[73.3] Respect to a Mother's Love

"Guess I have to take responsibility…" I cleared my throat, "Then starting from this day forward, our family has grown by two. Everyone, say hello to your new siblings: Zephyr and Astra."

They spoke in unison, "Hello!"

Asmonious pulled me aside and whispered to me, "What should we do about their mother?"

My face fell slightly, "We should have a funeral for her…"

"We can hold a demon burial."

"Hm? What's that?"

"In demon culture, you build a pyre and place the body in the middle. You put items around the body that meant a lot to the demon. Then you set it aflame and let it burn til it goes out naturally."

I nodded, "Okay… Let's do that."

I turned back to the children. 

But who will watch the babies as Asmonious and I do that?

I looked at Atta.

Absolutely not after that comment about snapping them in half.

Lovi?

Not a good idea either.

Lene?

Hah. That's not even a good joke.

So that only leaves Rose…

I looked around for Rose and saw her hiding behind a column with a look of disgust. 

When did she get there?

I pursed my lips, "What's wrong?"

She pressed her lips together, "All they desire is to poop and eat…."

"....Ah. Okay. Well… Could you watch them for a bit while Asmonious and I handle something?"

She glanced at me trying to hide her distaste, "Will I have to touch them?"

"..."

I let out a sigh and went to grab a spare blanket. In one swift movement, I turned the blanket into a sling with the two babies held securely inside.

Their eyes widened, "Whooooa."

Asmonious looked at it, "How did you know how to do that, Master?"

Is it really that impressive?

"Ah. I learned it a long time ago when I thought I was going to-"

My words stopped in my throat and I gulped them down as a cold sensation gripped my heart.

"Master?"

I forced on a smile, "I learned it from someone else."

"O-Oh…"

I turned to look at the girls, "Okay girls. Me and your big brother have to do something. I need you all to make something for the babies. The babies need a bassinet to sleep in."

Lovi tilted her head, "Base a what?"

"Here." I quickly drew out a sketch and handed it to them, "Do you think you could make this? Lene can make the nets and you three can shape the wood."

Lene blinked, "Lene can't see."

"Just do the same thing you did for our hammock beds."

"Lene can do that!"

"That's my girl. Okay, you four behave while I'm gone… Rose, keep an eye on them."

Rose flinched from behind her column, "W-Why me? Atta is older!"

"Because Atta can't even remember to eat on her own."

"But-"

I waved her off with a smile as I left the courtyard, "You'll be fine~"

Asmonious and I arrived at the back of the mountain and started preparing. I rocked the babies with one arm while I moved my ice chunk carrying the wood that Asmonious was collecting. As he went to pick up her body I quickly stopped him, "You shouldn't touch her-"

He smiled at me calmly, "It's okay, Master. I've dealt with many dead bodies in the past. I don't have a problem with it."

My mouth dropped, "Even more of a reason not to!!!"

He chuckled with a soft look in his eyes, "But aren't you holding the babies?"

I pursed my lips, "You can hold them."

"So you are strong enough to pick her up without needing help?"

I hesitated, "Um-"

There's no way I can! 

Just holding these babies is already tiring enough!

I still wouldn't relent, "But still-"

"-Master." He interrupted with a sweet smile, "This woman is a good person. She did everything in her power to save her children… Please allow me to honor her sacrifice by doing this for her."

I let out a defeated sigh, "Fine… You win."

I begrudgingly gave in and stood off to the side, watching as he gently picked her up and placed her inside. He was so soft and gentle, that I knew he could never be the bloodthirsty maniac 'Moni' of my time.

When he finally finished, he went to my side, "It's ready, Master."

I reached out my hand while protecting the children with my other and sent out a fireball. Asmonious and I stood shoulder to shoulder as we watched the pyre burn.

I rubbed the now-sleeping babies and whispered to them, "Your mother worked really hard to get you here. So you both better grow up to be nice and healthy so her sacrifice isn't in vain."

I lowered my head and gently kissed the top of their heads.

As I took in a deep breath, my body relaxed as the demonic smoke appeared in my vision.

Ah…

So this is what it feels like…