Chapter 20: Madozono Mima's Perspective: ~Maria's Determination and Resolve~

To all the mothers out there struggling with their children's education...

Hang in there... (；∀；)

Chapter 20: Madozono Mima's Perspective: ~Maria's Determination and Resolve~

A few days after Maria and Tomoe chose headbands for each other while shopping.

Mima still couldn't bring herself to separate Tomoe from Maria's learning environment.

Tomoe's affection for Maria reminded Mima of her past self and her Onee-sama, and she also felt guilty for the terrible neglect she had shown Tomoe as a parent.

The old Mima would have made a decision prioritizing efficiency without considering any of these things.

However, having experienced the love Maria had shown her, as a mother, she couldn't bear to act mercilessly.

Should she continue to let Tomoe learn alongside Maria until she herself felt discouraged by the difference between them?

(No, wouldn't that be a more cruel choice?)

Wouldn't it be better to separate her from Maria as soon as possible, prepare a different educational plan and curriculum, and provide her with learning and training that matches her talents?

(At the very least, it would reduce Tomoe's psychological burden...)

The emotions of a mother and the rationality of the head of the Madozono family clashed within Mima's heart.

After much deliberation, Mima sought advice from Sougi, the mother of the maid sisters.

Such behavior is unthinkable for Mima in the original work.

The Mima in the original work is a neurotic character who is constantly irritated, she doesn't seek anyone else's opinion, and throws tantrums when things don't go her way—a toxic parent character through and through.

Struggling with her children's education and seeking advice from a female subordinate, the original Mima's pride and self-esteem would never allow it.

But the current Mima, however, had changed so much that she could almost be considered a different being.

After listening to Mima's concerns and thinking for a moment, Sougi spoke.

"Your concerns are understandable, Madam. However, there is no single right answer when it comes to educational policies."

Sougi looked back into Mima's eyes with gentle eyes.

"My family, the Igodome clan, has served the Madozono family for generations.... I am a mother who cannot give my daughters
the choice of how to live. In that respect,
I may be the same as you, Madam."

Only at this point did Sougi lower her eyes slightly.

But she quickly met Mima's gaze again.

"Even if Maria-ojou-sama becomes the next head of the family, Tomoe-ojou-sama cannot escape her position and responsibilities as a daughter of the Madozono family.

She must grow strong and mature, by any means necessary."

Sougi said this, reiterating everything Mima has previously thought.

Tomoe, too, has no other choice but to live within the Madozono family.

"However—whether she walk that path together with Maria-ojou-sama, even if it is difficult, or whether she separate and forge her own path, I would like Madam to respect Tomoe-ojou-sama's wish on this matter."

Having finished speaking, Sougi bowed deeply.

(Because there are no absolute correct options for her to live, I want you to cherish Tomoe-ojou-sama's feelings.)

Sougi's answer to her master's question was filled with a sincere wish.

The words of her loyal attendant, and also lover, brought a sudden realization to Mima's heart, as if a burden had been lifted.

(Ah, I haven't yet heard my daughter's feelings.)

While her belief in her daughter remained unchanged, she hadn't made the effort to understand her daughter's true feelings.

Mima was once again ashamed of her own immaturity as a mother.

That being said, she first needed to ascertain Tomoe's feelings.

Having decided on that as the first step in her plan, she now began to rack her brain, wondering how to bring up the crucial topic with Tomoe.

In addition, another problem concerning Maria also surfaced.

It was a matter of unavoidable fate, as long as Maria was a "Saint".

"The Saint will sacrifice her own life to destroy the evil Kaima."

(Should I tell Tomoe about this legend, or not?

It's too painful and heavy a topic for a young child to grasp.)

It concerns human life and death, and moreover, the life of someone Tomoe adores as an older sister.

Due to Mima's own past neglect of her upbringing, Tomoe's mind is fragile.

Her heart could not possibly withstand the emotional burden of hearing about Maria's fate.

