Maxi sat in silence for a moment, staring at his mother's worried face.
A strange, heavy feeling settled in his chest.
He had been so caught up in his own suffering, in the chaos of gods and demons, that he hadn't considered what all of this was doing to her.
What if it were his child?
What if his son or daughter were constantly harassed, bled from their eyes, and were forced into terrifying situations beyond their control?
He would be worried as all hell.
But there was a difference.
Maxi didn't know what was considered normal in this world.
For all he knew, it was common for children to go through such experiences. But even if that were true—
It wasn't fair.
And it wasn't right.
He clenched his fists.
He couldn't promise that he would never get caught in dangerous situations—because it wasn't his fault. But at the very least…
He could try.
For his mother's sake.
For a fellow parent's sake.
He may not be a father anymore, but… he hoped—prayed—that his kids were doing well.
Maxi shook off the thought and focused back on his mother.
He reached up, placing his small hand over hers. He sighed before gently lowering them from his cheeks.
"But overall, I'm fine, Mom."
His mother let out a relieved sigh.
"That's good to hear."
Then, her expression shifted slightly.
"Your tutor, Tengen, told me everything that happened. I was so worried, Maxi."
Maxi raised an eyebrow. His voice turned suspicious.
"Oh, did he now? What exactly did he say?"
His mother noticed the change in his tone and hesitated for a second before speaking carefully.
"He said that while he was explaining something to you, your gods… didn't react very well."
Maxi's eyebrow lowered back to normal.
At least Tengen had told the truth—well, some parts of it.
"So, will he be able to teach me today?" Maxi asked.
His mother shook her head.
"No, he's busy. He has to handle the paperwork from the incident that just happened. Your father wasn't very happy."
Maxi sighed. "You threatened him, didn't you?"
His mother gasped dramatically, placing a hand on her chest as if offended. She turned around, acting as if she had just been accused of a great crime.
A faint blush of guilt crept up her cheeks.
"Why, I never, Maxi Bloodheart! What kind of mother do you take me for? i will have you know that your father got angry out of his love for you and the goodness of his heart"
she said, her voice filled with mock indignation.
Maxi struggled to hold back a laugh.
"Out of the goodness of his heart, Mother? The first words my father ever said to me when I was born were pathetic. How can a father like that possibly love me?"
His mother's face turned completely red.
She whipped around, looking guilty as charged.
"How do you even remember that?" she muttered, flustered.
She then sighed, crossing her arms and pouting.
"And so what if I demanded justice for you? Is that wrong? You're my only son! Personally, I think you deserve the best things out of everything in Pelody, not just because i am your mother but because i love you to the 4 moons and back."
Maxi smirked.
"Even if my father doesn't agree?"
His mother's teasing smile returned. She reached forward and poked his nose.
"Especially if your father doesn't agree."
Maxi chuckled before stretching his arms. "Well, if Tengen's busy, I'll just train with Techxin."
His mother gave him a knowing look.
"Oh, Techxin is busy too."
Maxi's smirk widened.
"Wait… does that mean I get to spend the rest of the day with you?"
His mother shook her head immediately.
"Nope. I'm your father's personal maid, remember? I have a lot of work to do. I was only able to sleep with you last night because I was worried and insisted heavily. But now, I have to go."
Maxi's smile faded slightly. "So what do I do now?"
His mother tapped her chin before answering.
"Read your books. Or maybe get to know your maid. From what she's told me, you two don't talk much. Why don't you try getting to know her?"
She then stood up, brushing off her maid dress.
"But I really have to leave now. Bye-bye, sweetheart."
She leaned down, placed a quick kiss on his forehead, and then walked out the door.
Maxi watched her leave, then sighed.
Well.
Now what?
—
After taking a warm bath, Maxi changed into black pants and a simple white button-up shirt.
He walked over to his bookshelf and grabbed a book titled "The Three Main Continents."
Might as well learn something useful while waiting for the day to pass.
Hours ticked by.
Just as Maxi was starting to lose himself in the book's complex geography and political structures, there was a knock on his door.
A familiar voice followed.
"Young.. Master… can I come in?"
Maxi closed his book. "Yeah, come in."
The door creaked open.
His maid stepped inside.
Her red hair was now curled, cascading gently over her shoulders. Her wolf ears were flat against her head, a clear sign of unease.
She gave him a small, hesitant smile—but there was still a faint shadow of yesterday's trauma in her eyes.
Maxi sighed.
He really should get to know her.
He didn't even know her name.
"Hey, maid," he said casually. "What's your name?"
She hesitated for a moment. Then, slowly, she answered:
"My name… is… Angelina, Young Master."