Own Time

Chapter 10

After they compelled me to spend the day in the mansion, pretending to be a child, I finally completed all their tasks. Exhausted from the charade that lasted the entire day, I am now being dressed in my pajamas, having played the part of a naive youngster to their satisfaction.

Griza handed me a glass of milk, which I drank promptly. She then lifted me up and placed me in bed. Despite my insistence that it was unnecessary, she grabbed a book to read me a bedtime story. Truthfully, I long to embrace this new reality where I can relinquish my worries and savor the second chance I had wished for.

She finished the book and clapped her hands, extinguishing all the lit candles, leaving only the shining crescent moon to illuminate the room. As Griza stood up, I held onto her uniform, causing her to look at me.

"Do you need something, young master?"

"May I ask about Lady Aditya?" I inquired politely. She looked at me with a gentle smile, then sat beside me on the bed, holding my hand.

"You mean your mother?" I nodded.

"Of course, I raised her, so I know her better than anyone," she said. I was surprised—now I understood why she could scold her without any fear in her eyes.

"Then may I ask you a question?" I said, taking a deep breath.

"Yes," she replied, tilting her head and waiting for me to continue.

"What's her deal?" I asked, the annoyance evident in my voice. Griza snickered, while I remained as annoyed as ever.

"My apologies for laughing, but I'll be honest—I was very surprised that your mother took you in, considering all the rumors about her. I was worried that you, especially the young master, would be terrified of your new life. However..." I tilted my head in curiosity.

"However?" I asked.

"After I saw you interact with your mother, my worries were replaced with relief. Only a few of us can actually talk to her freely while still knowing our place. Watching you casually talk back to her, I can see why she accepted you."

"I still don't get it—why did she accept me so easily, without any hesitation?" I was thoroughly confused.

"I'm confident in this reason, but I believe your mother sees herself in you," she said, which only puzzled me further.

"What? What part of me does she see in herself? She always has a straight face, but then suddenly mocks me just to annoy me," I said, recalling everything. Griza chuckled and caressed my head.

"Young master, your mother wasn't always like that. As someone who's seen it all, I can tell you that she used to have the most unique personality. Let me tell you, once you get to know her, she's the loudest person you'll ever meet."

"Loudest?" I asked in disbelief.

"What I mean is, she complains a lot until she gets what she wants."

"So she's spoiled," I said, unsurprised, given that those with heavy pockets often are.

"No, it's really hard to understand her, so I advise you and your mother to get to know each other. Trust me, you won't regret it." She patted my head one last time and stood up.

"Griza? Do you think she'll accept me?" I asked, looking down and playing with my fingers, wondering if our relationship as mother and son would work.

"The moment the lady stood up for you, the moment she laid her eyes on you, the moment she carried you and brought you to the mansion proudly—that was the moment she accepted you. So, young master, let me tell you this..."

"Of all the people you can trust, your mother is there to protect you and give you a life you will appreciate and remember," she continued, smiling as the moonlight reflected off her back. I looked at her and think that the burden in my heart slowly fades away.

"I see, thank you for making it clear for a child like me," I said softly, bowing to her as a sign of gratitude.

"Believe me, young master, you're not the first one to act this way. I also agree with your mother. You're no ordinary child but a special one, and that makes you her child," she said, bowing as she slowly backed away.

"I'll be leaving now. Have a good rest," she said and left the room. I slowly laid down, tucked myself in, and thought of everything. 'I guess I'll be able to sleep soundly,' I mused, and just like that, I drifted off to sleep. 

Griza's POV

I slowly closed the young master's door and smiled, reflecting on our conversation. It felt as though I wasn't even talking to a child, yet his innocence was still palpable. I will work hard to give him the happiest childhood to remember. But, I sighed...

"Isn't it rude to be eavesdropping on your son's private conversation... my lady," I said, hearing her footsteps as she emerged from the side of the hall.

"Your sixth sense is still strong even after all these years," she said, slowly approaching me. I turned around to face her.

"Thank you for the compliment, but my skill won't fade so easily. I won't allow it, especially now that I have someone new to protect," I declared confidently. She smirked and patted my shoulder.

"I'm glad you're still yourself," she said with a smile. Returning the gesture, I playfully tugged her right ear.

"Ahk!" she exclaimed, attempting to wriggle free from my grasp. Thankfully, the young master's room was enchanted with a mahika, shielding our conversation from outside ears except for those with keen abilities.

"I'd appreciate it if you spent more time with your child," I remarked casually, maintaining my hold on her ear.

"Head maid, it hurts!!!" she cried out in agony.

"If your son worsens under your care, Aditya Krieger, you won't appreciate my response," I warned, releasing her ear.

"Yeah yeah, I know what I'm doing. Just give us both some time," she replied, visibly annoyed, while soothing her reddened ear.

"Very well. I'll leave you to rest now," I said respectfully, bowing to her. I watched as she returned to her duties, ensuring not to disturb the young master.

"Thank you, and good night to you as well," she responded before disappearing swiftly. I smiled to myself, turned, and made my way back to my room.

"This promises to be quite an intriguing life."