"I-I think I haven’t woken up completely. I must be hearing strange things," Mother mumbled, tapping her ear. "What were you saying, Taranis?"
"Mother, you heard correctly," I said, faint nervousness lacing my expression. "I-I really will marry both of them."
"Oh heavens!" Mother exclaid, her hand flying to her mouth. "How did you grow up to beco a womanizer? This is my fault. I wasn’t there when you were straying from the path of righteousness."
"Mother! It’s not like that—"
"Child, do you not have any problem with him having a relationship with another woman?" Mother asked U, completely ignoring .
"C-child?" I could not help letting out a chuckle at the word, given U’s actual age.
U shot a sharp glare, fully aware of why I was laughing. Then she turned to Mother and spoke in a low voice, her eyes lowered.
"It does bother a little that the man I love will share the sa affection with another woman. However... what can I do? He has completely bewitched . I cannot stay without him."
Until now, U had never shown any discontent toward my relationship with Nyria. I sowhat understood her reason for hiding it as well. She felt that she had co between Nyria and , and therefore had no right to oppose my relationship with her. However, that was far from the truth. I had never felt that she was a third wheel between us, and I would make sure she realized that.
It surprised that U had been so openly honest with Mother, and I was glad she was. Because of that, I now understood what had been weighing on her heart.
"Co here, child," Mother called to U, raising her arm.
U stepped closer and leaned down to bring herself to Mother’s level.
Mother gently placed her hand on U’s cheek and murmured, "My son is a little troubleso... Matter of fact, very troubleso."
"Mother!" I whined, but my protest fell on deaf ears as she continued.
"However, he will never disrespect you or treat you unfairly. Take care of him and guide him so he does not stray from the right path."
"I know, Mo—Aunt Aestra. He treats very well. He has never even raised his voice at , not once, even when I get angry at him," U replied, holding Mother’s hand. "I will take care of him, just as he took care of ."
"U," Mother called softly. "Do not call Aunt. Think of as your mother and address as such."
"I-I... um..." U hesitated, unable to form the words.
She had lost her mother at a very young age, so it must have been difficult for her to speak that word again after all these years.
"U, you do not need to force yourself," I said, joining in after sensing her distress.
U shook her head and murmured, "I’m not forcing myself."
Moisture ford in her eyes as she continued, "It’s just that mories of my late mother resurfaced in my mind."
Mother, understanding her feelings, instantly leaned forward and gently embraced her, patting her head.
"U, I cannot take the place of your mother, nor do I intend to," she said softly. "However, I can give you the affection of one. Would you allow this honor?"
"Yes," U murmured as tears rolled down her cheeks. "Yes, mo... mother."
"Do not forget about ," I said, joining them as I wrapped one arm around U and the other around Mother.
The three of us remained like that for a few minutes. Once we parted, Mother asked, giving a narrowed gaze, "Is Nyria aware of your relationship with U?"
"She is," I nodded before continuing, "but the situation with her is sowhat complicated."
"What do you an?" Mother asked.
"Well, the thing is..."
I explained everything to her about my loss of mories, Nyria’s false claims regarding what transpired in the Sentinel Line, and the current condition of the Hundred Sky Mountains. I deliberately skipped the part about my life as Raj on Earth, as it would have been far too illogical and troubleso to explain.
"So many years have passed, and so many things have happened while I stayed here, locking myself away from the outside world in my agony," Mother muttered, clenching her fists. "I do not even rember anything after the incident at the Sentinel Line."
"Do not worry, Mother," I said firmly. "I will go to the root of everything and uncover what the Hundred Sky Mountains is trying to hide."
Pushing her wheelchair from behind, I took Mother out of the temple and brought her to the front of the mountain. The mont I stepped into the front yard, I felt a sudden and overwhelming killing intent directed at .
Tang!
The sound of clashing blades echoed as a sword descended toward , only to be instantly blocked by my own.
"How did you enter this place?" Master Robert demanded coldly, pressing his sword down against mine as sparks erupted from the friction.
To avoid dragging Mother into our clash, I instantly retreated several feet back.
"Master Robert, I—"
"I should have realized you were a spy when you perford so exceptionally in the competition," Master Robert muttered, blue lightning dancing around his blade. "Lucifer Morningstar! You will not leave this place alive!"
I was not wearing my mask, yet he still recognized because the Soulforce signature on remained the sa.
I also made no attempt to clear up his misunderstanding. I did not know who, or how many, traitors the Hundred Sky Mountains might be harboring. Aside from Nyria and her family, I trusted no one. I was also deeply curious as to why Mother was being hidden here, declared dead to the outside world. Was it solely for her safety, or was there a greater conspiracy at play? I could not afford to reveal my true identity under such risks.
Gripping the Vajra with both hands, I prepared myself for battle and taunted him, "Show what the master of the greatest warriors of the Western Continent is truly capable of."
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