Chapter 29 Ch. 29: A Loving Family [1]
I raised my left hand and a slender pale hand came into view. To my surprise, I was still alive as the second Prince of Chrono Empire, Damian Atreilight. I tried to sit on the edge of the bed but my body lost balance and I fell to the floor.
I realized that my Mana Core was completely empty. With the little strength I had, I forced myself to sit and started to gather Mana. After refilling some of my mana, I tried to get up but my body felt so heavy that I needed to grab something to help me stand.
Successfully stood, I nearly hit my head on the floor as I took my first step but fortunately, I could balance my footing. I think my last battle with that annoying guy really gave my body a great impact. I vividly remembered how I dragged myself to keep moving.
I sighed and took my second step, my third step, and my fourth step. Well, I was glad. It seemed I had no problem with my legs. I could walk normally. I turned my head to the door as it suddenly opened. Upon seeing the person who entered my room I was stunned.
"Ian?"
My tears burst uncontrollably and I ran as fast as I could to her.
"Huaaa!"
She lowered herself and embraced me. She stroked my back.
"It's okay, it's okay. I know, it was so scary, right?"
Yes. It was so scary even though I knew it was a dream but it felt so real that I wanted to kill myself. Losing my mother was not something that ever crossed my mind. Not even in the slightest. It was a dreadful dream and I despised it.
"Everything is alright. It's over now."
My sobbing grew louder upon hearing her gentle voice and I hugged her even tighter. She continued to pat my back. I didn't know how many times had passed but finally, I could grip my emotions. My tears stopped running and my sobbing finally died down. I felt relieved and satisfied at the same time.
"Are you feeling better?"
I nodded at her question. She caressed my hair and looked me in the eyes as she cupped my face.
"Oh my, look at your puffy eyes."
"Mom!"
I couldn't believe she still could tease me even after I cried for hours. However, she just chuckled. She embraced me once again and kissed my forehead then I hugged her back.
"I'm just glad that you're safe."
"I'm so sorry."
"It's okay, it's over now."
We released ourselves and exchanged stares for a moment. She caressed my face.
"Let's head back to your bed."
I nodded in agreement.
"Can you walk?"
"Yes."
My mother smiled. She lent me her hand and I received it. After we stood, we walked toward my bed. I lowered my head and glanced at our clutching hands then the corners of my lips involuntarily lifted.
I think this was the first time we walked while holding hands together. Somehow, it brought warmth to my heart. I sat on my bed and my mother covered my feet with a blanket.
"First, you need to be checked."
My mother turned her back.
"Doctor, please."
And I just realized there were so many butlers and maids lining up in my room. I was so sure that no one was here when I woke up. Fedel bowed as our eyes met.
Ah, I missed that old man too. I owed him an apology because I lied to him. Then, a woman took a step forward and approached me.
"Please excuse my rudeness."
She took my hand and checked on my vein. I was startled a bit at the sudden surge of power entering my body. I assumed it was the infamous Blood Controlling. When you fully master the Water Elemental, you could control anything in liquid form, and blood was not an exception.
Since this world was based on Elemental and no God here, there was no such thing as a cleric, priest, priestess, or blessing from God that could be used as healing magic like any other fantasy or game.
The only healing magic here was water elemental. But as controlling the blood of a living being was considered dangerous, doctors must make an Elemental Oath, the oath content was that they would not use their power for evil purposes.
The woman let go of my hand and turned to face the Empress.
"I could say that His Highness the Prince's health is completely healed. However, His Highness still needs to take his medicines and only eat light meals for now."
"I see. Thank you so much, Doctor."
"It is my duty to serve the Imperial Family members."
With that, she left.
"Ian."
I turned to my mother as she drew my hair that covered my eyes to my ear. Her smile was so bright.
"Would you like to eat something? A light meal perhaps?"
Now that I think about it, I could feel how my dried throat was and I was hungry. I nodded my head. She turned to Fedel who stood behind her.
"Fedel please prepare soup for the Prince."
"As you wish."
The head butler bowed before leaving the room. Not long after, he came back with a maid that pushed a trolley. Arriving before us, they instantly arranged a small table for me to eat on my bed.
Fedel placed a goblet and poured water. I lifted the goblet and drank it. However, I must stop drinking when they put an appetizer that didn't look appetizing at all on my table.
"I will skip the appetizer."
They seemed a bit surprised but handled it immediately. The maid replaced the appetizer with a bowl of soup. I turned to my mother who sat beside my bed.
"Mom, would you like some?"
She shook her head.
"No. But I'd like to feed you."
She said jokingly whilst chuckling. I took my soup spoon and offered it to her.
"Sure."
Honestly, I didn't mind. But, the atmosphere in the room suddenly turned into a dead silence. I scanned the surroundings and all of them had the same surprised face, even my mother had it. I wonder if I said something wrong. However, my mother smiled gently and took the spoon from my hand.
"It is my pleasure to be able to feed you."
Somehow I was so surprised. I didn't know if only feeding me could bring joy to her, even her smile never left her lips as she fed me. She looked so happy and so was I. My mother clapped as I finished the whole soup fed by her.
"Please continue to eat well, you lost so much weight!"
"I will."
Wiped my mouth with a napkin and a maid changed my empty bowl into a plate of pudding. I raised my dessert spoon and scoop a pudding then offered it to my mother. Again, my mother looked astonished. I was wondering why?
"You... want to feed me?"
"Yes."
She smiled and ate it.
"Thank you."
I couldn't help but smile too. Somehow, I like this atmosphere and the feeling wasn't as bad as I previously thought. I loved this more. My heart sparked with warmth and I felt... happy. I took another scoop and offered it again to my mother. However, she shook her head.
"I feel bad stealing my son's pudding."
I looked at her.
"But I don't mind."
"Well, I mind!"
Since she was so persistent. I had no choice but to eat the whole pudding. Finished my meal they gave me medicine and upon drinking it, I couldn't help but stick my tongue out at the bitter taste. Urg, I hated it.
"Here, drink more."
Receiving the goblet from my mother I drank more water to wash away the nasty taste and then placed it down. The maid soon cleaned the tableware and removed the table.
"Ian."
Our eyes met as my mother looked me in the eyes and then clutched my hand. She softly smiled while stroking my hair. My heart skipped a beat for some reason, and an uncomfortable feeling chewed me bit by bit.
"Can we talk?"
And she dropped the bomb. Lo and behold, I knew this would happen--my judgment day. I droop my head and answer her with a low voice.
"Yes."
"Everybody, leave us alone."
I could hear many footsteps as they left the room. The sound faded away before it disappeared by a closing door and silence filled the room. Somehow, it made me suffocate. I didn't like this kind of mood.
My mother heaved a long sigh and I felt so frightened at this point. Even though she was not expressing her feelings, I know that she was mad right now.
"What just happened is not okay. I think you know that too."
Yet, instead of shouting or blaming my stupidity, she said something that made me realize my fault; that what I was doing was wrong. I wanted to cry right now, she could be mad at me, she could shout at me or maybe she could hit me because I was worthy of that kind of punishment. But, again, she just…
I was such a fool to be blinded by my ego and waste every kindness that she had shown to me. I was a fool.