Iaaaan!
Thud thud!
Whether from the delight of being introduced as the mother of her son, Philea charged down the stairs and threw her arms around Ian. Fiercely, and very warmly.
Have you been well?
Ian. I missed you so much.
It mustve been hard in this cold weather.
Ian smiled patting her back. No matter how nice mountain living was, it couldnt have been easy for a woman alone out therebattling loneliness amid the silence in the days and fear of beasts howling in the nights.
Youve had it hard, Ian. Im very proud of you.
What did I do to deserve that?
Beric told everything. About helping people with Grula, not only in Bratz but rellof too.
Mother. There is no one here by the na Bratz.
At Ians words, Phileas smile grew even brighter. As if that was very nice to hear. Whether from the tears, her eyes shone exceptionally bright. With golden hair, she had an aura like the moon incarnate in the night sky.
Im realizing once again what trash Dergha was.
Just what did that bastard do to a woman like her? Ian bead holding Phileas hand.
Mother. I could only help people with the Grula because you had gathered them for in the mountains ahead of ti.
What? She was the one who collected them?
Romandro cut in, surprised.
Youve accomplished great things, my lady.
M-my lady? Please talk casually.
How could I? Though Sir Ian was granted his title, I was interacting informally considering the circumstances. But I cant do so to you, my lady. Let introduce myself again. I am Romandro, imperial advisor.
Though flustered by Romandros polite greeting, Philea seed happy as she chuckled. She smiled blissfully as she continuously patted Ians back.
Ah. Ive no lingering attachnts now even if I die. Ian.
Dont say that. Please co live in the annex from now on. The mountain is cold and dangerous, isnt it? Even if Im not here, Sir Romandros n and the estate servants will take good care
He said youd be leaving in a few days?
Phileas smile held subtle sorrow.
It was a bit disappointing. Seed like Ian had distanced himself after she was taken by Count Dergha.
But it cant be helped. Its my faultfor failing to protect my child from the Earl.
Stroking Ians hair, Philea engraved every detail of her sons face into her mory.
Co back safely. Ill always wait here for you.
Please take care. I beg you.
Alright. If the going gets tough, return to your mother anyti. I swear Ill protect you then.
Ian couldnt promise he would co back. Philea embraced her son once more before carefully asking,
Just for today, would you spend the evening with ? Theres so much I want to talk about. Its been a while since we ate together.
Having just finished a feast at rellof, Ian readily nodded.
Of course, mother.
Shall I make you barley porridge?
His favorite food as a childbarley porridge. Philea gently caressed the back of Ians hand with a sorrowful smile.
Please do. Let change myself first, Ill be right back. Hannah, please get my mother anything she needs.
Yes! My lady, you rember right?
Of course, you relayed Ians words to .
Heehee! Ill be in your care from now on!
Around the ti their reunion in the lobby wrapped up
Creak. The door opened and so warriors including Nersarn entered, faces hardened as if they still werent acclimated to Bariels winter.
Ah, Sir Ian.
Off to the observation post again?
Yes. I heard you went to rellof? Got all the work sorted out?
Thanks to you.
Nersarn naturally shifted his gaze to Philea standing behind Ian. Everyone seed out of sorts from the cold. One warrior absentmindedly murmured.
Sir Ianyou had a sister?
Shes not my sister but my mother.
Huh?
The flabbergasted warrior repeated.
Honestly, Id believe it if you said she was your wife.
Right. Actually, shes my wife.
You cant be serious?
If you wont believe , why ask?
Ian joked glancing back at Nersarn. Ian couldnt readily discern his expression from his frostbitten face. But it surely wasnt a positive reaction. Since the Cheonrye tribe had been told Ians birth mother died.
There were circumstances, Sir Nersarn. If you dont mind, Id like to explain in detail.
At Ians words, Philea anxiously bit her lower lip. Was she worried her presence would cause Ian trouble? Clearly she was concerned.
Go ahead.
But Nersarn showed no particular response, removing his overcoat as if he already knew everything.
I deduced your mother was alive.
You deduced?
Soon as we entered this place, you bonded with the residents in barely a day. Word spreads fastthe lion who crossed the Great Desert has returned alive. Along with all kinds of talk.
It wasnt just that he returned alive.
He led the Cheonrye tribe, dedication himself to restoring the territory, driving out his abusive father Dergha, even rising to take the lords seat with imperial approval. To an astounding figure.
