Mothers

-----Yui's POV

I know Kaede cares deeply about me, so I don't blame her for not wanting to follow along with Mai's suggestion. But then again, I did drink her blood from her palm the other day and I still feel okay. Either way, I'll support whatever decision she chooses.

Yui: "So, this person's name is Lilith?"

Kaede: "Yes. She's Selene's mother."

Yui: "Selene?"

Kaede: "Ah right. I don't think Mai went into detail did she. Well. Selene is this body's original owner. When I was reborn during that carriage incident, I took over Selene's body as my own."

Woah. So there's two Kaede's? But I've only seen the Kaede who I know and love, so that just leaves me with even more questions.

Yui: "So, do you have like multiple personalities because of it?"

Kaede: "No... well- I don't know yet. All I know is that when I'm around Lilith, I can remember Selene's memories. Almost like I'm reliving them in a way. So it might not be different personalities, but more like Selene and I are merging?"

Yui: "I see."

Mai: "That's what I believe as well. Why else would Kaede let her sleep on her lap like this."

She makes a fair point. Back in our old world, I was the one that usually offered lap pillows and stuff, and when it did go the other way, Kaede would always be embarrassed with it, especially in school. So seeing her give one this easily was a bit surprising.

Kaede: "I guess now we both have 2 different names, hehe."

Yui: "Hmm? Oh yeah~ I guess so."

It took me a second to figure it out, but it's slightly different in my case. Back on the topic of Selene though. If her memories are coming back slowly, then wouldn't that mean that Kaede will slowly get replaced by her body's original owner, Selene?

Yui: "Hey. When you said that you and Selene's memories are merging, then would that mean she would slowly replace you?"

Mai: "I wouldn't worry too much about that, Yui."

Kaede: "Mhmm. I still feel like my regular self. Actually in a way, I think Selene's memories have helped me find my normal self once again. Like back in our old world."

Now that she mentions it, I do feel like she's becoming more and more like the Kaede I knew back home. With my worries dealt with, I find myself smiling as I rest my head on her shoulder, gently tightening my arms around her from behind.

Yui: "I'm glad."

Mai: "Hah~"

In the corner of my eyes, I could see Mai collapsing herself on top of our bed, burying her face into the sheets.

Yui: "Tired?"

Mai: "Pfft! I don't get tired. I'm just exhausted."

Yui: "Isn't that the same thing?"

Mai: "Hey, it's draining having to watch someone for days on end. But finally, now I can relax~"

She buries herself more into the bed as if it's her own. I don't mind though since it doesn't look like we'll be using it at the moment.

Olivia: "Hello?"

The door to our room open slowly with Olivia peeking her head inside.

Yui: "Morning. We just woke up."

Kaede: "You can come in."

Olivia: "Phew."

She opens the door fully before making her way inside.

Olivia: "Is that. That lady you were going to talk to back at those tents?"

Kaede: "Yes. Mai brought her here to rest, so be sure to keep your voice down."

Olivia: "Oh- sorry."

In contrast to Olivia, I guess we were keeping quiet somewhat, but I only realized it until Olivia had started talking. Thankfully, looking over Kaede's shoulder, Lilith still looked to be sleeping soundly. it was then that I took notice of that hideous scar across her face.

Yui: "Hey, Kaede. You think you can heal that scar?"

Kaede: "Hmm? Oh, on Lilith? I don't know. In a way, I feel that it's wrong to heal it. It's something that Selene gave her. Maybe she sees the scar as some kind of memento."

Yui: "Ah~ Mmm, I get it."

Olivia: "What's going on?"

Kaede: "Basically, Selene is her lost daughter."

Olivia: "Ohhh~"

I felt happy knowing that Kaede didn't share all the details like she did with me. But I guess it's not something important to know anyways.

Olivia: "Shouldn't you move her onto the bed."

Kaede: "Well, I was thinking about something like that... But now Mai has made herself comfortable."

Mai: "Lilith had her chance. I'm not moving~"

Mai's voice could just barely be heard through the bedsheets, muffling her voice.

Kaede: "It's fine. I was going to stay like this until she wakes up anyways."

Olivia: "Then would you guys want breakfast? Fleur's about to make some so I can bring it up here if you like."

Kaede: "Yes please. Oh, but could Fleur come up as well? I'd like to explain the current situation with her."

Olivia: "Sure. I'll be back shortly then~"

She walks out the door, leaving it open as the warm light from the hallway floods the room.

Yui: "I thought you didn't like food?"

