Chapter 53: Mother

"I can't believe it… Did you come here without even telling your parents?"

"…Uh, I'm sorry."

"Apologizing to me won't change anything, you know?"

Alice sighed as she observed Mia's remorseful demeanor. 

Mia had run away from home to see Luke, unable to resist the urge despite the consequences it will bore as she was a daughter of an Earl's family. Alice understood Mia's feelings, as they seemed to mirror her own experiences, but she couldn't condone Mia's actions. 

(… Really, what a troublesome girl.)

However, just because she could understand Mia's actions didn't mean she could justify them. It was a clear flaw to not be able to control even her own emotions.

"You mustn't trouble Luke, okay?"

"…Un. I'm really sorry…"

The atmosphere froze slightly. Alice's words carried a hint of anger, making them sharper. Mia had no choice but to remain silent in response.

"It's alright. Don't make such a scary face, Alice-chan," someone spoke to the two of them.

It was──

"Julia-sama. It's been a while," Alice immediately lowered her head, followed by Mia.

"Ah, um… Nice to meet you."

It was Luke's mother, Julia, dressed in a beautiful gown. Her beauty was so enchanting that even the word "bewitching" seemed a fitting description of it.

Alice bowed her head immediately, and Mia followed suit.

"I'll take care of Mia-chan's matter. Is that alright with you?"

"N, no way! To burden Julia-sama with my problems─"

"It's fine. We're going to be family. It's nothing. Right?"

"…"

Julia's presence reminded Mia of Luke in some way. She realized that arguing was not allowed, as Julia's aura made it clear.

"Yes… Th, thank you…"

"Hehe, it's alright. ──Please tell my husband exactly what you just heard," Julia said with a smile.

"Yes, Julia-sama."

A maid who had been standing nearby bowed and walked away.

Mia was slightly confused by the situation, and could only watch the maid's retreating figure in astonishment.

"Now then, you two. Let's have a little chat among us women. Follow me."

"Y-yes."

"Yes."

They couldn't refuse. They had no choice but to obey. Julia's words had an air of fear and domination.

" —Oh my goodness! Both of you are so cute! Let me give you a hug!" 

"… Eh?"

"Ah."

In the room they were led into, something unexpected happened.

Julia, who had been like a ruler just moments ago, suddenly laughed innocently and hugged Alice and Mia tightly.

"Luke found good girls, huh? Fufu."

The dominating air she had just moments ago was nowhere to be found. It was such a drastic change that Alice and Mia couldn't help but feel bewildered.

"I want to hear about your experiences at school and how you two met, Mia-chan. We have enough time, right? It's okay, isn't it?"

Julia smiled alluringly yet innocently.

Alice and Mia exchanged glances. At first, they were hesitant. They didn't know where to start or how much they should reveal. But little by little, they started talking, carefully choosing their words. Julia listened quietly, sometimes responding, sometimes laughing along.

The initially tense expressions of the two gradually relaxed, and it didn't take long for the conversation to blossom.

"At that time, I ended up crying so much…"

"Luke's such a handful kid, you see. I'm sorry, Mia-chan…"

"I appreciate your kind words, Julia-sama. It's Mia's fault for crying over something so trivial."

"That's right! It's my fault. I'm always trying to think of ways to be helpful, but I end up causing trouble for Luke…"

"Indeed, that's true."

"Ugh…"

"Fufu."

While watching Alice and Mia's exchange, Julia smiled happily.

"I'm glad you two seem to get along."

"We're not getting along. I'm just glad it was Mia rather than another woman. That's all."

"…Eh?"

At that moment, Mia felt her heart warm with surprise.

"Alice-chan genuinely loves Luke from the bottom of her heart."

"Yes."

Alice declared without a hint of hesitation.

In contrast, Mia blushed furiously, showing her agitation as she looked at Alice.

"What about you, Mia-chan?"

"Uh!? W-well… Yes… I… I really like him…"

Mia was extremely embarrassed and lowered her gaze. Seeing the two polar opposites, Julia smiled kindly.

"That boy has been able to do everything naturally since childhood. Even though I, as her mother, say this, he's too flawless. Being with him, doesn't it make you tired?"

"It's not like that at all."

"Yes, Alice is right!"

"Fufu… You both are truly good girls."

Julia smiled modestly and took a sip of her tea. Then she slowly began to talk about what she wanted to convey the most today.

"That boy may be hard to understand because he doesn't show his emotions much. But if he really disliked you two, he wouldn't bother keeping you by his side. Absolutely not. Both of you are truly loved. I say this as a mother, there's no doubt."

Her words had an indescribable persuasiveness, resonating with Alice and Mia. She wasn't just saying it to make them happy. Somehow, they knew it was true.

"Besides, this is also from my own experience. Fufu."

Julia laughed mischievously.

At that moment, a knock echoed.

"Who could it be? You may come in."

"Excuse me."

"Oh, isn't it Ellie!"

"Long time no see, Julia-sama."

The one who entered was Eleonora.

She bowed to Julia and immediately continued speaking.

"Due to an urgent matter, please forgive my rudeness. Actually, Luke has been spotted riding in someone's carriage."

"What did you say?"

The tension in the air instantly rises.

"That's why I'm going to check the situation. With my spatial magic, it's easy. I've already obtained permission from my father and Claude-sama. Objectively speaking, it's best for me to go in terms of my combat strength."

"Wait, I'm going too."

"I-I'm going too!"

Alice and Mia immediately react to the situation.

However, she cannot immediately approve their request. As nobles, they cannot avoid troublesome matters.

"I'm not going to fight. I'll just bring him back if something happens. You two stay here."

"It's not about reasoning. No matter what you say, if there's a situation where we can fight, we will definitely fight for Luke."

"I think the same… I won't be a burden! Please take me with you!"

"Hmm… I know both of your abilities, but… What do you think, Julia-sama?"

"…"

Julia falls silent.

However, it only lasts for a moment.

"Fine. I'll take responsibility. But you must come back safely. Understood?"

Julia chose to respect their will.