Chapter 14:Choices and Consequences

Asher stretched languidly, pushing himself out of bed.

'I should check the overall condition of my current state.' Feeling the changes within his body, he couldn't resist the urge to check his limitations and the overall boost he gained.

'As for the future…' What is the future? And who cares about the future? That illusion had died the moment he got sucked into this mess.

The moment he arrived, the boat had already set sail in the sea, the flow may also have changed, but it was still on the same track.

And thanks to his Anima awakening, the storyline has completely deviated, but so what?

The Butterfly Effect be damned.

To begin with, Eternal Heroes wasn't a story set in stone.

What about the plot? Sure, there was probably one buried beneath all the loot drops and boss fights. Either way, Asher would happily destroy it and rewrite it for his own gain and image.

After all, life was just a series of messy actions and even messier consequences. But that just added to the fun, didn't it?

And that's why, Asher created the plan's to get the relics, not the characters.

"First, let's meet, dear Mom~" his voice dripped with a sweetness, normally reserved for greeting freshly dug graves.

He walked towards Scarlett's office. His steps echoed eerily in the quiet hallway.

The hallway leading to her office was always quieter, devoid of the usual bustle of maids.

Then again, Agnes Mansion wasn't exactly overflowing with staff.

Scarlett preferred a… personal touch when it came to her precious children.

The maids were assigned simply to lessen her worries for them when she was away doing work.

His gaze stopped on a cluster of beautiful flowers…

'Hmm~ Moonsilver?' He observed a bunch of flower plants with slender stalks reaching around 1-2 feet tall. It's a five-petaled flower with a velvety texture that is a deep indigo blue, and it emits a soft and sweet fragrance.

A flicker of something akin to admiration sparked in his eyes, He inhaled the sweet fragrance, and next, admiration extinguished just as quickly.

'Pretty, for sure, but utterly useless.' The Moonsilver, beautiful as it was, held no allure for him.

They have the effect of a 10% Increase in experience gained if practiced under them.

'These maids are quite skilled…' This flower is a rare breed of flowers found in cool, humid environments with partial shade.

However, it's not impossible to cultivate in a wealthy household.

'But it's just 10%?' These "rare" flowers were nothing to him.

He could rattle off a dozen permanent upgrades that would leave this bloom in the dust.

He pushed the thoughts aside, with 'a smile, wide and innocent,' stretched across his face as he reached the door.

But then, he stopped. Knocking? How nice, but No! Sending a message? Oh please.

Still, out of the little courtesy he had for his lovely Mamma, Asher quietly burst into his mother's office.

…

Scarlett squinted at the holographic news reports, the blue light casting an unnatural glow on her gorgeous face.

The constant stream of updates about Labyrinth breaches and monstrous outbreaks gnawed at her.

With a sigh, she turned away, seemingly waiting. While Stella was preparing a steaming cup of tea, the delicate aroma was a comforting counterpoint to the news.

Scarlett's face lit up instantly, a smile blooming across her face as she saw Asher entering the office.

"Ash? Did you need something, Sweetie?" she asked softly, her voice laced with concern.

"..." Asher grimaced internally. 'Sweetie, ugh.' Quietly, he shook his head. 'This whole "filial child" act will be tiresome.'

His wide and 'curious' eyes wandered inside looking at the luxurious and peaceful office. It reeked of wealth and power, just like her.

Scarlett felt hesitation in his actions.

"Come here," She patted her tight, inviting her child to sit together with her.

"..." The invitation to cuddle felt like a trap. He complied anyway, he snuggled into her side, and a soft and harmless smile appeared on his lips.

He leaned back, his head resting against her chest, sitting comfortably on her lap.

A contented sigh escaped Scarlett's lips as she wrapped her arm around his thin frame, pulling him close. Asher wiggled a little, but let it happen.

Her hand automatically found its way to his hair, stroking it gently in a way that had soothed him since he was a baby.

As he snuggled closer, a unique fragrance drifted into his nostrils. It was the chamomile tea, warm and comforting, mixing with the familiar scent of his mother.

He looked up, his gaze landing on the holographic news swirling above them. Images flickered to life – monstrous creatures, ancient ruins, and the devastation they left behind.

This was the world they lived in.

Peace, they called it. A fragile peace, built on the blood and sacrifice of those who came before.

"Is everything alright, sweetie?" Scarlett whispered, her voice soft and smooth as she enjoyed the little break and presence of her son.

A part of her wished he wouldn't see these things, wished he could stay innocent forever. But another part knew he wouldn't stay a child forever.

Her other hand reached around him, enveloping him in a hug.

She rested her chin on his head, inhaling the scent of his hair. He was growing up so fast, and these moments, these quiet cuddles, were becoming rarer.

"Just… thinking," he murmured, while continuing to stare at the holographic displays, a deep glint flickering in his eyes.

Patience was a virtue, even for him.

He slowly turned towards Scarlett and whispered slowly.

"I want… to go to the training facility."

Scarlett ruffled Asher's hair, her gaze softening. This wasn't entirely unexpected.

"Training facility, huh?" she mused, a knowing smile emerged on her lips, a smile that wouldn't look out of place in a toothpaste commercial. And he almost admired her for it. Almost.

"So, the little hero wants to see what his Anima can do, is that it?" Her voice was gentle, and an expression of understanding came across her face.

Asher fought back a gag. He couldn't remember the last time he'd genuinely enjoyed these forced displays of affection

But he gave a small nod, refusing to meet her gaze. Let her think what she wants. Scarlett couldn't quite make out his expression.

'He must be embarrassed, awww~ how precious…' A mischievous glint appeared in her eyes, as a smile formed on her lips.

"...Do you want Mama's help?" Her voice overflowed with a mother's love.

