A silence fell in the kitchen of Akerses' manor, but the dreadful noise only increased with each passing second.
"Excuse me…?" In his moment of confusion, Kole voiced his doubts aloud without a second thought.
However, instead of answering, Faneia just smiled innocently, picked up the plates, and went to do the dishes with a light spring in her moments.
Kole didn't know how old she was, but she didn't look a year older than a woman in her prime—late twenties. Her movements were extremely smooth, with not a tint of stuffiness from old age.
"Mom?" When he saw her ignoring him, Kole grew even more confused.
Faneia craned her head as she looked at her son with faint disappointment.
She sighed lightly, as she spoke in a flat tone, "Heir Akerse,"
She mentioned him by his commonly used title and not his name as if she wasn't talking to her son but just another noble,
"You became friends with the girl—I didn't.
You made love to the girl—I didn't.
You weaved empty promises for the girl—I didn't.
Then how is the girl my problem? Whether she lives or dies, I could care less about a random mortal who has barely stepped on the path of the divinity."
After that, the chamber fell silent. Kole felt his ears buzzing with a ringing sound despite the quietness as he saw his mother smiling at him.
"But… Am I not your son?" Kole tried to retort as hope reignited in his eyes.
Faneia nodded indiscernibly, "Yes, you are. And for that, I will provide you with food, shelter, and basic help in whatever you need—But that girl isn't necessarily what you need! It's Your want. Your desire. Which you need to make sure to fulfill yourself."
For a moment, Kole felt his reasoning snap. He wanted to get angry, but he couldn't. The logic Faneia put forward, although twisted, was correct in one way or another.
He couldn't even get himself to become furious at her.
Was I too complacent? Did I get ahead of myself?... Various thoughts churned in his mind as he looked at his mother going to wash the dishes, in a daze.
Damn it! I haven't been myself lately! I have not only become more arrogant thinking I'm the protagonist of the world but even to the point of being controlled by emotions!
First I tried to flirt with mom brazenly. Next, I wanted to conquer Alice—And that's what I did. Then, I felt it was beneath myself to hide our deed, and I should openly take responsibility! And finally, I thought mom would help me—as if everything will go my way!... Kole scrutinized himself instead of lashing out at Faneia.
He knew something was wrong with him.
It doesn't make sense! Why do I keep having the feeling as if I am the center of the world? Why did I never think what my mother's response would be?
Is it because of the powers I received?
When Faneia glanced at him, deep in thought with a tight frown on his face, she nodded internally in approval.
This was the most accurate way to make progress—it's better to face challenges, and harden your character before you get too smug.
Understanding his line of thoughts, Faneia said tonelessly, "Yes. From what I believe you must have messed with your Mind Palace during your Ascendancy. As a result of which you are basically a walking mess of emotions."
"…" Kole was stunned beyond belief. He had no idea what she was talking about but the more he listened the easier it was for him to connect the dots.
Mind Palace? That blurry palace I saw where I had kept my two paintings—One bright the other dark?
No wonder I have been feeling strange! As far as I know, this Mind Palace is the place where my memories, beliefs, and desires, are kept; And the flag that creates my very existence is hoisted!
"Although it is quite the feat for someone at your level to even locate your Mind Palace, you did surprise me there when you started spouting nonsense immediately after your Ascendancy. It was then I had suspicions, you had messed up your mind by accident."
Her tone was casual as if she wasn't talking about a son flirting with his mother, but something as trivial as what she should eat next.
"Then why didn't you warn me? And where is Mind Palace?" Kole felt he was being humiliated but he focused on gaining knowledge instead of berating her.
Faneia snorted lightly as she took out a new bottle of wine and poured it into her wineglass.
She swirled a little before taking a small sip as she sat by Kole's side, and said coolly, "Warn you? I said I had suspicions. I wasn't sure until I saw… Cough!... heard you make love to the Turners' daughter in my backyard so brazenly and promising sweet nothings in her ears."
Kole felt his eyelids twitching.
Saw or Heard? However, he wasn't embarrassed in the least.
He merely shrugged with a grin.
When Kole saw his own actions, he forcibly controlled his expressions and returned to a poker face.
Damn it! Is it impossible to change without returning to that Mind Palace? I can already feel how stupid my grin must've looked… Kole mocked himself internally.
With an impassive expression, Faneia took another sip, "As for Mind Palace, it is hidden deep in the SubconciousGulf which is similar to… Subspace.
"Obviously, you cannot know more as it would result in bringing inevitable corruption."
SubconciousGulf? Where is it? What is it? Similar to Subspace? But what in the blazoning hell is Subspace itself?... Kole had several questions clashing in his mind but he knew Faneia wouldn't explain.
As such, he could only forcibly control his curiosity as he asked a question that has been on his mind for a long time, "Hum. Mom, the last time I found Mind Palace, was by accident. Even if I find it again by Goddess's grace, will I be able to alter my behavior?"
"How would I know?" Faneia shrugged, "I neither know about your expertise in handling matters related to Mind Palace nor do my specialty lies in Mind Domain."
Kole's mind was in a mess as he almost thought Goddess was testing him. All his hopes were being fizzled out one by one.
His life was smooth sailing when his ship crashed against the stormy waves!
How was he supposed to deal with all of this?
Kole let out a turbid breath of air to calm down his chaotic emotions.
Focus. Baby steps. Baby steps!
Since I can't do shit about Mind Palace, I'll let it be and keep my behavior in check—to not get overwhelmed by emotions.
Secondly, the problem of Alice. I am not backing down… This emotion again came from the deepest part of his very being.
It felt like he would lose himself to corruption, and become a "Bane" if he didn't help to escape her plight.
"Hah~" Sighing to himself, he peered deep into Faneia's red orbs.
A smile appeared on his face, "You said—you'd help with my basic needs, rights?"
Faneia didn't respond and only took a sip calmly.
"Then give me advice. What should I do, dear mother of mine? How should I deal with the situation I put myself in?"
An indescribable yet disturbing smile appeared on Faneia's face, "Simple.
"Kill the son of Count Moore."
"…" Kole blinked.