Chapter 149

Chapter 2 The One You Always Say “Good Morning” To Is Gone. What Now? The Answer’s Obvious. The castle had no windows, allowing no sunlight to enter. It was the ghouls that announced the arrival of morning; spectral creatures who’d long since abandoned their flesh. They roamed the castle halls, tapping the magic stones that lined them, summoning a soft white glow. They could pass through the walls at will, even lighting up the private bedrooms. “…Mm…huh? Whaaa?! A g-g-g-ghost?!” Porta’s eyes opened at the light and found a ghoul directly in front of her. The ghoul seemed unconcerned with Porta’s shock. It vanished through a nearby wall. “Th-that was spooky…” But she was definitely awake now. Time to get up. She clambered out from beneath the stuffed animals piled atop her very soft bed. First things first: time to wash her face. There was a sink on the wall, and she ran over to it. “Ooooh, it’s so cold! But that also helps wake me up!” With her face clean, she now needed to get changed. She dashed to the closet at the far end of the room. It was a very big room. She changed from her animal pajamas to her Four Heavenly Kings coat. “And I’ve got my shoulder bag with me… Time to eat!” The Libere Rebellion didn’t bother eating breakfast together. There was a table in the center of the dining room and trays lined up on it, each with a breakfast platter. Maybe the ghouls got it ready? Each had toast, ham, eggs, potato salad, and soup. It looked good, but it seemed like it had been sitting out for a while. “I guess I must’ve overslept! That’s my fault! …Okay, then, thanks for the food! …Mm! That’s delicious!” She took a bite of cold toast and a sip of similarly cold soup. Her cheery voice echoed through the vast room. She focused on her food, hunched over, staring only at the tray. There was no need to look up. There was no one else around her. “…I’ll be fine. When I first came to the game world, I always ate alone like this, so I’m fine,” she told herself. But then her hands paused. She went and got four stuffed animals from her bed, set them up next to her, and finished her breakfast. The plans for the day had been communicated the night before. They started with a meeting. Once she was ready, Porta headed to the throne room, where they’d agreed to meet. “G-good morning!” she said, greeting the Skeleton Knights who lined the passage. The castle was huge, and it took her a while to get there. But finally, she reached a giant set of doors with the Rebellion logo on them. “Um…good morning! It’s Porta! Can I come in?” she called. Then she waited. The door opened a crack, and Amante poked her head out. “You don’t need to ask, y’know. You’re one of the Four Heavenly Kings, Porta. Just get in here!” “R-right! Thank you! Pardon me!” Amante’s words were harsh, but Porta caught a hint of kindness behind them, and that was enough to cheer her up. Everyone but Porta was already assembled. “Moooornin’!” Sorella called with a languid wave of her hand. Fratello just grunted and held out a fist. They’d been enemies a day before but seemed totally comfortable with Porta being there. She was relieved, and the strain on her face eased… “You’re late. Not that it matters.” This voice completely shattered the laid-back vibe. It came from the person on the throne at the top of the stairs—looming over them like a demon lord. She wore a suit of armor with a coat over that; her chin rested in her hand, and her eyes stared into the distance, as if she could not even be bothered to look at her minions. A very solitary, aloof demon lord. “Um…M-Mommy…good m—” “If you have important business to discuss, keep it brief.” Was a morning greeting “important business”? …Didn’t seem to be. Porta shut her mouth and stared at the ground. The other three Heavenly Kings immediately gathered around her. “Er…?” Sorella had given her a big hug from behind. Fratello silently stood with her back to Porta, as if guarding her. Amante gave Porta a pat on the shoulder and glared up at the throne. “Master, I have a proposal.” “You may speak.” “This is the first time we’ve all been together. Perhaps we should all introduce ourselves.” “Unnecessary. I know who you all are.” “That may be true, but we don’t know who you are. So…” “I am the creator and operator of the Libere Rebellion. My name… As a mother who, in death, descended to the underworld, I shall call myself Dark-Mom Deathmother.” She had clearly made that up on the spot, likely based on the castle’s ghoulish interior. Amante appeared displeased. “I didn’t mean just your name. I was looking for a clear declaration of whether you’re actually Porta’s mom or not.” “Legally speaking, I suppose so.” “Legally…? What kind of phrasing is that? Is that the best you can do? In front of your own daughter?!” “I’m fine!” Porta said, tugging Amante’s coat. She shook her head vigorously, showing she didn’t mind. “You’re not fine! How could you…” “Amanteee…that’s enough for nooow.” “Time to listen. Shut yer trap.” “……All right, fine.” With Sorella and Fratello both against her, Amante reluctantly dropped the subject. Dark-Mom Deathmother did not even bother glancing at the commotion her statement had provoked. “Since your business is concluded, I will issue instructions. Begin by shoring up this castle’s defenses. Immediately.” “The defeeenses? Who’s going to attaaaack? Oh, riiiight…you’ve got a wanted poster circulaaating.” “Sure, but this castle ain’t somewhere people can just get to. Ain’t nobody comin’ here.” “The Admins are the ones after me. They have the power to change these settings… And even if a problem is beyond an Admin’s abilities, there are certain people who can step in and solve it through the most extreme means.” “““Oh…””” Everyone knew from personal experience who that was. “Sooner or later, they’ll get here. I can’t have that happening too soon. I need time to ensure my plan does not go unfinished. Which means you must promptly…” “Yes! I can make lots of traps so that nobody gets close to you, Mommy! Leave it to me!” Porta enthusiastically threw her hand up, seizing the opportunity. Dark-Mom Deathmother raised an eyebrow, as if mildly surprised. But this still did not prompt her to look at Porta. “…I believe I was clear it is your friends who will be attacking.” “Yes!” Porta said, even more enthusiastically. “I know them well, so I think I can stop them! I’m one of the Four Heavenly Kings now, so I’ll do my part!” “Very well…then do what you think best.” “Okay! Um…I, Praise-Mom Porta, will protect you, Mommy! Just you watch!” Upon stating her full title, Porta turned on her heel and dashed out of the throne room. Dark-Mom Deathmother didn’t watch her go. She just stared absently into space. Then she said, “I believe I gave that child a different name—she who mourns mothers, Post-Mom. What’s this ‘Praise-Mom’ she speaks of?” “Porta gave herself a new title. She’s calling herself the one who loves moms.”