Now This Family Belongs to My Mother Chapter 5

Right now, the divine beast of the Blanche family—the Phoenix—was in an extremely weakened state. No one knew why. That’s why, even though Hubert doubted the fake prophet, he had remained silent, wondering if at least the ‘Tears of the Divine Beast’ might be real. It was something he normally wouldn’t do. That just shows how desperate he was.

 

But what if the Phoenix is ill because it’s about to lay an egg?

 

No. How could he trust the words of that child? A girl who was cast out of the family and knows nothing about divine beasts?

 

But if she happens to be right…

 

Epirosa quietly observed Hubert as he wrestled with his inner thoughts. She had done everything imaginable to make Gale the master of the divine beast. Naturally, she had come to know a lot about divine beasts.

 

When the time comes to choose a successor, the divine beast lays an egg to give to the successor. But right now, the Phoenix was alone since Leonoe, the successor, wasn’t by its side. That means the Phoenix will end up laying an empty egg.

 

A bird that lays an empty egg suffers immensely. That was the real reason the Phoenix had grown weak.

 

A short while later, Hubert clenched his fist and turned around. “I’ll show you the divine beast. Come with me to the Blanche estate.”

 

“…”

 

“You may leave after checking on the Phoenix’s condition.”

 

His tone had clearly changed. This isn’t an order but persuasion.

 

Epirosa swallowed a smile and bowed her head. “Understood, Your Excellency.”

 

* * *

It was the underground glass greenhouse of the Grand Duke Blanche’s estate. Inside a large golden cage, a crimson bird slept peacefully.

 

The Phoenix!

 

I shivered as heat washed over my face. It was a completely different sight from the Phoenix that had been lying weakly beside me.

 

The Phoenix could shift its size at will. It was currently a little larger than a full-grown adult. Next to it, a crimson egg was sitting there, glowing faintly.

 

“It really laid an egg,” Hubert murmured.

 

The Phoenix, having laid its egg, appeared calm.

 

“You were right, Epirosa.”

 

Hubert looked at me. His cold eyes stared at me as if I were something fascinating.

 

This wasn’t the first time the Phoenix had laid an egg—When Hubert had been named as the successor, the egg hatched into the Phoenix’s avatar, which helped him until he became its master. Perhaps that’s why Gale spoke up excitedly.

 

“Father, the divine beast lays an egg for its successor, right? The Phoenix must be acknowledging me now!”

 

“Congratulations, Father!”

 

Gale’s son, Nicholas, chimed in with a bright face. Only Stella stared at the egg with a cautious expression.

 

It was then Hubert spoke. “Gale, go inside the cage and bring out the egg.”

 

“Huh?” Gale was visibly flustered. It was because the Phoenix always flared up whenever he approached.

 

Hubert clicked his tongue. “Don’t tell me you’re afraid?”

 

“No! I’ll get it!”

 

Gale carefully stepped into the cage. But the moment he did, the Phoenix’s eyes snapped open. It opened its beak and unleashed a torrent of flames.

 

“U-Uaaah!” Gale screamed and stumbled out of the cage.

 

Hubert shook his head at that. “Pathetic—”

 

But he couldn’t finish his words. It was because in the spot where the flames had passed, the Phoenix’s egg lay shattered into pieces. The egg was completely empty.

 

“T-The divine beast’s egg…!”

 

Gale and Nicholas fell to their knees.

 

Stella quickly tried to salvage the situation. “It looks like the contents of the egg were burned by the flames. Surely, it will lay another egg soon for Father, right?”

 

“No, the egg was empty from the start. Didn’t you listen to Epirosa’s words?” Hubert cut her off.

 

Stella bit her lip in frustration.

 

“How did you know?” Hubert asked.

 

Though he didn’t specify the topic, I knew exactly what he meant. That the Phoenix was in pain because it had laid an empty egg. And more importantly—This was the very piece of information Grand Duke Hubert needed. He wanted to know how I had known.

 

I answered respectfully, “I believed Your Excellency would never fall for the tricks of a fake prophet.”

 

Hubert’s eyes narrowed.

 

“Yet Your Excellency watched in silence because of a faint ‘what if,’ didn’t you?”

