I'll Marry Mom for Sure!
'I'll definitely marry Mom!'
What the hell is this getup... Heat rushed to my face. A parade of weird thoughts kept popping into my head. I endured the embarrassment and shame through sheer willpower and crookedly donned the mask. According to the skeleton, there were no smaller skull masks available? So he'd shrunk the one my dad, the Demon King, used with magic. The original was too big and heavy anyway. Then I slipped on the robe that the servants had woven stitch by stitch, anticipating the birth of a son someday.
S-So soft... Wasn't this way different from my usual robe? It was on another level. Of course, my everyday one was made to be easily replaced if it got dirty with soil or grime. But this robe? My dad—er, the Demon King—had personally ordered it made. A masterpiece, plain and simple. Wearing it myself stirred some special emotions.
"Ooh! Perfect! It suits you so well, Young Master Kael!"
"Y-Yeah? Ahem..."
"Yes! Of course! If only the Demon King could see you like this!"
"D-Don't say it like that. It's embarrassing..."
I swung my body side to side, the robe swishing lightly. The luxurious fabric caught the light and shimmered. Golden embroidery adorned it everywhere. The feel against my skin was oddly pleasant... indescribable, really.
"We must call a professional photographer right now to capture this historic moment! The Demon King's son, who looks just like the Hero, recreating his father's attire!"
"Don't hype it up like that! I never even met my dad!"
"But I'm certain the Demon King would have been overjoyed."
The skeleton beamed proudly. Then, as if it were nothing, he kept petting my head. ...It felt kinda nice. A fleeting sense of pride washed over me, but I shook my head and stood up.
"Hey, Skeleton. Where's Mom and Sis right now?"
"You mean the Lady and Miss Serdi? From what I recall, they've gone to the training grounds."
"I'm heading there now! If it suits me this well like you said, I gotta show them!"
"Oh? Such a filial son~"
I jumped up and toddled toward the door. My steps felt light. No idea why. Maybe I just loved this outfit. I grunted and shoved open the massive door, stepping outside—
"However, Young Master, it would be wise not to entertain any impure thoughts of skipping lessons under such pretenses."
"Eek!"
...
After denying it a few times to the skeleton, I finally made it outside. Seeing blue flames flicker in his eye sockets... yeah, that was scary. He sure had a strong sense of duty in the weirdest places. Mom had entrusted me to him, so he had to teach me diligently and impart proper knowledge. That's probably why she trusted him with me. ...Even a skeleton.
"Hehe..."
Such random thoughts faded as a hand gently stroked my hair. It tickled and felt warm... overflowing with affection, making me feel all fuzzy. Snuggled in her lap, I bobbed my head and giggled.
"Mom. Mooom~ Doesn't this suit me?"
"...It suits you perfectly. So well that I can't even speak."
"Hehe. I'm glad you like it, Mom. Pet me more!"
"I'd do it even if you didn't ask."
Mom's voice carried a subtle emotion at the end. She was always so stoic and cold, but today felt different. Unfamiliar, but not bad. She even seemed happy, which lifted my spirits. Truth be told, I was a bit embarrassed. I was wearing my dad's outfit, after all. And I still kept my distance from monsters. So dressing like one of those hated things took some real resolve...
Swoosh... Swoosh...
"Hehe..."
...But that resolve crumbled pathetically under Mom's gentle hand gliding through my hair, drawing out endless silly laughs. Wait, wasn't enduring the embarrassment just to get this in the first place? Maybe it was the natural outcome. That thought made my body move on its own. I squirmed closer into her embrace, pulling my head from her soft, pillowy chest. Twisting around, I faced her directly. Her blue eyes, so like mine. They seemed cold at a glance, but spotting the deep affection hidden within made me smile.
"Mom. Mooom. Moooom~"
"What is it?"
"Do you love me?"
"...Wrong question. Why wouldn't I love you?"
"Hehe. I love you tons too, Mom! Super duper love you! When I marry, I'm totally marrying you."
"...?!"
