novelzi Chapter 158: Winter Break (2)
Chapter 158: Winter Break (2)
My mother gave birth to my older brother, Dave, when she was 21 years old. Then, seven years later, at the age of 28, she gave birth to me. Now, after 17 years have passed, she is exactly 45 years old. Due to good management and her inherent youthful appearance, she may look like someone in their early 30s, but in reality, she’s approaching 50.
Taking into account common knowledge and societal norms, it’s considered quite late to have a child at her age. Moreover, in this day and age, with advanced contraceptive technology, having a late-in-life child is rare.
However, this is mainly applicable among the nobility, commoners tend to have children later as well. Contraceptive methods have primarily spread among the nobility, while the commoners have not adopted them yet.
Nevertheless, having a late-in-life child at the age of 45... It’s practically like being a grandmother rather than a mother. Even if I were to marry and have a child with Marie right now, it wouldn’t be considered unusual in this day and age. However, my parents were a very exceptional case.
When my future younger sister, Lily, is born, if she calls me “Daddy,” people would naturally find it normal, but they might give me strange looks if I’m called “big brother.”
“To be honest, we never imagined having Lily. We thought it would be fine with our age, and that we didn’t need any medication. But now... Hoho. It’s a bit embarrassing to say it out loud.”
“Isn’t it risky? They say that the risk of complications increases significantly for women over 40.”
“It’s alright. As long as I maintain a steady flow of mana, both the child and the mother will be safe. Of course, it’s a good idea to invite a clergy member just in case.”
My mother, Cecily, and I were currently enjoying a snack in the parlor while engaging in a pleasant conversation. The seating arrangement was slightly unusual, with my mother and I sitting side by side while Cecily sat alone across from us.
It was a layout that made sense since Cecily was the guest, but my mother had already sensed what Cecily was trying to achieve. If she had willingly accepted it, she would have seated Cecily next to me. However, the fact that she didn’t meant that my mother hadn’t fully given her approval. Cecily seemed to be aware of that, smiling outwardly but with a hint of tension in her expression.
“And there’s one more method. It can only be used while in the unsafe period, but the effect is guaranteed.”
“Can I ask what it is?”
“Well... I’ll just let you know that it’s a slightly savage method.”
“Aha. I think I know what it is. Well, it must be easy for the Baron since he’s the Red Lion.”
“Hoho. My dear husband does have quite a bit of strength.”
“... ...”Follow the latest novels at novelhall.com
The time the exhibition began was in June. And today is the end of January, well into the new year.
Calculating the time from the day the exhibition ended until now, it’s been at least six months, which means that they poured tremendous effort into it every night during that time.
Even amidst recent busyness due to territorial affairs, my father also exerted his strength for my mother, so even if he was the Red Lion, he wouldn’t have recovered quickly.
I respect you, Father. I wish I had as strong a physique as you do.
“Come to think of it, Your Highness, do you have any siblings? I don’t recall hearing about it last time.”
“I am an only child. My parents didn’t have any specific plans after giving birth to me.”
“I heard that elves consider nighttime activities as a form of ritual. Is it similar for demons, perhaps for a similar reason?”
“No, demons are different. They have a much longer reproductive cycle, like elves. And most of the time, it overlaps with their evil cycle, making it quite challenging for the males.”
As I listened to the response, my gaze shifted slightly upward. Cecily’s horns were now completely filled with red, except for the tips.
The mention of the upcoming evil cycle, just like in the previous exhibition. Luminous had also advised me to make sure to take contraceptive pills when going to Helium, and the timing seemed to fit perfectly.
If I hadn’t taken the pills with me, wouldn’t it have been the first time a human-demon hybrid was conceived? From my perspective, I could only consider it fortunate.
“Indeed, demons are intriguing since very little is known about them, so each detail is fascinating.”
“If you have any more questions, feel free to ask as much as you want.”
“Really? In that case...”
As if it was the perfect moment, Mother opened her mouth while maintaining a gentle smile.
“What did you like about our Isaac?”
“... ...”
It was a straightforward and heavy question. The atmosphere was the same as before, but the underlying weight in the question was entirely different.
Cecily momentarily flinched in response to my mother’s smiling question, then straightened her lips. There was a slight tension in the two hands hidden beneath the table, barely noticeable.
I also started to watch their conversation nervously. It wasn’t a problem that I could intervene and solve, after all. Of course, if Cecily gets in trouble, I’ll be willing to help. Since I’ve already accepted Cecily as my woman, it would be disappointing if I didn’t show my support.
“To be honest, I’ve been vaguely aware since the last exhibition. No matter how close you and Isaac are, you wouldn’t normally visit our mansion. Especially as a princess of another country.”
“...So you knew.”
“Yes. Not only that, but I could see the way Princess Cecily looked at our Isaac. As a fellow woman, I could tell. It was the gaze of a woman in love. Warm affection, love, and... even a sticky desire.”
“...”
