He's not a Lizard but a Dragon 21 - 30

 

Chapter 21 - Yukiya and Michika (Yukiya)

I, Yukiya Kano, had a childhood friend who was two years younger.

She was a cheerful girl with a cute smile, and our families were close since her house was nearby.

Michika had been saying this since we were little.

“I will be Yuki-kun’s wife!”

And I would smile and reply to her.

“Okay, I will make Michika happy.”

Michika, an adorable girl who always smiled. She was always following me around with her cute steps, that I often got teased by my friends and the adults.

“I love Yuki-kun!”

No matter what everyone said, she always said that with her smile that looked like a little flower. I loved Michika, too. People said that Michika was plain, but to me, she was prettier than princesses in fairy tales.

I truly loved her. I wanted to cherish her.

Every time I saw Michika, my heart was filled with those feelings.

When I was in the first year of high school and Michika was in the second year of middle school, her parents died in an accident.

Michika was taken by her relatives, but she was treated poorly there…

“I am still grateful for them to let me stay there…”

Michika, who came over to my place, talked to me with a slightly disgruntled look on her face. For the young Michika to say such a mature thing, they must be really harsh on her. It was unbearable for me, and I was ashamed since I was still a minor who couldn’t even protect her.

There were bruises on Michika’s pale arms. She seemed to be physically abused by her relatives…

“When I graduated from middle school, I will work and live by myself.”

I widened my eyes over Michika’s words.

No… I couldn’t accept that.

If she went out to society, Michika would surely forget about me.

She might find someone else while I was attending college.

I didn’t like it if she wasn’t by my side.

I wanted to make Michika stay here and protect her. My Michika, who was like a little flower.

Before I knew it, Michika was in my embrace. I whispered to her lovely ear.

“Let’s get married when you graduated from middle school and turned 16, Michika. I will protect you from all the painful things. I will work while also going to college. My family is also worried about you, Michika, so they will also agree.”

“Yuki-kun…”

I proposed to her even before we were dating. I wanted to secure my future with Michika before she became my lover.

Michika was staring blankly at me as she heard that… and the next moment, her eyes were wet from tears as she nodded over and over again.

“Is it okay to marry Yuki-kun? I… don’t have anything to offer.”

“As long as I have Michika, I won’t mind. I will protect Michika for the rest of my life.”

“I am so happy, Yuki-kun”

Saying that, Michika smiled. She looked like a lovely flower.

When I was 18 and Michika was 16, we registered our marriage as I promised.

I was attending college while living together with Michika.

My parents were supporting us and sent us quite a lot of money. But it was only enough for our livelihood. So I worked hard at my part-time job and tried to save more for the future.

Michika tried to find a place where she could work as a full-time employee after our marriage, but I desperately stopped it.

Because, Michika’s world would be expanded while I only attended college. Only Michika would become an adult.  And my immature self couldn’t stand it just by imagining that.

“It is men’s responsibility” I convinced myself and Michika with those words.

Michika decided to do a part-time job for three hours a day after compromising with me. Aside from that, Michika also did housework every day for me, who was exhausted from my classes and part-time work.

Every time I got home, I could see my beloved Michika there, as she smiled at me.

When I embraced her, her body was pleasantly warm with a bit of a sun scent. It made me forget that I was tired and ended up indulging in her every day.  I was still a student, so I did use contraception properly.

But, those blissful days ended that day…

It was half a year after our marriage.

When I opened the door of the apartment where we lived together, I heard the voice of a man laughing.

There were two pairs of men’s shoes that weren’t mine at the entrance.

An unpleasant feeling spread in my chest.

I went to college and crammed my part-time job. I was doing my best for Michika every day.

And Michika brought two men into our place?

Walking up the front door while suppressing my anger, I peered into the room where the joyous voices came from.

My younger brother Kanata and our mutual friend Ren were there. As I looked closely, there was also a girl, Rina. It seemed that I overlooked a woman’s shoes at the entrance.

Michika and I were childhood friends. She was also close to my younger brother, so of course, we had some mutual friends.

“Welcome back, Yuki-kun. Kanata-kun, Ren-san, and Rina-san came to visit us. We were waiting for Yuki-kun to come back for dinner. I will prepare it now, please wait for a bit”

Saying that, Michika went to the kitchen and started pulled out a pot.

They were just saying “I’m sorry to come suddenly” and “I want to surprise you” to me.

I felt relieved, but at the same time, I noticed it…

The unpleasant feelings swirling in my chest. It was my fervent fear of Michika’s involvement with other people.

It didn’t happen yet today, but it might happen in the future.

Michika might choose someone else over me, who couldn’t always be on her side.

I was anxious… I wanted Michika’s world to be filled with only me.

So, I took Michika’s friends away by spreading rumors.

I had her quit her part-time job, took her phone, and canceled her mobile plan.

I only handed her a minimum amount of expenses and made her report everything she did in a day to me.

Then one day, we argued and I hit Michika.

I was afraid that she would get away from me as she was getting scared… so I hit her again to keep her at bay.

From that day on, this kind of abuse became a routine…

Michika was becoming more and more lethargic as days passed. But I was relieved to see Michika like that.

Because I was in control of Michika.

And Michika couldn’t go anywhere else.

Part of me felt empty, but more than that, I was glad that Michika couldn’t escape from me.

But, Michika suddenly disappeared one day…

A/N

It’s Michika’s husband’s perspective.

If Michika’s parents hadn’t died or at least she was getting married after Yukiya graduated from college, maybe he would just be a slightly possessive husband.

Chapter 22 - Transmigrator Michika and Her 17 Years Old Son

“Yuki-kun!”

I snuggled against Yuki-kun’s chest and rubbed my cheeks towards him. He gently held me and looked at me with a loving look. His big and slightly droopy eyes captivated me, and a smile carved on his thin lips.

