Chapter 64

“…Shall we take a bath together?”

“Yes, I want to scrub your back, Mother.”

Mother’s deep blue eyes shook for a moment. But soon, her gaze settled back to its usual calmness as she looked at me, gently stroking my head.

“Aren’t you a bit too old to bathe with me now?”

“…I know that.”

“Fufu… I hear from other ladies that girls your age often rebel, but my daughter is truly filial.”

“Of course. I love you the most in this world, Mother.”

A hint of embarrassment flashed across Mother’s face, but she didn’t seem displeased. I could faintly see the tips of her snow-white ears turning slightly red.

It was a bit of an awkward confession, but there wasn’t a single lie in my words. Mother’s affectionate gaze was something I had longed for since my past life.

That’s why I really liked Artasha.

It felt as though the countless bruises and scars left on Mother from my previous life were being healed by Artasha’s pure love.

“…”

For some reason, Mother was looking at me with an unusually intense gaze, biting her lip tightly. Her expression seemed almost angry, so I quickly flashed her a bright smile.

“You’re right, Mother.”

In truth, Mother was right. Asking to bathe together was unreasonable. Even though we’re mother and daughter, I was way past the age to throw such tantrums. Maybe it was better to just give up.

But I didn’t want to bathe alone…

Ah, that could work.

“Then I’ll bathe with Ranihel.”

Since Ranihel had helped me bathe a few times before, it wouldn’t be awkward to enter the bathroom with her. Having a servant assist with bathing wasn’t a big deal either.

“…What? With Ranihel?”

“Yes, I thought I’d ask her to help.”

After Mother, Ranihel was the person I felt most comfortable with in this mansion. Having served the Blanchard Baronet Family for decades, I believed she would gladly fulfill my request.

After making that decision, I lightly bowed to Mother and was about to leave the room to find Ranihel when—

“Who said you could do that?”

Mother’s hand firmly grabbed my arm. I looked at her in confusion. Her eyes, always warm and affectionate, now seemed deeper than usual.

“Ranihel is very busy. It’s not polite to ask someone so busy to help you bathe, is it? I’ll do it. Let’s go together.”

…Isn’t Mother the busiest person in this mansion?

Mother, who stays up every night to pay off the mountain of debt, yet still worries about others like this. I never imagined she would go this far.

She truly has a deep heart.

“Really? That’s great, Mother!”

I couldn’t be happier.

Spending time with my beloved Mother was far more joyful than being with Ranihel.

As I jumped in with a bright smile, Mother spread her arms and gently lifted me by my hips and waist. I nuzzled my face against her neck, taking in her scent.

‘…Huh?’

Maybe she hasn’t fully recovered from her cold.

Mother’s body was trembling slightly.

[It’s for the sake of deficiency treatment… It doesn’t mean anything else…]

And for some reason, Mother was muttering something under her breath, too soft for me to hear…

But it didn’t matter.

I was simply happy to be able to bathe with Mother.

※

“Yaaawn…”

Bathing with Mother felt a bit strange.

The whole time we were in the tub together, Mother avoided my gaze, and whenever I got close, she would cough lightly and move back slightly.

Hmm… It felt a bit awkward.

Mother couldn’t possibly be uncomfortable with me. There was no reason for her to dislike me. There was only one thing I could think of.

She probably hadn’t fully recovered from her cold.

[Don’t even dream about it, Artasha. Absolutely not. Never.]

Seeing Mother pinch her own skin and mutter to herself, I quickly understood the situation. She must have been trying not to pass her cold to me.

Really… My Mother is too kind.

But I would rather catch a cold than be apart like this.

“You have such a lovely smile.”

Mother’s voice came from behind. After the bath, Mother seemed particularly tired.

Mother was carefully drying my hair, alternating between a towel and a warm magical tool. Normally, this would be Ranihel’s or my job, but Mother insisted on doing it herself.

“What are you thinking about that makes you smile so beautifully?”

“About you, Mother.”

“…”

Mother’s body froze for a moment. But then, as if nothing had happened, she continued drying my hair naturally.

“…We should start getting ready for bed soon.”

“Can I… sleep with you again tonight…?”

Looking up at Mother with slightly downcast eyes, she smiled warmly and nodded, tidying my hair.

“Of course. You’re always welcome.”

Mother spread her arms toward me. Without hesitation, I jumped into her embrace. Mother held me tightly as she walked to the bed.

“Sleep well, Tina.”

Lying face to face, Mother whispered tenderly.

“…You won’t leave, will you?”

I gently held Mother’s hand and asked in a weak voice. Mother grasped my hand even tighter, smiling warmly.

“Where would I go? Tomorrow, next year, and forever, I’ll always be by your side.”

Absolute, devoted love. Looking into Artasha’s clear eyes, I felt a pang in my chest.

