Duty-Bound: Chapter 72
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Though he shouldn't worry about Mikan, he had gone to check on her. Her meeting with her lady mother was going well, and she was doing her duties at the moment. Now, it was his turn to see his own mother. And apparently, his mother had been expecting him because as soon as he reached the door, she gave him permission to join her. He quietly entered the room. Upon sliding the door shut, their eyes met. His mother nodded and motioned him to sit across from her low writing table.
After settling down, he gazed at his mother. "Mother… I would like to apologise…"
"I'm listening."
"When Mikan was kidnapped, I heard something…" he trailed off.
His mother hummed before answering, "Lady Yuka was ill, but there's nothing to worry about."
He sighed in relief. It was inevitable, but he knew Mikan wouldn't want to lose her Lady Mother so soon.
A short silence settled between them.
"I have come to seek your approval, Mother," he began again.
His mother seemed to know what he was asking as she kept her gaze on his eyes.
Smiling wistfully, she replied, "You have my blessing, Son. You will always have as long as you love her."
He relaxed immediately.
"Do you?"
His mother's expression told him she wanted a clear and honest answer. He knew exactly why his mother asked this question. It was a mother's instinct that wished to ensure the happiness of their child. He knew without a shadow of a doubt that his mother loved Mikan as her own daughter.
"More than words can say, Mother," he replied calmly even though he and Mikan would face the elders in two days.
"If you're that sure, I have nothing to say."
He looked at his mother gratefully. "Thank you."