The residents delighted in gossiping every little thing about Ian down to minute details.
The notion your mother disappeared before the reconciliation feast was also ntioned. Having planned everything and crossed the desert, I took it as Sir Ians preparation.
Does Chief Kakantir know too?
Of course. Theres no way he wouldnt know what I do.
Ian simply nodded. Then smiling brightly, he conveyed his gratitude to Nersarnfor not prying despite knowing it was a lie. It was proof of the trust they had placed in him.
Thank you.
Ill be heading central soon. I wondered if I might see you once But to run into you like this.
Having overheard Ian and Nersarns conversation, Philea hurriedly bowed introducing herself. Unsure of the circumstances, there was a set greeting she had to give.
Th-thank you for helping my son Ian. I deeply apologize but please continue caring for him.
Youve no need to honor so, my lady.
Philea smiled shyly at Nersarns words. A woman who blood like a wildflower wherever she went in lifeeven if it was a cesspool. Nersarn unconsciously couldnt tear his gaze from Phileas glittering hair.
Dont be like that and go rest inside where its warm. I plan to catch up with my mother.
Ah, wait.
The collected Nersarn called Ians na with a small gasp.
Might I offer you so advice?
By all ans, go ahead.
The stars have been moving oddly lately. Today in particular, I witnessed dozens plunging to earth single file.
Shooting stars? Seeming to read Ians mind, Nersarn promptly added.
Different from shooting stars. They didnt fall in a blink but moved slowly.
Having not seen it himself, Ian couldnt grasp what astronomical phenonon Nersarn described. But hearing it from one raised gazing upon the Milky Way across the desert, it was surely out of the ordinary.
Be careful going central. As stars brighten this world, Sir Ian does too.
I appreciate the counsel. However Sir Nersarn.
Ian etched his words in mind and slyly rejoined.
I aspire to be the sun, not a star.
Emperor Ianthe paramount of Bariel. He demonstrated the will to regain that body. Looking sowhat surprised, Nersarn moistened his lips then faintly smiled.
Then to the desert, Sir Ian will be a very important figure.
Swish.
As if not expecting a response, he went right upstairs with the warriors. Watching Nersarns back, Philea whispered carefully.
Who was that?
Chief Kakantirs younger brother and scribe, Sir Nersarn. Hell be helping manage the territory affairs while Im away. He wants to return to the desert yet theres no one quite like him.
Understanding, Philea looked upstairs again. Then grinning, she gently grasped Ians arm.
Ian. Instead of changing, lets head to the kitchen together. As the porridge cooks, sit and tell whats been happening lately.
Seeming unwilling to waste a second, Philea took Ians overcoat to hand to Hana before heading to the kitchen. The head chef had tidied up expecting them.
Use these bowls and pots. What else do you need besides the barley?
Ah, there. Salt.
Seasonings are in the bottom cupboard over there.
Ian sat at the servants break table watching Philea. Though she seed clumsy at first, she began cooking the porridge more adeptly.
Was it lonely in the forest? Now that Derghas gone and the territory prosperous, co live down here. You could stay in the mansion if you want or I could get you a house.
Let think on it a bit. I didnt feel that lonely out there buteting people like this, maybe it was.
The savory aroma of the barley porridge wafted up. Philea elegantly stirred the pot, smiling.
Sotis lost travelers co by. Shockingly a while ago, so injured people appeared together.
Injured people?
Mm. About three of them? They told their nas Lets see. Ricardo, Nave, andErica!
Thats rightErica. The imperial investigator searching for Mary and Chels corpses. Her whereabouts were unknown after getting caught up fighting the Hawan caravan. How unexpected.
Badly hurt?
No, but she said she lost many comrades. Poor things. They were having a hard ti, unable to return ho.
Where were they headed next?
Hmm, not sure but I think she said Hawan?
I see.
Stroking his chin, Ian let out a aningful chuckle. Philea bead, stroking her sons hair.
Doesnt the porridge sll nice?
It does, mother.
Ian, by the waywould it be alright if I wrote you letters? On sleepless nights sick with worry, it might soothe so.
Philea hesitantly sought his understanding, extrely careful not to impose one bit. Ian readily granted permission.
Please do. But I may be too busy to reply so please understand that.
Of course. Ian, my son
Philea embraced Ian again, nestling her face against his shoulder. Ian patted his fidgeting mothers back.
Just co back safelyIan.
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