Light brown eyes and beautiful silky black hair. My prince, who was so adorable like a puppy.

“I love you Michika.”

As I heard a gentle voice spilled from Yuki-kun’s mouth, my chest tightened.

Ah, it was Yuki-kun when I was still in love with him.

I see, this was … a dream.

The moment I realized that it was a dream, my heart turned cold.

That gentle Yuki-kun had disappeared long ago.

I was in love Yuki-kun ever since I was a kid.

I didn’t doubt that he was my fateful one. That was why I was so happy when he proposed to me, since it was just like a dream.

I believed from the bottom of my heart that he loved me too, but why did it turn out like this?

He was… the man that I used to love. Yet, I despised him now.

“Yuki-kun…”

Reality hit me as I called out that name from my lips. Despite it being a dream, he held me so tightly that it was getting hurt.

“Michika.”

My name was called by a sweet but a higher voice than Yuki-kun, and I opened my eyes slightly. As I did, my sight met with those crimson eyes framed by long white eyelashes.

For some reason, the feeling of relief spread in my chest when I saw this peerless beauty.

The one who held me in his arms wasn’t Yuki-kun, but Cedric…

“Is it morning already…?”

“Yes it is, Michika.”

Cedric held me close, snuggling up towards me. His slippery cold scales and cheeks were rubbing against me and it felt a bit ticklish.

Cedric still continued to sleep with me. It really troubled me that he was a spoiled boy despite being seventeen.

Even if we slept far away from each other at night, I would be embraced by him in the morning before I knew it… the bed was big, so just how could his sleeping habit be this bad?

His long arms and legs were entwined with me, holding me in place. It was pretty troublesome that I couldn’t even move until Cedric woke up.

“Who… is this ‘Yuki-kun’?”

Cedric, who ceased his snuggles stared at me with a serious gaze.

Why did he know about my husband? Oh, did I say something in my sleep?

And why was the atmosphere felt like I was being accused of having an affair?

“Hmm, he is my ex-husband. No, I haven’t filed for divorce yet, so maybe he is still my husband. Although, years have passed since I was missing. So maybe my marriage will be invalid by now …”

Cedric opened his eyes wide when I said those without hiding anything. It was pretty frightening since his vertical pupils were getting narrower.

“Ced?”

“So you had a husband before. I see, I see what it is…”

He kept on mumbling while thinking about something. He was still staring at me, thus it was uncanny to say the least.

“Ced!”

“Ah!”

Cedric looked like he returned to his senses as I strongly flicked his forehead.

“Look, let go of me. You have to go to work, right?”

He reluctantly let go when I tapped on his arms.

Why did he grow up to be such a mommy boy like this…?

Cedric laid out next to me as I got up from the bed. He was sleeping in a nightgown that was close to a bathrobe, so it was slumped over and his shoulder was wide open. His smooth shoulder, his fair skin, his beautiful pectoral muscles… his white hair that flowed smoothly down his cheeks, and his hands that brushed it upwards, they were seamlessly beautiful.

To be honest, every single part of him was very alluring.

He should be glad that I was a woman in my thirties who already passed my prime. If I were a lustful foster mother, I would have assaulted him and he will be traumatized again.

“Ced, go to your room quickly and put on some clothes!”

I lightly fixed Cedric’s misshapen nightwear and pushed his back to get out of the bed.

At least I had him to get ready in his own room. Otherwise, there was no meaning in having his own room.

“Yes, Michika.”

Cedric replied and smiled softly. He rubbed his cheek against mine and lightly kissed the tip of my nose before he walked out of the room with a nimble step.

“My son is just too natural…”

I held my nose, which was just kissed by Ced. As expected, being kissed like that was too embarrassing.

He was amazing. On top of his unparalleled beauty, he was really sweet even though it was limited to his family member.

I hadn’t heard from Cedric if he had found his mate yet, but if he did, I bet he would be even sweeter than he was to me

“Mate, huh.”

Cedric being close to his mate…When I imagined the scene, I felt a bit touched.

And it was a year later that a girl who claimed to be Cedric’s mate appeared in the mansion.

A/N

Cedric is seventeen years old now.

Next chapter, Ced will be 18 years old, and finally, it will be close to the synopsis (ΦωΦ)

Chapter 23 - Transmigrator Michika and Her Son’s Mate [½]

It had been four years since I started living with Cedric.

Ced was turning eighteen… so, in other words, he was an adult in this world.

“Good morning… Michika.”

As his sweet voice enticed me to open my heavy eyelids, what I saw was Cedric’s beautiful face, which was more radiant than the glistening morning sun. When he realized that I was awake, he gave me an enrapturing smile.

His long fingers were brushing on my bangs. He played with my bangs for a bit, then stroked my head slightly before picking up a lock of my hair and kissing it lovingly.

Cedric had become a man no matter how I looked at him… he really was an adult, a beautiful young man to be exact.

His beauty was fickle and delicate, but he also possessed some masculinity, which fascinated me at times. His body was slender, but his perfectly sculpted muscles didn’t make him look dainty.

So, let me repeat myself. He was eighteen years old, an adult. A fine ‘adult’.

However, nothing had changed, as this son of mine was still sleeping on my bed today.

“Ced, I told you that we will sleep separately once you become an adult, right?”

I should have kicked him out of the room yesterday.

As I said that with a stern face, Cedric had a sullen look instead.

“I don’t remember agreeing to that…”

He said that slightly pouting, casting down his eyelashes.

Ah… how adorable. Truly adorable, but this mother wouldn’t be fooled anymore.

“Isn’t it strange to sleep with your mother when you are already eighteen?”

“But Michika still thinks I am adorable, right?”