 

“A ‘what if’?”

 

“Yes. Because the situation arose where the ‘Tears of Divine Beast’ were absolutely necessary, Your Excellency placed your hopes on it, which is unlike you.”

 

Hubert’s brow rose. “So, from my reaction, you deduced that something was wrong with the Phoenix?” Despite his intrigued tone, his gaze pressured me like an interrogation.

 

I clenched my fists. My nails dug into my palms. “Yes.”

 

“Then how did you know the egg was empty?”

 

“That’s…” After a brief pause, I spoke slowly. “My mother occasionally mutters to herself. Once, she said, ‘The divine beast is in pain because it’s laying an empty egg.’”

 

“Leonoe said that?” Hubert’s eyes widened in shock. He looked puzzled, as if wondering how his crazy daughter knew something he himself didn’t.

 

That’s when Stella interjected. “Couldn’t that have just been a coincidence?”

 

“Whether it’s a coincidence or a lie, we can’t be sure.”

 

Hubert’s response made my chest tighten. He’s suspicious of me. Was this not enough after all? My mouth went dry. But outwardly, I acted as if nothing was wrong. No, to be exact, I even looked at Hubert with sharper, more intelligent eyes.

 

Suddenly, Hubert’s expression softened. “I want to tease you for now.”

 

“A test?”

 

“How about staying at the Blanche estate for a while? Of course, your mother…” Hubert closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them. “will be placed in a better place to get the best care. What do you think?”

 

I knew it instantly. What he said wasn’t a command or persuasion. It was a deal. In exchange for proving my worth by passing his test, he would take care of my mother. But he still didn’t intend to bring her back into the family.

 

I hadn’t expected that much to begin with. Anyway, it’s not a bad deal.

 

It was then.

 

“How about assigning a personal doctor to care for Epirosa’s mother?” Stella stepped forward. “I know a skilled one.”

 

My gaze turned cold. Personal doctor my ass. In my past life, Stella and Gale also assigned one to my mother. But every time I visited, her condition only got worse.

 

Back then, I foolishly believed the doctor’s words that her illness was just too severe. Because I didn’t know anything and I was foolish. It was only after her death that I learned the truth.

 

The personal doctor has always been by her side like a shadow, yet my mom still died. What could that possibly mean? The doctor must have been involved in her death. They must have sent him to make her an easy sacrifice. I would never hand my mother over to such people again.

 

I declined humbly. “If I can take better care of my mom in a place like Blanche estate, I will gladly go. But…”

 

Hubert’s brows rose.

 

“A personal doctor? That would be too much.” I spoke as if I was overwhelmed with gratitude, unsure of how to respond. “I hear hiring personal doctors is very expensive. I couldn’t possibly accept such a favor. Please, just write a recommendation letter so my mom can be admitted to the sanctuary.”

 

The sanctuary. Outwardly, it was a neutral and sacred place. Because of that, neither the imperial family nor the nobility could easily interfere. If she is admitted there, she’ll be safe from Gale’s reach. Additionally, since admission required a recommendation letter, only a small number of people received the devoted care of the priests.

 

Hubert nodded as if the suggestion was quite reasonable. But Stella spoke urgently.

 

“You don’t need to worry about the cost! If it’s money—”

 

“Stella.”

 

Hubert’s voice was stern. Startled by it, Stella looked up at him.

 

“I think the sanctuary is a better option. She won’t attract attention there.”

 

Hubert’s cold words felt like a blade to my heart. Won’t attract attention? Is my mom’s very existence so shameful—when all she’s done is be sick?

 

“I’ll write the recommendation.”

 

Regardless, things went as I wanted. Stella bit her lip as if she was frustrated, but this was a good turn of events.

 

“Your mother will be admitted to the sanctuary today. Once she’s settled in, come to the Blanche estate.”

 

“Thank you, Your Excellency.” I bowed respectfully.

 

Though bitterness clung to my tongue at how he treated my mom—The first step of my plan has succeeded. My mom would be protected in a place where Gale couldn’t reach her. And I would enter the Blanche family. After that—Once I gain enough power within the household, I’ll definitely bring mom back.

 

I swore to it, deep in my heart.