60

Although dragons were divided into male and female, the concept of 'parent' did not exist for them.

In other words, dragons did not bear offspring.

They emerged like massive planets, forming from compressed dust in the universe.

Highly concentrated mana would compress infinitely and reveal itself in this world.

Perhaps because of this, dragons, who were nearly omniscient, lacked knowledge about sexual activities.

They weren't entirely ignorant.

They understood it as an act given to living beings to maintain the continuation of their species.

However, dragons, who felt no sexual desire, merely knew of it without any empathy or understanding.

The concept of sex was quite foreign to dragons.

Maybe that was why Mari was greatly shocked by the scene before her.

"M…Mom…"

Slurp – Smack

In front of her eyes, her beloved mother and that woman with the pitch-black soul were entwined together.

They were pressing their faces together, as if they were devouring each other's tongues with fervor.

'What… are they… doing?'

Although she couldn't understand their actions, a feeling akin to anger started swirling within her.

Each time her mother moved toward that woman, she had the urge to run over and pull them apart.

But whenever the woman gently stroked her mother's head, the blissful smile on her mother's face made her retreat in confusion.

She managed to leave the room without being detected, having erased her presence, but her startled heart refused to calm down.

The radiant smile on her mother's face lingered in her mind.

A smile she had never seen directed at herself.

…She never smiled at me like that.

Why does she look so happy with that woman?

From a deep place within her heart, something dark and sticky started to stir.

That person isn't the mother I know. That woman must have done something to her.

My mother is a warm and gentle, mature person.

She always smiles tenderly at me, lovingly holding me in her arms.

But the look on her face just now… was like… a beast craving affection…

A female thrilled by that woman's attention.

Ever so faintly, her once pure soul began to feel a bit tainted.

Why doesn't she smile that happily in front of me?

Is she happier with that woman than with me?

…Or does she enjoy being treated like a beast?

Thump – Thump

Her heart was racing relentlessly, showing no sign of stopping.

For some reason, the scene she just witnessed would not leave her mind.

It was an incomprehensible realm to her.

Because of that, she couldn't understand this feeling that was welling up from deep within.

If Mother truly desired to be treated like a beast…

I could do it better.

'Ah'

She shook her head violently.

'What was I just thinking…'

She hurriedly erased the thought that had briefly entered her mind.

It was hard to believe she'd had such an imagination.

To trouble a beloved mother… It was something that should never be done.

Wouldn't that be like repaying kindness with enmity?

And the way my mother looked just moments ago, it definitely wasn't of her own will.

That wicked woman must have done something to my mother from behind the scenes.

From the first moment I saw her, I didn't like her.

A pitch-black soul, like those carried by all evil beings. Her soul was no different.

Though, strangely, it would turn white whenever she looked at my mother, yet her essence remained that of a wicked being.

If left alone, she could one day stain my mother's pure soul black.

I clenched my fists tightly and made a firm resolution.

"I will save you."

I will restore my mother's gentle and mature self.

Trust me, Mom.

I'll bring you back to the way you were.

***

"Ugh…"

A dry voice escaped my lips.

As I lifted my heavy eyelids, I could see the morning sunlight streaming brightly into the room.

"So… thirsty…"

My mouth felt unbearably dry, as though all moisture had been drained away.

Which likely meant the kiss had been quite intense.

Looking around me.

I noticed the sheets dampened by mine and Athena's fluids and Athena sleeping beside me in just her white underwear.

-Someone else can be found..

Twitch-

The moment her words came to mind, my body trembled with a shiver.

Feeling an inexplicable sense of unease, I crawled into Athena's arms, clinging to her like a kitten to its mother.

It's okay.

She definitely said it yesterday.

That she didn't need another slave.

As long as I kept doing this, there was no chance she'd abandon me.

I repeated this self-assurance over and over in my mind.

And slowly, my body calmed, and I regained my composure.

'As long as I do well from now on.'

To make sure Athena doesn't abandon me, I just have to do well.

I'll fulfill her wishes and frequently do the things she likes.

That's how I was organizing my thoughts.

"…."

But…

I feel like I forgot something…?

'Mom… where are you…?'

"Ahhh?!!"

As I screamed, Athena flinched and slowly opened her eyes.