“Yeah, you are. But…”

“Is it bad that your adorable son wants to sleep with you, Michika?”

His crimson eyes were gazing straight at me.  Why did I feel something different lately, when I looked at those eyes?

“My son is the most adorable one, but it’s still a no.”

“I can’t accept that.”

Refusing gently, Cedric dropped a kiss on my forehead.

Ced really did like being affectionate…

“Ced, you are taking a day off today, right?”

“Yes, Michika as well?”

On days we were on a break together, we usually going out to shop or relaxing at home. Cedric probably preferred to relax at home.

“Yeah. Should we just do nothing today?”

“Yes. Let’s do that.”

Stroking Cedric’s hair who smiled so happily, I then headed to the closet to change. Cedric was still laying on my bed, but it was a day off… so it was okay I guess.

Removing my nightwear, I looked over the closet in my underwear. Today I would do simple one-piece type of loungewear.

Suddenly noticed a gaze on me, I turned around to find Cedric was looking at me with his beautiful face.

“Ced?”

“Michika. You should be more wary.”

“Huh? But I made sure the house is secure.”

This house was equipped with sensors from magic tools that would ring if anyone other than the owner of the house and certain guests came approaching, and I also installed a warding device that would be triggered if that someone came with hostile intentions. Lastly, I could deal with them using my ‘Complete Protection’. For that reason, I never had a thief or burglar breaking into the house before.

“Well, nevermind.”

Cedric sighed and shrugged his shoulders.

Right at that time… the sensor rang throughout the mansion. It wasn’t an obnoxious sound that stuck in your ears, but a gentle sound that was clear and beautiful. It kept ringing again and again at equal intervals.

“A visitor?”

“But this early morning…?”

Cedric and I looked at each other.

Was it a visitor or a thief? The barrier device would tell, anyway.

“Kyaa!”

The voice of a woman who might have triggered the barrier resounded from the outside, and I and Cedric looked at each other again.

Opening the window and checking the front yard, I found a woman who seemed to be a beastkin slumped on the ground.

“Minnea …”

Ced murmured softly as he rested his chin on my head, squirming from behind me.

“Your acquaintance?”

“She is someone who works in the same guild… what a pain.”

Cedric sounded obviously uncomfortable, which was unusual for him. I wonder what’s the matter with her…

“A pain?”

“She said she is my mate, but I’m not too sure. I might have human blood in me from a few generations ago.”

Mate…

My heart jumped at that word. Cedric’s mate had finally appeared.

I should be delighted… but for some reason, I couldn’t bring myself to congratulate him.

Instead of saying “I’m glad”, I asked him a question.

“What happens if beastkin has human blood in them?”

“Depending on the person, they may not feel the presence of their mate… or a mate won’t be necessary anymore to them. That is the case when their human ancestry influences them, which makes them unbound to the presence of their mate.”

Humans were a race that didn’t require a soulmate, unlike beastkin.  However, on rare occasions, beastkin’s mate could be born as a human being.  In that case, it became one-way feelings from the side of the beastkin… and it seemed that it depended on the decision of the human whether to be bound with their mate or not. Ced explained that to me

“I see. So it’s like that…”

But why did I feel a little relieved?

I just thought that it was a good thing for Cedric not having a mate.

“Well, there is also the possibility that she is a sham as long as I don’t recognize her as my mate…”

“Cedric, you’re here! But why… are you with a woman in her underwear!”

Before Cedric could say his next words, that woman’s loud voice resounded.

Before I knew it, the beastkin woman had gotten up, staring at me while gesturing something. She was a little far away, so I couldn’t really see what expression she had on her face.

By the way, I was still in my underwear, huh.

“I don’t know how she triggered the barrier. But should we serve her some tea for the time being?”

“If Michika wants to do that…”

It seemed that this matter would be a bit troublesome.

Thinking that, I let out a small sigh.

But she might be Ced’s mate, so I had to deal with it properly.

Chapter 24 - Transmigrator Michika and Her Son’s Mate [2/2]

“Who are you…?”

That was the first thing she said when I invited her to the mansion.

She felt way off to me, or perhaps it was just my imagination. I shouldn’t feel that way about Cedric’s tentative mate…

Minnea was a cat beastkin. She was around twenty.

Her purple hair was trimmed around her shoulders, and her blue eyes sparkled with a belligerent glow. She was a beautiful woman with an exotic vibe, and the cat ears on her head went well with that vibe.

She was tall and curvy. And honestly, she looked more mature than I was.

I ended up worrying about my skinny body.

“Don’t say ‘you’ to Michika. You came here uninvited.”

Cedric said to Minnea and hugged me from behind. He held me so tight that I was suffocating a little. When I patted Cedric’s arm to let him know, Cedric loosened his hold in surprise.

“How could this unfamiliar old woman act so close to Cedric? And Cedric, why does your attitude to this old woman and everyone else so different? Are you in a relationship with her??”

Minnea cried out again as she saw Cedric.

It was true that I was a 32-year-old woman, but it was quite disturbing to be told that by a girl I had never met before. Although, she was right about some things. Even me as a mother thought that Cedric was a mommy boy.

“Hey! Explain to me!”

Minnea rushed closer to me.

How should I say it… what a hot-blooded woman. Did she get caught in the barrier because she was this belligerent?

Came to think of it, how did she know about this place? What should I do if she was stalking Cedric? It was scaring me when I thought about it…so let’s not worry too much for the time being.

“I am Ced’s foster mother. Thank you for always taking care of my son.”

I was about to bow my head to greet her, as it was important to introduce myself first. But, I couldn’t do it because Cedric once again tightening his embrace…

“Foster mother… Mother-in-law?!”

