The Villainous Son Loves His Mother - Chapter 27

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Feri’s day begins early.
Before the sun even rises, she’s already managing various affairs within the Duke Aster’s Mansion.
While the House of Aster doesn’t employ an excessive number of servants, there are still dozens on staff.
This isn’t particularly large for a ducal household; some families employ hundreds of servants.
Among these, four individuals stand out.
Though technically servants, they’ve transcended the typical servant role by being personally appointed by Hein to specialized duties.
Feri is one of them.

Unlike ordinary maids, she oversees all security matters within the mansion and functions as Hein’s personal secretary.
Her security responsibilities are particularly crucial.
After all, the House of Aster is constantly targeted by assassins and spies.
Some might argue that Oma should handle security for the entire Duke Aster’s Estate, but Oma’s job is that of a gardener.
Therefore, Ouma rarely deals with assassinations or spies.
Each of the four individuals has their own responsibilities, and there’s an unspoken agreement not to encroach on each other’s duties.
As a result, Feri’s work never ends.

・
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“Good work,”

Feri called out toward the courtyard.
But no one was there—or so she thought. A woman emerged from the shade of a tree.
It was a red-haired woman with a sharp expression and the appearance of a warrior.
Yet there was no record of such a woman being employed at Duke Aster’s Mansion.
Feri remained completely unfazed.

『What is it…?』

A monotone voice escaped the red-haired woman’s lips.

“I assumed the replanting was underway, since the seasons are about to change. The Madam has a strong reaction to white clover, so please be mindful of that.”

This was, in essence, about allergies.
Hein’s mother, Helga, had allergic reactions to certain plants, so this was essentially a reminder to account for that when planning the garden.

『Ahh… the replanting will be done within the month… but I still don’t understand how to combine the colors.』

“I’ll teach you that later. More importantly, that body—”

『It was… a gift from Lord Hein.』

“I see. I was worried you might have picked it up off the ground.”

『I wouldn’t do that… not anymore.』

As Feri turned to leave, saying, “Please be careful,” a young servant hurried over.

“Miss Feri, the Madam is waiting for you in the study.”

Feri nodded slightly and headed toward the study. After knocking a few times on its heavy door, a voice replied from within, “Come in.”
“Excuse me,” Feri said as she entered the room. Helga was looking down at a document.

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“Feri, thank you for coming.”

“Madam, what’s the matter?”

Helga smiled and prompted Feri with her eyes.

“How is Hein doing?”

Feri hesitated for a moment, her gaze faltering as she considered how to answer. To be honest, Hein hadn’t been his usual cheerful self lately. Knowing he was troubled by his relationship with Helga made it difficult for her to speak frankly.

“My apologies, Madam. As of late, the Young Master… seems to be in some emotional distress.”

Helga’s expression turned wistful, yet accepting.

“I see…”

Helga turned her gaze out the window, staring into the distance for a moment before turning back to Feri with a gentle nod.

“Please take good care of Hein. He doesn’t easily open up to others. Besides me, you’re probably the only ones he trusts.”

“As you wish, Madam.”

For the four special individuals Hein had personally chosen, Helga might not be their master, but the fact that she was Hein’s mother and had raised him carried immense weight.

“He’s fifteen now. It’s time for him to grow apart from his parents.”

Feri couldn’t respond to Helga’s words.
Having grown up with ample parental love herself, Feri wasn’t unfamiliar with typical parent-child relationships.
That’s why she knew Hein harbored feelings for Helga that were far too intense for a normal mother-son bond.
And she also understood—at least as knowledge—that the world would never look kindly on that kind of bond.
But what did that matter?

She knew all too well what the world had done to her, the pain etched into her very bones.
Her lost arms, legs, and ears, the pride of her tribe!
It was Hein who had restored them to her, and since Helga had given birth to Hein, Feri believed they deserved to act as they pleased.
If they want to love each other, let them love as much as they desire, she thought.
Yet she still hesitated to voice these thoughts directly.

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“That’s what the Madam said. What do you think, Sir Gaddem? I believe both the Madam and the Young Master worry too much about appearances. The Young Master is the king of kings, and the Madam is the queen mother. Shouldn’t such exalted figures have the right to act according to their own will?”

“What am I supposed to say?” Gaddem scratched his head.
Gaddem was a gatekeeper, but he wasn’t stationed at the gates of House Aster around the clock. Hein, a staunch rationalist, ensured that all employees received proper breaks. After all, it was more efficient that way. Gaddem was no exception; after several hours of work, he was required to take a mandatory rest period. During these breaks, another tough guy from his clan stood guard. While not as reliable as Gaddem, he was still a capable replacement.

Currently, Gaddem was on his break when Feri arrived.

“I don’t understand it myself, but if Lord Hein and the Madam are troubled, that can’t be good for any of us.”

He paused before adding:

“But, this is a matter between parent and child. I’m not sure if we should interfere. It’s not like they’re truly at odds. Perhaps we should observe the situation for a while.”

“Indeed, Sir Gaddem may be right. I do intend to ask that person for their opinion, though.”

“Hmm… but…”

“Yes, I understand. That person seems quite busy. I’ll be careful not to intrude.”

“Good. And you should refrain from asking Oma for his opinion. She has… well, let’s just say she’s a bit too instinctive.”

Feri chuckled wryly. “Yes, I’m aware of that.”