Chapter 398: The Bond Between Mother and Child

Heles City, Stronghold Kingdom

(Nevare’s POV)

"Anna, can you tell me about your husband, Moku?"

Although Nevare cursed inwardly at hearing that question, the smile on her face remained. "Of course, Mother!" she replied enthusiastically, like a daughter eager to share a story about her new best friend.

"Before I begin telling you about my encounter with Moku, I want to first recount what happened on the day I was kidnapped," Nevare started her tale.

She began with her conversation with Tristan, who had invited her to hunt red bear cubs.

When Nevare described her joy at the opportunity to obtain a Mana Potion, Cila and Artur smiled too, but their expressions soon shifted to sympathy.

As she recounted her meeting with Bon and Jon, Cila’s brow furrowed with worry, while Artur clenched his fists in anger.

When Nevare told of her escape from Bon and Jon, only to encounter a goblin horde, both Cila and Artur looked terrified, as if they were experiencing her ordeal themselves.

When she described how Moku saved her from both the goblins and Bon and Jon, a smile appeared on Cila’s face, while Artur’s expression turned envious.

"Moku is the youngest son of the Arion king, so his chances of inheriting the throne were slim. As a result, he received fewer resources for training compared to the other Arion princes.

"Moku chose to venture into the Bog Forest to hunt. At that time, my adventurous spirit was still strong, and I asked Moku to take me with him.

"Initially, Moku refused and insisted on taking me back to Heles City. However, I knew that if I returned home, my future would be the same as before.

"My dream of becoming a mage was still burning in my heart, even more so after realizing how helpless I was against Bon and Jon. Due to my stubbornness, Moku finally agreed to take me on his journey.

"From then on, Moku and I were inseparable for two years. We faced numerous dangers in the Bog Forest, from powerful mutated animals to rare and deadly plants.

"It was from Moku that I learned how to control Mana, eventually mastering the art of transforming Mana Flow into Constellation without using a Mana Potion.

"The more time we spent together, the closer we became, and love naturally blossomed between us.

"Not long after, Moku and I got married without his father’s knowledge, knowing that the Arion king would never accept a human female as his son’s wife."

Nevare paused for a moment, taking a sip of the tea served by the maid earlier. After wetting her throat, she continued her story with the same great enthusiasm.

"Even so, Moku was determined to marry me, regardless of what the other Arions said. Ultimately, Moku’s stubbornness forced the Arion king to accept me as his daughter-in-law.

"Although my love for Moku was immense, my longing for home was just as strong. That’s why I planned to return home after our wedding, and Moku agreed.

"He even promised to escort me to our doorstep and ask for your permission to marry me.

"However, right after the wedding, I discovered I was pregnant, making the dangerous journey across the Bog Forest impossible.

"I had to wait for our first child to be born. My first pregnancy was tough, but Moku pampered me, so I never felt alone.

"When Nash was born, I felt a new life beginning for me.

"My dream was no longer to become a powerful mage but to see my son live a happy life. I no longer felt homesick because my new home was already warm and welcoming.

"I’m sure you understand how I felt then, Mother."

Cila paused before nodding. "Have you heard about my true origins from Artur?" she asked.

Nevare nodded, and Cila continued, "I understand how you feel. I also know why you delayed your return."

Nevare then explained, "Mother, you’re right. The main reason for my delayed return was to ensure that Nash and my future children would be accepted by the Arions.

"A marriage between an Arion and a human had never happened before, so they doubted if we could even have children.

"After I became pregnant with Nash, they wondered whether the child would be Arion or human.

"When Nash was born, they questioned whether the son of a human female could be as strong as a pure Arion.

"After Nash demonstrated his strength, they debated whether my descendants had the right to inherit the throne.

"These constant challenges required my focus on the Wilwatikta Kingdom. Additionally, as a foreigner, I had no support from the other Arions. In fact, my presence further tarnished Moku’s already low status.