Minnea shouted and opening her eyes wide. Well, wasn’t that too early to call me that …?

From the look of Cedric, I knew that he doubted that she was his mate. And if that was the case, was this girl bluffing? No, in case Cedric had a constitution that wouldn’t allow him to sense his mate, he couldn’t even recognize her even if this girl was the real one.

I wonder what would Ced do if she ended up recognizing her mate unrequitedly…

“Please pardon my rudeness, Mother-in-law! My name is Minea, Cedric’s mate!”

She greeted me politely. Where was her eagerness from a moment ago?

However, I could see that her eyes were still filled with obtuse animosity.

Maybe just being a ‘woman’ that was close to Cedric made her considered me as an enemy, no matter if I was a middle-aged woman or his foster mother. I heard that beastkin was obsessive about their mate

“I’ve said many times that I don’t recognize you as my mate, right?”

Cedric said, rubbing his cheek against my head. We were in front of a guest… or rather his tentative mate… I hoped he would stop acting spoiled for once…

Looking at us like that, the hostility in Minnea’s eyes became even stronger.

“Cedric is just too dense! Because, I can feel it strongly that we are fated! You are my mate! ”

Minnea touched Cedric’s arm, which was still around me, as she looked up at him with a passionate look.

Looking at that scene, my chest hurt for some reason.

What was this pain?

This pain was unpleasant, yet felt a little nostalgic.

“Ced. I think it’s better for you to talk about it with Minnea. I will be waiting in my room.”

I said, trying to push this unfamiliar disturbance inside my heart.

“Michika?”

“Thank you, Mother-in-law! Please let me do so!”

Cedric was bewildered, while Minnea raised her voice in excitement.

It was something that I said out of emotion, but I thought it was a good idea.

If the people involved wouldn’t talk to each other, nothing could come out of it.

“Ced, talk properly with her, okay?”

“If you say so, Michika…”

After rubbing our cheeks together, Cedric let me go.

And it was when I walked by Minnea to return to my room.

That I smelled a faint scent of herbs from her…

T/N

I don’t like where is this going ugh…

Chapter 25 - Conversation Between a Son and His Tentative Mate [⅓] (Cedric)

That woman talked to me while I was waiting for the material I brought to be converted in cash in the guild.

“Hi, I am Minnea.”

“…”

I ignored Minnea since I thought it was a pain. I didn’t feel the need to talk to other women than Michika. Also, I could feel ulterior motives and the intention to flirt from Minnea. Combined with the strong scent of her perfume, she gave me intense discomfort.

This woman was familiar… I knew she was an adventurer who recently registered with the guild.

Her looks made her popular with men in the guild. However, she was like a culmination of all the troublesome parts of women… strictly speaking, she was the type of woman I hate most.

Minnes was similar to that woman.

Remembering my previous ‘master’, I instinctively frowned.

Perhaps getting frustated from me ignoring her, Minnea began to touch my shoulder. The feeling of her hand was unpleasant, bringing me back to those horrifying nights when I was still a slave.

“Please don’t touch me.”

“How cold of you, Cedric.”

“I don’t have any reason to be nice to you.”

Not hiding my displeasure, I clicked my tongue. Seeing me like that, Minnea put on a sulky look.

“Be nice, okay…? I am your mate, you know”

Minnea’s voice sounded like honey mixed together in the mud. And I widened my eyes at her words.

The adventurers in the guild, who heard Minnea, also made a commotion.

“M-Mate?!”

Lana, who was behind the counter, shrieked hysterically. Hearing that, Minnea turned her triumphant look to Lana.

“Yes, I am his mate. I know that he is my fated one at first glance. So, can you throw away your feelings for Cedric, Lana?”

Lana turned bright red from Minnea’s words, and I once again opened my eyes wide.  Lana had feelings for me?

When I turned to Lana, she shook her head in denial, with her face remained bright red. Poor Lana, she was accused of something irrelevant to her.

And… did this woman say that she was my mate?

“But I don’t feel we are destined at all.”

“What?!”

Minnea opened her eyes wide when she heard my words. She looked as if she was genuinely surprised by my statement. But, I truly didn’t feel destined to her. Far from feeling destined, I could only feel myself rejecting her presence.

“It must be because you have a human ancestor… You just can’t feel the existence of your mate! I’m sure of that!”

“I don’t sense the bond between us nor the willingness to be with you. I’m sorry, but please look for someone else.”

Lana came over with a bag of gold coins in her hand. Glancing over to Minnea, she handed me the bag.

“I’m sorry Lana, that you got dragged in this.”

"No! I am fine! Rather… it must be hard for Cedric, since you love miss Michika.”

Lana whispered at the last words, and I thinly smiled as I heard that. Lana knew about me well. I tried to leave the guild upon receiving the bag,

"I will never give up!”

But then, Minnea’s unpleasant shrills filled my head.

And… from that day on.  Minnea certainly didn’t give up and followed me around.

But, to think that she would come to the mansion… I ended up involving Michika in it.

I let out a big sigh as I stared at Minnea, who was sitting on the couch with a confident look on her face.

Minnea gave off a strange scent mixed with her usual thick perfume. It was similar to the scent of herbs that always lingered around Michika.

“What are we going to discuss? You have feelings for me, but I don’t have feelings for you. We’re done talking at this point, aren’t we?”

I said, glaring at Minnea. Minnea held her breath upon receiving my glare.

“Th-that’s a problem for me! You know the fate of beastkin who aren’t able to bond with their mate, right?!”

Her breathing started to get rough.

The fate of beastkin who couldn’t get together with their mate… was indeed an unfortunate one.

Unless they were strong-minded, they would break down slowly and go mad.

Insane beastkin would spend the rest of their life in an isolation center called ‘The Widow’s Tower’.

