WCMBI - Chapter 246: Where is Mommy? (Patreon)

Meanwhile, Ian was deducing the location of the Matap based on the accounts of witnesses who claimed to have seen him fall from the roof. Though his ankle had not fully healed, his extraordinary alpine recovery prowess surpassed that of an ordinary individual.

"Without delay, proceed to the Magic Emporium, and fetch an artifact capable of magnifying distant objects as if they were near," he instructed.

"Such an artifact exists?" The chief butler, taken aback by his command, inquired. Ian recollected something he had heard in passing and remarked,

"It is said to be an item utilized frequently during past wars. It shouldn't be too difficult to locate."

"Yes, I shall depart at once."

Once the head butler had left, Ian, leaning on his crutch, ascended to the highest floor of the manor. Contemplating the notion of falling from the roof, he detected a singular clue.

Despite the estate being one of the loftiest in the capital, if he had truly fallen from the roof, two possibilities could be entertained: either Melissa had intentionally teleported herself into mid-air or the Matap was already above the tower from the outset.

If it had been an expulsion spell that indiscriminately pushed things out from the Matap, then a descent was the only possible outcome. His suspicions were corroborated by the words of a genuine Matapian adherent.

"Why doesn't the tower move and remain stationary?" the adherent had shouted.

If the Matap were consistently in motion, the sky would be more fitting than the ground. Like freely soaring birds, the Matap's location would perpetually change.

Thus, they safeguarded their sanctuary securely, requiring no grand protective barrier. Perhaps, by merely levitating the structure in mid-air, even in a manner more intricate than one could fathom, it was entirely plausible to maintain it.

Ian's thoughts persisted on the revelation of Pedro's untethered magical restraints, concealed from anyone's knowledge.

"A magician with dominion over the element of wind could have easily undone it."

Initially, he had doubts, but gradually, his conviction solidified.

"If it turns out otherwise, I will have to investigate anew until she forgives me."

To a woman who had endured emotional wounds for a protracted period, his confession might have seemed abrupt. Whenever consumed by negative emotions due to the side effects of the imprint, he sought solace in the memory of Dia. Merely the presence of his beloved son, with eyes identical to Melissa's, was reason enough to continue living.

"I must protect them. I must be the one to protect."

If Duke Ian were to die prematurely, the position of the successor would be precarious. A feeble authority was perfect fodder for enemies to exploit.

"Adella!"

Descending the stairs, he encountered Dia. Holding the young boy's hand, the place brightened and exuded warmth. The stiff expressions of the surrounding servants softened.

"Dia, it's been a while."

"My lord, it's a pleasure to see you again."

"So it is."

As the young boy greeted him half-heartedly, Ian pulled him close, enfolding his small, warm body in an embrace. Despite leaning on his crutch, he could still hold the child comfortably with one arm, not finding it inconvenient at all.

"Oh, ouch, what happened?" Ian inquired.

"Your speech has improved, dear," Diana remarked.

"Lately, the young master has developed quite an affinity for fairy tales. Even when he naps, he insists on having a story read to him," she continued.

"And which fairy tale does he like the most?" Ian asked.

"Erm... well," Dia hesitated, furrowing his brow as he pondered the question carefully.

"Ha-ha, seems like he has quite a few favorites," Ian remarked with amusement.

"Oh, sir, there is one book in particular that he adores," Diana replied. "It's a picture book he's been reading often, and the main character has purple eyes, so the young master calls her 'Mother.'"

"Oh, ouch! Mother is far away, isn't she?" Ian said, looking bewildered, seeking an explanation from the maid standing nearby.

"There's a picture book he's been seeing often, and the protagonist in it has purple eyes, so he calls her Mother," she clarified.

"Oh, ouch! My mommy is so far away. Why?" the child said, pointing at the sky with his tiny finger. His words struck Ian's heart, as if a pang of guilt echoed within him. If only he had acknowledged his feelings from the beginning, if he hadn't sent Melissa away but kept her in the mansion, the child wouldn't have felt such longing for his mother.

Overwhelmed by remorse, Ian apologized to Diana. He knew that forgiveness wasn't a privilege reserved solely for Melissa. He embraced the child and ascended the stairs together.

Arriving at the spot where he had been just moments ago, Ian pointed to the sky and spoke to the child, "Your mother is up there. She is watching over our Dia, you know."

"Really? Wow, my mommy is an angel!" the child exclaimed.

"What? Ha-ha," Ian chuckled heartily, charmed by the child's innocent remark, allowing himself a rare moment of genuine laughter.