In front of the fountain, beside the corpse—
Smoke and mist floated in front of the blood-soaked Allen.
[Sauros knew Philip all too well. From his words and actions, he had already guessed at the scheme beneath the surface. Coupled with rumors of your disappearance, Sauros vaguely realized what Philip's journey was really about… and sensed that your identity was problematic.]
[If you truly were his grandson, Philip bringing you back would violate the "tradition" of the Boreas family.]
[But Philip's prepared explanation didn't put the truth in the open. So he had no way to send you to the capital in the light of day. However, if you were simply an "adventurer" hired as a "tutor," then all he had to do was reject you for the position and the problem would be resolved.]
[It would be easy. Simple.]
[In this way, Sauros could uphold the "justice" of the Boreas family's tradition.]
[You saw through this—so you chose to interrogate Thomas on the spot, exposing not only Darius but the deeper corruption behind the assassination, forcing Sauros to confront reality: that the next family head he himself had selected—James—was involved in the plot. This was something Philip had also realized on the journey back, and he was planning to act on it… but slowly.]
[You, however, clearly have no interest in playing the nobles' childish games. It's dull. Meaningless. The day's endless probing, stacked contradictions, the sudden assassination attempt—all of it had hurled you from the warmth of the Greyrat household in Buena Village into this cold reality. Within you, it ignited a fire of suppressed rage. You were not pleased.]
[Why wait for tomorrow to solve what can be done today?]
[You laid bare James's plot to kill his own "son" through Thomas's confession—presenting it directly to Sauros. The tradition of the Boreas family taking hostages exists precisely to prevent internal conflict. But expelling you from the family now would only endanger you further. Father killing son? That would betray the tradition entirely and disgrace the house.]
[Realizing this, what would Sauros choose?]
[The answer is clear.]
[He chose to turn a blind eye to your existence—to ensure that this breach of tradition does not repeat itself.]
[At the same time, your "direct" method of handling problems reminded him of his own youth—so different from Philip.]
[Even if he refuses to acknowledge you or break tradition, you have still earned his recognition. You are now branded in his memory.]
[Evaluation: Better to pretend not to see—so long as everyone benefits, peace is preserved.]
[This is the solution that serves everyone's interests. Though the "future sight" is already broken, your foreknowledge and understanding of the Boreas family allowed you to make a perfect judgment and take optimal action.]
[Participation Rating: Increased!]
As Allen reviewed the system panel, everyone present stared at the corpse on the ground.
No—there was one gaze that wasn't on the dead Thomas.
It was locked tightly on Allen's face.
Allen looked up.
At some point, another figure had entered the courtyard.
She had fiery red hair just like Eris, flowing elegantly to her waist. Her eyes slightly tilted at the corners, eyebrows like distant mountains above her sharp gaze. Her noble gown dragged along the ground, though the hem was faintly stained with dust—likely from rushing over.
Her eyes—dark gray—were exactly the same as Allen's.
She stared at Allen, frozen in place.
Hilda.
Allen's biological mother.
She stood beside Philip.
The fountain's water rose into the air, reaching toward the sky.
Droplets burst in midair, embracing the untouched atmosphere.
Then fell again, into the basin below.
Clear. Crystalline.
And she…
Was crying.
——
Beneath the fountain's spray, Allen and Hilda's gazes met.
"Madam! Madam, you ran too fast!!"
Several beastkin maids came dashing over, panting as they reached Hilda's side.
"Madam, why did you suddenly take off like that?"
Hilda blinked, wiping her tears. Her expression seemed dazed as she murmured:
"What happened…?"
"I heard Eris had finally returned. She and my dear didn't come home last night, so I came to check… but from afar, I saw a guest. Is this the new swordsmanship teacher for Eris? He's so young…"
Allen had heard her footsteps long ago, and had been quietly observing her for a while now. Judging from her reaction, he could already tell—she had no idea he would be here. Philip had clearly kept it from her.
He couldn't control her emotions—
So it was best not to tell her anything at all.
She had simply shown up by coincidence.
The proof was right beside her: Philip, still staring blankly at Thomas's corpse, saying nothing.
Allen looked at Hilda, wiping her tears, then lowered his gaze to his shoes.
Perhaps the rage he'd been bottling up all day had finally burned out. Now, it felt as if a spring breeze brushed his heart—washing away all his agitation.
Mother, huh…
Our first meeting.
No strong feelings.
Then there was no need to stir up trouble.
That would be best for everyone.
Allen nodded slightly and bowed.
"Yes, madam. I'm the new instructor who will be teaching Eris the Suijutsu-ryū (Water God Style). A pleasure to meet you. I may have caused offense."
Whether by intent or not, he didn't give his name.
And Hilda didn't press it either. She only now seemed to notice Thomas's body on the ground. She looked at him, then at Allen—expression confused—while the beastkin maids straightened her skirt.
Allen walked forward.
As he passed, their eyes met briefly.
Then he moved past her, heading toward Sylphy and Rudy—trying to comfort the two of them.
But in the next instant—
His steps paused for just a moment.
Then quickly resumed as normal.
The system panel that had briefly reappeared vanished.
[The others are still caught up in the fact that you killed a man. They haven't recovered from the shock. Even if it was in the name of "justice," even if they know you well—even then, to witness such bloody brutality in person instills a degree of awe and fear.]
[If your actions had a "color," then right now, it would be a thick, coagulated black-red—like dried blood.]
[Even so…]
[Whose eyes now reflect your figure…]
[Like a dazzling sun?]
[Human emotions are truly fascinating.]
[Participation Rating: Increased.]
[You have gained Hilda's Favorability.]
(End of Chapter)
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