Chapter 018: Mother and Son

“Just… what?”
Duke Green smiled slightly, a look of satisfaction appearing on his face. “It’s just that, given how smart my son is, he’s probably already prepared some contingency plans. I guess he’s afraid I won’t stand up for him, so he’s even prepared to leverage the power of the Holy Church…”
Daniel frowned and thought for a moment before saying, “Although I don’t know what value Young Master Du Fan has to make the Holy Church take an interest in him, it seems unlikely that Archbishop Anthony would go to such lengths just for him, given his personality.”
“No, you’re wrong about that, Daniel,” Duke Green shook his head slowly. “In my opinion, the Holy Church has even more reason to intervene this time. After all, Du Fan has done them a huge favor. Given Anthony’s nature, he definitely won’t let this debt go unpaid. Moreover, since Du Fan was able to cause such significant losses to Roland Academy in the Northlands, the Holy Church sees him as someone they must win over at all costs. So, no matter what their motives are, they will intervene. Even if they don’t act, we can stir things up behind the scenes to force them to…”
Daniel nodded slightly, hesitating for a moment before saying, “But… wouldn’t that put Young Master Du Fan in a very dangerous position?”
Duke Green frowned and sighed deeply, rubbing his temples. “If possible, I wouldn’t want that either. But I can’t sacrifice the interests of my family completely just for him…”
“But…” Daniel shook his head slightly. “Young Master…”
Duke Green glanced at Daniel and said, “If you have something to say, just say it.”
Daniel sighed. “My lord, Young Master Du Fan is still young. Although his actions this time were impulsive, it was inevitable under those circumstances. Anyway…”
Duke Green shook his head helplessly. “Enough, Daniel. You don’t need to say more. I understand what you mean. If possible, I will definitely stand up for him this time. After all, he’s my son. Do you think I don’t love him? But right now, the situation in the capital is chaotic. Even I must consider the bigger picture. As for his matters, they can wait. Once things settle down… will we still not be able to resolve them? This time, it’s as if I’m failing him…”
“But…”

“Enough, stop talking,” the Duke of Green’s expression became resolute. “Send more skilled men to guard him. Under no circumstances may anything go wrong. As for the investigation, it can wait. Everything is pressing down on me right now—both sides are waiting for my reply. But this kind of thing… enough. Draw another 500 men from my guards to take turns protecting Du Fan. I don’t believe anyone in the capital would dare touch my son right under my nose!”
With that, the Duke of Green slammed his fist on the desk, determination flashing in his eyes!
…
Leaving the duke’s study and heading toward the backyard where his mother lived, Du Fan suddenly felt a strange sensation. This heartfelt conversation with his father had been successful, though his father hadn’t said much. Yet Du Fan could tell that he still meant a lot to him… it’s just that he didn’t show it…
Anyway, at least he was sure that no matter how troublesome things got, his father would stand by his side!
As he thought this, he had already reached the entrance to the small courtyard where his mother lived. From afar, he saw that the courtyard gate had been opened somehow. His mother was standing at the gate, gazing into the distance. Only when she saw Du Fan approaching did a smile appear on her face.
Du Fan felt moved. He still felt very close to his mother. His memories from childhood were clear, and she had always cared for him deeply. He didn’t feel any resistance toward her at all.
Seeing her at the gate, Du Fan quickened his pace. When he reached her, he quickly knelt down, took her hands, and said softly, “I’m back… Mother!”
The duchess nodded slowly. She stroked Du Fan’s head and suddenly smiled gently, saying, “It’s good that you’re back… It’s good that you’re back. Your elder brothers aren’t here, and you were away for so long. I was quite bored at home. Now that you’re back, I don’t have to worry anymore.”
Though her words sounded teasing, Du Fan knew that his mother had indeed missed him. He was moved but didn’t know what to say for a moment.

The Duchess glanced at Du Fan and smiled faintly, saying, “Alright, don’t overthink it. Tell me what happened during this trip… And…” At this point, the Duchess sized Du Fan up from head to toe. “It seems my son has grown even stronger after not seeing each other for some time. It looks like you’ve already broken through level five. If your father knew, he would be very happy… Although your elder brothers are highly talented, at your age, did they ever have your abilities?”
Du Fan chuckled and said, “Mother, you’re joking. How could I compare to my two brothers? They are talents of the family, while I’m just an unremarkable priest…”
Hearing Du Fan’s words, the Duchess’s eyes darkened. Coming from an aristocratic family, she had long seen through certain things. She felt both sighful and sad at Du Fan’s words showing his true feelings. After a moment, she sighed softly and said, “My son has truly grown up again!”
Du Fan smiled and said, “When have I ever stopped growing? But then again, though I keep growing, Mother remains young. Maybe in a few years, when we’re on the street together, people will think you’re my sister!”
The Duchess couldn’t help but laugh and tapped Du Fan’s forehead with her finger, saying, “You little rascal! It seems you’ve gone astray, even starting to tease your mother.”
Du Fan blushed but didn’t dare retort.
The mother and son then talked about their feelings since parting. Having not seen his mother for months and recalling the many life-threatening situations he had faced, Du Fan cherished her even more. He quickly told her some strange things he had seen during his journey, making her laugh nonstop.
Before long, it was already time for lunch. Worried that his mother might be starving, Du Fan patted his stomach and said with an awkward smile, “Mother, I’ve been back since early morning but haven’t eaten anything yet.”
Only then did the Duchess seem to remember something. “I forgot. It’s been months since we last saw each other, and I was too busy talking. It should be time to eat in the main hall now.”
With that, the Duchess took Du Fan’s hand and headed toward the main hall. Normally, the Duchess preferred solitude and didn’t like to go there, but this time, due to Du Fan’s arrival, she made an exception.
After lunch, the mother and son talked for a while in the courtyard.

Compared to the hardships of the past few months, spending afternoons drinking black tea in the courtyard was indeed a pleasure. The mother and son chatting and laughing together also brought their own kind of enjoyment. After spending another half day with his mother, as dusk fell and a cool breeze arose, Du Fan worried that the Duchess might catch a chill. Smiling, he said, “Mother, time really flies. In the blink of an eye, it’s already dinner time. It’s rare that Father is at home today, so we can have a family meal together.” The Duchess nodded slightly but then sighed and said, “It’s a pity your elder brother and second brother aren’t here…” Du Fan smiled and replied, “Mother, please don’t worry. Both brothers are doing well. It’s just that they have their duties and can’t come back. Otherwise, I’ll escort Mother to the north to see them in a while.” The Duchess smiled gently and said, “Let’s go when we have time. I’ve never been to the north in my life anyway.” After saying that, the mother and son exchanged smiles. During dinner, Duke Green also appeared rarely, and the three of them had a wonderful meal together. Even the usually cold Duke Green showed a kind expression when with his son and wife. After dinner, they chatted for a while more until night fell, when Du Fan returned to his own courtyard. His courtyard was located in a secluded area. Although it had been built less than a year ago, the various plants he had ordered to be planted in the garden had already blossomed, neatly pruned, clearly taken care of by someone. Upon entering his room, he found it spotless, and his belongings were in order. It seemed that no servant dared to mess around in his space even in his absence. Several carriages were already parked in the backyard, but without Du Fan’s orders, no one dared touch anything on them. Du Fan knew this must be Old Mark’s instruction. After checking around the room to ensure no servants were nearby, he cast a silence magic circle in the courtyard before slowly walking over to one of the carriages.