episode_0088
by fnovelpia
88. The First Meeting (3)
Eve laughs happily.
The gold coin Erica handed over was equivalent to a staggering 1 billion at modern exchange rates.
Though she wore a smile, having received a whopping 100 gold coins practically for free, her true feelings were far from it.
A woman before a mother.
Her feminine intuition rang alarm bells with razor-sharp clarity.
Maintaining her cheerful expression, Eve spoke to Erica.
“Our Cain has been quite mature since childhood. He didn’t throw a single tantrum even at five years old, you know?”
(I have nothing to share with you.)
“Stories of a hero’s childhood are always special. Even trivial anecdotes would be delightful.”
(Good grief… Why must you make this difficult, Mother-in-law?)
“Hmm? If I must say, his flaw is inheriting his father’s lack of magical aptitude…
Beyond that, he mastered swimming in one try without any instruction? A rather unremarkable tale, my apologies.”
(What are you scheming against my son?)
“Even with his lack of magical power, his physical talents seem innate—a shame, truly. But stories of valued subordinates and talents are always fascinating, so no need for concern.”
(‘Valued subordinate.’ You understand, right?)
“I’m not sure. As mere commoners, I fear we might be wasting the time of Your Grace, a titled noble of the former Grace ducal house.”
(Yeah, no.)
“The parents of our Fox are always welcome. You’re practically family—how could we turn you away?”
(Mother-in-law! You know full well! Family! Right?)
Their conversation continued with cheerful laughter.
Though their hidden intentions would send chills down anyone’s spine, the surface was perfectly serene.
Smiling, Erica posed a question to Eve.
“Don’t you find our city of Freesia truly beautiful?”
“Yes, with books sold cheaply… The scenery is lovely and quite charming.”
“Lately, the influx of people has us struggling to expand the city.”
Erica’s words subtly hinted at skyrocketing land prices.
With a smile, she made an offer to Adam and Eve.
“Would you consider living here?”
It was an extraordinary proposal.
Currently, Freesia stood as a region with the potential to become the future’s most coveted land.
Rumors spread across the Empire that securing a home in Freesia was as rare as plucking stars from the sky.
And if the city’s ruler, Erica, said so, it meant a grand mansion could be built on such prime land.
In modern terms…
It was equivalent to a large detached house in Hannam-dong, Seoul—with no taxes or fees whatsoever.
Perhaps an offer even more valuable than 100 gold coins…
“I apologize, but I must decline.”
Though hesitation might have been expected, Eve refused with a smile.
“Our son needs a home to return to, doesn’t he?”
In essence, it was a direct, if polite, demand to sever ties with their son.
Though her heart ached as if torn apart, Eve maintained her composed smile.
“Might I ask the reason?”
“Nobles should tend to noble matters, commoners to commoner matters… Each has their place.”
Eve seemed pathologically averse to working with nobility.
Erica glanced at Adam, who appeared slightly more receptive, but…
“Well, if Eve says so.”
Perhaps there was a deeper story?
Eve’s ease around nobles felt oddly practiced.
And Adam, though different in temperament, supported her without question.
In the end, Erica had no choice but to relent.
“Then I shall bring our Fox.”
“Yes, I long to see my son.”
Erica felt a mix of frustration and something akin to heartbreak.
For the first time, she experienced both undeniable affection and rejection—strange for someone who questioned love’s existence.
Suppressing those emotions, she opened the door and stepped into the hallway.
She also intended to track down Adel, who had yet to return despite claiming to fetch him.
But as she walked the corridors, there was no sign of him.
Instead, she spotted Alice pacing the hallway, documents in hand.
“My Lady. I’ve heard the news.”
“Mhm.”
“Is something wrong?”
Alice immediately sensed Erica’s foul mood.
Fueled by sudden melancholy, Erica nearly confessed that her beloved’s parents disliked her.
But she held back, opting to frame it professionally.
“The Fox’s parents despise working with nobles.”
“Why would commoners demand respectful speech…”
“…Because they’re the parents of my most treasured subordinate.”
She nearly slipped—but caught herself.
After listening thoughtfully, Alice nodded.
They walked together toward Cain’s usual workshop, discussing the matter.
“From what I gather, this is serious.”
“Indeed. Given our Fox’s nature, he’d seize any chance to quit.”
“But their objections seem less about him working and more about the association.”
Erica nodded.
They hadn’t outright opposed his employment.
She felt some relief—even as in-laws, they couldn’t drag him away.
Eve simply hated deep noble entanglements.
Alice devised a plan.
“Why not show them how he works?”
“Hmm…”
“If they see his achievements and dedication, their hearts may soften.
No parent can truly oppose their child’s happiness.”
“Happiness… their child…”
Erica’s thoughts momentarily drifted.
Shaking her head, she finalized her strategy.
First: Showcase the Fox’s diligence in his work.
Second: Win them over with lavish gifts.
Third: Secure their blessing for the future.
“Even as commoners, their status shouldn’t matter… Coercion would risk backlash.”
“Indeed.”
Alice nodded solemnly as Erica feigned deep contemplation.
The Fox stayed out of duty, not obligation.
If his parents forced him, betrayal might drive him to rebellion.
A simple, logical conclusion—yet one Erica had overlooked.
She found herself unsettled.
‘I turn into a fool where our Fox is concerned…’
Lately, it felt increasingly true.
