Isn’t the wannabe Villain too cute?

[Half an hour ago]

"Why did you give this to me, mother?"

After the thing with Sabes was handled, Austin picked Eleanor up and escorted his mother to a nearby shelter which h was devoid of the populace.

It seemed Sabes didn't carry this abduction in a spur. The place he directed Sophia and Eleanor through the carriage was far from the main town, near the eastern border.

The civilization around the region has long left the area since the other side of the border is covered with a high density of monstrosities and Dungeon Lairs.

Eleanor was still in a state of comma since it seemed Sabes's mana was far from what she could handle now, which genuinely made Sophia pitiful toward her daughter but proud to see how strong her son had become in so less time.

If before Austin seemed like a bright light for her, now he depicted the sun itself. Not only has his appearance changed, but also his strength and prowess.

"Mother?"

"Uh?"

It seemed Sophia, after seeing her son after so long, fell into a stupor before Austin pulled her back by shaking her shoulder lightly.

Looking down at his hand, she could see the same pendant she had given him before his contest with Captain Charles.

"You haven't worn it yet."

Sophia whispered as she felt her son might have suspected her gift; that's why the locket was in hand, not attached to his neck.

But Austin's following words made her realize her misconception.

"I didn't tie it since I know the runes on it would attach to my very soul. But before I do that, I wanted to ask mother....whether it's okay for me to have such a valuable thing?"

Moonstone, as per what Luna informed him before, grants the wearer a second chance in life. It can resurrect the holder once after their death, by whatever means the user reaches their end.

The pendant undoubtedly was a priceless asset that the Emperor of Gram himself would pay fortunes to buy, and also, there was Vincent Wright too, whom should Sophia might want to grant this stone.

Austin was ready to hand over the moonstone since he knew his mother gave it because of her fear of Austin's death in the brawl with Charles. And now that the match has been settled, it might be better if he returns the stone.

'Well, it's my fault why he thinks this way... '

Sophia didn't lift her gaze to see Austin. Instead, she tucked his sleeve while she sat with her face leaned down.

"Austin, can you kneel?"

Austin blinked in perplexion before he did what she asked.

But as soon his gaze fell on his mother's eyes, his heart felt warm in an instant.

Those eyes he only has seen being directed at his siblings, not him. The gaze which he always sought yet never attained. This sensation, which makes him delighted yet scared that what if it's all a dream?

It seemed ages for Sophia to look at her son without wearing a mask of hatred. She had forgotten when the last time she held her son's hand or saw his precious self.

Caressing his tender cheeks, Sophia's eyes became moist as, with a smiling face, she spoke in a gentle tone.

"Do you think anything is more valuable than my son's life?"

Her soothing voice, which calmed Austin's long-built anxiety, was only audible to him at the moment. He might be an orphan in his later life, but hearing such a thing and feeling the warmth of the woman in front, he could confidently say he does have a person he could call his family.

Without him knowing, a droplet of tears slid down his cheek as he stared into her eyes and prayed this moment for last as long as possible.

"Give me that."

Sophia asked for the moonstone, which Austin handed without a second thought.

Circling the thread around Austin's lean neck, Sophia whispered her honest thoughts, which she never could tell him before.

"I know I haven't been a good mother until now, but remember this, Austin."

Hooking the knot on his back, a silver illumination sparkled near Austin's upper chest, which he didn't mind and only heard his mother's words.

"I love you as much I love my other two children. Even though I never told you, I treasure you a lot, Austin. On your every achievement, I felt proud. On your days of failure, I wanted to boost your spirit but couldn't do such a thing. Every happiness and grief, your mother cares about it all, Austin. Sorry for being late for saying this...but if you ever feel lonely and want to share something, I will always be there for you."

Relying on someone was something Austin had learned from Luna, but this maternal warmth was something neither Luna nor anyone in this world could provide him with.

Hugging his mother like a small child, Austin murmured under their breath.

"Mm..."

__________________..

[Present time]

Inside a thinly lit room stood two figures with varying expressions adorning their remarkable faces.

The one near the entrance of the massive hall was a pale silver-haired beauty who currently had her hand raised and mouth slightly parted as heavy breaths escaped the gape.

It was clearly visible how she was struggling even to stand properly while trying to maintain the frail mana barrier around her to forbade the man in front from approaching her.

The said man was smirking wildly as he enjoyed the fragile view of the girl whom he desired to attain the most. With a sigh, he spoke in a defeated voice as he didn't want to let the woman feel any more discomfort.

"You know, struggling here is futile, my dear Luna. You cannot win over the Demonic Artifact, which is made to suppress your mana specifically."

Luna's eyes went wide as she heard Cain's statement, which would have been unreal to believe if she hadn't been present here, herself.

In between the harsh gasps, she tried to voice her thought which had been making her troubled since the time she realized her situation.

"Y-You couldn't have done all the-this on your own...tell me... *hah*...who is behind you..."

As she spoke while trying to maintain the barrier, small lines of blood drew down the corner of her lips. Her body was trembling all over, with the mana barrier getting thinner, passing each second.

Hearing the query, Cain's grin disappeared, but as his sister had instructed, he didn't speak about anyone, especially about 'that' being even he wanted his Luna to know.

Running low on patience, Cain finally decided to end this banter and get what he wanted. Snatch what he deserves and win what always belonged to him.

"Enough of the talks, Luna. Now let go of the resistance and come with me."

Under the horrified gaze of Luna, Cain walked toward her as, with a sway of his hand, he shattered the barrier.

Luna fell back on the door as Cain inched slowly toward her, with his previous disgusting grin returning across his face.

Just as he was about to hold Luna's arm, a loud boom echoed in the room as, from the ceiling, descended a person who looked somewhat just like Cain.

The first prince's eyes stretched to their widest spot as he recognized the unexpected arrival, before a frightening voice echoed in the hall.

"Never had I expected something like this from you... Big Brother."

________________

A/N: - Explanation would be provided, and don't worry, Cain would die in the hands of our Wannabe Villain.

Until then~