"To address this, I began gathering humans who had been captured by slave traders, just as I had been.

"Over time, I earned my own name among the Arions, and they started to respect me.

"This respect was embodied in my new name, Nevare. Therefore, I hope you will call me by that name. It symbolizes the hard struggle I endured for my family, and I take great pride in it."

Nevare gazed deeply into Cila’s eyes, silently pleading with her. Cila remained quiet for a moment, meeting her daughter’s intense stare.

Nevare knew that Cila would recognize the same light in her eyes—a light only a mother’s love could create, one that would never fade, even after hundreds of years of hardship.

"I understand, and I empathize with you. I am proud of you and happy that you’ve found your happiness. No matter what you do or who you become... Nevare, you will always be my daughter!" she said, her voice gentle and filled with genuine affection, no longer the deceptive tone she had often used.

"MOTHER!" Artur exclaimed. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

But the two women paid no attention. Nevare rose from her chair and embraced Cila warmly. Cila welcomed her daughter with open arms.

The awkwardness they felt at the east gate was gone. This time, Nevare truly felt Cila’s acceptance.

"Mother! How can you accept this so easily?" Artur protested, his face flushed with anger.

Cila released Nevare from the embrace and narrowed her eyes at Artur. "Artur! You will never understand what a mother feels for her children. They would sacrifice their lives, their wealth, and their bodies for their children! If Nevare truly forgot us because of her children, I can understand that. For I, too, have forgotten Valya for the sake of you both!"

Artur was stunned into silence, unable to respond. He could only bow his head, but Nevare could sense the simmering anger within him.

She inwardly savored a small victory. She knew that while she had regained Cila’s heart, she was not yet safe.

The mages eavesdropping on their conversation would not be easily convinced by her story. Nevertheless, Nevare was not worried.

She had prepared for this long in advance. Moku’s inner eye could read thoughts from facial expressions and body language, making it clear to Nevare that she would be interrogated upon arriving in Heles City.

"Mother, can we go to where Nash and the others are? They are not yet familiar with human customs. I’m afraid they might unintentionally be disrespectful to Father and the others," Nevare said.

"Of course, Nevare. I also want to play with my grandchildren. Ah... grandchildren, I can’t believe I’m already a grandmother, hahahaha..." Cila laughed as she led Nevare out of the interrogation room.

"You are not old, Mother. You are still very beautiful. I’m sure people who see us together will think we are sisters."

"Sisters? Ah... it seems you’ve learned the art of noble flattery, my daughter, hahahaha," Cila laughed, not giving Nevare’s compliment much thought.

"Soon, Mother, soon," Nevare replied, smiling meaningfully.

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(Artur’s POV)

Artur watched as his mother and sister walked out of the room hand in hand. His face twisted with bitterness. He had never imagined Cila would side with Nevare, and he felt a deep sense of betrayal.

*Tap!

The sound of footsteps echoed as a hidden door beside the room opened. Artur turned to see Zilya emerge with two other mages.

Artur had summoned them to check if Anna had been brainwashed. If she had, Artur planned to subdue her with their help and then work on curing her.

"Well? When are we going to attack? Right now, Anna is only with her three sons, and from what I know, they aren’t particularly strong in combat. The only real threat will be if Anna resists," Artur said impatiently.

Zilya paused for a moment before responding, "Hmm... about that, Artur... I think... based on what we observed, Nevare isn’t under any brainwashing influence."

Artur was shocked, unable to believe what he was hearing. "What do you mean?"

One of the mages Zilya had brought from the Valya House, whom Artur recalled was named Perry, explained, "Every cell in a Mana Species’ body contains Mana. If there’s a malfunction in their body, there will be a corresponding disturbance in the Mana. This also applies to those under the influence of brainwashing. However, based on our examination, there’s no disturbance in Nevare’s body. She isn’t under any brainwashing influence."

"YOU’RE LYING!"