I’ll Be The Matriarch in This Life [Novel] Chapter 281

The tiny baby, who had been brought over in Avinox’s arms, familiarly sought out Larane’s embrace.

"Wow, he's a spitting image of his dad,"

I muttered unconsciously as I looked at Rick.

"It's like you're holding a miniature Avinox."

At my words, Larane's eyes curved gently as she smiled.

"Right? At first, I thought he took after me because of his eye color, but as the days go by, he looks more and more like Lord Avinox."

Just as Larane said, Rick had deep blue eyes.

It was fascinating.

To think that Larane and Avinox had met and had a child who resembled them both.

The two people I had watched since their teenage years suddenly looked like true adults.

But my impression upon first seeing Rick ended right there.

"So cute!"

"He's so tiny!"

My reaction was entirely different from the twins who were making a massive fuss beside me.

Mine was a rather nonchalant response, stopping strictly at: Oh, he looks like his mom and dad.

I just figured it was because I didn't usually have much of an affinity for little kids.

I was absolutely sure that was it.

But Rick, who had been solely focused on Larane's hair just a moment ago, discovered me.

His bright, clear eyes, full of curiosity, blinked at me a few times.

"Kyaa!"

He flapped his short little arms.

He even beamed at me, his small red mouth, still devoid of teeth, looking like a little baby bird.

"So cute…!"

"Oh my!"

Larane spoke in surprise as I stood completely dazed by Rick's smiling attack.

"He's been so shy around strangers lately. It's amazing that he likes you so much when this is his first time seeing you, Tia!"

"I-Is that so?"

@though
Do little kids instinctively recognize their own blood relatives?
@end

My heart pounded as Rick stared intently at me with his clear, lake-like eyes.

"Do you want to try holding him?"

"N-No! I don't think that's a good idea."

As I frantically waved both my hands in refusal, Larane smiled as if she understood.

It was then.

"Keugh!"

With a small cough, the clear milk Rick spat up trickled down Larane's beautiful dress.

"Ah!"

He threw up!

"I-Is he sick?"

"Is it because there are too many people here? Shouldn't he get some cool fresh air?"

The twins, who were just as panicked as I was, paced restlessly.

"It's fine. Babies are like this sometimes. But I should go change my clothes."

"I will assist you, Lady Larane."

"Would you, Lord Avinox?"

The bride and groom, who had just gotten married today, looked at each other and smiled affectionately.

"Hmm, then Rick…"

Larane, who seemed to ponder for a moment, suddenly held Rick out.

Right into the arms of Perez, who had been blankly staring at the baby in sheer fascination.

"I'll be right back, Your Majesty. Please take care of Rick for just a moment."

With those words, Larane quickly hurried away with Avinox.

"Uh… Perez?"

"…"

Perez didn't answer.

He was frozen stiff in the exact position Larane had left him in after handing over Rick.

"Are you okay?"

"…Yeah."

It definitely didn't seem like it.

However, even in Perez's arms, which had stiffened up like a stone statue, Rick looked remarkably comfortable.

No, beyond just being comfortable, it seemed he actually really liked Perez.

"Abubu!"

Babbling incomprehensibly, Rick's small hand grabbed a tight fistful of Perez's clothes.

And then.

"Awoo."

He buried his chubby face, which looked just like a pure white steamed bun, snugly into that sturdy chest.

As if he were getting sleepy, he squeezed his eyes shut and even affectionately rubbed his face against him.

"Hah, so cute."

Let's see, what kind of things would Rick need?

I was busy making a mental list of gifts to buy for Rick when it happened.

I saw Perez carefully patting Rick's back.

His hand, which covered a back so incredibly small that just watching it breathe was admirable, looked exceptionally large.

He hesitated for the first pat or two, but soon Perez was gently soothing Rick with surprisingly familiar motions.

"Oong."

I could see Rick's eyelids growing heavier.

Those eyes, deep and blue like the sea of Luman, blinked a few times before the long shadow of his eyelashes descended completely.

I watched the two of them without making a single sound.

It was a sight so peaceful that I even became mindful of my own breathing so as not to disturb them.

"It's a much nicer sight than you'd expect, right?"

Larane, who had returned wearing a new dress, spoke in a hushed voice.

