190 House Wiore and Evili, the Mother

“So, you’re Fansent-kun. Carta talks about you all the time. ‘He’s so amazing, Mom! Seriously, he’s incredible!’ she says, over and over.”

“M-Mom?! What are you even saying?!”

The House Wiore estate sat in the suburbs, a short distance from the Royal Capital. They were a rare breed of nobility that actually engaged in large-scale agriculture on a massive plot of land.

A vast forest stretched out behind the property. If I remembered the Original Story correctly, that was the secret to their strength. Everything that made Carta who she was—her Flight Magic, her Mana Sense—was likely forged right there.

The woman who greeted me with a smile was Carta’s mother. Unlike the soft-looking Carta, she was more of a classic beauty—sharp features and a tall, elegant frame.

I see. So the “boing” factor was inherited from her mother.

“The pleasure is mine, ma’am. I’ve actually been quite indebted to Carta-san myself,” I said, trying to sound as polite as possible.

“—Oh, my. Carta, he’s a wonderful boy, isn’t he?”

“Mom, seriously?! I-I’m so sorry, Weiss-kun! A-anyway, I’ll go get some tea ready, okay?!”

With that, Carta floated up into the air without even using a staff. She flew toward the second floor, hit the floor with a dull thud, and then scurried out of sight.

“Hehe. Still a klutz, I see.”

“Not necessarily,” I countered. “She’s incredibly reliable when it really counts.”

“I certainly hope so. Fansent-kun, would you mind coming with me for a moment?”

This was Carta’s mother—Evili-san. She was someone who never appeared in the Original Story. She looked gentle enough, but there was a certain chilling sharpness in her eyes that sent a shiver down my spine. I gave a quick “Yes, ma'am” and followed her to the courtyard.

The scale of the farming here was likely unrivaled in all of Noblesse. There were Melo-Melons everywhere. One, two, three... just rows and rows of them. I want to eat them. God, I want to eat them so bad. I want to eat some Vai.

“That girl knows how much you love Melo-Melons. Every time she comes home, she spends her time hunting for the biggest, most delicious ones she can find for you.”

“...I had no idea,” I stammered. “I’m sorry for always taking the best of the crop.”

“Hehe. Actually, I’m the one who wants to express my gratitude.”

Evili-san offered a gentle smile. I wasn’t quite sure what she meant, but she kept going.

“When she was accepted into the Academy, my husband and I were overjoyed. But we didn't realize how she actually felt. It took a long time for us to see into her true heart. But ever since she started talking about you, she’s become so much more cheerful. Thank you, Fansent-kun.”

“...You’re giving me too much credit. I haven't done anything. If anything, I’m the one who’s always being helped.”

That was the honest truth, straight from the bottom of my heart. Carta was the catalyst for everything; I could say with absolute certainty that if it weren't for her, I wouldn't be the man I am today.

However, Evili-san’s gentle expression vanished instantly, replaced by a piercing stare.

“But... I also know she’s been put in danger. And I know you’re involved in that. While I'm grateful, I’m also terrified. I don't care about the rumors surrounding you, but my daughter is clumsy and reckless. She doesn't know when to quit. That worries me to no end.”

“...I am truly sorry.”

“Hehe, sorry. I was just being a bit mean. But she really does seem to love you. I don't know how you feel about her, but she’s a good girl.”

“I’m well aware of that. I trust her completely.”

“Hmm. Oh? Your chances of success are higher than I thought.”

“Mom?! What are you doing?! Why are you two off talking alone?!”

“I was just asking if he liked you,” Evili-san said airily. “Good for you, Carta. It sounds like there’s at least a bit of a possibility.”

“Wh-wh-wh-wh-what are you talking about?!”

Honestly, while many parents and children are two peas in a pod, it was rare to see a pair so completely opposite. Still, she seemed like a wonderful mother. She really looked out for Carta.

If I were in Evili-san's shoes, I’d be worried sick, too. Carta had fought the Demon Race multiple times and had even been thrown in a dungeon. Yet, her mother still believed in her. She still supported her.

It hit home with my own father, too—a parent's love really is irreplaceable.

Man... I really need to hurry up and finish everything so I can just relax.

“Carta, haste is the enemy of romance.”

“L-Like I said, what are you even—!”

“Carta,” I interrupted, “I’d love to see where the Melo-Melons are grown. Would you mind showing me around?”

“Eh? O-oh! Of course! Hehe.”

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【New Work for Kakuyomu Contest 9】

I have posted a new work. The number of submissions is incredibly high this time, and it’s easy for stories to get buried ( ;∀;) I believe the content is interesting, so could you please follow the story and leave a ☆? Readers, please lend me your strength!

Reincarnated as the Strongest and Most Evil Villain, I Act Behind the Scenes for the Sake of the Original Hero https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16817330668130826322