Rising of the Weakest Mage

Vol 8/Ch 73 - The Distant Rose

"Mother?," Rose called out, her face full of fear as she stared ahead at the academy's new head director, Ellen Marion.

Allen could not believe what he had just heard. It probably would have seemed very evident that Ellen would most likely be her mother, since she shared the same last name as Rose, but Allen had wanted to ask Rose himself. However, with Rose appearing now, it confirmed his suspicions.

Allen thought back to the very few times that Rose's mother has been brought up. Firstly, back when they wanted to ask William to go on their club trip, when they had met Mr. Garet for the first time. Rose had not taken too kindly to Mr. Garets comments about her mother. Secondly, when Rose had confessed to Allen near the end of the club trip. Rose had indirectly admitted she has had some issues with her mother.

And lastly, during one of Allen's "dreams" which turned out to be true, back when he was younger training with William, and Rose trained alongside him. She ended up having to leave because her mother didn't want her there anymore, which Rose had also briefly mentioned during the club trip as well.

Adding all of this up, it was very clear to Allen that there was some sort of tense relationship between Rose and her mother, and he was now seeing it for the first time in person. But, what was Rose going to do now, that she was face to face with said mother in question?

"Yes, yes Rose. Your mother is here, and on good timing. You as Student Council President, as you should, alongside your other... student council members... will work with me to make the necessary changes we need to adapt to this academy as soon as possible. Now, come with me"

Ellen's tone was very direct and more of a command than anything, as if she expected Rose to be completely obedient. This had only upset Allen more.

"But-," Rose started to say, as her mouth twitched on what to say. Her legs seemed to be shaking, as if she was still deciding whether to move forward, or stay where she is.

"I said, now. Come with me, Rose," she signaled Rose with her hand, almost as if she was commanding a dog to follow its owner.

"I-"

"Now."
The rest of Rose's body started to shake, as if she began to become afraid of what would happen if she failed to follow her mother's orders. Just as Rose was about to move forward, Allen decided he had finally had enough of Ellen's actions today, and decided to say something of his own.

"Hold on," Allen raised his voice, as Ellen turned to him with a look of disgust on her face. "You can do what you want with me, put me back to F rank and whatnot, however I will not stand for how you are treating your own daughter"

"And what makes you think you have any say in our family relationship, Fleming?," she crossed her arms, and had an amused look on her face, as if she decided to humor him. "What makes you think that you of all people have any say in family relationships?"

Allen could not believe what he had heard. He knew exactly what she was talking about. How he has no idea who his real parents are, and has adoptive parents. He loves them as much as if they were really his own parents, however how did Ellen know about them? About his past?

"Oh, I did my research, but it wasn't fun," she said, as if to answer his question. "Now, I would advise you to back off from affairs that aren't your own, Fleming"

This time, the way she had said his last name was as if it left a bad taste in her mouth, something that she reluctantly wanted to say. Allen could only stand there, in complete shock and anger at how Ellen was treating his friends, and himself.

"Ellen. I-"

"Wait!"

Rose finally spoke up, almost inching closer to Allen. The look on her face completely changed, as if now she finally wanted to stand up to how her mother was treating them.