Chapter 158: Winter Vacation(2)
Chapter 158: Winter Vacation(2)
My mother had her first child, Dave, at twenty-one. Seven years later, at twenty-eight, she had me. Nineteen years and a few months have passed since then, making her exactly forty-seven years old.
Because she takes good care of herself and is naturally blessed with youthful looks, she appears to be in her early thirties, but in reality, she’s pushing fifty. To top it off, my father is fifty-one, five years her senior.
By the standards of both my previous life and this world, they are quite old to be having a child. This world even has well-developed contraceptive magic and medicine, making "late-life" surprises relatively rare.
However, that mostly applies to the nobility. Such surprises are more common among commoners, as contraceptive methods haven't fully trickled down to them yet.
But to have a child at such a late age... honestly, the baby will feel more like a granddaughter than a daughter to them. In a world where it wouldn't be strange for me to marry Mari and have a child right now, my parents are a very rare case.
When my future sister, Lily, is born, people would probably find it natural if she called me "Dad." They’d give us strange looks if she called me "Oppa" instead.
"To be honest, we never imagined we’d have Lily. Given our age, we thought we’d be fine without taking any precautions. But then this happened... Hoho. It’s a bit embarrassing to say out loud."
"Isn't it dangerous? I heard that for humans, the risk of complications increases significantly after the age of forty."
"It’s fine. As long as you keep your mana circulating steadily, both the mother and the child stay safe. Though, of course, it’s best to invite a priest just in case."
My mother, Cecile, and I were currently in the drawing room, enjoying tea and snacks while having a friendly chat.
The seating arrangement was a bit peculiar: my mother and I sat side-by-side, while Cecile sat alone across from us.
Since Cecile was a guest, this arrangement was natural in a way, but my mother had already caught on to what Cecile was seeking permission for. If she had fully accepted her, she would have sat me and Cecile together.
The fact that she hadn't meant she hadn't given her full blessing yet. Cecile seemed to realize this; though she was smiling, she looked inwardly tense.
"And there’s one more method. It only works before the pregnancy reaches the stable period, but the effect is certain."
"May I ask what that is?"
"Well... let’s just say it’s a bit of a 'barbaric' method."
"...Aha. I think I understand. I suppose it would be an easy task for the Baron, considering he is the Red Lion."
"Hoho. My husband does have quite a bit of... stamina."
"... ..."
The exhibition began in June. Today was the end of January, well into the new year.
Calculating the time from the end of the exhibition until now, it had been at least six months. This meant they had put in a tremendous amount of "effort" every single night during that time.
Even while busy with the affairs of the territory, my father had poured his energy into my mother. No matter how much of a Red Lion he was, he must have been drained bone-dry.
I respect you, Father. I hope I inherit your legendary stamina.
"Come to think of it, Princess, do you have any siblings? I don't believe I heard about them last time."
"I’m an only child. My parents didn't really have any plans for more after they had me."
"I’ve heard that Elves consider 'night affairs' to be a ritual. Is it similar for the Demon race?"
"No. Demons just have very long reproductive cycles, similar to Elves. And since it usually overlaps with the Evil Cycle, it’s quite difficult for the men."
Hearing that answer, my gaze drifted upward. Except for the very tips, Cecile’s horns were now completely filled with red.
This meant her Evil Cycle was approaching soon, just like during the last exhibition. Luminous had also warned me to make sure I brought contraceptives when going to Helium, so the timing was uncannily perfect.
If I had gone without them, the world’s first Human-Demon hybrid might have been conceived. I couldn't help but feel relieved.
"As expected, so little is known about the Demon race that every detail is fascinating."
"If you’re curious about anything else, please feel free to ask."
"Is that so? In that case..."
As if seizing the opportunity, my mother spoke while maintaining a gentle smile.
"What exactly do you like about our Isaac?"
"... ..."
It was a total curveball. The atmosphere remained the same, but the weight behind the question was entirely different.
Cecile flinched momentarily at my mother’s smiling inquiry before pressing her lips into a thin line. I caught a slight tightening of her hands hidden beneath the table.
I also began to watch their conversation with bated breath. This wasn't a matter I could resolve by interfering.
Of course, I intended to help if Cecile seemed to be losing ground. Since I had already accepted her as my woman, she’d be hurt if I didn't take her side.
"Actually, I’ve had a hunch since the last exhibition. No matter how close they are, a princess of a nation wouldn't just visit a Baron’s mansion for no reason."
"...So you knew."
"Yes. Not only that, but the way you looked at our Isaac, Princess Cecile... as a fellow woman, I could tell. It was the look of a woman in love. Warm affection, love, and... a certain viscous desire."
"... ..."
Cecile’s expression stiffened slightly at my mother’s words. She might have felt it was unfair, considering she could barely maintain her sanity due to the Evil Cycle back then.
