Chapter 43

When he saw me, Selphius’s face was colored with shock, joy, and relief. Selphius, with a complex expression that couldn’t decide whether to laugh or cry, ran towards me as the other children did.

"Y-Your Highness, the Duchess! Why are you here? More importantly, your wrist..."

"Selphius."

I cut off Selphius’s words and glanced around. Everyone seemed to be watching us closely because of my shout. I deliberately raised my voice so everyone could hear.

"It’s time to pick up our son, of course. I missed you so much, Selphius."

I emphasized the word 'mom' to warn anyone who might try to mess with my son.

"M-Mom?"

The word seemed so unfamiliar that Selphius’s voice trembled pitifully.

"Yes, mom. I’m your mom, Selphius."

I wanted everyone to hear. I’m here for Selphius, and if anyone touches him, I’ll chase them to the ends of the earth. I wrapped my arms around Selphius’s shoulders firmly.

"Let’s go, my son Selphius."

I led Selphius to the carriage. All the way, he muttered in disbelief, "Mom, really?"

As we walked towards our carriage, I saw three familiar faces nearby. Selphius stopped abruptly.

"…It seems I left something at the academy."

Selphius said with a trembling voice, taking a step back.

"Selphius."

I called out, trying to calm him.

"How could they dare to!"

"Selphius! Don’t use such words!"

"I’ll go and cut their throats right now."

"Selphius! Use nicer words!"

I tried to calm Selphius, who was about to burst with anger.

"While Viscount Trellan was doing this, where was His Highness the Duke? When we get back to the mansion, I’ll deal with the Duke immediately…!"

"Selphius!"

I covered Selphius’s mouth with both hands. He could have easily pushed my hands away, but he just closed his lips and looked at me.

"Selphius, don’t use such bad words."

Selphius’s eyes still burned with anger.

"Why did you do that?"

"Do what?"

"What did you say to me…"

He must have heard that I knew about his situation.

"Why did you throw yourself like that?"

Selphius lowered his head.

"Why? How could you say that, Selphius."

"…"

"I always want you to be happy. Remember what I said the first time we met?"

Selphius slowly shook his head.

"I said I wanted you to be happy."

"…!"

"Selphius. Selphius. I truly, sincerely want you to be happy."

Selphius clenched his fists. The child took a trembling breath and spoke in a self-mocking tone.

"As soon as my father passed away, my mother abandoned me."

"…"

"I don’t even remember my mother’s face. Her scent, her voice. I don’t know anything."

Selphius’s hands shook like leaves.

"I was afraid that His Highness the Duke would be disappointed if I caused trouble. I was afraid he would regret adopting me. I was afraid of being abandoned again."

Tears fell onto Selphius’s knees.

"But… you want me to be happy? No one has ever wished for my happiness."

"…"

"Can I be happy with this body? Is there anyone who would want me?"

"Selphius."

I quietly repeated his name.

"How… can you take my side?"

Selphius lifted his head abruptly. His face was drenched in tears. I could only look at him, unable to say anything.

"How…"

"…"

"How can you call me your son, cursed as I am?"

Selphius’s heart-wrenching cry made my chest ache.

"How can you confidently call me your mom?"

Selphius clenched his fists and bit his lip, trying to hold back his tears, but they wouldn’t stop streaming down his cheeks.

"Selphius."

I couldn’t bear to see him like this. I reached out and pulled him into my arms.

"I’m sorry I didn’t understand you sooner."

A stifled sob escaped his lips.

"You gave me signals every day, but I didn’t catch them. I’m sorry."

Selphius’s small, fragile body fit perfectly in my embrace, despite his usual tough and proud demeanor.

"I won’t let anything like this happen again. I won’t let you suffer alone."

My dress was soaked with Selphius’s tears.

"Do you remember what I said to Ailett? It’s not just for Ailett, Selphius."

"…"

"I’ll always be on your side and always wish for your happiness more than anyone else. So, Selphius."

"…"

"You can definitely be happy."

Selphius slowly lifted his head. His usually brusque face was stained with sadness.

"…Mom."

Selphius’s red lips parted slightly.

"Because of our family’s curse, Your Highness might… might leave someday."

"…"

"But now, just for now."

"…"

"Can I call you mom? Can you be my mom?"

I gently caressed Selphius’s tear-stained face.

"Selphius."

"…Yes."

"Even if I might leave someday, as you say."

"…"

"If you’re okay with it, I’ll be your mom while I’m the Duchess of Laphireon, Selphius."

I’ll do anything you want if you need it, even though I won’t be here a year from now.

"…! R-Really?"

"Even if there’s a very, very small chance."

"…"

"Even if the day comes when I have to leave the House of Laphireon, I’ll always be your mom. Remember that my feelings are genuine."

"Your Highness…"

"I’ll always protect you as your mom. I love you, Selphius."

I hugged Selphius tightly. Thinking about all the loneliness and sadness he must have endured alone, tears welled up in my eyes.

"R-Really? Really for someone like me…"

"You’re my beloved son, more than anyone else. You always have been and always will be, Selphius."

Selphius nodded, letting his tears flow freely. He clung to my dress like a mirage that might disappear if he let go. I suddenly remembered Rebecca’s words, "Selphius needs a mom too."

Selphius was still a nine-year-old child, not yet mature. He grew up without parental affection. Perhaps he needed a parent more than anyone his age. I hugged Selphius’s small body and stroked his head.

"From now on, tell everyone that you have a mom who loves you very much."

When we arrived at the mansion, both of us had red eyes and noses. The one who greeted us was Terdeo, who had rushed back after hearing I went to the academy. Terdeo, sniffing, ran over to see us getting out of the carriage. But he soon smiled in disbelief when he heard we had hugged and cried.

"Selphius?"

"He’s asleep now, so he should be fine."

Terdeo sat beside me on the bed, holding an ice pack. He gently placed it on my wrist.

"I was worried that Selphius might be exhausted from crying so much."

"Selphius said the same thing."

"I didn’t cry that much!"

"That’s exactly what Selphius said."

A faint smile appeared on Terdeo’s lips.

"You always rely on me."

"I didn’t do much. It was my own decision to be Selphius’s mom, and he accepted me."

"Nobody will agree with that."

Terdeo smiled and looked at me, who was leaning against him for the cold compress.

"Just a moment."

Terdeo put the ice pack aside and pulled me closer. I stiffened in surprise at the sudden contact.

"You must be tired, so lean against me."

As my head rested on his chest, I could hear his steady heartbeat. He placed the ice pack back on my wrist.

"At first, I was surprised by this too, but now I’m quite used to it."

"…Used to it?"

"At first, even holding hands surprised me, hahaha."

"Now it doesn’t surprise you?"

I nodded, trying to sound casual to hide my blushing face.

"N-Now it’s more of a familiar feeling than excitement."

Terdeo’s body twitched.

"…More familiar than excited?"

Terdeo’s cold, serious voice echoed above me. Suddenly, his large hand gently lifted my chin, bringing his face close to mine. His red eyes held no trace of playfulness.

"Your face is red."

"…!"

"Are you excited now?"