The Villainous Son Loves His Mother - Chapter 32

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“Hmm,”

Habakiri murmured in the dimly lit study, gazing up at the emblem of the Magic Academy hanging on the wall.
His shadow flickered in the candlelight, painting a shifting silhouette across the wall.

“I wouldn’t have minded training you back in your academy days, but now… well, politics complicate things. I can’t go into details, but as the Imperial Archmage, I must avoid forming close ties with any particular ducal house.”

He paused, observing Helga’s reaction.

“However, if you’re willing to follow the proper steps, it’s not impossible. To start with, why not try teaching? Basic-level magic at least should be within your current ability. And more importantly, teaching would help you grow yourself.”

Helga’s expression turned bewildered.

“Steps…? What kind of steps are we talking about?”

The unexpected proposal left her speechless.

“Teaching gives you the chance to reevaluate your own magic. Rebuilding your foundation from scratch can only make it more solid. Well, that’s only part of it.”

“And,” Habakiri continued.

“Among the Twelve Ducal Houses, Duke Aster’s House and Duke Sarion’s House are tasked with responsibilities beyond those expected of ordinary noble families. Their primary duty is the defense of the Imperial Capital. Needless to say, of course.”

Habakiri fiddled with his pipe as he elaborated.

“In essence, they must remain on constant alert, prepared for any potential assault. Conversely, this means they often find themselves with ample free time. Surely they can spare a few hours to teach.”

“But will that truly make me stronger?”

Habakiri nodded confidently at Helga’s words.

“This is merely one step in my personal guidance for you. Well, it’s perfect timing, considering how rusty your skills have become.”

“…Understood,”

Though initially taken aback by the sudden proposal, once the decision was made, she felt a surge of determination to give it a try.
Indeed, Habakiri was right—her magical abilities had grown rusty.
Helga should have shared the responsibility for defending the Imperial Capital. However, Hrin would never allow it, no matter how hard she argued.
Normally, Hein readily agreed to almost anything Helga asked. But when it came to anything that might endanger her, he stood firm, refusing to budge.

Of course, Hein would never resort to violence or force to keep her confined. But he would do anything else to protect her.
Once, when remnants of the Old Demon King’s Army attacked, Helga vehemently insisted on leading the counterattack, brushing aside Hein’s attempts to restrain her. But what Hein did at that time was to cry and plead.
No mother could remain unmoved by the sight of her beloved son hanging his head, tears dripping from his eyes.
Even if actual combat is out of the question, Hein might approve of this approach, Helga thought.

(Besides, I’m happy to spend more time with Hein.)

It was probably wise not to voice that last thought in front of Habakiri. If she had, he would have surely scoffed at her for being an adult who couldn’t let go of her child.

“Hmm? Helga, why are you grinning like that? It’s creepy.”

But perhaps her feelings had betrayed her, because in the end, Habakiri did end up looking at her with exasperation.

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Ever since Mother embraced me yesterday, my heart has been restless. It’s not an unpleasant feeling, but I can’t shake this fidgety unease.

“Mother…”

The moment I voiced the word, the restlessness intensified.
It’s strange. I left the mansion to head to the Academy, but even before arriving, I already wanted to go home.
But even if I rushed back now, Mother wouldn’t be there. She left early this morning for official business.
Still, the Academy, Academy, Academy…
What’s the point of all this?
A place of learning?
I could learn just as much from daily life without bothering with the Academy.

Look at the sky.
Migratory birds don’t fight the wind; they surrender to it—yet they never lose sight of their destination. Isn’t that a lesson in accepting change while maintaining unwavering resolve?

Look at the Earth.
The Earth never abandons its duty.
No matter how much it is trampled on, it continues to sustain all life.
It simply endures, never shirking its responsibility, silently bearing the weight.
From this, we can learn the tenacity to fulfill our own duties, no matter the circumstances.

Look at the sea.
Though its surface may rage, a profound tranquility flows through its depths.
This teaches us the importance of seeing beyond immediate concerns to grasp deeper truths.
A person with unwavering resolve, toughness, and profound thoughtfulness—wouldn’t you call them “strong”?

Yes!

In the Gaines Empire, strength is the supreme virtue.
After all, the purpose of learning at the Academy is to pursue strength to its utmost limits. Yet such lessons can be found in abundance by observing the sky, the earth, and the sea.
Academy!
How pathetic!
The sickeningly lukewarm atmosphere, so typical of the inferior, sent a shiver down my spine.

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・

As soon as I entered the classroom, Azel, Sarionmes, Fafnirmes, and the rest of them would start chattering away.

“Yo, Hein! Morning! What’s with the sour face today? You’ve been cooped up practicing magic too much—not getting enough exercise? Why don’t you pick up a sword? I’d be happy to spar with you!”

“Good morning, Lord Hein. Speaking of which, the swordsmanship tournament is coming up soon. I’ll be cheering for you. I’m not particularly skilled with a blade myself, so I’m hoping to make up for it at the Magic Competition at the end of the semester.”

I didn’t say anything, but the two of them just chattered away about whatever they wanted, and I felt nothing.
I almost pitied them.
Azel and Sarionmes were both abnormal, obsessed with talking only about themselves.
Perhaps it was a congenital condition.
Even when dealing with inferiors, mocking such individuals would be a breach of noble decorum.
In that regard, Fafnirmes was slightly better.
Her refusal to speak plainly suggested she understood her place.
I shut out the trivial whispers and idle chatter of the inferiors that filled the classroom and began my usual meditation.
And then—

◆

I grasped the concept of time from a bird’s-eye view, compressing it within my mental realm—roughly equivalent to a full day of subjective experience.
I opened my eyes.
I sensed the homeroom teacher approaching the classroom.
As the classroom door creaked open, I straightened my posture.
Then, morning homeroom began—

・
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“Now, for an important announcement at the end of homeroom,”

The homeroom teacher’s voice rang out.

“Starting next week, the instructor for Basic Magic will be changing.”

Magic is the power to alter reality.
A strong will can rewrite reality, and wishes can materialize into tangible power.
However, this requires clear direction.
Vague desires cannot become power.
The Basic Magic tier is a stage for clarifying these wishes.
Of course, even with a clear wish, magic won’t manifest without sufficient Magical Power.
To perform grand magic—to fulfill a wish—requires immense Magical Power.

“The new instructor will be—Lady Helga Ira Aster.”

Mother?
My eyes widened involuntarily.
The teacher’s words echoed in my mind.
But why?
Why would she be in a place like this?

For a moment, I was confused, but the answer quickly became clear.
In other words, Mother is moving to take control of the empire.
The Academy wasn’t just an educational institution.
It was a gathering place for the next generation of nobles.
Mother standing at the lectern meant nothing less than imprinting the influence of the Aster Family onto the minds of these future leaders.
An excellent teacher could capture the hearts of their students.
The noble children under Mother’s influence would eventually rise to prominent positions in their respective houses.

A cold smirk escaped my lips.
I see. A truly cunning strategy.
Instead of flaunting military power, she aimed for a deeper, more secure form of dominance.
Mother… so you’ve chosen to walk the path of conquest…!