The girls of Hera's familia watched the projection of the boy bowing sincerely, and their resentment faded by about seventy to eighty percent.
Of course, they were upset. Even though Meteria was the "World," they had truly been played. Even if they didn't speak it out loud, their hearts still felt uneasy.
What did they need? Just an apology.
They had lived with Meteria long enough to understand her nature. They knew that as the "World," she faced challenges different from theirs, but an apology was still necessary.
Yet, instead of Meteria apologizing, they got one from her son.
"As for Auntie's situation, I actually know the reason. The special talent within Auntie—clearly bestowed by Mother. It seems Mother was contemplating something: how to elevate the human body's innate talent to the level of a god, without stepping beyond what could still be considered human."
"But this talent is like an alternative curse. The 'logic' of this world cannot accept such extraordinary talent remaining human—especially when the traces of its forging can't be erased. The world's 'logic' can't allow divine potential to be trapped in a human vessel."
After a bit of thinking, Bell understood why Mother had acted this way, and that was where his helplessness came from.
"Mother must have been trying to figure out how I could grow better. But she probably didn't realize at the time that my soul couldn't awaken in a body that had been completely forged. That's why she had no choice but to use her own body as a vessel for me to be born."
"Although I carry the title of 'Child of the World,' I don't possess any extraordinary talent. In the end, I'm just a mortal with slightly better adaptability."
Bell didn't belittle himself, nor did he overestimate his abilities. This was simply the level he was at.
His learning ability wasn't exceptional, his talents weren't remarkable, and the only thing he had going for him was his adaptability. Beyond that, there wasn't much to talk about.
"My adventuring career began by relying on the strength of others. Before advancing, I had to abandon all the power I'd accumulated along the way—it was a difficult decision."
"For me, it's only by having the courage to give up everything that I can move forward."
"Ah, I didn't bring up my past to erase what Mother did. I just hope you won't blame her. For that, I'm willing to..."
"Alright, you little brat."
Hera glanced at the projection of the boy. Once, he had been the crying child in the village, but now he was starting to show some responsibility.
From his words, Hera understood that the brat was serious.
"No need for favors. While your favors are certainly valuable, these girls don't want your favors—they want Meteria."
"Mother?"
Bell's mind suddenly flashed to the image of Mother, her back turned, unwilling to face anyone. But since she had allowed this image to be shown, it seemed like she just wasn't willing to admit she was wrong.
It was clear: she didn't want to bow her head.
Was there a reason behind this? Bell couldn't help but ponder the question.
But since it involved Her Majesty, Bell couldn't learn these details without her permission.
"I understand."
"Then, once my challenge is over, I'll personally bring Her Majesty to you. At that point, you can choose your course of action. I swear that Her Majesty won't retaliate afterward."
"I swear it on my name, Bell Cranel."
His words left Hera's familia in a brief silence before erupting into loud laughter.
"You're the one who said it!"
The "Empress's" cruel grin revealed a lot, but it also made Bell uneasy.
"That bold woman... I always thought she had guts. Now that her true identity has come out, I'm not surprised at all."
"Exactly."
Others couldn't help but chime in.
Looking at Bell's confused face on the projection, one of the girls explained.
"You shouldn't be surprised. Your mother was incredibly bold back then. Her usual gentleness was practically a disguise. But if anyone dared take her sweets, she would throw a tantrum like a spoiled child."
"Once, Hera ate your mom's pudding and got lectured for six whole hours. That was the first time I saw Lady Hera look so frustrated."
"Hey! What do you mean by 'look frustrated'? I was just letting Meteria have her way!"
Hearing her child mention that embarrassing moment, Hera couldn't hold back any longer.
She wasn't sulking back then—she had been beaten by logic. Plus, Meteria's angry expression had been terrifying, leaving her completely powerless when reason failed her.
But now, Hera could say with confidence that her frustration wasn't because of logic—it was because Meteria had used special powers.
Yes! Hera was sure that Meteria had used some special privilege!
"Pfft! You stole my pudding and you're still making excuses? What right do you have?"
A sudden complaint made Alfia's eyes sparkle.
Even the "Empress," who had been complaining earlier, now had a faint smile beneath her savage expression. But the next second, her vicious look returned.
"Meteria, listen up! That's my familia, my pudding, so I have every right to eat it too!"
Hera, hearing the voice, immediately threw her head back and shouted at the sky with all her might.
"It's mine! Hmph! Once my son's business is settled, you just wait, Hera."
With that, the voice disappeared.
"Pfft... Ha ha ha!"
After the voice faded, the entire Hera familia's mood shifted. The complaints that had been so evident earlier were now gone from their faces.
Only then did Bell begin to vaguely sense something.
Maybe the reason the Hera familia had been upset was because their Mother wasn't around.