Safer? He didn't need safety, not from the things she feared.

"I can handle it," he said, puffing out his chest just slightly.

"Oh, I have no doubt you can, sweetheart," she replied, her voice dripping with a honeyed sweetness that could charm any lesser man. "But wouldn't you feel safer with Mama by your side?"

With a bit of hesitation, "Umm... And also you are busy, right?" Shaking his head ever so slightly, he whispered, but a feigned sadness could be heard in his voice in the last part,

"Busy? I may be," She looked up for a second as if in deep thought, "but my Ash will always be my top priority. And training can wait, but these snuggles with Mama? They're a limited-time offer." Scarlett chuckled, a warm, rich sound, with a smile on her lips that never leaves.

Asher fought back a shudder. He couldn't take much more of this. He scoffed dramatically, trying to hide a small smile.

"Limited-time offer, huh? As if you'd ever actually let me go," he mumbled, leaning into her embrace ever so slightly.

"Oh, I don't know," she teased, a playful glint in her eyes. "Maybe when you're all grown up and saving the world, you won't have time for your old mama anymore."

A flicker of something dark crossed Asher's features, but Scarlett misinterpreted it as fear of separation from her. She squeezed him tighter.

"Don't be silly," he scoffed, a smile, a little too wide, a little too eager, "I'll always have time for you. Besides, who else is going to make sure you don't get lonely in this giant mansion of yours?"

"Who's going to be lonely without you…" she scoffed softly, mimicking his action but he could see the affection and happiness radiating from the smile.

Scarlett couldn't take it anymore. She was feeling so happy to be with him and teach. She tickled him on his belly causing him to giggle.

"Hehehe~ Stop, haha~ can I go now, Mom? Please, I want to check it myself," he asked, a hint of pride peeking through his voice.

But the act sickened him a little more with every passing moment. He doesn't want any hindrance to test out his physical capabilities. At least once.

"Alright, alright, you win," Scarlett chuckled, finally loosening her hold, but disappointment tingled in her voice as Asher slowly separated from her.

Even so, the desire for independence, though bittersweet, filled her with a quiet joy.

Watching her son slowly blossom into a strong young man, even as he clung to these moments of childish comfort, was a privilege and a moment she wouldn't trade for anything.

Also, she can help him, whenever and whatever he wants, isn't that why she is here?

"Just be careful, alright?" she said, her voice firm yet filled with love. "And remember, no matter what, the training facility will always be here. But Mama? Well, she's always just a call away."

"Mm~" Asher, smiling full of gratitude, met her gaze.

Just Asher was about to go, Scarlett remembered something, stopping him taking his hands in her.

He turned towards her, in confusion. Then something unexpected happened.

"I was just thinking about arranging a private tutor for you," she said quickly, her voice bright.

A private tutor. A wrinkle formed on his brow. He didn't need some outsider poking around in his ass, especially when he uses his abilities, potentially uncovering things he wasn't ready to reveal.

"Tutor?" he repeated, feigning surprise. "Isn't that a bit… unnecessary? Mom, you're the Sword Maiden, Mom. Who better to teach me about fighting?" his eyes sparkled with admiration, looking at her with eager eyes.

"Well, sweetheart," she began, stroking his hand with her thumb, "While my swordsmanship is unrivalled, your Anima might require a more… specialised approach, right."

"Hmm, I see your point," he conceded, leaning into her touch "But honestly, Mom, I'd rather spend this time training with you. It would mean a lot." His voice carried sadness and longing to train together with her.

His amethyst eyes locked with her sky-blue ones. Some tears escaped from the corner of his eyes, melting her heart.

"Asher…" she sighed, a conflicted look crossing her face.

"Mmm…" He saw the well of unwavering love, care, and concern overflowing within her, and also something else – deep hidden within her eyes.

Scarlett leaned in, her entire focus on him.

"Then you don't want to go to School too?" Scarlett inquired.

The school wasn't mandatory for those with potential and had gained the basic knowledge, also who are rich. But it offered invaluable resources – structured training, combat preparation and training, historical and cultural lessons, and much more.

She, Scarlett Agnes, the Sword Maiden, had her pride. She would, of course, teach Aurora and Elysia the swordsmanship she'd developed along with their family Swordsmanship.

While Asher's Anima may not be Sword-type, she could still teach him a great deal. More so, than those schools.

But ultimately, the future development depended on them and their Anima.

"No." Asher shook his head definitively.

Asher Internally rolled his eyes. School? Stuck in a stuffy classroom with a bunch of snooty and bratty privileged kids who think their lineage and their gigantic egos can make them strong? Absolutely not.

"Oh, okay." She whispered happily, "I wouldn't force you if that's not what you want," A bright smile plastered on her face. She felt happy, her baby will always be with her.

And She wouldn't force him, not ever will. After all, she was a good and loving mother, wasn't she?

That's what mothers did – supported their children, no matter what! Even if he didn't desire strength, she would simply let him stay here, safe under her roof.

"Stella, could you please tell one of the maids to assist Asher?" She turned to Stella, requesting politely.

"It's done," Stella confirmed within seconds.

"As expected of you," Scarlett complimented with a smile, then turned back to Asher.

"Anything else you need, baby?" she asked, her touch light as she carded her fingers through his hair.

"No, thank you, Mom," he murmured, placing a fleeting kiss on her cheek before fleeing back to his room.

Scarlett watched him go, a gentle smile curling up on her lips as she touched her cheek where Asher had placed the kiss.

"Oh, this boy!" she whispered, her voice laced with possessiveness and a hint of something darker. "He'll always… hehe~"

Various thoughts went through her mind, some sweet, some dangerous – all centered around keeping Asher close, safe with her.

***

I will add my [A/N] thoughts in <creators thoughts>