40 Leaving Ho
"It's finally ti Jared… I'll miss you."
As Anabelle's sweet sobs rang in my ears, I stared lovingly at my mother. Why did it feel as though I was the father and she was the child who didn't want to leave or sothing?
I gave her my usual charming smile, the best a 12-year-old could co up with, and reassured my mother.
"I'll be fine, mom. I promise. Besides, this is for the best…" My voice trailed.
As soon as I said this, my expression stiffened a little. She had to admit that this was the best alternative, not just for my growth as a Magic-User, but for my safety as well. To know the reason for that, one would have to backtrack to the discovery the servants made early this morning.
After the party ended late in the night, and our guests left, I was escorted to my room in order to get enough rest for my journey the next day.
My mother also went to her room to relax, since she had exerted herself a great deal to accommodate the guests. The servants took care of everything, making sure the cleaning and disposal of wastes were expertly taken care of.
Since I was still mulling over the incidents of what happened during the party, I couldn't sleep.
My brain was working overti, and I was studying various ways to alter the original poison I concocted so that I could create a more potent dosage and reduce its circulation ti.
I could hear slight whispers across the hallway, the excited murmurings of the servants discussing the party we just had, as well as the luxurious food they got to enjoy as a result of the party.
Out of all the things I overheard while in my study, sothing stood out.
"Does anyone know where Liliana is? I haven't seen her all evening!"
I let out a brief sigh and continued studying, realizing that the truth was bound to be revealed sooner or later.
And as I rightly predicted, it didn't take very long before the servants found Liliana's corpse.
It happened early in the morning while they patrolled the area to ensure that no single spot was overlooked when cleaning.
It was no understatent to say that everyone in the house was roused as a result of the loud shrieks of the servants when they saw Liliana's shriveled-up body.
I was told to remain in my room when the servants revealed the situation to my mom, but after insisting on seeing it for myself, my mother allowed to witness the scene.
"W-when we saw her… she was like this. I-I don't know how it happened or what could have caused sothing like this, but-!" The servants spoke, the distress clear in their voices.
My body twitched when I finally saw Liliana after leaving her to die the previous night. It was just as I'd thought.
Her body was dried up to the bone, and her bloodshot eyes were nearly popped from their sockets. To say she was just an empty husk of flesh and bones would still not do the terrible sight justice.
As soon as Anabelle saw this for herself, she regretted bringing to the scene, but as it was too late, all she could do was cover my eyes and whisper comforting words to .
I found her words a little ironic, considering the fact that Liliana's killer was none other than .
After covering up her body, the servants took Liliana to the morgue after my mother cast a preservation magic on the corpse and told them to add spices and preservatives to ensure that the body would be in perfect condition until it was analyzed.
While it was Mana Shock that caused Liliana's death, no one was aware of that fact yet. They never even considered it. Why?
Because no one thought Liliana could use Magic, to begin with. Not even my mother. The maids and servants that were employed were from lineages incapable of magic, i.e. Inepts.
In the first instance, Magic-Users don't usually work as maids when one thinks about It.
That was why Liliana's death was bizarre. The mystery behind it was still unsolved even as I entered the special carriage prepared for .
"I'll make sure to investigate it thoroughly, Jared. So, don't worry about or this household, okay? Just be safe." Anabelle smiled at .
I could tell that hidden behind that smile was the anxiety of a worrying mother. She was most likely scared to death for my well-being since another incident of murder had occurred within the Leonard Estate, sothing that was rarely heard of among high-ranking nobles.
My heart ached a little for Anabelle, but this was for the best.
'The autopsy and magic investigation will ultimately reveal her death to be from mana shock as a result of the lingering traces of mana in her dead cells…'
Once that happened, Anabelle would slowly co to realize their ploy, and even though she won't understand why Liliana died without completing her mission to kill , she'll beco extra careful.
'The next ti I return ho, I'll be sure to find a more impressive state of security. This way, Anabelle will be more motivated to protect herself.' My thoughts trailed.
"Ah, before I forget…" Anabelle said, with her expression depicting that a thought had suddenly appeared in her head.
She dipped her hand into her long robe and brought out a book from within it. It was dark brown and most likely made from quality leather, the parchnt also seed to be of high-quality.
"Alphonse's gift ca very late last night. You were already asleep, so I decided to wait untill today…" My mother said, smiling a little.
'Welp, I'm pretty sure I was still awake, though…' I mused.
"I would have given it to you earlier, but this whole thing happened, and then before I knew it, the carriage was ready for your departure, and-"
If I had left her alone, Anabelle would have kept on rambling and there was no way I could have that. There were better things the both of us could be doing.
"I get it mom, thanks." I flashed her a smile, and proceeded to collect the book from her hands.
"Well, it appears I've kept you waiting long enough. You should go before I hog you even more to myself." Anabelle laughed.
I laughed as well, and for a brief mont, we stared passionately and lovingly at each other. The bond between and this woman, even though it was only for 12 years, was one I would forever cherish.
"Bye, Jared my child. I love you!"
Embarrassing as it was, I pursed my lips and opened them… responding with the exact sa words as my mom.
"I-I love you too, mom."
And I absolutely ant it!
The carriage then started to move slowly as the coachman stirred the horses into motion. Jerked by the sudden increase in speed of the vehicle, my thoughts shook a little, and a question that had been puzzling for years suddenly appeared.
Bonds. Love. Relationship.
So far, I had ford so many bonds, but the most bizarre one is the one I have with my Magic Tutor, who is still a stranger to .
And so, as I slowly moved away from the loving gaze of my mother, curiosity got the best of and I just had to speak.
"M-Mom!" My voice called out to Anabelle.
Her eyes lit up in surprise, wondering what else I wanted to say.
"Who exactly is Alphonse?!"
The burning question within , and one of the few mysteries I had yet to uncover in all my life was now laid bare before the one who knew the answer.
Upon hearing my question, my mother made a choking sound of laughter as she stood there staring at amusedly.
"Pfft. To think that you're just asking this now…"
As the carriage drew further away, her voice grew fainter and was replaced by the sound of turning wheels and the clamping of horse hooves on the ground.
Still, my eyes were fixated on Anabelle's face as she gave the answer. My eyes bulged as soon as I read her lips and my brain tried to wrap itself around the truth that had been hidden from all this ti.
Alphonse is…
"… your Grandfather, and my own father"
A shocking discovery!
Magecrafter
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