Chapter 194

Chapter 3 Those Who Set Foot in the Forbidden Realms Experience Three Kinds of Hell. The sun had just barely emerged over the horizon. Mamako was excitedly moving down the hall of the inn—with stealthy steps—headed for Masato’s bedroom. “I bet Ma-kun’s overslept again today. Mommy has to gently wake him! He’s such a child. Hee-hee.” Time for a morning kiss on the cheek? Or maybe on the forehead? But as she slowly opened the door to his room… “Mm? Oh, Mom. Good timing, but remember to knock.” Masato was already up. And not just up. He’d already changed into his equipment. His pajamas and the blanket were neatly folded on the bed. The window was open, and the room was airing out. He’d taken care of everything. Mamako looked at all of this, then back at her son. She stood there in shock. “Come on, Mom. Don’t give me that look!” “B-but…you’re up and about…and all on your own…” “I can manage that much if I feel like it. Nothing cool about relying on you for everything. I figured I could do better.” “You did…?” “Yep. Ha! How do you like that? Go on, rejoice! Your son is growing up!” He flashed her an impish grin. And Mamako puffed out her cheeks. “Wait, why are you sulking?” “Oh, no reason. Nothing at all. Mommy’s just feeling cross.” “What do you have to be mad about here?! That literally makes no sense.” “I’ll be cross if I want to be. I’m going to give you extra helpings of everything this morning, Ma-kun! Just you wait!” “Is that supposed to be a punishment?!” It was rare to see Mamako this vexed, but he didn’t have time to worry about that. Masato had something to talk to her about. “A-anyway, Mom—I need to ask a favor…” “Oh my! You want Mommy to do something for you? What is it?” Flash! Every inch of Mamako began to glow. A Mother’s Light activated. “Wow, that sure perked you up fast. I’m so lost… Fine, whatever—my point is…” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a tie—the gift Mamako had given him for Christmas. “I wanna put this on, but I dunno how to tie these things. Do you?” “Your father always wears one to work, so I know the basics—but what brought this on?” “Well, the receptionist at the guild always looks down on me, right? So today I thought I’d try dressing up. Make a good impression, see where that gets me.” “I see… That makes sense. Leave this to Mommy.” Mamako took the tie from Masato and tied it for him, making it so he just had to pull it over his head and tighten it. “Ma-kun, could you bend over just a little bit?” “Okay… Erk…” That left his face headed right into her valley, but as long as he kept his eyes closed… She looped the tie over his head. “Now I just pull the thin end?” “Let Mommy do it.” She adjusted the fit, straightened his collar, fussing over every detail, taking her time…until it was all perfect. Masato equipped a tie! His mature appearance leveled up! Masato obtained the title New Hire! “Wow, this game tracks some weird levels. Thanks, Mom.” “You’re welcome. You can ask Mommy for anything whenever you want, okay? Mommy is always here for you. Forever.”