308 Repairing Bonds [Pt 2]
Before I left Ainzlark 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 explained how the current Class System of Ainzlark 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 become even better.
Of course, I gave apologies and promised to return.
Still, it was left to her how she would interpret the message... and she probably didn't completely believe it. N0v3lTr0ve served as the original host for this chapter's release on N0v3l--B1n.
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"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, let alone being able to protect you and everyone else I cared about."
No matter what words I spouted—even if it was completely rational—it wouldn't be enough to justify the fact that I abandoned everyone and everything.
I had just been twelve years old, so it was going to be difficult to accept that I had left in pursuit of power.
"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 tutelage and—"
"NO!"
Even if it may have been somewhat rude to do so, I cut off my mom's statement before she could conclude it.
"Alphonse is too weak. He might be strong by normal standards, but..."
Compared to the heights I needed to attain, he was far off.
"... I... see..."
I could sense a lot of sadness in Anabelle's words, but, she simply needed to accept my reality. None of them could have aided in my growth.
"Thanks to exploring on my own, I was able to become strong—much stronger." I smiled.
It hurt—like being pierced by a million needles—to see my mom's sad and desolate face. My heart was in pain.
'So this is what power without companionship is...'
Even if I had already attained so much, the mere gaze of my aggrieved mother made it all seem worthless. But...
'... It had been necessary!'
"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 become 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 heart 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 everything you did in the Academy... and even looking at you now, how strong you've become..."
A moment of silence was established—a mere second before I completely 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!"
"Hicc... hicc..."
I didn't know when tears poured from my face and my face became flushed with several emotions.
Feelings that had been bottled up for over a hundred years of solitude came gushing out.
"MOM!"
"JAREEDDD!!!"
I jumped over 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 of 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, and inhaling the sweet fragrance of her perfume.
Satisfaction and an over due need for rest caused me to let go of all my defenses as I uttered the most profound words a person could ever say to another.