WCMBI - Chapter 248: Reunited (Patreon)

In my contemplation, my fingers brushed gently against Dia's hair. The thin, wispy strands that had once fluttered like a feather in my hand now appeared thicker and stronger.

How astonishing it was that a mere lock of hair could wrench one's heart so. The passage of time only emphasized the realization that I had been deprived of Dia's presence for so long.

I had no intention to disturb Dia's peaceful slumber, yet the desire to touch those strands of hair grew insidiously. My fingers continued to caress the cheeks, sweep through the hair, and pat the belly softly, as if driven by an overwhelming urge to soothe.

Then, unexpectedly, Dia's eyes widened as if something had stolen away the child's sleep.

"Mommy?"

"Dia..."

How long has it been since I could speak like this? The beauty of Dia's voice far surpassed any expectations I had. Even now, despite the passage of time, I still seemed to envision Dia as a tiny, newborn infant.

"Mama, it's you?"

"Yes, Dia."

"Wow... Mama, really?"

"I apologize, Dia, for staying away for so long."

Yet, my apology seemed to fall on deaf ears, as Dia, without diverting gaze from my face, suddenly sat up and embraced me tightly. Enveloped in the warmth of Dia's arms, I could not hold back the tears.

"Dia.. I missed you so much."

"Mama missed you too, so much."

"Dia, would you like to see Mama? Just as you see yourself in the mirror."

"Huh?"

"Dia resembles Mama a lot, or so Adella used to say. Whenever you miss Mama, she advises you to look in the mirror."

"Really?"

My heart stirred, and the pain grew unbearable, as I listened to each word spoken by Dia. It seemed as though Dia's every utterance revealed an unexpressed loneliness. Was it right to subject a child to such suffering, all due to the circumstances of adults?

Setting aside all other thoughts, I focused solely on Dia, engaging in tender conversation before gently putting the child back to sleep. After ensuring the break of dawn, I drew the teleportation sigil and returned to my tower, feeling a deep sense of responsibility weighing upon me.

* * *

Ian observed his surroundings through the ancient binoculars he had acquired. Diligently scanning the heavens above, he eventually spotted a faint silhouette in the distance. Almost overlooking it due to its minuscule form, his delight knew no bounds when he finally discerned the legendary mausoleum.

Eager to share this revelation with Dia, he hastily arranged his affairs and made his way to her. Watching her playing alone for a moment, he approached her with gentle strides.

"Dia, it seems I have found your mother."

In response to his affectionate words, Dia nodded and replied,

"Yes, I also met Mommy."

"Is that so?"

Ian had assumed that Dia was talking about a fictional mother from a book.

"Did you enjoy meeting her, dear Dia?"

"Indeed!"

With just the word "mother," Dia's face lit up adorably. Ian lovingly brushed her face with his hand before lifting her in his arms and heading towards their room to prepare for bedtime.

His sprained ankle had almost completely healed, displaying remarkable resilience. Dressed neatly, he set out to meet the Emperor. Though the Emperor appeared slightly haggard compared to before, Ian paid little mind to it.

Upon entering the royal chamber, Adrian spoke up,

"While contemplating this matter for some time now, I believe it is right to put an end to these detrimental customs. Do you share my view?"

The Emperor's words aligned perfectly with Ian's ultimate objective. Quietly nodding in agreement, he patiently awaited the Emperor's further words.