(It would be better not to tell Tomoe about the Saint's fate until her mind is fully mature.)

Mima concluded.

If Maria's Saint issue is put aside for now,

All that remains is to hear Tomoe's feelings.

However, it wouldn't do to suddenly start questioning her today or tomorrow.

It would be better to be cautious and wait for the right time.

Although the future was still uncertain, once that course of action was decided, Mima's heart felt lighter.

★

After dinner that day, Mima overheard Tomoe pleading with Maria.

"Onee-sama, Tomoe wants to take a bath with you!

And also, tonight, I want to sleep in your bed with you!"

Looking at her, Tomoe was clinging tightly to Maria, making such a plea.

It was a heartwarming sight, but the intensity of her embrace seemed a little indecent.

If this had been Mima before she met Maria, she would have scolded Tomoe mercilessly, perhaps taking out her frustration on her.

However, seeing the two young children getting along so well, she couldn't help but recall her own past interactions with her Onee-sama, and instead of getting angry, a smile spread across her face.

And just like when she went shopping, she found herself joining in on their conversation.

Before she knew it, the conversation had led to the whole family taking a bath together.

When it came time to bathe with the two young children, Mima felt a sense of unease.

She realized it had been quite some time since she'd bathed with Tomoe.

If it were just Tomoe, it would be manageable, but with Maria joining them, could she really look after them all by herself...?

Lack of confidence in her everyday skills, Mima decided to play it safe and not push herself too hard.

She would ask the Igodome to join them in the bath.

She planned to have their respective attendants, Kanaya and Kanaho, look after the children as usual.

It was a pathetic thing to do as a guardian, but considering safety, it was the right decision.

Besides, Sougi is my lover, so my daughters are practically Sougi's daughters too, and it is only natural for us to bathe together.

And so, Mima pondered these sophistical thoughts in her mind, and convinced herself of them.

Anyway, it was a lively bath time for the six of them, including Mima.

The large bathroom at Madozono's residence had no problem accommodating this many people at once.

She usually bathed in the large bathroom with Sougi, but with the children's voices echoing, it felt like a different space to Mima.

As she sank into the bathtub, Mima watched Maria and Tomoe being washed by the Igodome sisters.

Maria, being cared for by Kanaho, was quiet, and seemed even more reserved than usual.

Even though they were all girls, being naked together in such a large group must have been embarrassing, Mima guessed.

Maria, who had been showing an unusual kind of quietness, fidgeted, her cheeks flushed red, and asked:

"Will my breasts grow as big as Okaa-sama's and Mima-nee-sama's...?"

With an anxious expression that Mima had never seen before, Maria seemed to be worryingly comparing her own small breasts to Mima's full breasts.

Mima couldn't help but smile at this once again.

(Even a Saint is still just a young child.)

"When I was Maria's age, my breasts were about the same size as yours.

So, don't worry. As you grow, your breasts will naturally grow bigger."

Mima smiled reassuringly at Maria.

Mima had a vague premonition that Maria might grow up to be a woman with a rare and exceptional figure, like her mother, since her Onee-sama, Mami, had a larger bust and hips than her.

★

"I would like to sleep with Mima-nee-sama and Tomoe-chan tonight..."

After finishing her bath, Maria hesitantly said this to Mima.

This made Mima's heart tremble with joy, almost overwhelming.

It was the first time Maria had ever made a request since coming to this mansion.

Usually, Maria had a mature, calm demeanor, never complaining, and only ever shown her diligent side, studying, taking lessons, and training.

Just like with her earlier question in the bathroom, Maria seemed to be showing a childlike side of herself today.

"Then let's all sleep together."

With a smile, Mima agreed and invited Maria and Tomoe into her bedroom.

Then, on the bed, Maria, Tomoe, and Mima were positioned side-by-side, and just as they were about to go to sleep, Mima noticed tears streaming down Maria's face.