Kaede: "I figured Lilith would want some when she wakes up."

Yui: "Ah~ Good thinking."

Mai: "Mmmm. She hasn't eaten anything for about 15 hours."

Seems as though Mai has joined back in the conversation, tilting her head to the side so that her voice is no longer muffled.

Yui: "Actually, how about you?"

Kaede: "Hmm? Oh. I'm good for now."

Yui: "Hmmm, okay."

As much as I want to stay like this with Kaede, my legs are beginning to cramp up by being in this position. Feeling that my body desperately wants to stretch, I gently peck Kaede on the cheek before standing back up, stretching my arms and legs in the process. Kaede herself, remained seated with Mell resting on her side.

Yui: "I'll go help Olivia."

Kaede: "Okay."

Seeing Kaede like this, with Mell to her side and Lilith on her lap, it really is a sight to witness. I almost want to stay here a bit longer to enjoy that sight. But with one final look, I leave the room with a smile on my face. Entering the hallway, I notice Sicily and Lillian's door was still shut. I suppose I can wake them when breakfast is finished.

Making my way downstairs, I could see Olivia coming to the counter, picking up some plates that Fleur had given her.

Fleur: "Oh- Good morning~"

Yui: "Morning."

Fleur: "Olivia said that Kaede wants me up there?"

Yui: "Yes. I'll let Kaede explain though."

Fleur: "I see. Well breakfast is done, so we can head up to the room now if you like."

Yui: "Sure. Oh, and I think Sicily and Lillian are still asleep."

Fleur: "We'll let them sleep then. Alright, let's go~"

I was a bit worried whether there would be adventurers to deal with, but seems as though no one has entered the guild yet.

We make our way back into the room, but immediately I noticed something was different. Lilith was now awake, rubbing her eyes as she gets off of Kaede's lap.

Fleur: "Oh~ Who's this?"

Kaede: "She's-"

Lilith: "Huh!? Selene?"

Fleur: "Selene?"

Oh god... The instant Lilith recognized Kaede, she immediately became alert, as if she wasn't just sleeping mere moments ago.

Kaede: "Selene is me."

Fleur: "Huh?"

Kaede: "I guess this will take a bit to explain."

Lilith: "Oh, no no. I can explain. Selene is my daughter."

Fleur: "Huh?!"

Fleur now looked to be irritated by Lilith's words as her happy expression turned bitter.

Kaede: "Yes! But Selene was- ah~"

Kaede having noticed the change in Fleur's attitude was now panicking.

Kaede: "Okay! Selene is the girl who I took over when I came to this world. That is why Lilith called me Selene since this is technically Selene's body. But I'm still Kaede."

Fleur: "...Huh?"

Mai: "Alright~ I can explain this a lot better. Selene died at a young age, and when I found a suitable soul to put inside Selene's body, I brought Kaede's soul in hopes to revive Selene. But in turn, Kaede took ownership, with Selene lying dormant inside her body."

Fleur: "O-kay~ I think I understand now."

Lilith: "Yes. Sorry for confusing you- uhm."

Fleur: "Fleur Ilaria. I'm Kaede's mother."

I hadn't thought about it, but this might be a little awkward, right? Glancing over at Kaede again, she also looked to be worried, darting her gaze between Fleur and Lilith.

Lilith: "Mother?"

Fleur: "Yes. I took her in as my own when she was only little."

Mai: "Ohooo~"

Mai looks to be enjoying it as she watches from the bed. I can see why, this is quite a unique situation we're in.

Kaede: "Lilith is Selene's mother. Fleur is Kaede's mother."

Fleur: "Yeah, let's go with that-"

Olivia: "Uhm~"

I totally forgot about Olivia. She must've wanted to stay clear from the conversation until it was over. I don't blame her.

Fleur: "Oh right. We brought you guys breakfast."

I proceed to hand over a small plate of food to Mell, who gently took it from my hands while Fleur hands Lilith a plate of food. I gesture to Olivia to come sit by at the table with me to eat our food as I look over towards Kaede. The table looks to only hold 4 people, but my worries would be futile as Lilith took the third seat, and Kaede and Mell taking the last with Mell sitting on Kaede's lap.

Fleur: "Alright~ I have to hurry and finish setting up, But I hope you guys enjoy~"

Kaede: "Thanks mom!"

Yui: "Thank you Fleur!"

Lilith: "Thank you so much."

With a smile, Fleur leaves us to enjoy our food as the smell and sight of it is as delectable as last time, serving to remind me that I am still in fact, human.