Although, it was said that just bonding physically with one’s mate was enough to not make them go insane.

My chastity was a little value to me, as I was continuously exploited as a sex slave. But I still couldn’t bring myself to do it for the sake of this woman. I solely wanted to make love with Michika.

“Then, Cedric…”

Minnea got up from the couch and came approaching me.

Her smile was… an unpleasant smile with confidence in it.

“Don’t you feel your body getting hot when you’re with me?”

Minnea dropped her clothes to the floor, exposing her naked body right in front of me.

Large breasts, small waist, plump buttocks. Her body was indeed the body that men like.

And right now, Minnea was leaning coquettishly against me, stark naked…

Chapter 26 - Conversation Between a Son and His Tentative Mate [⅔] (Cedric)

“Don’t touch me.”

I tried to push Minnea away from me…

But my movements became sluggish and my body felt numb. Was it the effect of herbs that I smelled from earlier? I could tell from this feeling… that it was a mixture of aphrodisiacs as well.

Normally, the drugs would stop my body from moving, but after being tested on various drugs during my time as a slave, I wasn’t very affected by drugs. I guess that was partly because I was a dragon as well.

The drugs should wear off on their own if I left it be. Still, it would be unbearable if I wore a submission collar while my movements were still this sluggish.

I drained the impurities in my body with magic without Minea noticing, putting myself in a state where I could move at any time. Then, I watched her every single move.

“You can’t move, aren’t you?”

Minnea said, leaning against my chest. I could smell her thick perfume and felt her soft body. It felt disgusting and filthy.

“You’ll know that I’m your mate once we become one…”

“Are you sure that you are my mate…?”

“I am sure of it.”

Minnea whispered and  placed her hands on my shirt. She slowly unbuttoned it with her slender fingers.

“Even if you are, isn’t it one-sided without my consent? Do you really think that would make me love you?”

“If we make love, you’ll be infested in me. You will definitely fall for me.”

Relaxing in front of me, Minea touched my chest.

And I did not stop her.

Because I was certain of one thing.

There was no way that Michika, who was a professional in this field, didn’t notice this smell that I myself had noticed.

Michika would surely come to this room to see what was going on.

If I wasn’t mistaken, Michika seemed to be jealous of this woman.

The thought that Michika might be stifling her feelings for me made my heart quiver with delight. I wondered if Michika would be more jealous if she saw me being ‘assaulted’ by this woman. I wanted to see it.

“Accept me, Cedric…”

That woman’s tongue crawled over my chest. If Michika didn’t show up, and it looked like she was going to finish me off, I would definitely resist. I didn’t care if I was her mate or not, I just didn’t want to be hers.

Like humans, dragonkin souls weren’t bound to their mate.

Therefore, even if I had been born as a pair with this woman, I would not be attracted to her. I was free to fall in love with someone else, and I chose Michika.

It was a pity if I really was her mate.

However, I had no intention of showing mercy at all.

“C-Ced!”

I heard a jumbled footsteps as Michika burst into the room.

She had her mouth wrapped in a fabric to prevent herself from inhaling the drugs. As I thought, Michika realized what the smell was.

The moment Michika looked at me and Minnea, she showed a wry face as if she was bearing the pain.

“Mother-in-law. Me and Cedric are having some fun right now. You can see that, can’t you?”

Minnea turned to Michika, looking annoyed. I observed Michika’s reaction with an… expectant gaze.

“This smell, it’s a mixture of lemon grass and southern grass, right? They have a strong paralyzing effect and work as aphrodisiacs. I can’t believe you’re trying to take away his freedom and assault him. Are you sure you’re Ced’s mate?”

Michika glared at Minnea. Her obsidian eyes were burning with fury.

“He is my mate! I can do whatever with him, he’s mine!”

Minea asserted, the corner of her mouth turning up to a vile smile. This woman really was similar to ‘Master’, wasn’t she?

She made me recall of those seven years I had lived as a slave. What a disgusting woman.

This woman was probably lying about her being my mate.

And yet, it might also be the truth from the way she sincerely thought of me as her ‘thing’.

I was glad that I was a dragonkin and not a beastkin, who had my soul bound to my mate.

I didn’t have to be tied down for the rest of my life by this woman who reminded me so much of my ‘Master’.

I looked over at Michika and saw her shaking.

Not with fear, but with a burning anger at Minnea.

“Don’t treat Ced… like an object. Never ever do that!”

Minnea flinched slightly from Michika’s intense shout.

I had never seen Michika so angry in all the years we had been together.

“I will not approve your relationship with Ced even if you are his mate! I won’t let anyone treat Ced like an object!”

Michika pushed Minnea hard, trying to move her away from me. However, it was difficult for the petite Michika to overpower a beastkin, as Minnea did not falter.

“I don’t need your approval, do I?!”

Minnea yelled back, extending her sharp claws and tried to leap on Michika.

“Michika!”

I hurriedly grabbed Minnea’s hair and pulled her down to the ground.

T/N

I am in a rough circumstances for the past couple days, not doing so good mentally even rn. So I apologize for the late update :c

Chapter 27 - The Conversation Between a Son and His Tentative Mate [3/3] (Cedric)

“You!”

Minnea, who had been knocked down to the ground, looked up to me with surprise. Even Michika had the same look as her. Then, Michika, who was still shaken, came close to me and checked my body with her hands.

“Ced, are you okay? Lemongrass is supposed to paralyze you for a few hours if you inhale it long enough…”

“I’m fine, Michika. I was exposed to a lot of drugs when I was a slave, so the drugs wear off quickly.”

I replied, but Michika lowered her eyebrows, looking somber. She must be imagining the situation I was in to be making that face. I liked her, who was so kind so like this. I held Michika’s small body as gently as I could.

