Stealing a Tree: Part IV

Yuichi's words stunned the woman for a second.

It seemed as if there was truly no feeling of animosity between the two of them.

The tone of his voice confused her, it actually seemed that Yuichi considered her his mother-in-law, there was even a tinge of appreciation buried in his words.

After having imitated Lady Luck's aura and demeanor, Yuichi's acting skills improved wonderfully and probably few people could discover his true intention.

The woman noticed Yuichi's eye movement, as if he was sending her a message with his eyes.

Nol could not notice this little exchange of glances.

Almost imperceptibly, Yuichi's pupils moved from Nol to her, showing compassion, as if he was willing to help her improve their strange relationship.

His friendly, knowing smile seemed genuine, prompting her to act in the same way for the sake of the little Elf standing in front of her.

The woman was truly confused, her blurry face was truly convenient in this kind of situation.

Hmmph!

I don't need your help!, the woman wanted to shout those words but could not, she was not convinced of her own thoughts.

Her stifled chest relaxed a little, her opinion of Yuichi increased favorably, a little.

Although she had lost her strength, her innate talents still served, so she had full confidence in her lie detection skills, from her perspective, Yuichi spoke the truth.

"Hmm... nice to meet you, Yuichi," with some force, she managed to move her lips, forming a "friendly" smile, "I hope you enjoy your time here."

The woman also decided to play along by acting affectionately, although her experience was limited, her knowledge was vast.

"...", Nol was more than dumbfounded, she didn't quite understand the whole situation.

She was prepared for a confrontation, at least a small one.

She knew perfectly well her mother's stubbornness and her unhealthy attachment to her ideals.

To her surprise, the opposite happened, they seemed to get along well, this made her happy, although it aggravated her suspicions.

Had something happened between the two of them?

But... when?

The woman noticed the small satisfied smile on Nol's face.

It was all worth it as long as she was happy... the woman thought.

Yuichi nodded complacently, the woman was impulsive, a bit foolish from his perspective, but she still had salvation.

The woman continued.

"I was kind of curious to meet the person who stole my little Norn's heart," the woman joked as she gestured for them to follow her, though her words seemed meaningless, Yuichi understood them perfectly.

She would never come to terms with this whole "thing", no... she hadn't even begun to come to terms with it all.

Nol just snorted in response without saying much more, avoiding rolling her eyes.

...

..

.

Yuichi and Nol followed her wherever she wanted to take them.

Although the distance should have been short, the journey stretched for thirty minutes and it didn't look like they would reach their destination in short order.

However, this was beneficial.

Yuichi watched with interest the magical formations etched into the dark wooden walls of that long hallway, ignoring the fact that the woman a few feet away from him was trembling because of him.

The woman held the box tightly in her hands, as if she was afraid that the box would escape.

Her life depended on it!

Yuichi remembered that normally a man seeking to improve his relationship with his mother-in-law should give gifts to show his sincerity.

This was very effective and useful advice for Yuichi, considering that his mother-in-law was in a pitiful and helpless state.

What did someone who had lost all her strength want most?

Of course, it was to turn back time and slap her past self for fooling around and creating problems for her future self.

The second most desired thing, was to regain her strength or at least have a glimmer of hope to achieve that.

Nol moved a little closer to Yuichi, close enough for conversation to be heard only by the two of them.

"Yuichi, what did you give her?", her curiosity itched, seeing her mother so anxious or happy was very rare.

Nol had a premonition that it would be little to nothing before her mother would be clutching that box saying: My precious!

Yuichi looked at her and said seriously.

"It's a secret~".

"...", Nol puffed out her cheeks and turned her gaze away, she decided to ignore him.

Hateful... sometimes Nol found him hateful.

Yuichi just smiled wryly.

He couldn't tell her that half of an [Eight Star Resurrection and Rebirth Matrix] was in that little box, could he?

This was the proof Yuichi gave to the fuzzy-figured woman, moreover, it served as a very clear message.

...

..

.

They arrived at the woman's personal quarters.

She had recovered from her astonishment but her hands still trembled from time to time.

Sitting behind her wide desk, searching through the many drawers, she pulled out a silver key.

"Norn... can you bring some wine?" the woman tentatively extended the key to Nol.

Nol gave her a look a flat look: don't even think about it, was its rough translation.

"It's a special occasion, right?", she looked at Yuichi, almost as if asking for help, "Yuichi you're interested, right?".

"Not really," he said sincerely.

"..."

Nol smiled triumphantly.

"I'm a little thirsty, though."

"..."

Nol sighed, looking a little tired.

Yuichi, you should support me, okay?

The last time their mother got drunk, things got really crazy.

With two of them agreeing, how could she refuse?

Besides, her mother truly seemed to need it.

"Just a little," she mumbled, as she disappeared.

When her figure disappeared, Yuichi slowly approached the woman.

Her figure wasn't as blurry as before.

Sitting down in front of her.

Using his hands to support the weight of his chin, he watched the woman's reaction.

The woman looked at him as well, glaring at him.

"Who are you?"