However, Cecile knew that bringing that up now would sound like a mere excuse. For now, the priority was to sit still and listen to what my mother had to say.
"You must know, Princess. Isaac is already engaged to a girl named Mari."
"Yes. I am aware."
"Have you spoken with her?"
"We have resolved the matter amicably."
"Hmm. Amicably, you say..."
My mother gracefully set down her teacup and stroked her belly, where Lily was growing healthily.
She blinked as she looked up at the ceiling, seemingly lost in thought, before turning her gaze back to Cecile.
"May I ask how you resolved it? I’m quite curious."
"Yes. Actually..."
Cecile told my mother exactly what she had told Mari. Her true feelings and her future plans, which she had voiced during her argument with Mari at the exhibition.
I already knew the facts, but Cecile was far more nervous now than she had been then.
It was as if she were in a job interview, or perhaps being judged by a high court.
Fortunately, the more my mother listened to Cecile’s story, the brighter her expression became. She clearly approved.
"My... that is quite touching. To think you would protect Isaac despite the difference in lifespan... and even his descendants."
"I would rather live a life of longing than a life consumed by the regret of giving up on love. That was a line from the Xenon Biography, wasn't it?"
"Yes, I know it. That dialogue is the reason why relationships between different races have increased."
"But Baroness, did you know? Those words... Isaac said them to me before the book was even published."
"Pardon?"
At Cecile’s shocking confession, my mother’s eyes widened as she looked at me. There seemed to be a slight misunderstanding, but since I had indeed said those words to her, I couldn't help but feel flustered.
My mother stared at me with a peculiar expression for a while before eventually breaking into a grin and gently stroking my hair. Her touch was like she was soothing a small child, which made me feel strangely embarrassed.
I suppose no matter how much a child grows, they always remain a precious son in their mother’s eyes.
"Hoho. My goodness. Now I clearly see why the Princess fell for you. What woman wouldn't fall for a man who says things like that? That one line alone caused a massive surge in interspecies couples."
"I was truly moved when I first heard it. Because it means I can decide whether my life with him will be a painful regret or a cherished memory."
"Ahem..."
Why was I the one dying of embarrassment? I couldn't say a word and just let out a dry cough.
Even then, my mother didn't stop stroking my hair.
"I understand your heart well, Princess Cecile. In truth, once Mari gave her permission, the matter was out of my hands."
"Then..."
"But before that."
Just as Cecile was about to rejoice, thinking she had received approval, my mother cut her off. She stopped stroking my hair and slid her hand down to firmly pinch my cheek.
It wasn't a light pinch; she applied enough pressure that I felt a sharp sting of pain.
"Ow! M-Mother?"
"Our Isaac needs a bit of a scolding. I was worried that his considerate and kind nature might lead to a situation like this. But not just a Duke’s daughter, a Princess of Helium too...?"
"I-I’m sorry! I didn't do it on purpose, I swear!"
"That’s why I’m even more worried. You’ll marry Mari officially, but what about Princess Cecile? You have to think about her position too. Do you intend to keep her as a concubine?"
"Um... Baroness. I’m really fine with—"
Cecile, uncharacteristically flustered, tried to calm my mother down.
"It is not fine at all. Even though you fell for him after realizing he was Xenon—unlike Mari—I would have done the same if I were in your shoes. To the Demon race, Xenon is nothing short of a savior sent by God. You probably even had the resolve to offer him your body and soul. Am I wrong?"
"Y-Yes... that’s... exactly right."
"That’s the problem. You have that kind of resolve, yet he only pays attention to Mari? Isaac, you’re going to be struck by divine punishment from Lady Mora. So, make sure you take care of Princess Cecile so she doesn't feel lonely. Understood?"
"I-I understand! I get it!"
"Whew..."
My mother let out a sigh and finally released my stretched cheek. It felt more than just tingly; it was burning, making it hard to gather my wits.
"Then... Princess, do you not intend to officially betroth my son?"
"Ah. You don't need to worry about that. I’ll speak to my parents when I return to Helium. Once they find out Isaac is Xenon, it will be settled easily."
"That’s a relief. If you ever regret this decision, please let me know. I will accept it humbly."
"My heart will never change. Even if Isaac returns to Lady Mora’s side, I will live on while cherishing his memory."
"I like that."
My mother gave a warm smile, seemingly pleased by Cecile’s resolute will. Even with youthful skin, smiles usually bring out fine lines, but my mother showed no such signs.
She then took an elegant sip of tea while stroking her belly with one hand, her tone becoming more relaxed.
"I suppose I should call you Cecile instead of Princess from now on. I call Mari 'dear,' but that might be difficult with you."
"Ah...! Thank you so much. May I call you Mother-in-law?"