“Are you worried about me?”

“I am, Ced…”

“I am happy that Michika is angry for my sake.”

“That is a given.”

I was delighted with everything that Michika gave to me. If I only she could give her heart to me, I would have nothing more to say.

“Are you jealous…?”

I gathered up my courage and asked her straight. My heart was beating like the ringing of our mansion’s alarm.

If Michika laughed it off, I’d be so upset that I would turn into a hermit.

I waited for Michika’s reply, feeling anxious deep inside.

“Uh…”

However, Michika didn’t laugh. She was looking up at me with a surprised look, turning bright red on the part that didn’t get covered by the fabric. I didn’t even need to guess from her reaction…

“C-ced. I…”

“Please answer me.”

I whispered and gave a peck on her forehead, cheeks, and the tip of her nose. I took advantage of the fact that the fabric was covering her mouth to do the same to her lips. When I repeated this over and over again, Michika got flustered and her face turned even redder.

Michika was so cute that I thought to get her on the bed before she said something about her being my mother and so on.

At that moment, I felt someone grabbing my arm strongly.

“Enough of this nonsense! Why are you ignoring me!”

"Oh, just you… I didn’t know you were still here.”

Minnea clung to my arm and stared at me with a desperate look on her face. I only gave her a disgusted look. I wanted to have a talk with Michika, so could she just hurry up and leave?

“Cedric! I am your mate!”

“I may be your mate. But I hate you. I dislike your rotten attitude, and I also don’t feel attracted to your appearance. I hate the fact that you think you can control people at will. I don’t feel my soul is bound to you, and I doubt it ever will.”

My emotions got the better of me as I threw those words at Minea.

If she had been more thoughtful, I would have gone a little easy on her.

But there should be no mercy for a woman who was willing to snatch people’s free will and do as she pleased.

“I will never love you.”

“What?!”

Minnea widened her eyes. I could see that they were rapidly losing their lights.

“Then, what… should I do?”

“I don’t know. You can just-”

Go crazy and die.

I swallowed those words. Michika’s obsidian eyes were staring at me.

“Are you telling me to live on and slowly being insane? That’s impossible!”

Minnea seemed to have figured out what I was about to say and screamed like a maniac, before grabbing onto me frantically.

“No! I don’t want to go mad! Cedric, you have to love me!”

Minea clung to me in desperation, just like a drowning person trying to grab on something.

Seeing that, I took a deep sigh.

If a beastkin could have a physical connection with their mate, even just once… they would live with a severe sense of loss and emptiness, but wouldn’t be driven crazy by the grief of not being with their mate.

It was either going crazy with the grief… or you can live with the loss. Both seemed like the same hell to me.

I was a sex slave, and my chastity was practically non-existent.

It was possible for me to make love with this woman once to let her live, without involving my feelings.

Although, I didn’t want to do it just because it was possible.

But at this rate, I didn’t know how many times she would try to barge into the mansion and cause trouble for Michika. Maybe I needed to make a compromise, making her promise to not get involved in our lives in exchange for sex. I didn’t want to do it in this mansion, so I would probably do it in the shade of the trees around there.

Even though I only wanted to do it with Michika… I didn’t know that I would eventually do it with this woman.

“Insane…?”

Michika gazed at me curiously. I was raised to emulate beastkin, but Michika didn’t know much about them.

“Beastkin will generally go insane if they don’t have an encounter with their mate and bond with each other.”

“Huh…? Are you okay then, Ced?”

“I’m fine. I am not able to sense my mate and be affected by it. It wouldn’t make me go crazy.”

"I see. I’m glad.”

Michika said in relief, as I stroked Michika’s head again and again.

“Then, what should we do with this girl?”

Michika threw a glance at Minnea, who was still clinging to my arm like a claw. It wasn’t something that I wanted to talk about in front of the woman I love, but,

“If I make love with her just once, we can stop Minnea from going crazy.”

“Ced…”

Michika frowned, looking displeased as she heard my words.

T/N

Thank you so much for the encouraging words both in replies and my inbox ^^ I read them all, and honestly I don’t know how to respond without being emotional.

I am feeling much better, except for the fact that I was sick yesterday xc

I also want to thank all of my patrons, they all so amazing and with their support, I am actually able to pay half of my tuition and getting myself a private room (I shared a room with my sister :c)

Chapter 28 - Transmigrator Michika was Enraged

“Ced, think about what you just said! Don’t say that so easily!”

I couldn’t help harshly retorted towards Cedric. Hearing that, Cedric tilted his head, looking puzzled.

“But it is just sleeping together for once?”

Why… did this boy thinking of giving himself away so willingly?

Well, I knew why.

While Cedric despised sexual acts, he saw it as an effective way to make do at the same time. That was why he tried to give himself away to me on the first night at the mansion.

“But, Michika. If we leave Minnea like this, she will cause even more trouble.”

Cedric lowered his eyebrows, looking troubled. He then pushed Minnea away, who was still clinging to his arm, in an attempt to get rid of her. As Minnea unwilling to let go, Ced looked even more troubled.

I let out a small sigh as I watched the scene.

He didn’t want to cause me any more trouble, so he went with the option of giving up his body to Minnea. It was definitely the simplest and most effective way.

But… I wished Cedric didn’t treat himself like an object and see himself as something precious instead.

“Michika…”

Cedric stared at me with the expression of a child who had been left behind by his parents.

His lips were tightly pressed together, looking as if he was about to cry.

“Only do that kind of thing when you are willing to, preferably with someone you love. Do you know why I’m telling you this?”

I gently reached out to him and touched his pale cheeks. Caressing his scales with my fingertips, Cedric rubbed his cheek against my hands. Then he gazed at me as if asking for help.

