the empire’s vast territories.

Their primary duty is to serve as the cornerstone of the empire’s defense.
While other Duchal Houses naturally contribute to defense, their main responsibility lies in governing their extensive domains.
The twelve noble houses, however, possess smaller territories and are strategically positioned to guard key points across the empire.
In particular, the House of Aster and the House of Sarion are court nobles without landed estates, their sole purpose being the defense of the Imperial Capital.
This unique form of nobility in the Gaines Empire was considered unusual by other nations, but it had likely become established due to the empire’s constant position on the front lines of the war against the Demon Lord’s Army.

–
–

(Well, the roles themselves don’t really matter.)

As I thought this, I used a backhanded strike to nudge the flat of Gaddem’s descending great axe, deflecting its trajectory.
Seizing the opportunity created by Gaddem’s unbalanced stance, I closed the distance with a step or two and slammed my right fist into his ribs.
If an Inferior Knight with moderate training had taken that blow, their upper body might have been torn apart.
But Gaddem gritted his teeth and endured it.
Not only that—

“Ngh… Grah… Ooooooh! I’ll kill you!!!”

He swung his great axe with murderous intent, hacking at me with full force.
During training, I didn’t mind a little foul language.
Holding back would defeat the purpose of training.

(Kill, die—perfectly acceptable.)

Who in the world says “How do you do” when they’re about to kill someone?
This time, I chose not to deflect the blows, but to receive them head-on.

— Oui-Plu Repulsion Field

As a thin film formed over the surface of my body, the great axe came to an abrupt halt, stopping just a hair’s breadth from my neck.
There are many types of defensive magic.
Some materialize magic power into literal walls, while others generate localized air currents to block formless attacks like flames.
Mine is particularly useful for training because it doesn’t harm the attacker or the object.
Gaddem bared his sharp fangs, his entire body tense with effort as he trembled violently, straining against the great axe.

“Gaddem! Pour every ounce of strength into it! Just land a single scratch on me, and I’ll praise you!”

I urged Gaddem on, and then—

“Alright, that’s enough.”

I stopped the training.
If I pushed him any further, Gaddem’s arm would break. He’s the kind of man who doesn’t know how to hold back. If I told him to give it his all, he’d keep straining until his arm snapped—no, even after it snapped, he’d keep straining.
It’s quite admirable, really.
As I’ve said before, Gaddem is remarkably capable. He can keep up with me through a certain level of training intensity. When I tell him not to hold back, he truly doesn’t, which helps me keep my combat instincts sharp.
Whether this truly counts as training for me is debatable, but it’s undoubtedly beneficial for Gaddem. As a gatekeeper for the House of Aster, he needs to become even stronger.

・
・

“Today’s training is complete. Gaddem, take a break and then return to your duties.”

Without waiting for a response, I returned to my room, redressed, and went to have breakfast.

◆

“Good morning, Hein. You must be tired from this morning’s training.”

“Good morning, Mother. Not at all. I enjoy the training. To be honest, the academy is far more tedious.”

“Don’t skip classes, and try to get along with your friends.”

“Of course. I’ll endure no matter how many Inferior clutters my vision.”

Love sometimes brings pain.
Mother loves me, and that’s why she sets these trials for me.

“Y-yes… Endure… I know you can do it.”

Mother looked troubled for a moment, but she quickly smiled and encouraged me.
Yes, I’m sure I can do it.

§

“Well then, I’ll be off, Mother.”

“Have a good day, Hein. Do your best.”

After receiving a kiss on the cheek from Mother, I cheerfully headed toward the academy.
And then…

・
・
・

…I immediately sensed an ominous presence.
It wasn’t exactly a presence, but more like a current—a feeling that trouble was brewing.
That’s because Esmeralda, the female Sarion, said this to me first thing in the morning.

“Good morning. I was wondering if you might have some time after class to speak?”

“No. I don’t have time.”

Naturally, I refused.
I couldn’t possibly spare any time.
I didn’t know what she wanted to discuss, but every minute spent talking to her would mean less time with Mother!
Sarionmes wouldn’t understand, but we mortals lose time with every passing second, simply by existing.
It’s a sad truth, but Mother is the same.

The merciless flow of time is relentless, and I can’t help but feel indignant.
Perhaps that’s precisely why I’m determined to live each second without regret.
Therefore, I won’t waste even a moment on Sarionmes.
If I could, I’d even consider flying straight back instead of taking a carriage.
Without worrying about the collateral damage, it would take less than five minutes.
But that would burden Mother with the cleanup afterward, so I refrain.

“I see… I understand. Then, what about during the break?”

“No. I have things to think about. But if you absolutely must talk, speak here. There are still fifteen minutes before class starts.”

Break time was break time, and I needed to think about Mother.
Closing my eyes, I needed to immerse myself deeply in my own world, painting her image across the infinite night sky of my mental realm.
I need to offer a prayer of love, wishing her health and happiness.
That’s why I don’t have time, but Mother says I should get along with my friends.
Of course, Sarionmes wasn’t a friend, but Mother was so broad-minded she seemed to think all the Inferiors at the academy were my friends.
That’s why I made the seemingly excessive concession of allowing her to speak here.

“Here, then… I understand.”

Sarionmes seemed to have something on her mind, but she apparently realized this was the final compromise.
I’d always thought the House of Sarion was incompetent, but this Sarionmes seemed to have a decent head on her shoulders.
Just as Sarionmes was about to speak,

・
・
・

“Hey, Hein, why don’t you try warming up to everyone a bit more? I know you hate socializing, but you might find they’re not so bad if you actually talk to them! Just during breaks would be fine, right? Emmy might have things she doesn’t want overheard either, you know? Come on, Hein, just make a little time for her, please!”

