A DOTTING MOTHER

As breakfast came to a close, the atmosphere in the dining room shifted from silent contemplation to light conversation.

Lady Seraphina and Lady Isolde, the two other wives of Valtor, began their usual chatter.

They spoke with enthusiasm about their respective businesses, their voices filled with the competitive edge that always seemed to accompany their interactions.

Lady Seraphina, with her rich auburn blonde hair and deep crimson dress adorned with intricate floral designs, leaned towards Lady Isolde.

"My flower business is thriving, Isolde. The new hybrid roses we've developed are selling out faster than we can grow them.

The horticultural techniques I've been implementing are really paying off."

Lady Isolde, her crystal blue dress boasting an audaciously low neckline, nodded appreciatively.

Her long, blonde hair cascaded down her back, drawing attention to the finely crafted jewelry that complemented her attire.

"That's wonderful, Seraphina. I've been focusing on my latest fashion line.

The demand for custom dresses is overwhelming, especially with the summer festival approaching.

I've designed a collection that highlights the natural beauty of women, much like this dress I'm wearing."

Diaval couldn't help but notice the exaggerated cleavage of Isolde's dress.

'How can she wear something like that... and in front of her son too,' he thought, though he found himself indifferent.

His past life had exposed him to similar human tendencies, making him somewhat desensitized.

Jade, his mother, sat quietly, observing the conversation with a serene smile.

Unlike the other wives, Jade preferred the tranquility of the mansion and was more involved in supervising the household staff.

Her reserved nature often made her the target of envy, particularly because Valtor's affection for her was noticeably greater than for the others, a sentiment extended to Diaval as well.

Isolde and Seraphina rarely engaged with Jade unless it was absolutely necessary or when they were all in the presence of their husband.

The only exception to this rule was during the intimate moments they shared together with Valtor. It was a moment when everyone enjoyed themselves, so there was no need for hostility in such a state and especially not when they were all satisfied.

Seeing Jade so tranquil, Isolde and Seraphina exchanged a knowing glance and turned their conversation towards her.

"Jade, dear, how do you find time to supervise the maids when you're at home all day?" Seraphina asked with a smirk.

Isolde added, her tone dripping with mock concern, "Yes, it must be such a task managing everything without any real responsibilities outside the mansion."

Jade laughed softly, the sound gentle yet filled with an undercurrent of steel.

"Oh, it's quite manageable. Unlike running a flower shop or a fashion line, supervising a mansion requires a different kind of finesse.

After all, I have to ensure everything runs smoothly so that when you both return, you can find your way to your beds without tripping over your own feet."

"No?"

The maids chuckled under their breaths, and even Valtor shook his head with a bemused smile.

He was well-acquainted with the banter among his wives and knew it was mostly harmless, if occasionally biting.

Seraphina wasn't ready to back down.

"But Jade, don't you find it boring? No grand projects, no business ventures. Just... home."

Jade's eyes sparkled mischievously.

"Oh, but I do have a grand project, Seraphina. It's called maintaining peace in this household, which, given the personalities involved, is no small feat.

And as for business ventures, I find that ensuring the comfort and happiness of Valtor and Diaval is far more rewarding than any profit margin."

Diaval burst out laughing, drawing all eyes to him.

'Shit.'

Realizing he had become the center of attention, he quickly hid behind the book Mira had given him.

His laughter was genuine, though he was careful to mask his amusement with a façade of reading.

Isolde and Seraphina exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of irritation and reluctant admiration.

"Tsk.."

"Well, Jade," Isolde said with a forced smile, "it's good to know you're content with your... duties."

Jade returned the smile with equal sweetness.

"Content and thriving, Isolde. Content and thriving."

As the conversation continued, Diaval's mind wandered.

He thought about how his mother, despite the barbs and jabs, always held her ground with grace and wit.

It was a trait he deeply admired and one he hoped to emulate.

'She really is something else.'

As breakfast concluded, the maids efficiently moved about, clearing the table and collecting the used utensils.

Valtor was the first to leave, followed by Lukan, Cedric, and Adrian.

Diaval remained seated, absorbed in the book Mira had given him, her presence behind his chair subtly reassuring.

She seemed genuinely interested in what he was reading, her eyes occasionally flicking to the pages.

Lady Seraphina approached Diaval, her steps confident and deliberate.

She leaned slightly over the table, her voice smooth and dripping with feigned gratitude.

"Thank you, Diaval, for stepping aside and giving Adrian the throne. It means so much to our family."

"Such a noble deed, and it was all for your own good..."

Diaval's expression remained neutral, but inside, he seethed.

If only the arrogant woman knew the true reason behind his decision.

He had no interest in her praises, especially from someone he found so selfish and repugnant.

Her words, however, sparked a troubling thought. Was she part of the plot to kill him and Valtor? Could she have orchestrated the entire scheme?

His mind raced with the possibility. In the novel, Seraphina might have found no further use for Jade after eliminating Valtor and Diaval, possibly even planning to kill his mother.

The thought filled him with fury, and his eyes glowed a bright red with barely contained rage.

A gentle hand on his shoulder jolted him back to reality.

His mother, Jade, looked at him with concern.

"Oh, my, what's the killing intent for?" she asked, her tone light but probing.

Diaval chuckled nervously, quickly closing the book.

"It's nothing, Mother. Just something in the book that got me a bit riled up."

Jade, unconvinced by his facade, leaned closer and whispered, "If that bitch Seraphina threatens or brings harm to you, just let me know.

I'll be glad to cut her throat." She kissed him on the forehead, her words both comforting and fierce.

Before leaving, Jade patted Mira on the head, leaving her blue hair slightly tousled and her cheeks flushed.

"The two of you have really been close recently…" she remarked with a knowing smile, the same one she had given them last night.

Diaval watched his mother leave, a mix of admiration and determination filling him.

In his previous life, he had never experienced such motherly love, having lost his mother at a young age. This was different, and he intended to cherish every moment of it.

With Seraphina and Adrian's plan thwarted, his mother would be safe from their schemes.

But he realized his mother lacked a significant role within the household.

She mostly stayed home, supervising the maids and staff, unlike the other wives who had their own businesses and pursuits.

'Do good for others, and good will follow you,' Diaval thought, formulating a new plan.

'I will have to keep my plan of living a simple and low life aside.'

He would build his mother a business, one that would surpass those of the arrogant Seraphina and Isolde, making them burn with envy.

This would be his new goal, and he intended to make it happen without anyone, especially his mother, finding out.

///NEXT CHAPTER: MY MOTHER DESERVES ONLY THE BEST