episode_0013

The Oedipus saga.

It was the story of a king who killed his father and married his mother.

Oedipus is a figure known as a symbol of misfortune in Greek and Roman mythology. Eventually, his mother hung herself, which meant he lost both his beloved woman and his birth mother at the same time.

After struggling with guilt, Oedipus gouged out his own eyes and wandered as a beggar until he met his end.

Telling such a gloomy story to a child wouldn’t be beneficial. That’s why Darin only told the Oedipus saga to Kael once.

“Do you still remember that? It feels like it’s been over ten years…”

“I remember all the stories my mother told me. Whatever is bestowed by the person I love most is important to me.”

The heartfelt words of her son brought a faint smile to his mother’s face. She was genuinely grateful. Her son listened sincerely to the stories she casually told without any particular thoughts. Such affection would naturally transfer to the woman Kael loves, but as a mother, she had to accept that.

“Haha, yes. I’m thankful, but why bring up that story all of a sudden?”

“…Mother, what do you think of the figure Oedipus?”

“Hmm, what do I think of Oedipus…?”

Darin furrowed her brow, lost in thought while pressing her index finger against her temple. It was an unexpected question, but it was her beloved son’s inquiry, so as a mother, she needed to seriously consider it.

What did she think of the figure Oedipus? As he was a fictional character, Darin didn’t have strong emotions toward him. And this was likely the case for most people. He was just a pitiable and unfortunate figure. That was all.

“Being abandoned by his father, losing both his birth mother and lover until the end, he’s a pitiful figure in many ways, isn’t he?”

“Is that all?”

Darin blinked her eyes thoughtfully. Was that all? What more could there be?

“Yes. That’s all, isn’t it?”

“How do you feel about Oedipus committing incest?”

“Hmm? I don’t really think much about being a part of a myth. And even if it’s bad, what can you do? Oedipus didn’t know he was marrying his mother.”

“Then what if he had known and still entered into a relationship?”

“…?”

‘…Why is this question coming up?’

The questioning persisted like a relentless snake. Darrin wondered why he had to discuss such a topic with his son. Above all, the idea of discussing such matters with a family member was unsettling.

“…Well, then it must be insanity. In any case, forming a relationship with one’s mother is an immoral act, regardless of biological perspectives. It greatly violates ethical standards, doesn’t it?”

“But in the empire, didn’t the high nobility engage in incest to preserve their lineage? Even the current emperor married his cousin.”

“I’m aware of that, but what does your local noble mother know about their affairs? And while it might be acceptable to a certain extent based on historical context, viewing the mother who bore you as a woman? Just the thought makes me nauseous.”

That was when it happened. As soon as he heard the phrase ‘makes me nauseous,’ Cael’s face contorted. With sorrow evident, he seemed both pitiable and unjustly cornered, like a wounded bear.

“…Did you just say, ‘makes me nauseous’?”

“Oh, no, um…”

Looking at him, Darrin realized his mistake. Due to the events of the day, he had unintentionally spoken harshly.

But why is my son making such a hurt expression? It was difficult to understand. From a normal person’s perspective, feeling repulsed by incest was natural.

“Hey, Cael, I don’t know why you’re bringing this up, but your mother has a very negative view of incest. Probably, aside from the high nobility in the capital, she shares the same opinion as me?”

“……”

Darrin sat up in bed and patted his son’s shoulder. He didn’t know why his son was hurt, but he hoped to lighten his mood.

“However, I’m sorry for overreacting to your question. I sincerely apologize. So, are you saying that it doesn’t matter if there’s love, even if it’s between relatives?”

“…To some extent, that’s the intention behind my words.”

“…I see.”

Darin nodded in agreement with Kael’s response. Now he understood why his son had looked upset.

“I don’t understand, but…”

Even though he was his son, Darin didn’t intend to impose his own opinion. After all, there were stories from the past that vividly depicted love affairs between siblings or cousins.

“Just as Kael said, even among nobles above the rank of viscount, there are occasional cases of incestuous relationships.”

Most of these occurred within cousin relationships, but there are also shining examples of love that endure through great trials.

“I may not understand what led you to such thoughts, but I respect your opinion.”

“My mother’s opinion is more important than mine.”

“But didn’t I just say? Your mother has a negative view about close relatives?”

“But when I mentioned marriage, didn’t she agree to it?”

“Well…?”

As the questions grew longer, Darin only felt increasingly unsure about what his son was trying to say. It reminded him of when Kael, at the age of five, playfully responded. How could one refuse affection from a tiny child who wasn’t even half his height, especially from a parent’s perspective?

“I don’t understand the purpose of your question. That was just a childish joke, right?”

“…I understand my mother’s thoughts very well.”

“Why the sudden reaction? Did I make a mistake during our conversation?”

“No, it’s not that. I was just a little surprised that your mother seems to have a negative attitude, contrary to my expectations.”

