Before I left Ainrk Academy, I made sure to leave behind messages for those I cared about.


    Neron was left in charge of dispensing my words to them. That way, I was assured of the message reaching those concerned.


    My mom was one of the recipients of my message.


    I exined how the current ss System of Ainrk Academy was stunting my growth, as well as the level of insecurity in the school. My leave was caused by the Invasion, and the fact that I needed to be even better.


    Of course, I gave apologies and promised my return.


    Still, it was left to her how she would interpret the message… and she probably didn’tpletely believe it.


    ***************


    “T—that was it…?”


    Anabelle’s eyes widened.


    A look of surprise was written all over her face. She most likely didn’t expect my reasoning to be so simple.


    “I realized my weakness after facing the Demons. If the Kingdom were to ever be in trouble, I wouldn’t even be able to keep myself safe, talkless of you and everyone else I cared about.”


    No matter what words I spouted—even if it waspletely rational—it wouldn’t be enough to justify the fact that I abandoned everyone and everything.


    I was only twelve, so it was going to be difficult to ept that I left in pursuit of power.


    ,c-o-m “You… but you could have…” Anabelle’s lips quivered as she spoke.


    “… You could have studied more under Alphonse. He is an Archmage, you know? You could have grown more under his tutge and—”


    “NO!”


    Even if it may have been somewhat rude to do so, I cut off my mom’s statement before she concluded it.


    “Alphonse is too weak. He might be strong by normal standard, but…”


    Compared to the heights I needed to attain, he was far off.


    “… I… see…”


    I could sense much sadness in Anabelle’s words, but, she simply needed to ept that. None of them could have aided in my growth.


    “Thanks to exploring on my own, I was able to be strong—much stronger.” I smiled.


    It hurt—like being pierced by a million needles—to see my mom’s sad and deserted face. My heart was in pain.


    ‘So this is what power withoutpanionship is…’


    Even if I had already attained so much, the mere gaze of my aggrieved mother made it all seem worthless. But…


    ‘… It’s necessary!’


    Even if I felt such sorrow, I didn’t regret a single thing—no, I couldn’t!


    My actions were for myself and for everyone I loved. They may not have seen it yet—or maybe ever—but I didn’t care.


    If I could preserve the life and future of my mom, my friends, my family… even myself… then I was willing to do anything!


    That was how much I loved them all!


    “What will you do now, mom?”


    There was every likelihood that she would attempt locking me at home. If she did, I would probably have to stay with her and coordinate my affairs from here. However, it would be more preferable if—


    “You still have something to do, right?”


    My eyes widened a bit once she said this.


    Following that was a smile. It permeated my face as I nodded.


    “Yes. The Kingdom is in a precarious situation right now… and I need to take action.”


    “I figured…” Anabelle gave a sad smile and nodded.


    ‘No. No, please…’


    “Do what you will…”


    ‘No! I can’t… not without…’


    “… You probably don’t… need me for anything any—”


    “NO!”


    My voice was louder than I intended, but that simply showed the intensity of my emotion.


    “I need you!”


    It was the truth.


    After spending so long alone, it felt so maddening that I almost lost my mind. I only had a grasp of my sanity thanks to the people I had waiting for me.


    How painful it was… the overbearing loneliness.


    “Come to the Capital, mom!”


    Anabelle’s face lit up a bit, showing shock and confusion.


    “T—the Capital… why?”


    “I’ll be going there to take care of business. It would be nice—no, reassuring—if you were there waiting for me.”


    “Waiting? Where are you going first?”


    “Ainrk Academy. I need to do something there first. There’s also someone I need to meet first.”


    “Ah, I see…” My mom gave a wry smile, as well as an expression I couldn’t really decipher.


    “You know… it’s really weird how much you’ve changed…”


    Her tone contained a hint of something… something that warmed my heart. It was…


    “… You’ve grown to be a fine man.”


    … PRIDE!


    “I still don’t understand most of your actions. And I have a lot of questions. But… I am just happy you’re back.”


    ‘M—Mom…’


    My insides throbbed as I received her words.


    “No matter how much you’ve changed, and how different everything is now… just know how much I love you.”


    My lips quivered.


    ‘Those words…’


    My eyes brought forth hot liquid as my body trembled.


    ‘… How long have I waited to hear them?’


    “I heard of all you did in the Academy… and even looking at you now, how strong you’ve be…”


    A moment of silence was established—a mere second before Ipletely broke down.


    “… I’m proud of you, Jared. So proud. Thank you for being alive. I’m happy you’re back. I… I missed you so much!”


    “H… h…”


    I didn’t know when tears fell from my face and my face became flushed with emotions.


    Feelings that had been bottled up for over a hundred years of solitude came gushing out.


    “MOM!”


    “JAREEDDD!!!”


    I jumped the table that separated us and dived into her bosom.


    She received me wholeheartedly and hugged me tightly. This time, both of us wept together and remained that way.


    How shameless was it of me to show such emotion? It was disgraceful for a man my age to stoop this low. However… I didn’t care.


    I simply wanted someone… and she was right in front of me.


    “I—I missed you too…” I said while sinking deeper into my mom’s embrace.


    I rubbed my face on her breasts, not minding how they jiggled, inhaling the sweet fragrance of her perfume.


    Satisfaction and long-due rest caused me to let go of all my defenses as I uttered the most profound words a person could ever say to another.


    “I LOVE YOU TOO!”