The Villainous Son Loves His Mother - Chapter 86

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Now, let’s move on to the next tower— I wanted to say.
But when I glanced up at the sky, the sun had already dipped far to the west.
It seemed I’d spent more time than I’d realized.

“Young Master, it’s time we returned. Madam will likely be growing concerned soon,”

Feri, standing behind me, suggested with concern.

“You’re right,”

I agreed. I couldn’t let Mother worry.

“Let’s call it a day. We’ll deal with the remaining towers another time.”

Besides, I have an academy class tomorrow. Today’s outing was under the pretense of being invited by Esmeralda.
I needed to get back quickly.

“By the time we visit again, I hope this forest will have been somewhat ‘cleaned up.'”

Well, I wasn’t expecting much.

“She seems quite motivated, so I think she will live up to your expectations, young master.”

Feri replied calmly,

“I hope so. …Alright, let’s head back. Feri, come.”

With that, I gently pulled Feri’s shoulders closer and hugged her slim waist.
I felt her body stiffen slightly, but I paid it no mind.

“Y-yes… Young Master…”

Her breathy reply reached my ear.
I began to gather my mana.

—La Fale Flight

“We’re going to travel at maximum speed at high altitude.”

The highest speed achievable with my flight magic was approximately 25,000 kilometers per hour.
Theoretically, we should reach the Imperial Capital, Gainesfreed, from the Great Yggdra Forest in the Duchy of Yggdra in less than two minutes.
By carriage, the same journey would take a month.

“I said this on the way here, but I’ll repeat it just in case,”

I told Feri, who was still in my arms.

“I’ll put up a defensive barrier, but you still need to hold on to me tightly.”

“If you get separated from me at this altitude and speed… You won’t survive it. Not with your body”

“I understand, Young Master. I will not leave your side for a moment.”

Feri whispered, burying her face against my chest.
She seemed to be trembling—Feri still has much to learn.
Well, I suppose we can look forward to her future growth.
And then—

◆

We descended from the skies above the Imperial Capital and landed within the grounds of Duke Aster’s Household.
It was truly instantaneous.
Just as the evening light began to paint the mansion’s white walls in golden hues, the timing was perfect.

“You’ve worked hard today, Young Master.”

“All is well.”

With only that brief reply, I stepped inside the mansion.

・
・
・

“Welcome back, Hein. How was your conversation with Lady Esmeralda?”

My mother’s gentle voice drifted from the living room.
I hurried toward her.

“I’m home, Mother. We had a lively discussion about Modern Magical History.”

Mother sat gracefully on the sofa, a teacup in her hand. The evening sun bathed her figure in a golden light, making her look as beautiful as a painting.

“We were also talking about your lectures, Mother. She said they’re remarkably clear, innovative, and simply wonderful.”

“Oh my, did she really? How delightful.”

Mother smiled softly, gesturing to the sofa across from her for me to sit.
I sat down respectfully.

“Lady Esmeralda is such a diligent student, isn’t she? Even I’m sometimes amazed by her insight.”

“Indeed. She’s far sharper than most of the rabble out there.”

Mother chuckled wryly at my words.

“Hein, that way of speaking… Well, never mind.”

After taking a sip of her black tea, Mother’s hand drifted to the necklace around her neck.
The emerald’s brilliance shimmered even more beautifully in the setting sun.
Is this my chance?

“Now that I think of it, mother doesn’t wear rings or earrings very often.”

I asked casually, pretending it was a natural part of the conversation.
Mother’s expression momentarily turned blank.

“Oh? What brought this on so suddenly?”

There was a glint in her eye—as if she’d sensed something—but her expression quickly returned to its usual calm.

“…Now that you mention it, yes, I suppose I do prefer necklaces.”

She brushed her fingers lightly across the emerald pendant as she continued.

“I’ve never liked the idea of piercing my ears for earrings, and rings always feel a bit… awkward, somehow.”

I see. Just as I suspected.
Mother gazed at her hand, a slightly embarrassed smile playing on her lips.

“I’ve been holding a quill a lot lately. I’ve also been signing more documents for official business.”

It was true; Mother’s responsibilities at court had increased recently.
Any unnecessary jewelry on her beautiful hands would likely be a hindrance.
A necklace seemed like the most practical choice.

However, I noticed a faintly amused smile playing on her lips, her eyes seeming to see right through me.
Could she have figured out my plan?
No, my probing was perfectly natural… wasn’t it?

“…Well, never mind that. Hein,”

Mother said, her expression shifting to a more serious tone.

“The House of Calliste is sending troops to the Duchy of Yggdra.”

“Oh? A war?”

I kept my expression calm, masking the flicker of unease in my heart.
The House of Calliste was one of the Twelve Ducal Houses, known by the title “Stone Calamity.”
They are masters of stonecraft, skilled in imbuing inanimate objects with temporary life.
Come to think of it, the author of that gem-processing manual I was reading was also the head of the House of Calliste.

“No, it seems they received a request for aid.”

Mother shook her head gently.

“That country rarely engages in conflicts with other nations, so it’s likely monster-related.”

Ah, that makes sense, I thought to myself.
It’s probably about the Undead incident.
Indeed, the House of Calliste and the Great Yggdra Forest share a border, separated only by a single mountain.
If they need the fastest possible response, the House of Calliste would be the most suitable choice.

“I see… Well, whatever they’re facing, the Stone Cavalry of the House of Calliste would be a decent initial response.”

The Stone Cavalry—soldiers animated from stone statues, imbued with pseudo-life.
They know neither fatigue nor fear.
They should be well-suited against the Undead.

“Yes. It’s been getting more dangerous lately,”

Mother said, gazing out the window with a worried expression.

“I wonder if the rumors that the Demon King’s army is about to rise again are true.”

Demon King…
The inferior remnants of the old Demon King’s Army have been increasing their activity recently.
The Dragonkin attacks are likely part of that.

If their resurrection is imminent, I’ll need to take some countermeasures.
With my skill in Magic, I should be able to handle it, but I can’t afford to be complacent.
After all, I haven’t personally confirmed the existence of this Demon King.
I’ve dealt with countless inferiors before, but it’s unlikely the Demon King was among them.
If he’s called the Demon King, he must possess considerable power.

If I had faced such a being, I would undoubtedly remember him.

In any case, we needed to gauge the true extent of the Demon King’s threat and measure his actual capabilities.
If there was even the slightest chance of harm coming to Mother, I would eliminate him with all my might.

“I’ll gather information from the court as well. If the Demon King’s Army is truly being revived, the Empire won’t escape unscathed.”

“Mother, you have nothing to worry about.”

I declared firmly.

“Even if this Demon King does resurface, I will personally eliminate him. I won’t allow such an inferior being to run rampant during your reign.”

Mother looked momentarily surprised, then smiled warmly.

“You’re so dependable, Hein. But don’t push yourself too hard, okay?”

“Yes, Mother,”

I replied, bowing respectfully.
In my heart, I reaffirmed my resolve:
To create the perfect gift for Mother.
And to eliminate every threat to her future.
I would accomplish both, without fail.