Trying to Call Me Mom

“You’ve done well, Lucia.”

Vivian’s voice carried genuine warmth as she spoke.

“In my absence, you managed Evernight City with discipline and order. I owe you for your hard work.”

Lucia blinked in mild surprise, then lowered her gaze slightly.

Her tone remained calm as ever, though absent of her usual dry humor.

Still, a faint hint of complaint slipped through her even words.

“It was my duty.

However… next time you plan an expedition, could you provide a more precise return date?

Or at least… leave an emergency method of contact?

These ten days have not been easy on my nerves.

If there’s any chance I could request a short leave afterward, that would be ideal.”

Despite her composed demeanor, the Frost Banshee couldn’t help casting a side glance—half weary, half reproachful—at the smirking Luna and at the serene Aria beside her.

Vivian couldn’t stop herself from smiling wryly.

She knew well—this was as close to a “complaint” as Lucia would ever dare get.

“Alright, I promise. I’ll do better next time.”

Vivian’s tone softened, then steadied.

“As for the matters you’ve reported, I’ve taken note of them. I’ll start addressing the key issues as soon as possible.

Now that I’m back, you can finally rest a little. Go get some proper sleep.”

Lucia’s gaze flickered briefly toward the child nestled in Vivian’s arms—Luna, cooing softly—then back to her lord.

After a pause, she bowed slightly.

“Yes, my lady. I’ll take my leave.”

She turned and left quietly.

Her steps, for once, sounded lighter than before.

****

After Lucia departed, Vivian sat down on the plush fur rug, her daughter still nestled in her arms.

The tent glowed with the gentle gold of magical lamps.

Their light painted the room in hues of warmth and rest, where the faint scent of milk and simmered food still lingered in the air.

The fatigue of days spent traveling, hiding, and fighting—

The heart-pounding tension of those last moments in the Radiant Court—

All seemed to melt away in this moment, dissolved by her child’s innocent smile and her tender warmth.

That time under the Holy Light’s glare, every breath had burned like poison.

But it had been worth it.

If enduring all that agony meant ensuring Evernight’s safety—and a world where her daughter would never have to face a force like Lucia again—

Then every wound was worth it.

“Yah-yah-yah-yah~!”

Little Luna squirmed cheerfully in her arms, tiny hands tugging at her mother’s hair one moment and patting her cheeks the next, babbling in a stream of liquid syllables.

Her bright crystal eyes gleamed like starlight, sparkling with curiosity and love as if she had so much to tell her mother at once.

“Alright, alright—Mama knows. Luna missed her mama, didn’t she?”

Vivian’s heart nearly melted at the sight.

How could something so small hold such power over her?

She leaned down, pressing her nose affectionately against Luna’s soft cheek.

The baby let out a string of silvery giggles, laughter light as bells.

“Demon Lord, while you were gone, Little Luna learned so much!” Luna piped up from across the room as she tidied up the dishes, her voice full of pride.

“She crawls so fast now! Head Maid Aria looked away for just a moment, and whoosh—across the rug!”

Aria laughed quietly and nodded, her eyes tender as they rested on the mother and child.

“It’s true, my lady. Lady Luna is lively and remarkably healthy.

She’s even begun forming more sounds—sometimes attempting to mimic our tones when we speak.

She’s still not clear, but it’s very endearing.”

“Is that so? My little Luna’s already that amazing?”

Joy flooded Vivian’s face.

She pressed a kiss to her daughter’s forehead.

“Does that mean she’ll start calling me mama soon?”

“Ma… ma…”

The sound that followed made time freeze.

The syllables were rough, blurred—but unmistakable.

Vivian’s crimson eyes went wide, emotions welling up so strongly they almost spilled over.

“Did you hear that, Aria? Luna? She—she’s trying to call me mama!”

The excitement in her voice shook slightly.

A mixture of disbelief, pride, and pure happiness filled her face as she lifted her daughter closer.

“Yes, my lady! Lady Luna is truly brilliant!”

Aria smiled, her expression glowing with quiet delight.

“Ha! Our little princess is a genius!” Luna chirped, tail swishing in glee.

Laughter rippled through the tent, soft and bright.

Vivian couldn’t help but laugh along, all her burdens briefly dissolving as the warmth of motherhood wrapped around her like a spell.

She picked up a soft doll—Aria’s meticulous handiwork, stuffed with down and stitched with care—and shook it gently in front of Luna.

The baby squealed, flailing her chubby hands in uncoordinated eagerness, trying to catch the toy.

Vivian’s gaze softened completely.

To see her daughter growing, healthy and full of life—

Yes.

Every battle, every moment of fear was worth it for this.

This laughter.

This peace.

This love.

It was what she wanted to protect more than anything.

Yet, all joyous moments pass swiftly.

Perhaps from a long day of play, or simply the comfort of her mother’s arms, Luna’s movements began to slow.

Her little head bobbed weakly, eyelids fluttering shut, murmuring faintly in half-coherent sounds.

“Alright, my little one. Time to sleep.”

Vivian’s voice lowered to a gentle murmur as she patted her daughter’s back softly.

Drawing from her memory, she began to hum—a melody old and soothing, an ancient lullaby once sung among the Demon Clan.

The calming cadence floated through the room, tender and low.

Luna’s breathing soon steadied, her tiny face relaxing into a smile even in sleep.

Vivian carefully handed the child to Aria.

The maid cradled her with practiced gentleness, laying her in the cradle beside the bed.

Vivian watched as Aria tucked the blanket softly around her daughter, her eyes glimmering with affection.

But as she turned away, that look of warmth faded into something graver.

The maternal softness gave way to the steel of responsibility.

The night of tenderness had ended.

The duties of the Demon Lord had begun.

Vivian let out a measured breath and moved toward the stone table at the tent’s center.

A neat stack of parchment waited there—documents Aria and Lucia had compiled in her absence for her review and decision.

“Demon Lord,” said Aria gently, placing a small cup of fragrant awakening tea beside her, “these are the files requiring your attention.

They include the new farmland distribution plan, the preliminary assessment of the crystal mine, and a draft procurement list for the next development phase.

Lord Lucia has already highlighted the main priorities for approval.”

“Alright. Leave them here.”

Vivian accepted the cup, sipping lightly.

The faint bitterness of the tea rolled into subtle sweetness, sharpening her focus.

Her crimson eyes scanned the documents.

One by one, she began to read, posture straightening as she slipped seamlessly back into the role of the Demon Lord of Evernight.

The smile of a mother faded—

Replaced by the resolve of a ruler.

The night outside stretched endlessly dark.

But within the tent, the quiet light of Evernight shone steady and calm.