941 Mother-In-Law's Problems

"How did you raise your son? He fights recklessly, takes too many risks for his own good, makes enemies left and right, is hated the most by an entire race, doesn't care about his own well being when he jumps into crises and saves people and yet he doesn't want to call himself a hero," The more Sarah spoke, the more disordered her breath grew.

As if it wasn't enough, Sarah grabbed Amanda's shoulders and looked into her eyes, "In simple terms, in the entire human race, he's the biggest battle maniac and the worst adrenaline seeker. This boyfriend of mine literally died a few days ago! And he still says he'd have to kill the abyss emperor, a being far more powerful than any abyss king or queen.

Seriously, what did you feed him that he became the man he is today? I beg you to tell me so that I won't feed my son and daughter that thing and save myself from worry."

"I…" Amanda didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Sure, Sarah's question seemed genuine. But was she also joking? And to be honest, she wasn't responsible for Varian's mindset. It was himself.

"Pfft—Hahahaha!" Sia clutched her stomach and burst out laughing at Sarah grabbing Amanda's shoulders, looking into her eyes, and asking that question with such a serious face.

Sarah bit her lip in embarrassment and sat back down with crossed arms, "I can trust Varian in anything and everything except when he takes these ridiculous risks. I'm scared, alright. If he goes to lady death, then Mother-in-law, I'll come to meet you and protest your upbringing as the cause for my young widowhood every day."

'If he dies, then I too will die…' was what Sarah implied.

Understanding that Amanda's throat felt a bit heavy.

"Sarah…" Amanda gently stroked Sarah's hair, "I'm really glad my son found someone like you. And I hope he loves you back the same."

"Ahem, ahem, don't neglect me please," Sia rested her head on Amanda's shoulder and said in an exaggerated tone.

"Hahaha," Amanda laughed as she patted Sia's head.

Sarah was reminded of her mother's touch and closed her eyes. A small smile hung on her lips as she went back to the days when her mother would braid her hair.

Sia, on the other hand, was reminded of the quiet Sundays when they'd watch some movies at home.

Amanda would sit in the center of the sofa. Varian would be begrudgingly held from training and would be on the right of Amanda. While she would rest her on Amanda's shoulder and have her head patted gently. It was a time of peace and bliss.

And Amanda herself felt at peace. Whatever might happen after she's gone, these two girls that loved her son with all their hearts would be there for him.

And with the kind of love they had shown, even death wouldn't be able to do them apart.

After some time, Sia raised her head. The explosions in the sky were beginning to subside. The abyssal army was also going down at a much faster rate.

"Looks like Varian will finish this off in less than an hour. He'll be ecstatic to meet you."

"I won't meet him," Amanda closed her eyes in pain, "…If he knows I am back to life at least for a short time, he'll do everything he can to find a method to resurrect me. Something like resurrection should be under the control of very powerful beings. It'll only get him into trouble. I don't want to add more to his problems. I'm glad I met you two, it's enough for me."

Sia bit her lip and nodded.

"Then, I think it's almost time," Amanda stood up with a weak smile, "The killing intent is returning again."

"B-Before you go, someone else wants to meet you," Sia said while dodging her gaze.

"Oh, please. And don't interrupt me next time. I almost don't want to go," Amanda joked.

A light shone and Sia disappeared. A silver-haired girl with purple eyes was standing in her place.

Enigma didn't reply. Instead, she lowered her head and bent down. In a voice that even she couldn't believe was her own, she said, "Sorry…it's me that destroyed everything. I ended your life and the happiness of your family. I pushed Sia into hell, and was the reason Varian lived such a terrible life.

I'm…willing to take any punishment. But please don't order me to die…I don't want to die yet…at least, I want to know who created me, whether I even have parents and why was I abandoned. I'm sorry…"

"Enigma," Amanda raised her up and pulled her into a hug. Gently patting Enigma's back, she said softly, "Sia explained everything to me. You didn't intend me any harm. It was a mistake.

If you still feel guilty about it, you did sacrifice your life for Varian a few days ago, didn't you? You were willing to throw away your life and you did. That's more than enough repentance. So, please don't burden yourself with this issue anymore.

And child…you don't deserve any punishment, all you deserve is pity and love."