Could it be that the issue lies in the parents’ inability to accept their opinions? He wasn’t sure, but it felt like something was amiss in the conversation. Perhaps the dialogue didn’t work out because they fundamentally held different views.

Darin was taken aback by her somewhat harsh son’s reaction and scratched her arm, trying to dispel the awkwardness. Nevertheless, Kael was someone she loved more than anyone else, even more than her husband, Bayoren, and her second child, Piel.

“I’m sorry your mother couldn’t agree with your opinion. But incest is a very repulsive subject for parents with children. You share love with someone too. When you have a child, you’ll understand a mother’s perspective. Besides…”

He began to ramble unnecessarily. Even his wife was bewildered. Before going on the expedition, there hadn’t been any conflict with her son, but during the three years of demon subjugation, there had been many such discordant occasions.

“Kael, why are you doing this? It’s already been a tough day…”

As her mother frowned, feeling upset as her son continued to show no response, Darin, not one to easily shed tears, felt a surge of emotion. She was not a woman who cried easily, having been worn down to some extent by her husband’s torment. Above all, being a married woman who raised two children, she possessed a certain level of fortitude. However, seeing her treasure display such cruelty, she couldn’t help but feel tearful.

“No, it’s not that…”

At this point, Kael had to relax his expression. He had tried in various ways to lighten his son’s mood, but since it didn’t work, it was clear that his mother was upset.

“I’m sorry. It’s been a long time since I reached adulthood, yet I threw a tantrum.”

“Sigh…”

Darin sighed, dabbing her sleeve at her eyes to wipe away the moisture. Perhaps to erase the traces of whimpering like a child.

“I’m not asking for an apology. I’m just upset that we haven’t been able to communicate much after returning from the expedition.”

In a way, Darin seemed quite easy on her son. Despite Kael’s rebellion and a somewhat melancholic attitude, if he admitted his mistake like that, her mood would soon improve. Perhaps, if they were in a romantic relationship, Darin would have been a very devoted partner.

However, for Kael, it was ultimately a futile gesture since his relationship with Mother meant nothing. He didn’t love Darrin as a mother, but rather loved Darrin as a person.

“In fact, I’m a bit worried these days because our son seems to have changed a lot.”

It was a misunderstanding. This is who I originally was. It was just a decision to reveal rather than hide after returning from the expedition.

– Rustle rustle.

I try to comfort my mother’s unexpressed sorrow by stroking her arm. So unbearably rough. Would a breast be even more so? A wicked desire to delve into the crevice of a weak woman wanting to shed tears arose.

Actually, my true intention was to press against the inside of her thigh, but for now, I’ll have to endure this much. The timing isn’t right, and Mother doesn’t seem to be in a good mood either.

Come to think of it, I wanted to know a lot of things.

What scent would emanate from Mother’s armpits?

What sound would she make when she pees?

What would a mother in love look like?

Akkael had been curious about how his mother, who couldn’t control herself, would appear before puberty.

“Mother must have been greatly surprised because of me.”

The crimson-haired girl clearly hadn’t calmed down yet. She was pressing her chest with one hand, her pupils wandering. It’s worrying. There will surely be many more things that will surprise her in the future.

Anyway, it’s a son’s duty to comfort his mother’s heart. It wouldn’t be right to just keep my mouth shut.

“I think it’s not the first time we’ve been apart, so we need time to adjust. Mother and I were together for 20 years before leaving on the expedition.”

“…Is that so?”

“Of course. It’s a problem that my character got twisted from swinging a fake axe all day, but still.”

“Don’t say that. Our son is truly a great and talented person.”

It was a fiercely devoted attitude. Looking back, Darien would probably be quite extreme compared to other noble ladies in her dedication to her son. But it was understandable. This white-haired giant was the first angel Darien encountered in her hellish life.

“Is young Lord Jajak really that outstanding?”

“The Emperor is soon to grant him the title of Viscount, what’s the problem?”

“Anyone would think you were the mistress of the empire. You’ve been guaranteeing his promotion to Viscount since last time.”

“Did I say something wrong? Does it make sense not to grant a Viscount title to the hero who saved the empire? If the Emperor neglects you, this mother won’t stay quiet!”

“Hahaha…!”

The solemn expression with which the red-haired woman responded to her son’s teasing question was more precious and beautiful than a hundred million gold treasures. It didn’t mean she looked high-born, but rather that she seemed pure and noble.

Swoosh.

Seizing the moment, the white-haired man subtly expressed affection by lightly touching his mother’s thigh.

“I-it tickles, Kael.”

Darien had no choice but to accept it with a smile.

Although it was somewhat unsettling to feel his touch toward his mother.

Even if today’s conversation felt uncomfortable.

Her son was just doing it because he liked his mother.

Yes, it was purely out of filial piety, like any other devoted son.