I thought I had healed his past, but I didn’t even notice his distorted sense of value. It made me feel ashamed of myself.

“Michika… I…”

Cedric’s voice was shaky. I let out a wry smile and wiped the tears coming from the edges of his eyes.

“How would you feel if someone tried to sleep with me in order to help you?”

“I’d hate it!”

His answer was surprisingly quick. He pushed Minnea off of him and threw her to the ground, then held me in his embrace tightly. He held me so tight that I felt like I was suffocating.

I took a glance at Minea and perhaps she bumped her head, as she held her head in agony.

I didn’t think she would be able to get up for a while.

“I wouldn’t want Cedric to do that either… please cherish yourself more.”

“Michika…”

I patted Cedric’s back as he sniffled. His back trembled violently as if he was trying to hold back his tears.

“I will only do it with someone I love. Like Michika, I will only do it with someone precious.”

He hugged me even tighter and whispered in my ear.  I could feel the warmth in his voice. For some reason, his serious tone made my chest tighten up.

He asked me if I was jealous earlier. Cedric seemed to be getting more natural at this.

Ced… would one day do it with the girl that he loved.

The pain in my chest became worse and worse the more I thought about it. I was afraid of finding out what the pain was, so I left it buried down and tried not to think about it.

“So, what should we do about Minnea?”

Cedric blurted as he looked at Minea, who was still lying on the ground.

I only had one way to deal with Minnea…

“It’s not a very pleasant method, but…”

“Not a pleasant method?”

Hearing my words, Cedric tilted his head.

“I know a witch who can make a potion that will break the bond with mate”

“Huh?! Breaking the bond with mate?!”

Minnea who was still down on the floor turned to me, looking about to cry.

I felt sorry for her, since she was an unfortunate one. But that didn’t mean I would offer my son to her.

“They say if you drink it, your attachment to your mate will disappear completely, just like a human being.”

That definitely sounded great.

They would be freed from the existence of the ‘mate’ and be able to fall in love with anyone.

“However, Beastkin is a race that fundamentally attached to their mate. It will be as painful as having your limbs cut off and burned. There are times that the soul is bearing too much pain, that the aftereffects still remains.”

I remembered that woman said with a bewitching laugh.

The Witch of the Night Forest told me when she made the potion in front of me, that beastkin showed strong resistance of breaking their bonds even when they weren’t bound to their ‘mate’.

The Witch of the Night Forest was one of my clients. She was a talented witch who would take on confidential requests from the royal family. She showed a strong interest in me since I could deliver rare materials in large quantities.

However, since she was a money-oriented person, she would probably charge enough to buy several houses. In that sense, it was not a potion that could be used casually.

I wouldn’t tell Cedric that, though, because it might sadden him.

“No, wait. I don’t want that…”

Minnea shook his head violently. But I couldn’t offer her any other options.

“I’m afraid you have limited options…”

I said, looking at Minnea.

A/N

I’ll finish the story related to Cedric’s mate in the next chapter (*ノω・*)

Chapter 29 - Transmigrator Michika and Her Feelings

Minnea was shaking. However, it was hard for me to make any more compromises.

“First, let’s go to the Witch in the Night Forest. She can get us the potion.”

“I- I haven’t agreed to that!”

“I’ll have to drag you to the authority then. I don’t want any more trouble.”

“Authority? That's…”

“You used illicit drugs despite not having permission to do so. Maybe you’ll stay in prison for a few years.”

I didn’t know how she got them, but she used drugs that were only allowed to be used by special professions such as chemists. The reason why the drugs didn’t work on Minnea herself was probably because she took prophylactic.

She must have gotten help from some chemists…

Minnea’s cat ears flopped down, she was gazing at me just like a lost child.

Her eyes traveled back and forth between me and Cedric, before finally stopping at Cedric.

“Are you sure, Cedric? You still don’t know anything about me yet-”

“I will only love Michika.”

Cedric said, cutting off Minnea’s imploring gaze and tone.

That phrase was a bit ambiguous… just what should I do to correct this mommy’s boy…?

Tears fell down from Minnea’s eyes, and yet she still nodded.

* * *

“Oh my? Welcome, Michika. I’ve been waiting for you.”

The Witch said, as we came to visit to the Witch’s house in the Night Forest, about an hour away from the mansion.

She greeted us warmly as if she knew we were coming. She had always been like that. She could sense everything with her mysterious power.

Also, I didn’t know her name. Hence I called her ‘Ms. Witch’.

Ms. Witch was an immensely beautiful woman with an unfathomable atmosphere. Her waist-length black hair was beautiful, and her dark eyes looked just like the coagulated darkness of the night.

I didn’t hate this person, but I was a little afraid of her unknown nature.

“Good day, Ms. Witch. I take it that you’ve guessed most of it, haven’t you?”

“I do. You need a potion to break the connection with a mate, huh”

Ms. Witch said, staring at Minnea.

The vigor that she had when she just came to the mansion had disappeared, as Minnea was following us quietly. Her face looked grim, but she looked as if she was already prepared for it.

“What a poor girl. Your soul is only one-sidedly connected. But don’t worry, okay? I’ll make it easy for you.”

Ms. Witch approached Minnea and offered her a cup of strong-smelling liquid.

“It’s a calming potion. It’s in the house, so take it and wait.”

From the smell, I’d say it was lamia grass. Lamia grass certainly had a powerful sedative effect.

Minnea sniffed the cup and frowned at the strong smell. However, she still drank it in small sips.

“So, about the price…”

Witch was now approaching us. I would rather talk about this in another room, as I was afraid Cedric might feel guilty.

“How about ten of his scales?”

Ms. Witch pointed at Cedric. And Cedric, who was suddenly getting pointed at, looked at Ms. Witch with a surprised face. Didn’t know what she was going on about, I stared at Ms. Witch with a puzzled look.

