Chapter 196: Where are you going?

Chapter 196: Where are you going?

The distance between the Capital of Ranghaur to Carta, where the Albeck Dukedom was situated, was quite far. That was why Seth and his mother decided to use teleportation to save time and reach Carta early in the morning before breakfast.

Since the distance from the church to the mansion was around seven kilometers, they boarded the carriage and sat side by side.

Well, Seth was intending to levitate all the way back to the mansion to save time and get some of his work done but his mother shot down such an idea since she wanted to spend some time with her son. Alone.

"Mother, you know it's quite inappropriate for you to be so intimate with your son, right?" At the moment, Valarie was practically glued to Seth with their shoulder pressed together, and Valarie holding Seth's hand.

"Doesn't matter, what others think. It's my way to show my love and affection toward my child."

A deep sigh escaped his lips upon hearing that. Forget about other mothers, this same lady doesn't treat her other children in the same manner she does with him.

Valarie's sword-like brows inched closer as her aquamarine eyes flashed with complicated emotions.

"Do you find your mother, bothersome? Maybe it is because you have found yourself so many beautiful lovers?"

'It's not appropriate for you to pout and be jealous like that, Mother...' Seth wanted to retort, but her adorable reaction prevented him from saying anything in such regard.

Bringing the other hand, he draped it over their connected ones before speaking, "No woman in the world can take your place, Mother. You are an irreplaceable being in my life."

Her pout disappeared before a blooming smile lifted her charming lips. Hugging his arm affectionately, she said,

"It's the same for me, Seth. You have been and always will be, the most important person in my life."

Seth felt a little complicated hearing such words from a married woman; however, he didn't bring anything against it. Valarie must be too emotional to realize how she placed Seth even above her husband.

Or more like, it was Seth who was never able to understand her feelings...

*****

The distance of an hour flew within minutes for Valarie as she chatted with her son about casual things. She didn't dwell on serious matters like national defense and the recruitment process the Pristine Academy was adapting from this year.

'I almost forgot that there is a farewell party tomorrow....' Seth has received an invitation even though he missed the final exams and most of the class this month.

It was a crime for him to miss school this much—more so when Ciel was still getting accustomed to her new post as the Student Council President.

Seth was skeptical about whether he should attend the party as he disembarked the carriage and saw a familiar brunette waiting for him at the entrance.

"W-Welcome back, young master." Although it has been a little over two weeks since Seth left, it felt Lara has missed him a little too much in these days, that she was even stuttering while greeting him.

However, Seth didn't tease her in front of others and the lady beside him before he replied, "I am home."

The trio along with the other maids moved inside the mansion where the silver-haired, weak-looking man stood in the reception with a soft smile on his face.

"Welcome home, Val, Seth." Christopher looked pale and docile as ever—which made Seth slightly concerned about his health.

"You didn't have to wait for us here. Have you taken your medicine?" Seth supported his stepfather who was on the verge of falling before he led him to the sofa.

"I did, thank you for asking. Although it was slow, I have managed to move around quite a bit."

Seth sighed at that, "Why do you even need to? There are maids and servants can-"

After the atmosphere calmed down a bit, Valarie suggested,

"How about we have breakfast together?"

Lili's eyes brightened at that—much to Seth's regret as he responded to his mother,

"I apologize but I have some urgent matter I need to settle, Mother. It's about the school. Headmaster needs some documents by evening."

Seth looked down at his saddened sister before coaxing her,

"Sorry, Lili, but I promise I will play in the garden with you in the evening. How does that sound?"

Although Liliana still felt a little disheartened that she could eat on the same plate as her brother and feed him her favorite pancakes, she wasn't a stubborn and spoiled child to not understand Seth's circumstances.

"I understand, Big Brother."

Valarie also seemed a bit disappointed but after being coaxed by her husband she nodded and headed toward the dining space.

*****

After some minutes, Lara decided to serve her young master some coffee, even though it was early morning.

She was aware of his liking and disliking and being disturbed during his work was something he hated passionately.

That was why, she could be seen currently standing outside his room while holding the tray and hesitating whether she should enter.

However, upon thinking closely, her master likes coffee while working, and if she doesn't knock or say anything, she won't disturb him.

'....but still, making so many excuses to myself just because I want to see young master Seth some more...'

Although Lara felt guilty, she pressed the door and walked inside.

Seth was doing his work diligently, without batting an eye at her.

Lara felt slightly sad seeing that he hadn't talked to her even once upon arrival. However, she knew more than anyone, how her young master's roles require his utmost attention.

Pushing away her own emotions, she decided to leave the room...

....only to find her wrist being held and her body being pulled into a strong embrace.

Her supple body was in the hold of a person whom Lara could never reject. His strong arms held her waist while his head rested on her shoulder.

The shock from this sudden embrace had yet to subdue before his voice rang in her ears,

"I lied to my family for you. And here, you are trying to avoid me? How cruel of you, Lara."

*****

A/N:- This one was long. Drop a comment if you liked the interactions.