I sat with my arms crossed, staring intensely at the vibrant bouquet of carnations on the table before me.
Mother’s Day... normally, it was a heartwarming, gentle occasion. In fact, I’d already spent some quality time with my biological mother, taking the opportunity to show my appreciation and enjoy a nice family gathering.
But now, looking at the flowers sitting in front of me, the expression on my face probably mirrored that of a samurai preparing for his final, decisive battle.
"Kaito-san, let me double-check... are you sure you're in your right mind? This could turn ugly. I mean, of course, I’ll do everything in my power to handle it if things go south, but if that thing truly snaps, it’s going to be a massive pain in the neck."
"Believe me, I’m terrified. I haven't been able to stop trembling... but looking back on everything that's happened..."
The reason Alice looked so horrified—asking if I was sane—and the reason my body was shaking so visibly over a simple bouquet of flowers was because I was planning to give them to Eden-san.
Honestly, I was starting to doubt my own sanity as well. The thought of her reaction was paralyzing. However, the fact remained that while her frequent rampages were a nightmare, she had helped me immensely in the past.
She’d assisted during the incident with Fia-sensei, provided hints to Alice and the others during the fight with Shiro-san, and even helped explain my situation to my aunt and uncle when I returned to Earth for a visit. To be blunt, I owed her a lot.
Thinking that I should show at least a modicum of human gratitude, I had tried to figure out what would make her happy. I eventually settled on carnations and prepared this bouquet.
But I couldn't even begin to guess her reaction. This was the first time I was initiating a gift for her. Eden-san was already... well, "dangerous" was putting it mildly. If she got even more excited than usual, I couldn't even imagine the fallout.
I’d taken every precaution possible. Alice was manifested and ready to jump into action at a moment's notice. Kuro usually made Eden-san combative just by being in her presence, so I had her waiting on standby a short distance away, ready to move if things went wrong.
I’d even tried asking Shiro-san for help, but she told me she couldn't interfere with my interactions with Eden-san due to a prior agreement they’d made.
"Regardless, there’s no point in agonizing over it forever. Alice, I’m going to call her now. I’m counting on you."
"Got it. I’ve already activated Hecatoncheir's Ultimate War-Form. I should be able to handle most scenarios."
After an exchange so grave it felt entirely out of place for a simple gift-giving, I poured a small amount of magic power into the feather Eden-san had given me.
A dazzling light immediately filled the room. When it faded, Eden-san stood before us.
"It is rare for my child to call upon me. Oh, I am overjoyed, of course. A mother wishes to be with her beloved child for every possible second, and my beloved child is so—"
"U-Um, Eden-san!"
"Yes? What is the matter?"
Knowing that she was already at full throttle and would launch into one of her terrifyingly long monologues if left unchecked, I cut her off. I held out the bouquet of carnations toward her as she tilted her head in confusion.
"What... is this?"
"Well, you’re always helping me out, and... today is Mother’s Day, so... these are for you."
"..."
Eden-san silently accepted the flowers.
In that same moment, Alice lowered her stance, her vigilance reaching a peak. The air grew so tense I instinctively squeezed my eyes shut. Here it comes. How is she going to react?
"Thank you, my beloved child. To receive such a wonderful gift... this mother is so very happy."
"Huh?"
Her voice was soft—gentle, even. Something felt completely off. I didn't feel that usual chill running down my spine.
Timidly, I opened my eyes. Eden-san was looking at me with a brilliant archaic smile. But something was different. Specifically, the murky, obsessive depth that usually sat in the back of her eyes was gone.
"This was quite a surprise. But I am truly delighted."
"Ah, well, if you’re happy, then I’m glad I gave them to you."
"Yes, I must thank you again for your kindness... Oh, since we have the chance, would you care for some tea with your mother? I would like to speak with my child a bit longer, if that is acceptable?"
"Y-Yes. That’s fine."
It was definitely strange. She wasn't speaking in her usual rapid-fire, overwhelming manner. She was even checking to see if I was available.
As I stood there in a daze, Eden-san flicked the wings on her back, causing tea and cookies for "three people" to appear on the table.
"Alice, won't you join us? My child would be pleased to have you here."
"E-Eh? I mean, I don't mind... but are you really okay with me being here, Eden-san?"
"But of course. You are someone precious to my child. More than that, you are a kind girl who always protects him. As his mother, please allow me to express my gratitude. Thank you, as always."
"Ah, right... Hey, Kaito-san... 'who is this person'?"
It was rare to see Alice so visibly bewildered, but I felt the exact same way. Seriously, who was this? She was a completely different person.
While Alice and I were reeling from her transformation, a black vortex opened in the room and Kuro stepped through.
"Kaito-kun! Are you okay? Shaltier's magic power was fluctuating, so I—"
"Oh? If it isn't Kuromueina."
"I came to see what was... wait, what?"
"So you have come as well. In that case, I shall add another serving of tea."
Eden-san usually hated Kuro. Or rather, she viewed her as an enemy. She wouldn't even use her name, calling her "Half of God," and was always combative. But now...
"If you would like, why don't you join us for tea? I won't force you if you're busy with work, of course."
"Ah, eh? N-No, I’m actually taking the day off from the trade company today, so..."
"I see. That is good to hear. I know you are serious and diligent, and I know your body isn't fragile enough to break from overwork, but proper rest is essential. The heart needs to recover as well, after all."
"Y-Yeah... wait, what?"
"My apologies, that sounded like I was lecturing you. Now then, let us have our tea. Since you are both lovers of my beloved child, you are like dear children to me as well. This mother wants to hear all about you."
"Um... Kaito-kun... Shaltier... can I ask something? Who is this?"
Kuro stared with wide eyes, but unfortunately, neither Alice nor I had an answer. In fact, we wanted to ask the same thing.
Throughout the tea party that followed, Eden-san's demeanor remained unchanged. She smiled warmly and spent her time listening to us rather than talking about herself.
Occasionally, she would reach out and pat my head, but she didn't try to initiate any of her usual excessive physical contact. She truly behaved like a mother doting on her child.
She was the same with Alice and Kuro. Her words were gentle and filled with concern. She seemed to radiate motherly love and benevolence.
However, Alice, Kuro, and I were so thrown off by how different she was that we were mentally exhausted by the time the party ended.
Eden-san didn't return to her usual self that day. When the tea party was over, she said, "I shouldn't overstay my welcome," something she would normally never say, thanked me once more for the flowers, and departed.
The next morning, she had returned to her old self. While I felt a strange sense of relief... I couldn't help but wish that mysterious, gentle mode would make an appearance every now and then.
Explanation: Eden Maman (Holy Mother Mode)
This is a state where the "default yandere" Maman's affection for Kaito overflows its limits. Since all of her emotions—including the parts that are usually obsessive and crazed—are entirely filled with nothing but "affection for her beloved child," she becomes a completely different person. Every action overflows with love for Kaito, and since she is devoid of self-interest, the result is that she becomes incredibly kind and considerate of others.
Furthermore, any "hostility toward people other than her child" is overwritten by her "affection for her child," meaning she is kind even to those she usually considers enemies.
In this state, her danger level is non-existent. She is the type of person who will return a greeting with a gentle smile.
This mode usually lasts for about a day, after which she returns to normal.
Note that this state is considered a type of abnormality. Her "normal" state is her yandere persona.