Cedric’s scales?

Those scales that often scattered in the room as they shed and were a little annoying to clean?

They hurt so bad when I prick my feet on them, that Ced often told me not to walk barefoot. But, I was a Japanese…

“He is a dra-”

“I’ll give as many as you want! They’ll grow again, so I’ll give you not ten, but twenty!”

“Fufu. I am happy.”

Cedric quickly interrupted as Ms. Witch’s was about to say something.

Wondering what it was about, I got a bit curious…

But, Cedric blatantly averted his gaze when I looked at him. Oh, so he was going to keep it a secret from his mother? I felt sad.

“Come to the other room so I can apply the anesthetic and remove your scales.”

Ms. Witch said, beckoning Cedric to move to another room.

Leaving me alone with Minnea.

“…”

It was awkward, to be honest.

I took a glance at Minea, who seemed to be much calmer thanks to the sedative.

She took the last sip of her drink and let out a deep breath.

“How lucky you are…”

A tiny murmur escaped from Minnea’s lips.

As I turned to my side, my gaze was intertwining with her teary eyes, making me feel somewhat uneasy.

“How lucky you are to be loved by Cedric.”

“Well, that’s… because I’m his foster mother….”

I replied to Minnea with a wry smile. Cedric certainly looked at me as a son…

“Is that what you really think? He seems to be in love with you, and see you as a woman.”

Minnea said with somber look, as tears coming out from her eyes…

And I couldn’t say anything.

Ced loved me in ‘that way’?

“No, it can’t be.”

I should have said that and laugh it off.

Yet, I couldn’t laugh at Minnea’s words.

Chapter 30 - Transmigrator Michika and Her Doubts

“Wow, I got a lot. Thanks, Cedric.

“You peeled off thirty scales, Ms. Witch, not twenty.”

Ms. Witch, who was looking satisfied, and Cedric, who was looking sullen, finally returned from the back room. The vial in Ms. Witch’s hand was full of glittering scales of Cedric, while Cedric’s left arm was wrapped in a bandage.

She really did take a lot of Ced’s scales. But, his wounds and scales would heal and grow back quickly, so I was pretty sure he would be fine. I could rest assured since the procedure was done by a Witch who was one of the best in the business.

“Well, since I’ve received my pay, I’ll take care of this girl now.”

Ms. Witch gently pulled Minnea’s hand. Minnea looked as if she wanted to say something to me, but she only let out a small sigh and raised from her seat as Ms. Witch tugged on her arm.

“Do you have any last words?”

Ms. Witch whispered to Minnea.

‘Last’.

I could see Minnea’s shoulders trembled at that word, and yet, she still gazed at Cedric straight, before opening her lips with a determined expression.

“Bye, Cedric. I’ll see you at the guild.”

“Yeah…”

Cedric had an awkward expression on his face upon hearing Minnea’s words. Seeing Cedric like that, Minea lowered her cat ears and smiled wryly.

“I did use an extreme method to keep you, but I really am in love with you from the bottom of my heart. Still, I wasn’t and ever will be accepted as your partner. When I thought I couldn’t have you, I just didn’t know what to do…”

Minnea glanced at me and then back at Cedric.

“Please be happy with your beloved one…”

Minnea uttered with an unfettered smile, and with a flick of her cat’s tail, she and Ms. Witch disappeared behind the door.

Beloved one…

My heart leaped at Minnea’s words.

“Do you really think so? He seems to love you and see you as a woman.”

The words Minnea said to me earlier suddenly came to mind.

That would be unsettling if that was true…

It wasn’t that I had a problem with Cedric. Cedric was a kind and gentle boy, he was very attractive, and he also made enough money to support himself. I had no complaints about him, and I wasn’t ashamed to call him my son.

He was… my precious ‘son’.

I took a glance at Cedric, and he smiled gently as he noticed me. He then came over and hugged me tightly.

“Michika. I’m sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused you.”

“No, you’re not causing any at all.”

Our skins were touching, and it felt hot. I felt somewhat embarrassed from the sensation and buried my face in his chest, which had become so muscular. He hugged me even tighter and stroked my back with his big hands.

“Let’s go home, Michika. There’s no point in staying here any longer.”

He whispered in a low voice, making my body tremble.

Right, Ced was a ‘man’. His touch, His voice. I realized this too abruptly that I didn’t know what to do.

I could feel my face heated up as I couldn’t move away from Cedric’s chest with my face buried in it. Ced cupped my cheek and gently turned my face up to him.

This exquisite beauty peered at me with concern, before smiling joyfully after staring at my face for a while.

“Michika, your face is bright red. How cute… are you that shy to be held by me?”

He whispered sweetly, kissing the tip of my nose and cheeks. My heart almost melted from his touch, but I quickly held onto my ground.

“Ced… stop doing that. We are a mother and child!’”

I said in a shaky voice, gently pushing on his chest. But his large body wouldn’t budge.

No, no, no. The bell of common sense kept ringing in my head. Don’t be conscious of him. Don’t fall in love with him.

I didn’t want to fall in love with someone just to be betrayed again.

Cedric might change the moment I fell for him…  just like Yuki-kun,

I was afraid, and I couldn’t help it.

He told me that he loved me every day, and made me fall deeper for him.

Then he betrayed me so cruelly, that I couldn’t even believe it.

If something like that happened again, I would surely be broken.

Minnea was certainly wrong about Cedric liking me.

Also, I thought of Cedric as my ‘son’.

So, that must be it.

But if not, what was I supposed to do…?

T/N

I love how the first thing in her mind is she doesn’t want to be hurt again by falling in love, not that it is immoral to love her own son.  (¬‿¬ )

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