"...! Maria? What's wrong?"

"....I'm so sorry. Now that I'm in bed with you two, I can't help but remember about Okaa-sama..."

Maria's reply struck Mima right in the heart.

For the past six months, all she remembered was Maria always smiling.

But yes, Maria was still just a five-year-old child.

The grief of losing her beloved mother couldn't possibly have healed in just six months.

She had been praising and expecting so much from Maria, calling her a "Saint" and a promising successor, but she hadn't truly paid attention to Maria's feelings.

Mima was only now realizing this.

Wipe away Maria's tears with the provided hand towel, Mima was once again forced to acknowledge her own immaturity as a mother.

"Onee-sama, don't cry."

Tomoe clung to Maria, crying.

Mima embraced Maria, holding both her and Tomoe in her arms.

"It's okay. We'll always be here for you from now on."

She wasn't sure if these words were right for a mother.

Nevertheless, Mima spoke them with the sole desire to alleviate even a little of the sadness and loneliness of young Maria.

"Thank you, Onee-sama..."

After receiving Mima's embrace and hearing Mima's motherly words, Maria smiled and closed her eyes.

After a while, she began to breathe softly in her sleep.

Tomoe, clinging to Maria's body, also seemed to have fallen asleep.

Seeing the two of them asleep, Mima secretly let out a sigh of relief.

Honestly, how pathetic she was.

Even though she was the head of the Madozono family, one of the three most prominent families of Exorcists, she still couldn't properly connect with the hearts of young children...

With a sense of remorse, Mima thought of her deceased sister.

(I'm so sorry for being such an unworthy little sister, Onee-sama.)

And so, feeling the warmth of her two sleeping children in her arms, in her fading consciousness, she tried to envision a path forward.

(That's right, whatever path these two children choose, I must stay by their side as much as possible so that they don't have to feel anxious...)

It was at this moment, while half-asleep, that Mima formed this resolve in her mind.

.....

.....

.....

"Even if I'm facing destruction... Mima-nee-sama... Tomoe-chan... All those girls ...

I must.... protect them all...."

Such words escaped from the sleeping Maria's lips, broken and fragmented.

Mima's consciousness was awakened, as if she had been stabbed in the heart by Maria's words.

(What did Maria just say?!)

"Destruction"?!

"Those girls"?!

"I must protect them"?!

Mima recalled Kanaho's report.

Maria "understand" that in the future, she was destined to fight a terrifyingly powerful enemy.

(Ahh, what a terrible thing...!)

Destruction

This young child, knowing the future that awaits her—a future where she must sacrifice her own life to defeat Evil—is determined to protect her aunt Mima, her cousin Tomoe, and other girls, no matter what.

If there is a God, would He really burden such a cruel fate on a child barely old enough to live?

(To such a young child, who has just lost her own mother…!)

Mima gently tightens her arms around Maria and Tomoe, holding them even tighter.

(Hell no!

I will risk everything to protect this child from the so-called 'Fate'.

Not just because Onee-sama entrusted me with this child.

This child.... has allowed her to reclaim my "Daughter."

This child.... has allowed me to reclaim my "Heart."

Maria is now another daughter of mine, a member of my family.

I won't let Fate take my daughter! 

Not in this life!)

Mima, who once lost her sister to fate, renews her resolve.

That resolve, along with the warmth of Maria and Tomoe held to her chest, slowly filled the void in Mima's heart that had been empty six months ago.

That warm feeling of contentment lulled Mima into sleep.

That sleep was a comfortable one for Mima, something she hadn't felt in a long time...

★★★

A few days later...

Mima receives a question from her daughter, Tomoe, who, despite her young age, has a determined expression on her face.

"Okaa-sama.... Is Onee-sama... sick...?"

AN:

The same scene will continue a little longer with a different perspective (・∀・)

Next, it'll be a bit longer from Tomoe-chan's perspective... (＾ω＾;)