Once the emotional outbursts were finished, Anabelle and I began conversing normally.
We discussed at length, talking about my adventures during the three years I was absent, as well as how she coped in my absence. I intentionally omitted certain parts of my adventure—especially my stay in the hideout I made with my friends back in the day.
'That's the most important part of my journey, but… she doesn't need to know about it…'
Anabelle listened to my stories with amazement—especially hearing how many amazing beasts I encountered—as well as a great deal of the world I explored. Based on her reactions, it was obvious that she was never able to travel the world since she was restricted by her noble status and responsibility.
'Despite her wild personality, Anabelle is actually an epitome of nobility…'
At least, to the public. During our conversations, though, she never filtered her speech.
Occasionally, words like—
"You're just like your father!"
Or…
"I was so lonely! Is this how you'll treat your woman once you have one?"
—Came up.
Of course, I indulged the woman's wrath, laughing heartily as she spoke. This helped ease the atmosphere, and so, it didn't take us very long to return to our usual flow.
Father spent more time in the Capital as a result of his serious duties to the Kingdom. There were only four Dukes, after all. That made his role indispensable.
Plus, it seemed my intervention in Ainzlark Academy raised his reputation by a lot—advancing our Leonard Household status even further.
Since my mom did a bit of investigating after I vanished, and even kept close tabs on Ainzlark Academy after I left, I was able to get some information from her.
One of the things that stood out was the departure of specific students from Ainzlark.
Apparently, a while after I left—in intervals—two other students dropped out of the institute.
Initially, I didn't think that was strange. After all, many parents would want to withdraw their wards from the school after the Demonic Disturbance was made public.
However, Anabelle further explained that the ones who left weren't taken away by their parents. Since she was pretty high-up in nobility, her connections wouldn't lie. It was strange that two students simply left the institute—and were still at large.
I was even more surprised once I heard their names.
Stefan Netherlore, and…
… Kuzon Midas!
Just what could have caused those two to leave?
'I'll find out once I get to the Academy…'
There were a few things I wanted to learn and achieve, so this was simply going into the list.
We furthered our conversation, had lunch, and then enjoyed a walk in the garden together.
As we engaged in these seemingly meaningless activities, my rational side chided me. Thoughts like—
'This is a waste of time!'
'The situation is urgent!'
'Can't you do this later?'
—Afflicted me.
However, I didn't give in to any of them.
This was something I didn't plan on rushing.
'I've done more than enough, and I plan on doing even more. This amount of selfishness is permitted!'
Anabelle seemed surprised that I was spending so long with her, but since she didn't complain, I took it that she was enjoying the company.
She raised the issue of Liliana, and how they discovered her identity after a magical autopsy.
I raised the issue of Alphonse, and how his territory was under attack. Of course, the part where I saved everyone was carefully accentuated.
We laughed.
We spoke.
We even danced.
I enjoyed every moment of our time together.
Evening came, and we had a light dinner and mild tea.
We enjoyed the fresh breeze on the verandah.
More talks followed.
It felt so blissful, like I was in a fantasy.
War and carnage were going to follow soon enough, but… even this wasn't too bad.
Right?
Every second spent with the one you love is bliss. That was something I seemed to have forgotten ever since I reincarnated.
After all… I too had people whom I cherished in my past life.
I had comrades.
I had a family.
And… I had that special woman who stole my heart…
'I wonder…'
Nostalgic memories rushed in as the day neared its end. It was clear that I would be spending the night in the manor. I was ecstatic about the fact.
'After so long… I'll be sleeping in a proper bed, eh?'
Drunk on happiness, I couldn't wait to be shown my room…
… If only things were that simple!
**************
"SLEEP WITH ME TONIGHT!"
'… E—Eh?!'
Yep, that's right!
My mother wanted me—a fifteen-year-old boy—to share her bed.
'I know loneliness is terrible, but… isn't there a limit to everything?!'
However, I should have known that logic wouldn't work when dealing with this woman.
In her innocence, she was asking someone who was already over two hundred years old—if I calculated all the time I spent in the world—to sleep beside her… on the same bed?!
My mother was very attractive—hardly looking her age—for some reason. Perhaps it was thanks to the noble cosmetics and treatment she received, or her sheltered life. She was simply fair to behold.
And then she had those two melons on her chest.
I had only filial thoughts toward Anabelle, but… it was still very uncomfortable to do something like this. It almost felt like desecration.
To cut the long story short… I ended up doing as she wanted.
To think my perfect day would be ruined by such a night.
As I feared, she squeezed me like a body pillow when we slept—probably ensuring I wouldn't slip away when she wasn't aware. Once more, Anabelle's insane grip amazed me.
My teenage body's hormones ran wild, but the miracles of Magic worked wonders. I was able to keep my body in check until the next day.
Fortunately, my mantra—
'Think of it as training! Think of it as training! Think of it as training! Think of it as training!...'
—Didn't fail me.
******************
"I guess I'll see you at the Capital…" My mom mumbled as she pouted.
"Y—yeah…" I gave an awkward smile.
We were both standing in the courtyard of the Manor.
Once dawn had arrived, I quickly sprang into action and prepared for my departure.
It seemed Anabelle wanted to spend more time with me, but… I couldn't help it any longer.
'THIS WOMAN IS OUT OF CONTROL!'
It seemed she got the hint and finally decided to let me go.
"Yeah. You better make it there within three days… else you might not be able to see me."
"W—wait, that wasn't the agreement!"
Looking at my mom's flustered face was such a treat—the perfect picture before I departed.
"Lateeeerrrr!!!"
With those words, I ascended to the air and flew off in a hurry.
"HEEYYYYY!!!!"
Laughing amusedly and wholeheartedly, I watched her figure—and the entire Manor—shrink in size. The wind brushed my whole body as I moved in the direction I wanted.
Building up Mana to increase my speed…
'Alright, then… let's get back to business!'
… I vanished into the sky.
>VWOOOOOOOOOSSSSHHHHHH!!!<
