Episode 43: Townsperson A Realizes a Mother’s Affection

Once back at the dormitory, I grabbed the bags I’d already packed and bolted out of the room. I made a beeline for my childhood home, where my mother was waiting for me.

As soon as I arrived, I sat her down and laid out everything that had happened that day.

I explained how I’d sided with a duke’s daughter who was being treated unfairly, picked a fight with the Crown Prince, and fought a duel that would almost certainly result in my expulsion. I also mentioned that I hadn't just beaten the Crown Prince; I’d thrashed a prince from a neighboring country and the heirs of several high-ranking nobles to boot. This wasn’t going to end quietly.

I’ve let her down, I thought. She probably spent years hoping I would graduate from the academy and find a respectable career, and now I’ve gone and broken her heart.

Or so I expected. Instead, after listening to my confession, my mother offered me words I never would have anticipated.

"I see. You worked hard. You did a good thing, Allen. Putting yourself on the line to help a girl in such a terrible position... you’ve grown into a fine man."

With those words, she pulled me into a gentle embrace.

"Allen, if the worst should happen, you must run. If the authorities come for you, I’ll take your place."

"No way! I can’t let you do that! This was my choice—"

"Don't say such foolish things. As long as you are safe and healthy, that’s all that matters to me. Understand?"

"Ugh, Mother..."

I found myself at a loss for words. I’d done all of this because I wanted to save her, yet here I was, potentially sacrificing her anyway.

"Now, get some rest for tonight. Tomorrow, I'll make all your favorite foods. It's been a while, hasn't it?"

"...Yeah."

Urged on by her, I headed to my room. I changed into my sleepwear and crawled under the covers, but my mind wouldn't stop racing.

Where did I go wrong? Can I really not save my mother after all?

As I lay there brooding, a knock sounded at the door. It was her.

"Can I come in?"

"Yeah."

She stepped inside and sat on the edge of my bed.

"I wonder how long it's been since I’ve looked at your face while you were tucked into bed like this?"

"Come on, I'm way too old for that," I grumbled, purely out of embarrassment.

"You know," she said pensively, "I always wondered why you were so talented, even though you’re the child of that person and me. But seeing you now, you really are his son, through and through."

"Is that so...?"

"He ended up helping a girl who was being bullied, didn't he? You’re the spitting image of him."

"I see..."

"I'm sure your late father is proud of you too, Allen."

"I hope so..."

My father had died before I was old enough to remember him. Mother had never told me the specifics, but I wondered if he had ended up in a similar predicament to mine.

"Why are you making that face? You didn't do anything wrong, did you? Then hold your head high. If anyone tries to punish you—I don't care if it's the King or a Duke—I’ll give them a piece of my mind."

"Mother..."

"There now, Allen. You did your best. You were a good boy."

She gently stroked my hair. Despite being far too old for such things, I let her continue until I eventually drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep.

By the time I woke up the next morning, my head had cleared considerably.

I wasn’t entirely sure why I’d let myself get so worked up and pessimistic the night before. When I looked at it objectively, everything was still going according to plan.

Intervene in Anastasia's Condemnation Event and stop her exile. By doing so, prevent the civil war and nip the invasion from the Est Empire in the bud.

So far, I’d managed to shatter the Scenario exactly as I’d intended.

It wasn't as if my execution was set in stone. Besides, the Duke’s family essentially owed me a favor now. If I played my cards right, I could probably leverage that to keep my head on my shoulders.

I probably just overextended myself yesterday. Between the fight and the verbal abuse I hurled at the royals, I must have been more mentally exhausted than I realized.

Feeling centered again, I left my room and headed for the living area. Breakfast was already waiting for me on the table.

"Morning, Mother."

"Good morning, Allen. Did you sleep well?"

"Yeah. Um, thanks for last night."

"You're very welcome. Now sit, breakfast is ready."

"Coming."

I took my seat and waited for her to join me. Being back at home after so long made for a peaceful, familiar morning. I didn’t know how much longer this peace would last, but I intended to cherish every second of it.

I meant that from the bottom of my heart.