"Demeter…"
"Ah, how many times have I said it, Moran? You can also call me 'mother' like Persephone does."
[Demeter stepped forward with a faint smile.]
[She appeared in a manner similar to teleportation.]
[Suddenly appearing just as you were about to leave makes it hard not to think that she knew of your intention to leave.]
[You are not particularly surprised.]
"You have inherited the divinity of Gaia, the Earth; in this regard, indeed, I can call you 'mother'…"
Moran now existed similarly to the tendrils of the stars.
Although he was nurtured in a human womb, he was also a child born of the Earth.
He had an excellent affinity with the Earth Mother Goddess, Demeter.
It was indeed no problem to call her 'mother.'
"However, I have grown up now.
Dear mother, your love should be given to other children in need. Well, I have been out of my comfort zone for a long time."
Moran had always been politely declining.
There was nothing he could do about Demeter's doting.
He is almost a few thousand years old, yet he allows himself to act like a child, coquettishly appealing to the mother goddess Demeter.
No matter what, he cannot lower his old face.
"You really are a naughty one.
I'm so sad… Moran, I have always regarded you as my child, wanting to hear you call me 'Mommy.' Um… is it too much to ask for this wish to be fulfilled?"
Demeter showed a troubled expression.
When she allowed Moran to interact with Persephone, she was hoping for a harmonious and warm family scene.
However, the development seems to differ from what she imagined.
Persephone has become even more beautiful and radiant than before, but she has also become more independent and strong.
Demeter feels very gratified as a mother.
Yet, there is a hint of loneliness.
"… You know I'm going to leave, so you specially appeared before me like this?"
"Of course, isn't it only natural for a mother to care for her child? Without a mother, there would be no children born; without the nourishment of love, children cannot grow. This is an unchangeable fact for both mortals and gods."
[Demeter showed no hint of hostility]
[From beginning to end, she was filled with a mother's tenderness]
[Even when she approached you, she merely extended her jade hand to comb your hair and tidy your clothes, as if encouraging a child for their upcoming outing to work]
[Those beautiful eyes overflowed with intoxicating maternal love]
[This tenderness is something no tyrant can resist]
[After all, the true strongest force is a woman's love and gentleness]
[No matter how barbaric or unreasonable a person may be, they cannot withstand a mother's strength]
[This feeling is unfamiliar to you]
[The memories of your parents have long blurred in your mind; you only remember that your biological parents in the modern world died due to magical research. The impressions of your parents in your mind have long since faded to vague outlines]
[However, the mother goddess Demeter makes you vaguely remember]
[A hint of sadness arises in your heart]
[Until now, you thought you didn't need this. In fact, you just hadn't felt it for so long that you forgot]
[—How embarrassing]
[Yet, you do not find it unpleasant]
"As the machine goddess, you have indeed become an excellent Earth Mother. It's just a pity that this is not what I need right now. I initially came here with impure intentions… Demeter, your love is too noble and sacred for me."
Moran turned his head and said lightly.
As if feeling that Demeter's brilliance was too dazzling, he didn't want to tarnish this love with his initial thoughts.
"Hehe, Moran, you always say such awkward things.
Humans, humans, humans… Ah, the continuously born new life forms, the human race. I just want you to know.
Meeting you on this planet, to me, you are the illusory and precious ones. Moran, I love you."
[Demeter, as a mother, is very persistent]
[She accepts everything with a gentle attitude, believing that nurturing her child well and making them happy is a mother's joy]
[Since the conversation has reached this point]
[It really can't be helped]
[You confessed your true intentions to Demeter, letting her know your original thoughts and purpose for coming here]
[Wanting to use her beloved Persephone, and to utilize this love to increase your combat power…]
[You made all this clear]
[You prepared yourself to face the wrath of the Earth Mother, believing Demeter had the right to unleash her anger]
[—But what you received was not fury]
[It was a gentle and healing embrace]
"Wanting to go this far at all costs must be for something more important, right? Scarred and battered, ah, what a sad soul… I may not know what you have gone through, but I will listen."
Demeter extended her arms to embrace Moran.
Her tone was devoid of anger.
It was as if she was saying that even if she were annoyed, pushed away, or scorned, she would not easily let go.
As the goddess of healing and life, she could see the scars Moran had endured until now, and thus felt genuine sadness and sorrow.
"… Demeter, aren't you angry?"
"Angry? Not at all, if you mean that I and Persephone were deceived. I believe Moran is a good child. And you just explained this matter to me, didn't you? If you were a bad child, I would certainly scold you harshly, but I know very well that you are not."
Demeter said with great certainty.
If you were truly a villain, there would be no need to leave.
There would be no need to confess.
Moran was left speechless by her words.
"Although I am not as radical as other gods, I have my own persistence. If I cannot even embrace and forgive my child, how can I be considered a qualified mother?
So, I forgive you.
If Persephone were here, she would surely say the same, right? After all, she was truly happy when she was with you. That is not something a child with bad intentions can achieve.
I have seen it all."
[Looking at Demeter's gentle smile]
[You immediately felt as if your fist had struck cotton; the thoughts you held earlier were too clumsy]
[As a mother, she is truly exceptional]
[You were indeed healed by Demeter]