As Mother finished speaking, Cecily’s face hardened slightly. Considering the circumstances at that time, it might have been difficult for her to keep her composure.
However, Cecily knew well that bringing up that topic now would only be an excuse. For now, it was more important to sit quietly and listen to Mother’s words.
“Princess, you must know. Isaac is already engaged to a girl named Marie.”
“Yes, I’m aware.”
“Have you talked to that girl?”
“We resolved things amicably.”
“Hmm. You resolved things amicably, you say...”
Mother gracefully placed her teacup down and caressed the growing belly of Lily.
And as if pondering deeply, she blinked her eyes while looking up at the ceiling before turning her gaze back to Cecily.
“May I ask how you resolved it? I’m curious.”
“Yes. If it were in the past, demons would have been treated as an enemy. But as you know, things have completely changed now, including Mother. Furthermore, with the rediscovery of Jin and Lily’s romance, such words have emerged.”
“What do you mean?”
“For demons, love is a difficult thing, but deciding to love someone means having the courage to give everything for that person. Even if I were to transform into a devil, my sincerity towards that person would not change.”
“... ...”
I remember reading that in a newspaper. It was probably written by a certain critic after the release of the 12th volume.
However, I know it was buried at the time due to the issue of half-bloods, but it seems Cecily managed to find it somehow. Perhaps if Lily’s past was revealed, those words will regain attention.
It may be seen as philosophical in a positive light, or cringe-worthy in a negative light, but given the times, it will certainly leave a strong impression on people.
“In reality, demons only transform into devils when they have lost their beloved lover or experienced despair comparable to that.”
“... So, Cecily, you too?”
“If Isaac passes according to nature, it doesn’t matter. However, if an unexpected situation arises... I am also prepared to become a devil, Mother.”
“I guess it’s your choice, but... I’m still worried. Should we assign a guard to Isaac just in case?”
My mother looked at me with a concerned gaze. We may not need a guard right now, but once I reveal that I am Xenon, wouldn’t it be appropriate to have one or two people accompanying me?
Siriss is already a messenger and Arwen’s bodyguard, so it would be difficult for her, and the only possibility is to have Gartz assigned from Helium. However, other countries might also intervene.
Since I am a citizen of the Minerva Empire, there is a high possibility that they would assign a guard from the Minerva Empire. Although the Ters Kingdom may try to keep tabs on me and assign a guard, the Empire will likely prevent it.
‘Oh, right. Xavier.’
Come to think of it, they said they put a cardinal on the pilgrimage path to find me. They’re causing a commotion, claiming they will favor me as a saint, so they would obviously interfere as well.
Once I reveal my true identity, the world will be in chaos. Thanks to Luminous trolling, I have no choice but to hide my identity completely.
“A guard... For now, Helium will assign a guard until Isaac reveals his identity. Gartz Balak, as you know, Mother.”
“The knight with the horns. Does he also know that Isaac is Xenon?”
“Yes, he knows. He’s a trustworthy individual, of few words and strong self-restraint.”
“Well, that’s a relief. So when do you plan to go to Helium?”
I answered that question instead of Cecily.
“We have set it for three days from today. I still need to finish organizing Volume 14. Cecily also decided to come back by then.”
“I see. So, how many days are you planning to stay in Helium?”
“Maybe...”
“Maybe we’ll spend the entire vacation in Helium. I got permission from Marie as well.”
Before I could even say a word, Cecily interjected briskly. I was taken aback because it was a part that was not included in the plan at all. While it was true that Marie had given her permission, spending the whole vacation in Helium was not part of the original plan.
“Oh my. Then... Could it be?”
“Yes. I’ve already made up my mind. Isaac has too.”
“Hehe. Isaac?”
“Yes, yes?”
Why did I feel so nervous at my mother’s call? As I nervously responded, my mother gently stroked her belly and spoke.
“Take care of yourself and don’t forget to bring your medication. Understood?”
“Yes.”
“Our son is quite popular. I’m worried that he might attract more girls.”
After my mother said those words, exactly two days later.
“Say hello. This is Adelia, who will receive training from me starting today.”
“Oh, hello? Long time no see.”
“...Adelia-noona?”
Adelia visited our mansion. She was dressed in a neat black suit, not in casual clothes like usual but in a clean black suit like Nicole’s.
While I was staring blankly at Adelia, my father spoke in his characteristic solemn voice.
“Nicole asked me to teach this child. It would be fine to use her as a guard when you inherit the estate in the future.”
“Um... I’ll do my best.”
I shook hands with Adelia with a dumbfounded expression. Then I noticed that her face had slightly reddened.
Not only did she grip my hand tightly, but she also subtly caressed it as if she didn’t want to let go.
“Our son is quite popular. Don’t you think so too, Lily?”
“... ...”
Mother smiled mysteriously and gently stroked Lily’s sleeping belly.
Translators note:
I think Isaac only has one brother Dave, but the author sometimes forgets his name and calles him Bryce... Like wtf it’s so confusing...