Trapped in Another World With No Magic

Chapter 108: The Gray Phoenix

Daniel was thirty-three years old on Earth when he was magically transported to the world of Zenkon. Fifteen years of experience as a equipment mechanic, including his military time as a nuclear operator, have matured him somewhat. And, surviving life without his family had become natural. Those that mattered to him passed away in a fire while he was on deployment, and he only learned of it when he returned. It nearly shattered his resolve completely, but he managed to finish his navy contract and moved away to start over fresh in a new place at a civilian company, distracting himself with working on machinery.

He had learned to survive. He learned to endure. He learned not to form attachments.

And, he was alone.

Daniel's strength has left him in the present, where Aramellianna, Grand Duchess of the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy, lured him into a gentle embrace, having requested Daniel to consider her as his mother in the world of Zenkon.

Daniel thought he had steeled himself against anything anyone could ever say about the family that he lost.

He especially thought that he would be unfazed thanks to his new family, growing in size at a rapid pace. But, it turns out, he had a weak spot lingering in his heart, and Aramellianna unintentionally found it.

Rather than recoil in fear of insulting an Emperor, Daniel can feel her arms snug around his head and shoulders, keeping him pressed to her chest as she kneels down on his level. She murmurs tenderly, "Forgive me,..."

"No... I..." Daniel does his best to summon his composure. "Forgive me, it... will... I would be honored,... esteemed Mother."

Aramellianna hums tenderly. "Yes, that sounds nice. Thank you, Daniel."

"Please forgive me if I slip up. It has been a long time since I called anyone mother or father." Or, mom or dad, for that matter...

"Yes, take your time and get used to it. I welcome you into the Stalvaltan family, though I accept if you will carry your own family name."

"Thank you... So far as I know, the only Lawsons in this world reside here in the Citadel."

"For now," remarks Ryuogriar warmly with a smile.

Daniel takes a breath. He doesn't necessarily intend for it, but he ends up listening to Aramellianna's heartbeat, and it's surprisingly soothing. She doesn't let him go for a while, even taking the time to pet his back and comfort him further. He feels his resolve becoming a little more sturdy than before. She's right; she can't replace his family, but that doesn't mean she can't be his family, like the others. She has already supported him quite a lot since he came to this world, and she's still providing him useful advice on how to handle the invasion without crossing the line, since she still has a vested interest in seeing Mornistae whole in the end, even if she would then be a vassal under the Fievegal.

The Grand Duchess embraces Daniel for an awkwardly long time, and she finally asks, "Do you feel a little better, Daniel?"

"Yes... Thank you, Mother."

She hums in approval, finally releasing him. The mechanic turned emperor takes a breath and exhales, clearing his mind. He smiles at everyone, ready to resume his mission. He stands up, offering Aramellianna a hand. She accepts, and he helps her to her feet. "Now then, my dear son, with your permission, I would like to bear witness to what you seek to do with the project you asked Miss Doephluev about. Would that be alright?"

"Mother!" complains Wenlianna. "You're making it look like that's what you wanted all along."

Aramellianna chuckles. "I suppose it does look that way, but I would rather ask as a mother than a vassal. Please do not think me too shrewd, Daniel. I meant every word I said."