In the midst of my clingy antics, Serdi Sis, who'd been glancing between us, jolted at my words. Her blinking eyes looked kinda funny. Like she was disappointed or something. She'd been fidgeting and slouched over weirdly for a while.
"Sis?"
"H-Huh? What, Kael?"
"I love you too, so don't worry!"
"Eh?!"
Was that what she wanted to hear? If I were her, I'd want that. At my words, Serdi Sis suddenly burst out. She rolled her eyes around, then whipped her gaze away from me. Covering her face with both hands, her flushed cheeks were vivid even from afar.
"Hey, Mom. I've got a question."
"What is it?"
"What’s big sis doing now? I barely remember her from when I was little."
I recalled third sis, Elania, somewhat. Kael's memories had the most with her. Even as the baby of the family, it was natural to bond more with the closest in age. But not big sis? She barely existed in Kael's memories, rarely visiting. If I strained to remember, she had pitch-black hair like the Demon King and blood-red eyes. Her vibe was so cold that little Kael hadn't approached much.
"You mean Arnea. She's serving as a brigadier general in the Empire now. Her strength rivals her father's, but... she's not very sociable."
"A brigadier general? That's huge, right?"
"Indeed. At just twenty. You might see her someday, but not often."
"...I see."
Kinda disappointing. I wanted to meet my existing sis. Not as sociable or playful as Serdi, maybe, but perhaps warm inside like Mom despite the cold exterior?
"...Big sis must be super lonely."
"Why do you think that?"
"She's always away from family... and as a brigadier general, tons of responsibilities."
"As the eldest of Elion, it's her duty. Unavoidable. If I die someday, she'll take my place."
Her words left me speechless. Serdi had told me I was the family's only son. Big sis bore the weight as the heir. Maybe even more than me. I got perks just for being male, but she shouldered burdens for being the eldest daughter.
"...Mom, you absolutely can't die! I'll cry if you do. You have to keep hugging me..."
The words slipped out.
"...I never said I was dying. I'll always hold and protect you, so don't worry."
"Really? You promise? I'm gonna keep being spoiled. Sleep with you tons, beg for pets all the time. So you gotta stay by my side forever?"
"Pfft."
A sound that made me doubt my ears. Laughter. Mom's laughter.
"Yes. I will. So don't worry."
"Hehe. Love you, Mom..."
Snuggled in her arms, sleepiness crept in. Kids need lots of sleep, right? I must be around eight now. Anyway, her comforting embrace calmed my mind, no lessons meant good vibes... Feeling her hand gently pat my back, I closed my eyes obediently.
* * *
Hiss... Hiss...
"..."
"..."
The light, delicate breaths near my ears. The soft snoring perked their ears. The mother and daughter stayed utterly silent, careful not to wake sleeping Kael.
"Mother... may I pet him a little?"
"...Be gentle so you don't wake him."
Serdi swallowed carefully, then slowly stroked Kael's hair in dreamland. His sleeping face was utterly adorable. After gazing for a while, she looked up at Aurelia.
"...Mother. Are you really going to?"
"What do you mean?"
"Keep Kael by your side forever."
Aurelia fell silent at Serdi's words, gazing down at Kael. She chewed her lip as he squirmed deeper into her embrace even in sleep. After some contemplation, her resolve solidified.
"Yes. I will. I'll stay by Kael's side always."
"...But you're human, Mother, and Kael has monster blood."
"His body is fully human, unlike you all. Kael is human."
She knew. Kael was different from them. That's why it worried her more. But if she vowed to protect him herself, no one could sway her.
"...Mother, you just laughed."
"Did I? Must be your imagination."
Aurelia replied flatly.
"...No. It was nice. Laugh like that more around Kael."
Sincere words. Not just for them, but laugh often for Kael's sake—that was her daughter's plea. Aurelia said nothing.
"By the way, don't you have business up north soon? What about Kael?"
"I'll take him. Just quick errands, then back. No issue keeping him close."
"Nobles will be watching, so take care."
"I will. Mind the estate."
"......"
I'll leave it to you... First time hearing that. Serdi bit her lip and bowed her head.
"...Yes. I will."