“Mo… ther…?”

That voice. Those tears.

They were just like those I had seen just earlier today.

However, now they’re from the opposite of hope…

Just like that, Eivind’s ‘mother’ fell apart. Eivind scooped up what remained of his ‘mother’ over and over again, yet the ashes slipped through his fingers.

As I watched that scene unfold, Eivind burst out with laughter.

“I guess… You were right after all.”

“Did I say something?”

“That there’s no way this research will succeed… Oh, sorry. It wasn’t you.”

I don’t really understand.

Still, it sounded like he was blaming himself.

I gave my honest opinion.

“Your ‘mother’ sure was kind.”

“Is that sarcasm?”

“Not at all. Even while in a state of disrepair, she still acted to protect her child until the end… If I had someone like that, I would have grown up a bit better.”

Perhaps, I wouldn’t have had to live like this for 800 years.

As I was thinking about that, Eivind laughed again.

This time, he snorted proudly.

“Right!? My mother sure is amazing!”

Yes, that’s right. I honestly think you and your mother are amazing.

So naturally, I smiled.

“So, Eivind likes women who resemble his mother, does he?”

“Well, say whatever you want.”

“In other words, a mother-con.”

Isn’t that what people call those who love their mothers excessively these days?

Of course, it didn’t have a positive connotation.

When I asked that, Eivind immediately frowned.

“When you put it that way, I feel like the bad guy.”

“Well, it’s not like you’re at an age to be separated from your parents yet. You’re only 18 years old.”

“From the perspective of an 800-year-old woman, aren’t I just a brat?”

“Is that revenge for being called a mother-con?”

To be exact, I should be 820 years old.

When I directly retorted, he chuckled, “Of course.”

After a moment of silence, he lowered his gaze again.

“Can you leave me alone for a bit?”

“Of course.”

Restoring his ‘mother’ doll, reduced to such a miserable state, would be difficult. Even if the main body could somehow be fixed, it wouldn’t function as his ‘mother’ without the all-important Crystal.

So, my role ended there.

Immediately after we were about to leave the laboratory, Eivind called out to us.

“You have me now, right?”

“Eh?”

Upon hearing those words, I turned around, but Eivind wasn’t looking at me.

“Even if you didn’t have that figure 800 years ago, Nora isn’t alone anymore, right?”

“…So cool. You can still say that even though your mother was just killed.”

“I know. That’s why I’m popular.”

Then, I closed the door.

[Nora also has me!]

Never had I regretted possessing Cecily before.

I wanted to hug her so much.

As we were sharing the same body, we couldn’t hug each other.

The next morning, Eivind really came to pick us up.

The castle town was crowded even in the morning. Apparently, like at noon, many stores had menus that allowed you to have breakfast or coffee before work.

Please, let us join them one day, too.

After that, once I was guided into the castle, Eivind immediately said goodbye.

“See you. I have something to do.”

…He only needed to show his face to grant us permission.

Apparently, the director of the Royal Magic Institute had talked to the officials beforehand. We were praised, ‘You’re doing great in your father’s place.’

It was a bit disappointing to be treated like a child, but oh well. After a proper inspection was dispatched, they promised us financial aid to ensure that nothing bad happened to the people of the fief.

Let’s leave the rest to adults.

After such an exchange, I walked out of the castle while stretching my body.

There, I saw a handsome man, Eivind Dahl, holding two large bouquets of flowers.

“Ladies, would you be willing to spend the rest of the summer with me?”

“I’m happy at being asked out on a date, but if I don’t return to school before second semester begins…”

“In that case, the research institute has an emergency magic circle that can teleport you directly to the academy.”

“That’s just an abuse of your authority.”

Oh, well.

If I was allowed to use it, I’d spare myself from a week’s worth of traveling. It would give me more than enough time to visit the royal capital, go sightsee, and even visit other towns.

I also need to buy an apology souvenir for Anita.

Not to mention, I also admire his willingness to escort two ladies at once…

What do you think, Cecily?

[If Nora wants to go on a date, I’ll accompany you.]

Hey, that way of phrasing it…

While Cecily and I were speaking to one another, Eivind came from under the stairs and held out his palm, looking like a spoiled cat as he asked, “You don’t want to?”

Well, I’m a villainess anyway.

I don’t think abusing ones authority is that serious of a crime.

“Shall we go out?”

I took Eivind Dahl’s hand.

---

Read more than a month’s worth of chapters ahead on patreon for only $2~

***T/N: EIVIND DAHL IS SUCH A PLAYER

Please also consider donating to my ko-fi! It’ll greatly support me in action, no matter the amount!
https://ko-fi.com/antoinettevanessa

Have a Japanese story or the likes (Drama CD, etc.) you’d like to read? Want it to be translated? I’m open for commission!
https://www.fiverr.com/s2/aaab08c14d

<Previous chapter

Next chapter>