The Revelation

[Ceobe POV]

Finally, I got what I wanted. I successfully passed my mother's trial and she allowed me to join Rudeus and his companions in their journey.

'Yes, I did it. I can now help Rudeus and prevent his horrible fate' I thought to myself as celebrated in my mind.

Then the crew proceed to prepare the ride required to travel towards the next destination.

"Hey, Ceobe. Did you pack up all of your stuffs?" Rudeus said while currently healing my wounds from the trial earlier.

Oh crap, I was too focused on mother's trial that I forgot to prepare the things I need for travelling. I awkwardly look at Rudeus and spoke.

"I haven't packed up yet. So...."

"So, then go get your stuffs. Don't worry, we will wait for you here"

I nodded in compliance to Rudeus' instruction and went back home along with mother following me behind.

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While we were walking together, I took a glance at mother and observed that she looks a bit down. I decided to talk to her and asked.

"[Are you alright, mama? You look sad]"

"[Hm? Ah, no. I'm fine, sweetie]"

She immediately changes her frown into a smile when I asked about her condition. I was not sure how to feel about her reaction, so I moved on and we kept moving to our house.

Once we arrived home, I quickly went to the bed area and collect all of my garments I need.

I made sure to have enough clothes and undergarments I can use for the trip. Mother gave me a knapsack and assisted me on packing my clothes up.

"[Ceobe, I just need to tell you something]"

While we were busy putting my garments in the knapsack, mother talks to me.

"[What is mama?]"

"[I knew that you're about to leave, but there's something that I haven't told you yet. So, listen carefully, sweetie]"

Curious at her words, I ready myself and complied to listen to what she will say.

"[Okay then... What is it, mama?]"

Mother slowly moves her head closer to my ear and gently whispered...

"[Please, take good care of my daughter's body, sweetie]"

Hearing her saying those words, I took a step back and felt shocked by what she said.

"[You knew?]" I nervously asked.

She then calmly nods to my question and gently replied.

"[Yes, I already knew you're not my Ceobe]"

My eyes widen when I heard her answer, I took another step back and asked her again.

"[U-um, since when?]"

"[Since from the start, sweetie]"

I am trembling right now. Not only because she knew that I am not Ceobe, but she already found out since the beginning.

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[Sirius POV]

Oh, poor child, frightened by the revelation that I already knew that she was not the daughter I knew and loved.

I observed that her body was trembling in fear and her eyes was looking away from me, constantly avoiding my gaze.

So, to test her bravery, I calmly walk up towards her direction. When she saw me approaching, she tried to back away from me until she was back into a corner.

Then when she realized that she has nowhere to go, her body shivers even more and she closes her eyes in fear.

Seeing that behavior made me wonder if she was anxious that I found her out or perhaps she was scared of the consequence for acting like my daughter.

Honestly, if I were any mother who realized that their love ones were controlled by someone else and they were afraid of you, I would be disheartened. But I shouldn't be, because this is a child who was scared and confused.

So, to pacify her anxiety, I gently wrap my arms around her and hug her warmly. When I do that to her, she was surprised and confused of my action.

"[U-um... miss Adoldia, what are you...]"

"[Please, sweetie. Keep calling me, mama]"

"[But I am not Ceobe]"

"[Even you're not my daughter, I still consider you as my own child]"

When I told her those words, I heard her whimpering and she hugs me tightly. I continue hugging her and wait for her to calm down.

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After Ceobe calm down, she starts fidgeting her body and looks at me embarrassingly. Seeing her childish behavior made me giggle a little, so I decided to speak to her.

"[So, sweetie, do you have anything to say to me?]"

"[How did you figure out that I am not Ceobe?]"

When I heard her question, I ponder for a while and then honestly replied.

"[You're way too mature and hardworking to be my daughter]"

"[Then what was she like before?]"

"[My Ceobe was a clueless yet curious person. She was also carefree as she wasn't bothered to train and likes to eat random things in the forest]"

Hearing my answer, the young beast girl laughs gently, which is quite charming to hear.

"[So, does that means my name is not Ceobe anymore?]" she asked.

I have thought of this for a long while and I couldn't decide if she would retain my daughter's name. Oh well, I guess my Ceobe wouldn't mind if someone else uses her name.

"[I wouldn't mind if you keep using my daughter's name]"

"[Really?]"

"[Yes, please cherish my daughter's identity for me]"

She nodded at my request and gives me a hug once more. I couldn't help myself to feel attach to child who claims my daughter's body, so I kiss her on her forehead.

"[Alright, I think we have enough hugs already, sweetie. Rudeus and the others were still waiting for you, so keep moving now]" I said as I prompt her to hurry up.

Ceobe complied to my words and she quickly grabs her knapsack and weapons. This includes the spear I gave her, a bunch of knives and an old.... axe.

"[Hold on, sweetie. I have to give you something]" I said while I went to reach for the axe displayed on the wall. I also decided to grab a pouch of seeds on the table and bring both items to Ceobe.

"[Here, sweetie. Take these with you]" I said as I gave the two items.

"[What are these?]" Ceobe asked as she accepts the axe and pouch.

"[The first item is your deceased father's weapon, the Leviathan Axe. It has the ability to freeze anything that the blade touches when imbued with mana.

The second one is a pouch of Yggdrasil seeds. If your spear ever breaks again, plant one of these seeds and use its branches to make another one]"

I briefly explained to Ceobe about the two items and she nodded in understanding. She then put the pouch and the axe in the knapsack.

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When Ceobe was finished packing up, she walks towards the doorway, looks back to me and spoke.

"[I'm off now, mama]"

"[Yeah, take care in your travel, sweetie]"

After we said our farewell, she steps out of the house and heads towards her friends who were waiting for her.

I also walk outside of the house and watch her leave. Seeing my daughter leaving is quite saddening. However, I shouldn't be, because I believe that this symbolizes as her first step of being a warrior.

'Look at her go, honey. Our dear sweet daughter is finally becoming an independent person' I said to myself as if I am talking to my deceased husband.

I went back to the house and walk towards my bedroom. I then push away my bed, revealing a trap door.

I opened the door and pick up a bow and a quiver of mistletoe arrows. After acquiring the bow, I went towards the wall and displayed the weapon.

"[So, are you proud of our daughter,]"

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.

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"[Atreus?]"