But before I even had a chance to look at her, I bolted out of the room and dashed to my own room.

This is crazy.

You've lost it, Hera.

Even though I was terrified of being abandoned by Athena, this was too much.

I had completely forgotten my daughter.

Could she be feeling lost because I wasn't there?

Could she be crying, feeling lonely?

Of course, the most likely scenario was that she was still asleep.

Maybe that's why parents are so prone to being overprotective of their children.

With Mari by herself, unsettling thoughts started creeping into my mind.

But fortunately, it seemed my worries were for nothing.

Hurriedly, I opened the door to her room.

And as I entered, I saw Mari's back, peacefully breathing in her sleep on the bed.

'Haa… thank goodness…'

I carefully climbed into the bed beside her, ensuring not to wake her, and lay down by her side.

Last night, I collapsed from exhaustion, but from now on, I thought I should show more restraint. I shouldn't leave Mari to sleep alone through the night.

So I lay beside Mari for quite some time. Soon, her small body began to stir slightly.

As she rolled over, her aquamarine, jewel-like eyes looked right at me.

"….."

"Ma…Mari…are you awake?"

Mari, who had been quietly staring at me for a moment, soon flashed a bright smile and spoke.

"Mm-hmm. And you, Mom?"

For a second, her words made me feel a prick of guilt, but I managed to respond without showing it.

"Uh…uh-huh…thanks to you, Mari, I didn't feel lonely at all."

"Liar."

"Wha…what did you say?"

"Mm-hmm. Never mind, Mom."

For a moment, I felt a chill from her words, but maybe it was my imagination. Mari simply smiled brightly in front of me.

Ignoring the strange feeling, I smiled at her and said,

"Aren't you hungry, Mari? Shall we go have breakfast?"

Mari quickly snuggled into my arms, her small body fitting perfectly, and replied.

…

..

"Wow. It's so huge!"

We were in the mansion's library.

During breakfast with Mari and Athena, Mari mentioned that she wanted to read a book.

So, after the meal, I brought her to the library.

Although this place held some terrible memories for me, my desire to fulfill Mari's request won out, so I brought her here in the end.

Seeing Mari's excitement as she looked at the books, I felt glad I'd come.

"Mari, remember not to touch the shelves recklessly, okay?"

"Okay!"

Mari responded cheerfully and started exploring every corner of the library.

I took a brief rest, sitting on a sofa set up in the library.

Athena had left the mansion, saying she had something to discuss with a swordsman.

She planned to be back by evening, reminding me to put Mari to bed and then come to her.

'I guess we won't be able to kiss today…'

As I gently touched my lips, I felt a sharp pain.

My lips were quite chapped and sore.

Even while eating earlier, they stung whenever they brushed against the food.

But now, making Athena happy had become an essential duty for me.

If she wanted a kiss, I was prepared to endure the pain.

How should I make Athena happy…?

Last time, she enjoyed my cooking. Should I cook for her again?

Or maybe I could lick her ear, like I did for Sephir…?

Or…

I don't know how much time had passed.

While I was deep in thought about how to please Athena, Mari came running over to me, carefully cradling a few books in her arms.

"Mom! Let's go back to the room."

She looked as excited as a child about to open their Christmas presents, her adorable face filled with anticipation.

Had she found some particularly interesting books?

Curious, I asked Mari if she could show me the books.

"Uh…um…"

At first, she hesitated, but then she shyly handed me the books.

They seemed a bit too… heavy for a child's taste.

Perhaps because she's a dragon, she seemed to be far ahead of other kids her age.

"Heh… I can't help but feel a bit proud."

Wasn't there a saying that one well-raised daughter is worth more than ten sons?

Though I wasn't the one who raised Marie, just seeing her so beautiful and clever made me feel unexpectedly warm inside.

But that feeling…

It vanished in an instant when I saw the book covers.

-Blood is thicker than water: The love shared between parents and children.

-About Sex.

-101 Ways to Tame Beasts.

"Uh…?"

For a moment, I could only stare blankly at the books.

As I turned my creaking neck, Marie looked at me with wide, innocent eyes, as if to ask what was wrong.

"What's the matter, Mom?"

"Ma… Marie…"

Didn't you pick the wrong books…?