"Of course."
"Thank you, Mother-in-law. As I said before, I will protect this territory and the descendants of the Maishal family for the rest of my life."
"You don't necessarily have to do that. You need to find your own happiness too."
"This is my happiness. Doing my absolute best for the benefactor who saved the Demon race. If it weren't for Isaac, I wouldn't even be sitting here; moreover, I would have had to spend my entire life confined to Helium."
My mother gave a wry smile at the response, which sounded like that of a devoted follower. She looked at me, and I just shrugged, knowing there was no stopping Cecile when she got like that.
Well, thanks to that, my mother clearly saw how much Cecile loved me, so there was no big issue.
"Do all Demons think like you?"
"Yes. In the past, we might have been treated like devils, but as you know, Mother, things are completely different now. Besides, with the romance of Jin and Lily being rediscovered, a certain saying has emerged."
"What saying?"
"For a Demon, love is a difficult thing, but to choose love is to have gained the courage to give everything for that person. Even if they turn into a devil, their sincerity toward that person will never change."
"... ..."
I’d seen that in the newspaper. It was written by a critic after the 12th volume of the Xenon Biography was released.
I thought it had been buried at the time due to the half-blood controversy, but Cecile must have managed to find it. Perhaps that saying would gain attention again once Lilith’s past was revealed.
To put it nicely, it was philosophical; to put it bluntly, it was cringeworthy. But given the era, it would likely leave a deep impression on people.
"In reality, the only times a Demon turns into a devil are when they lose a beloved partner or experience comparable despair."
"...Then you too, Cecile?"
"If Isaac dies of natural causes, it doesn't matter. But if an unexpected situation occurs... I am prepared to become a devil as well, Mother."
"If that is your choice, I won't interfere... but I am worried. Should we assign a guard to Isaac just in case?"
My mother looked at me with worried eyes. I didn't need a guard right now, but once I revealed myself as Xenon, I’d probably need at least one or two.
Siris was an errand runner and Arwen’s guard knight, so that was unlikely. The most plausible option was for Helium to assign Gartz to me. But other nations might take issue with that.
Since I was a citizen of the Minerva Empire, the Empire would likely provide guards. The Ters Republic would probably try to interfere by offering their own guards, but the Empire would block them.
'Ah, right. Savior.'
Come to think of it, the Holy Nation 'Savior' had sent a Cardinal on a pilgrimage to find me. They were making a fuss about treating me as a Saint, so they would undoubtedly try to interfere as well.
The moment I revealed my identity, the world would truly be turned upside down. Because of Luminous-nim’s trolling, I had no choice but to keep my identity tightly under wraps.
"A guard... for now, Helium will provide protection until Isaac reveals his identity. Sir Gartz Balak—I believe you know him, Mother."
"You mean the knight with the ram horns. Does he also know that Isaac is Xenon?"
"Yes. He knows. He’s a man of few words and strong self-control, so he’s trustworthy."
"That’s a relief then. So, when do you plan to go to Helium?"
I answered that question instead of Cecile.
"We’re planning for three days from now. I need to finish organizing Volume 14. Cecile decided to return then as well."
"I see. And how long do you plan to stay in Helium?"
"Probably..."
"We’ll probably spend the entire winter vacation in Helium. I’ve already received permission from Mari."
Cecile quickly intercepted before I could finish. I couldn't help but be flustered because that wasn't part of the plan at all.
It was true that Mari had given her permission, but staying in Helium for the entire vacation was news to me.
"Oh my. Then... could it be?"
"Yes. I’ve already made my decision. And so has Isaac."
"Hoho. Isaac?"
"Y-Yes?"
Why did my mother’s call make me so tense? As I answered with a start, my mother gently stroked her belly and spoke.
"Make sure you take your medicine so the titles don't get tangled up. Understood?"
"...Yes."
"My son is quite popular. I’m worried another woman might get entangled with him at this rate."
Exactly two days after my mother said those words.
"Meet her. This is Adelia, who will be receiving training from me starting today."
"H-Hello? It’s been a while."
"...Adel-nuna?"
Adelia visited our mansion. And she wasn't in casual clothes, but in a neat black formal uniform, much like Nicole’s.
While I stared blankly at Adelia, my father spoke in his characteristically dignified voice.
"Nicole asked me to train this child. It wouldn't be a bad idea to have her as your guard when you eventually succeed as the head of the family."
"Um... nice to meet you?"
"Uh... yeah."
I shook hands with Adelia, looking utterly bewildered. I noticed her face flush slightly.
Moreover, she wasn't just gripping my hand tightly; she was subtly massaging it. As if she didn't want to let go.
"Our son is truly popular. Don't you think so, Lily?"
"... ..."
My mother stroked her belly where Lily slept, wearing an unreadable smile.