Chapter 197

As drops of water flew and voices yelped, the bathwater churned…but it wasn’t long before they all stopped. Someone else should have slipped into the fray, getting closer to Masato than anyone—but not this time. Mamako still had her head down, lost in thought. Mom… Their adventures had made him better at reading her moods. He knew exactly what was on her mind. Beating the game meant the end of their adventure together. Their time here, adventuring with her beloved son—how thrilling had that been for her? Everyone knew. And he’d just suggested they put an end to that joy. But…it wouldn’t be right to take it back. He was trying to move forward of his own free will. To live his life. No one had a right to stop that; not even his parents. But it hurt to put it like that. He didn’t want to push his mother away. He knew it would be best if she could come to terms with it, so they could move forward together… He hoped Mamako would understand. Masato stared at her until she finally looked up. “…Ma-kun, can we talk?” “Mm? Sure, Mom.” She reached out her arms, beckoning him. Gesturing for a hug. “Uh, here? Can we at least get dressed first…?” “Kinda late to draw that line.” “This is a job for the Hero Son. Have courage.” “Masato! Go ahead!” “Uh…okay. Fine.” They didn’t seem to be mocking him—it was more like deep understanding. He gave Mamako a solid hug. Her breast felt warm against his cheek. And she could feel her son’s warmth, too. She savored the embrace. “…Thank you, Ma-kun.” “Uh, sure. Are we done yet?” “Yes. I’m okay now. Mommy’s on board.” She let go of him, and her smile was back to normal—filled with love. “What matters most is how you feel, Ma-kun. That’s all Mommy cares about. I will miss…a lot of things. But Mommy wants to be there for you and give you a push into the future. Nobody loves you more than me.” “Okay. Good. Just…promise me one thing. Dad may have started this, but it was my decision. So…don’t take it out on him.” “Don’t worry about that. I won’t. I’ll scold him a little later for taking you to that cabaret, but that’s all. Hee-hee.” “Y-yeah…you can go right ahead on that one. And Mom…” “Yes?” “Thanks for understanding. I’m…really glad you do.” He got on his knees in the water and did a proper thank-you bow. “Oh my! So formal!” Mamako rubbed his head, which felt good. His wish had been granted. His party was in sync. They knew what they had to do. So Masato raised his head and turned to face his friends. “All right, everyone—!” “Tomorrow’s the big fight with the Demon Lord! Let’s make it a good one! Woo!” “““Woo!””” “Right to the bitter end, huh, Mom?! I’m the one fighting! You stay on support!” Mamako would always be a scene-stealer. “Okay, all this chatter means we’ve been in here a long time,” said Wise. “Urgh…my head’s spinning…” Porta groaned. “We’re not much better,” said Medhi. “It’s time we got out of this bath.” “Masato, we’re getting out first. You know what to do, right?” “Sure. Count to two thousand.” The girls got up and left. He watched four backsides sashay away before settling back in the water to count… “……Hmm?” Something felt off. He couldn’t put his finger on it. He was in the water, but it didn’t feel…buoyant. The problem wasn’t him—the water and everything around had gone quiet. No sounds at all. It lasted only for a fraction of a second. “What was that?” He had no idea…