The West Wind's Destination - Chapter 60
Now that Aseph thought about it, Bea had always insisted Homun wasn’t just a child. Up until now, Aseph thought Bea spoke this way out of disappointment, refusing to acknowledge Homun as his child.
However, Bea became displeased when Aseph wouldn’t believe her and tried to oversimplify their conversations.
What if she had been telling the truth all along?
“Homun, in the ancient language, means ‘little human’. I thought you named the child in an alchemical tradition… but he’s actually created through alchemy… is that what you’re saying?”
“Yes…”
Bea softly responded, leaning her head on Aseph’s shoulder.
“And that’s the reason he looks exactly like me?”
“I unconsciously used your physical information while making him. He’s your clone.”
During their time in the mine, Homun revealed powers exclusive to the lineage of Vilkanos, even saving people in ways that seemed mythical.
Having witnessed this firsthand, Ruslan fully regarded Homun as the household heir, becoming an ardent follower of Bea.
If Homun truly was Aseph’s direct clone, then everything made sense.
However, it seemed unlikely many would accept this.
The empire’s mages, revered as miracle workers by the populace, never even boasted of creating life, a testament to the improbability of such magic. Homunculi, too, was thought to exist only in tales.
Despite the incredulity of the story, Aseph felt regretful for not listening to the one person he was pursuing to become his sole companion.
“So, that’s why he can teach alchemists and mages.”
“All the knowledge I put into him, wasted on something so trivial.”
‘And you’ve been silently permitting it too.’
Aseph swallowed the words he wanted to say, smiling inwardly. He didn’t voice it, knowing Bea would dislike it, but Bea was indeed a kind person.
Receiving sweets as a reward. Aseph had thought his retainers simply gave them out of affection, but it seemed there was more to it. Clearly, Bea’s strict demeanor had driven Homun to justify his actions.
Even if Homun wasn’t a child, by her definition, there were still things he’d like to point out.
“Bea. He knows how to seek attention from adults, he cries when he’s sad, and his love for sweets is typical of a child.”
Bea didn’t respond right away, deep in thought.
“I’m not trying to diminish Homun as your alchemical achievement. It’s just… a child is still a child. No matter how much he knows, he’s still small and hasn’t been around for long. There’s a saying that experience matters more than knowledge. Please, treat him like the child he is.”
Bea probably didn’t realize. As Aseph engaged in this discussion, he secretly thrilled at the thought of them being parents discussing their differing views on child-rearing.
Listening quietly to Bea, Aseph ventured a little further.
“And Bea, may I make a request?”
“What is it?”
“Well… Could we perhaps teach the child to call you something other than ‘Master’? It might be confusing for those who don’t know the situation. Perhaps ‘Teacher’ or ‘Mentor’ would be better.”
He barely restrained himself from blurting out ‘Mother’.
If acknowledging Homun as a child meant needing someone to take responsibility, he wanted to be his father.
Would you like that, or not? Or would you remain indifferent as usual?
“Alright.”
“Really?”
Bea nodded.
“Seems it’s still immature, unable to control its impulses. Calling it a child would be appropriate.”
Aseph, surprised that Bea actually agreed, quickly seized the moment.
“And he’s physically small, too. He can’t do everything on his own like an adult. He definitely needs someone to look after him.”
“Is that so?”
“Of course! This place could offer a good environment, don’t you think?”
As Bea fell silent in thought, Aseph pushed a bit more.
However, an immediate answer from Bea wasn’t forthcoming.
Regretfully, Aseph stepped back, knowing Bea disliked being disturbed while pondering.
‘Finally, we’re getting some progress.’
He couldn’t suppress his overflowing emotions.
Aseph had always thought his courtship was textbook perfect, believing his appearance, status, and wealth were what anyone would desire.
But only now did he realize he had been imposing his own feelings and circumstances.
Just really, truly listening to Bea made the conversation flow so easily.
Hopeful for their future relationship, Aseph’s spirits lifted, leading him to a fountain in the garden center.
Glancing at Bea, who leaned in with her eyes closed, it seemed the ear issue was causing significant discomfort.
“Bea, would you like to sit here?”
“Yes…”
After seating Bea by the fountain and sitting beside her, Bea leaned into him. Aseph wrapped an arm around her, worried his racing heart might be heard.
He had never thought of Bea as weak, just a bit neglectful of her own well-being.
However, since the incident in the mine, Bea had triggered a protective instinct in him. Bea’s somewhat dependent behavior only intensified this feeling.