Regardless, the plan was set: impress Adam and Eve with his best qualities.
Arriving at the workshop with Alice, Erica pushed open the heavy door.
“I like white rooms…”
“Adel! Snap out of it!”
Chaos awaited inside.
────────────────────
Adam and Eve walked down the hall.
Guided by Adel and Vivian, who had returned at some point.
Keeping pace slightly apart, Eve whispered to Adam.
“Doesn’t this feel odd?”
“What does?”
“Our darling son still hasn’t appeared.”
Eve’s lingering unease.
Their son, who should’ve greeted them first, was nowhere in sight.
Yet here were the former duke’s daughters, treating them with utmost respect…
“Almost like they’re eyeing our boy.”
“Nonsense. Why would nobles of their standing want our son?”
Under Eve’s sharp glare, Adam bowed his head guiltily.
Crossing her arms, Eve followed their guides until…
They reached the entrance to Cain’s workshop.
“I’m Alice.”
“Ah… that surname…?”
“Just Alice is fine. You’re family to our esteemed Sir.”
Eve exchanged brief greetings with Alice, who waited at the door.
Adam pointed at the large, heavy door and asked.
“Our son’s in there?”
“Yes.”
“Why hasn’t he come out or greeted us?”
Eve glared suspiciously at Alice.
Rude by noble standards, but Alice remained impassive.
Adjusting her glasses, she answered casually.
“It’s best to stay quiet momentarily.”
She cracked the door open slightly.
Inside the spacious workshop, Adam and Eve saw their son.
Or rather, his back.
His towering 190cm frame and broad shoulders.
Even from behind, his handsomeness radiated.
Any parent would recognize him instantly.
Cain sat with his back turned, muttering to himself.
“Why stay quie—”
As Eve voiced her confusion…
Erica emerged holding crumpled papers.
She sat beside Cain, selecting one to show him.
-*mumbles*
“Yes, I agree.”
-*mutters*…
“What a brilliant idea.”
Their friendly rapport was undeniable.
Even as a noble, she ruffled his hair with casual ease.
A bond transcending status, almost like close friends.
Eve whispered.
“How is he with a noble…?”
“When goals align, nothing else matters. Neither status nor gender…”
“And their goal is?”
“‘Bring happiness to many. Let them live as humans should.’ His very words.”
Adam and Eve recalled Freesia.
People working vigorously despite no harvest season.
No beggars, vagrants, or starving souls—even in the capital.
A city where all laughed, feasted, and enjoyed cheap books.
“That’s why I serve him devotedly.”
“Our son…”
“Hoho…”
Their reactions differed.
The mother reflected—had she stifled her prodigious son too much?
The father swelled with pride—his son had seized his chance to shine.
As parents reveled in nostalgia…
Alice adjusted her glasses and added.
“And in these troubled times, my Lady grants his every request.
That’s the kind of ruler she is.”
Eve’s perception shifted slightly.
Former Duchess Erica Grace.
Eve had assumed malice hid behind every word.
A beast eyeing her son—no, a presumptuous girl claiming her as mother-in-law.
But witnessing this, her view softened.
A warlord who valued merit above all.
A noble who, despite rank, honored her subordinate’s parents with propriety.
And look at her son.
His first creation was a terrifying device named “Bomb.”
She’d advised quiet restraint—yet here he sat, focused beyond measure.
The image of him researching by barn candlelight flashed in her mind.
Adam rested a hand on her shoulder.
“Dear, let’s head back.”
“Yes. We shouldn’t disturb him mid-work.”
Perhaps Erica Grace wasn’t so dangerous after all.
So Eve concluded.
────────────────────
Guided by Vivian, Adam and Eve departed.
Inside the workshop, Erica sat beside Cain.
Her delicate fingers stroked his chin like a puppy’s.
“I like white paper… I like white paper… I like white paper…”
“Hehe… Even this idiot act is endearing.”
His shimmering sapphire eyes held a beastly glint.
She murmured in playful tones.
“Maybe truly breaking you would—”
“My Lady, they’ve left.”
Before her eerie words fully left her mouth, Alice reported.
Erica suppressed her dark whims and rose.
“How did my mother-in— ahem, how did they react?”
“Fortunately, their impression of you seems favorable.”
“Excellent work.”
Praising Alice while stroking Cain’s head, still chanting his mantra.
Alice watched with concern.
“But is Sir Cain… unwell?”
“No need to worry.”
She pinched his cheek playfully—proof of his unresponsive state.
Giggling like a mischievous girl rather than a warlord, she explained.
“He’s half-asleep from exhaustion.”
“Ah… sheer willpower.”
Cain droned on with half-lidded eyes.
Even dwarves—renowned for stamina—had collapsed earlier.
A normal human couldn’t endure this. His brain was practically offline.
Yet his obsessive focus reduced him to muttering nonsense.
“Adorable, isn’t he? Working so hard.”
“…Indeed. Prioritizing lives over his own health… Such nobility!”
Alice seemed moved to tears.
────────────────────
The next day.
Whether due to his efforts, Cain perfected the blueprint upon waking.
Proudly, he rushed to Erica to show off—chest puffed like a boastful pup.
“No resignation today?”
“Ah… I forgot in excitement.”
Erica laughed brightly at his words.
That night, she threw a grand banquet.
(Where every attendee crawled home on all fours by dawn.)
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