"Yes, it is. Even more than I thought…"

A mix of strange emotions was swirling inside me, making it difficult to express it clearly in words.

"It's really nice."

That was the only thing I eventually managed to utter.

"His Majesty will make a good father."

"You think so?"

"Just look at him right now."

At Larane's words, I couldn't help but nod.

His posture while holding Rick had become steady, and although he was still physically stiff, the eyes looking down at the sleeping child were brimming with warmth.

"I'm certain he will."

Larane's tone naturally carried a firm conviction.

"How is the East?"

I asked, and Larane replied with a bright smile.

"It's wonderful. I've become so much healthier since coming here."

Larane's blue eyes sparkled with newfound vitality.

"You've found your home, Larane."

"My home?"

Pondering for a moment, she soon nodded.

"You're right. I think it feels exactly like that. A home. And now…"

Larane looked tenderly at Rick.

"I want to make this land, where Rick will grow up, an even better place."

"So that's the heart you poured into achieving success with the wheat farming."

Truthfully, I had been a bit surprised.

I already knew the cure for the wheat disease that would inevitably spread in the South based on what I saw and heard in my past life.

So, I never doubted its effectiveness.

But cultivating wheat in the East was a completely different beast.

I had sent several Lombardi scholars at Larane's request, but I honestly hadn't expected them to succeed in such a short amount of time.

Smiling proudly as she looked at her son, Larane felt a little different from the delicate person I once knew.

"You've grown strong, Larane."

At my words, Larane's cheeks flushed shyly, just like when she was a child.

Yet, she still nodded firmly.

"Because I have something to protect."

Something to protect.

Just as Larane looked at Rick, my gaze unconsciously gravitated toward Perez.

He was quietly gazing at Rick, who had completely fallen into a deep slumber.

Then suddenly, a soft smile spread across his normally expressionless face.

It was just a small change, a relaxing of his rigid lips, but it was a smile as peaceful as the sleeping child in his arms.

At that moment, as if sensing my gaze, Perez lifted his head.

Our eyes met immediately.

He didn't look away.

It was as if, amidst the countless people coming and going in the bustling banquet hall, only the two of us existed.

How much time passed like that?

Perez smiled.

His eyes curved gently, and his lips drew a beautiful arc.

It was a blooming smile directed solely at me.

Just as Larane succeeded in wheat farming in Luman to protect Rick's future.

I wanted to protect Perez, too.

It was a vow to myself.

It was also a silent promise that no matter what trials came in the future, I would stay by his side and protect him.

So that Perez could always smile just like that.

And before I knew it, a smile resembling his bloomed on my own face.

A sudden premonition struck me.

You, and I.

We would probably remember this exact moment for a very long time.

Even in the distant future, holding your hand tightly and reminiscing about today, we would be laughing together just like this.

We would undoubtedly go through all kinds of hardships together until that day, but it would be okay.

Because people who have something to protect naturally become stronger.

"It's like an angel is sleeping…"

"Shh. Speak quietly, you idiot!"

Unable to hold back any longer, the twins gathered around Perez to get a look at the sleeping Rick.

The sight of three large men surrounding a tiny baby somehow thoroughly amused me.

A long time ago, I had said this to Larane when she was suffering over her forced engagement.

So, I asked her.

"Larane, are you happy now?"

An immediate reply came back.

"Yes, I am happy."

Why does it matter where you started?

The place where your heart is completely filled with joy, that is your home.

"Waaaah!"

The sound of Rick waking up and bursting into tears rang out.

"He always cries like that when he's looking for his mom."

Larane said, shaking her head helplessly, yet still smiling.

Joy radiated from her back as she walked over to comfort Rick.

Thank goodness.

Larane, who had once withered coldly and returned to Lombardi, had traversed back a lifetime to plant her roots here in Luman.

And now, she will live happily in this land where it is warm, the sunlight is brilliant, and affectionate songs can always be heard.

"Shall I try holding Rick for a moment, then?"

Avinox had returned at some point, and most importantly, since his mom, Larane, was right there, I could just ask her to teach me.

I walked over to Perez and my family, who were standing a short distance away.

Because they were my home.

And back to the present.

The season when the cicadas cry loudly.

I smiled brightly as I stepped into the Lombardi Matriarch's office.

"It's been a month since I last saw you, Lord Sershou."