“I really love you, Mother… You’re so different from Viviana, who keeps touching my butt.”

“I love you too, more than anything in this world—… What did you say?”

Mother’s eyes widened in shock. She grabbed my shoulders with both hands, staring at me with blazing blue eyes.

“What did you just say? Princess Merdelia touched your butt?”

“Ah… Well…”

“Tell me honestly. Nothing hurts me more than my daughter lying to me.”

I couldn’t bring myself to lie under Mother’s serious tone. Thinking it wouldn’t hurt to tell her, I opened my mouth with a sorrowful look.

“…Viviana touched my butt every night.”

“…Every night.”

“Yes… And then she suddenly said she was tired of it…”

Thinking about it made my chest sting. The thought of someone growing tired of me was too painful. If Mother ever grew tired of me, I might just die.

“…Tired of you? Of you?”

Maybe it was just my imagination.

Mother’s voice, which had been so gentle just moments ago, now carried a deep, quiet anger.

“How dare she… say such a thing to my daughter…”

Mother clenched her fists, her eyes blazing with anger. The atmosphere was becoming increasingly tense, so I forced a smile and held Mother’s hand.

“…It’s okay, Mother. Even I would get tired of being touched every night.”

“Tina!”

Mother suddenly raised her voice. Startled by the unexpected shout, I flinched. It was rare for Mother to raise her voice like that. Looking up in surprise, I saw Mother’s face, clearly angry.

“Don’t ever say such a thing again. You’re not some disposable item. To me, there’s no one more lovable or beautiful than you in this world. That Princess Viviana is nothing but a lowly, ugly person. Forget the words of such a worthless individual.”

Her voice was cold, her tone filled with fierce anger, but strangely, it also carried an endless warmth. Just hearing her words made my heart melt softly. Mother’s heart was so warm.

“…Really?”

Overflowing with love and care, my lips twitched into a smile. If I could continue receiving this kind of love, I thought even Hell would be fine.

“Does that mean you’ll never grow tired of me, Mother?”

Mother looked at me with a bewildered expression and raised her voice again.

“Of course! Who could ever grow tired of you? Don’t even associate with someone who can’t even see you properly.”

It was rare to see Mother this angry, and the fact that she was getting so worked up for my sake made me incredibly happy.

Such an overwhelming love. I wanted to repay her somehow.

But I was stubborn, incompetent, and had nothing to show for myself. Aside from my relatively good looks, I had no redeeming qualities to boast about in front of others. What could I possibly do for Mother?

Even if I tried to give her jewels or gifts taken from other ladies, Mother would always refuse. In this situation, there was nothing I could do to repay her.

In the end, my thoughts turned to one thing.

My somewhat presentable little body.

That was my only asset.

‘At least my face is pretty…’

I didn’t want to think about it, but Viviana said she felt happy when she touched my butt. I didn’t understand it, but apparently, it had a more addictive feel than drugs.

I never paid attention to it before.

But… if Mother could find satisfaction in it too, then the story changes.

If Mother wanted it, I could even offer my body.

‘Though Mother would never ask for such a thing.’

Of course not.

Because she’s Mother.

I knew better than anyone that Mother would never do such a thing. Maybe that’s why I could even think like this.

Would she like it…?

Maybe she’d hate it…

What if she thinks I’m a perverted daughter…?

But… I want to make Mother happy…

This is the only thing I can do for her…

I swallowed dryly and cautiously looked at Mother. Despite my nervousness, Mother was looking down at me with pure affection in her eyes.

“U-um, Mother…”

My voice trembled.

Noticing something was off, Mother gently took my hand with a worried look.

“What’s wrong, Tina? Are you feeling unwell?”

“No… it’s not that…”

“Then?”

I timidly and carefully took Mother’s hand. Slowly, I guided her hand to my waist, then pulled it further back.

Mother just looked at me with a puzzled expression. She didn’t suspect a thing.

I interlaced my fingers with hers and spread her hand. Then, I placed her hand on my butt.

Squish—

I pressed her palm firmly, making her squeeze my butt with all her might.

“T-Tina?!”

“I-it might be unpleasant for you… but I thought maybe this could make you feel better too…”

“…I see.”

“I-I’d never do this with anyone else! I-I really love you, Mother…”

While speaking cautiously, I slowly moved Mother’s hand to squeeze my butt. Her hand, which had been cold and stiff at first, now naturally kneaded my rear as if giving in to my touch.

“H-how is it…?”

“…”

“I hope… you like it…”

After my request.

An icy silence filled the room.

Mother’s eyes were so transparent that I could see the emotions within, but for some reason, I couldn’t read what she was feeling at that moment.

How long did that awkward silence last?

Crunch—

A sound I often heard from Mardian.

Came from Mother’s mouth.

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