Enigma's body shuddered and the corner of her eyes turned wet. But she stubbornly held back the tears and said in a muffled voice. "T-Th..ank you…"

Sarah watched her mother-in-law and Enigma hugging and the scene of Varian and Enigma hugging flashed in her mind.

'Is hugging just a Konstant family thing? Wait, Konstant family. Varian said he's named by his father. Varian Konstant. What a name. Even my father-in-law had a terrible sense of naming. Damn heavens, is this genetic or what?' Sarah began worrying about her children's future.

Endless trouble seemed to be waving at her, mocking her for thinking parenthood could be so easy.

"…And finally, I hope you find your birthplace and birth parents," Amanda smiled.

"Thank you for your kind words," Enigma said in the most gentle tone ever.

"Thank you for everything you've done for my son. And I hope you continue to take care of him," Amanda said softly.

"And also tell her not to fall for him," Sarah interrupted.

Enigma's face froze as if she couldn't believe what she was hearing and Amanda showed a tired expression, 'Son, when you meant you wanted to be an emperor, did you also include the harem?'

"Y-You! Stop this nonsense!" Enigma glared at Sarah with her usual indifferent stare.

Unfazed, Sarah pointed to herself and continued, "In front of his girlfriend, Varian hugged Enigma and 'consoled' her. Enigma would've sliced off those arms if any other guy did that. But she not only allowed Varian, but she also hugged him back!

Hugged a man in front of his girlfriend! Is this not condemnable? Your honor, I bring this culprit to court! Sentence her to justice!"

Amanda was bewildered by what Enigma and Varian did. But she was more bewildered by Sarah's manner of speech. It really resembled Varian. The sarcasm, the irony, the roleplay…

'So, my son is actually spoiling this good girl? Wait, before that, he's flirting with another girl in front of his girlfriend? But that girl is another self of his other girlfriend. Ugh, this is getting complicated.'

"Sarah! You're just making up things. If you have so much energy, go fight the abyssals. Hmph!" Enigma snorted and fiercely defended her relationship with Varian.

Sarah gave Amanda a look as if to say 'See, this is your son's doing. Are you proud of it?'

Amanda felt like burying her face in the sand now. She'd swear to the heavens she raised him properly. But if he became a playboy now, a year after her death, what can she do?

Thankfully, Sarah saved her from further embarrassment. "Varian is either oblivious or just pretending to be because he doesn't have more time and focus to spend on another relationship.

Either way, after nearly dying so many times and seeing him really die once, I don't think I care about these things as much as I once did. I'm just glad he's alive. And if a powerful woman cares for him and is willing to die for him, I guess that's not bad."

Amanda nodded weakly.

Sorry to say, but this was beyond her pay grade. She was only prepared for the simple life of Varian and Sia. A simple adventure. A simple story. A simple family.

She's already dizzy with Sarah and Sia. Now another Enigma?

Excuse me? Can I have peace in my final moments before the second death?

Sia returned and started another topic. From time to time, she'd sent Enigma out. Sarah remained the mood brightener while Sia underwent a gradual release of emotions and washed off the remaining guilt gnawing her away.

On the other hand, Enigma acted as a pure spectator. She refused to speak unless asked and even when she did speak, her words were at an absolute minimum.

Finally, the explosions in the sky began to fall rapidly.

"It's time," Amanda smiled.

The killing intent was also about to swallow her. The only reason she could hold on was the intense desire she had to listen to her daughters-in-law.

This could be the only chance she might ever get. So, Amanda made full use of it and told everything she wanted to tell.

But still, the time for a farewell had finally come.

"Please take care of yourselves and take care of him," Amanda bowed and asked Sarah and Sia to turn around.

Then, she pushed a dagger into her throat and collapsed.

Sia and Sarah clenched their fists but didn't turn around. They didn't even extend their senses to 'see' her condition now. Amanda specifically requested about this and they respected her decision.

After a few seconds of laborious hissing, the breathing behind them stopped and Amanda closed her eyes.

As she was about to fall into an eternal slumber, a voice, different from the one that brought her here, a voice that was more friendly, sounded in her mind.

[The System is storing your soul signature, please don't resist. One day, if he reaches that level, you might…]