It was Alphaidos (Azel) who spoke to me without reading the atmosphere.

“No,”

There is no anger in my reply.
There are those who, perhaps having lost their wits on the battlefield or somewhere similar, end up talking endlessly to walls.
I don’t particularly feel anything toward such people, but even if they were to speak to me rudely, what point is there in showing anger?
Initially, his insolence had made my bl00d boil, but I’m not one to forget my lessons.
Mother often praises me, saying, “You study so well, I’m proud of you.”
That’s why I’m constantly growing as a person. However, Sarionmes doesn’t seem to have reached the same level of composure.

“…Huh? Um, Lord Azel, right? I’m currently speaking with Lord Hein, so if you have something to say, please wait until after I’m finished. Also, we’re not close friends—we’re merely acquaintances who recognize each other’s faces. Our families’ social standing is vastly different. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t act too familiar.”

—Or so she said.
Sarionmes’s gaze was anything but friendly.
In fact, she looked furious.
I don’t mean to take sides, but Sarionmes’s anger is understandable.
The academy claims to disregard social status, but that’s merely a pretense. In reality, those of lower rank are expected to show deference to their superiors.
Yet Alphaidos, despite being the son of a count, is being overly familiar with Sarionmes, the daughter of a duke, and with me.

Of course, this is all pretense, so it’s not like you could lodge a formal complaint over it. But still.
By the way, “Emmy” is a nickname for Esmeralda. It’s customary to use such nicknames for longer names.
However, these nicknames are generally reserved for close acquaintances, especially those involved in romantic relationships, and are rarely used or permitted otherwise.
Sarionmes likely took issue with Alphaidos for carelessly using that nickname.
Given what happened the other day, could it be that Count Alphaid’s House doesn’t even provide basic education?

“…Huh?”

It seemed that way, judging by Alphaidos’s dumbfounded expression as he stared at Sarionmes. He looked as if he were thinking, “Huh? Why is she giving me that look? We’ve always been friends!”
Yet, despite his apparent insensitivity, Alphaidos surprisingly apologized sincerely.

“Ah, right, my bad. Sorry…”

As he turned to leave, he muttered something strange:

“So, history really has changed… That must mean Emmy and I…”

Though curious, I decided to focus on praising Alphaidos instead.
That was because—

“Good morning, everyone,”

The teacher entered the classroom.
In other words, I wouldn’t have to speak with Sarionmes.
Since I’d agreed to hear her out, I would’ve had to at least pretend to listen—but my gut told me that whatever she wanted to say was bound to be a hassle, so I owed Alphaidos a small debt of gratitude.

“Sorry, but let’s save this for another time. If you want to hold a grudge, take it out on him.”

With that, I cut off the conversation with Sarionmes.
She glared at me resentfully, but I couldn’t care less.

◆◆◆

In the “original history,” the Duke of Aster had made numerous mistakes, but their most egregious was the brutal persecution of Demi-humans.
The incident began with a Delphen girl named Fenri.
Hein, his sadistic desires aroused by her exquisite beauty, purchased Fenri and subjected her to unspeakable horrors.
To be specific, he had severed her slender, beautiful limbs, cut out her tongue, and reduced her to a mere flesh doll, capable only of receiving his lust.
Hein had never been inherently cruel, but as often happens, his environment had warped his character.
The consequences of his past actions had inevitably tarnished the reputation of House Aster.

As a result, Hein’s mind had become twisted and distorted, his sanity unraveling.
Even considering that his victim was a Demi-Human and that prejudice against Demi-Humans was rampant throughout the Gaines Empire, Hein’s actions were excessive.
If this were to come to light, the already declining House Aster would face further humiliation.
And, as fate would have it, it was bound to be exposed.

When Fenri’s lifeless body was being removed from Duke Aster’s Mansion, the night watchmen questioned the laborers carrying the corpse, and the truth came to light.
What made the situation truly unbearable was not just the abuse itself, but the fact that Fenri was a noble of the Delphen lineage.
News of the incident spread like wildfire throughout the Imperial Capital, igniting a storm of fury among the Demi-human population.
The protests grew louder with each passing day, culminating in a massive demonstration in the capital.

However, Hein refused to heed their voices, choosing instead to suppress the uprising with military force.
The resulting carnage left countless Demi-human protesters dead or wounded.
This disaster cemented Hein’s reputation as an enemy of the Demi-humans.
Even the Empire began to question Hein’s extreme actions.
Instead of fulfilling his duties as a Duke, he had ignited the tinder of civil unrest.
These events drastically damaged the reputation of the House of Aster, leaving their position within the Empire as precarious as a sandcastle—but that’s only in the “original timeline.”

Feri, the Fenri of a parallel world, is fiercely loyal to Hein, who restored her to her original body.
When Hein learned she was a noble of Delphen, he tried to return her to the forest to avoid trouble. But Feri tearfully refused.
She begged to repay his kindness and now manages the daily affairs of Duke Aster’s Mansion, also serving as a guard within the estate. As a natural-born assassin with exceptional stealth, she has sent countless assassins plotting against Hein into a slumber from which they will never awaken.
Feri is a woman who will do anything for Hein, and if he were to desire her body, she would be overjoyed, but Hein has yet to make a move on her. Perhaps he never will.
Incidentally, Hein named her Feri on the spot when she introduced herself with a slurred “Fe-i…”