Chapter 2: The Nostalgic Homeland
I died protecting my comrades, only to wake up reincarnated.
How many times have I muttered that to myself? But ten years have already passed since then—a stretch of time that feels both endless and fleeting.
I never once left Fia-Mama’s—er, Mom’s—side. Under her fierce, almost smothering overprotection, I grew up healthy and strong.
“…Thing is, I look exactly like my old self.”
Staring into the mirror, I saw the face I’d known from my past life.
Sure, it was younger, but my features were practically identical to the me from before this reincarnation.
“Well, could be worse, I guess.”
As I studied my reflection, a familiar voice—one I’d heard every day for the past decade—rang out.
“Towa~! Breakfast’s ready~!”
“Coming!”
It was Mom, of course.
Her call pulled me to the living room, where the mouthwatering aroma of breakfast greeted me. And there she was, Mom, her timeless beauty shining as she smiled at me.
“Morning, Towa.”
“Morning, Mom.”
I returned her greeting, and she threw her arms wide open.
With a wry smile—here we go again—and a touch of embarrassment, I stepped forward and let myself sink into her embrace.
“Hehe♪ Nothing makes me happier than seeing my precious son full of energy.”
“…I’m happy too, Mom.”
“Hah! That’s my boy!”
Okay, I’m not a baby anymore, so this is honestly kinda embarrassing. As a reincarnator, I couldn’t help but feel a little guilty diving into a beautiful woman’s arms just because I’m a kid.
Still, my body’s young, and hugging Mom after all these years? It’s weirdly calming.
Not that that’s the only reason…
There was this one time I refused a hug, thinking I was too old for it. Totally reasonable, right?
But the look of utter despair on Mom’s face? Yeah, after that, I couldn’t bring myself to say no, no matter how awkward it felt.
“Alright, I’d love to stay like this forever, but let’s eat.”
“Yeah.”
We sat down at the table and dug in.
“This is delicious, Mom.”
“Thanks.”
Her face lit up with a grin when I complimented her cooking.
Seeing her smile warmed my heart, like a cozy glow spreading through me. As her son, I couldn’t help but want to do anything to keep her happy.
Ten years, huh…
I kept eating, my mind drifting back over the past decade.
Not much in the way of big events. No getting tangled up in trouble or dealing with creeps like that Vigal guy. Life with Mom was… peaceful.
Days with Mom have been fun. Real rich, too.
For starters, we moved.
Vigal trashed Mom’s old place, so a few days later, we relocated. And just recently, we settled here in Feldam, the capital of the Astram Kingdom.
We’d been living in quiet, out-of-the-way places before, but Mom decided to move to the bustling capital so I could live comfortably as a human. Even though she’s a vampire, she chose this place because it’s lively and full of people.
“I want you to thrive, Towa. Plus, being around you has taught me how to deal with humans,” she’d said with a smile, looking every bit the mother.
“Something up?”
“Huh? Oh, nothing… Just thinking you’re as gorgeous as ever today, Mom.”
“…Teasing your mother first thing in the morning? Knock it off.”
I’d thrown that out to dodge my thoughts, but Mom couldn’t hide the goofy grin creeping across her face.
I wasn’t trying to flirt, okay? I’m her son, she’s my mom, and even if we’re not blood-related, anything beyond that is a hard no in my book!
“Uh, Mom! I wanna go out together again today!”
“Hm? Oh, sure thing. Let’s hit the town, then.”
Gotta clear that weird vibe fast…
After breakfast, as promised, Mom and I headed out into the capital—a place that felt both nostalgic and fresh.
“Come on, hold my hand so we don’t get separated.”
“Got it.”
I gripped her outstretched hand, matching her pace as we walked.
Man, this place is as lively as ever.
The capital’s streets were bursting with people, a chaotic sprawl filling my vision.
It’s the most populated spot in this world, a hub where travelers and traders flock in droves.
“Hey, Lynestol! Out on a date with your son again?”
“Date, huh? I’d say that’s a stretch.”
“Come on! You two look so close, what else could it be?”
“Heh, fair enough. Hey, shopkeep, have something good ready for us next time.”
“You got it! Come back soon!”
With Mom’s stunning looks, it didn’t take long for her to become the talk of the town. She used to scowl at the whispers and stares, but her refined, approachable charm won over the locals in no time.
“You’ve gotten pretty chummy with everyone lately, huh, Mom?”
“Yeah… Surprises me too. Probably helps that they don’t suspect I’m anything but human.”
She said that, but I’m sure it’s more than that.
Her beauty outshines even noble ladies, her figure’s enough to turn heads, and her soft-spoken demeanor? It’d be weirder if people didn’t notice her.
Still… this place feels so nostalgic.
Feldam, the capital. A new home for Mom.
But for me? This was my hometown in my second life. Being here now felt like a homecoming.
Born here, raised here, where it all began.
As I walked hand-in-hand with Mom, a massive structure caught my eye, and I stopped—the royal castle, home to the kingdom’s rulers.
Arios and Lilina… Sounds like they’re doing alright.
Ten years was long enough to piece together what happened after I died.
By the time I reincarnated as a baby, a decade had passed since my death. My old comrades, Arios the Hero and Princess Lilina, were doing well. Arios became king after slaying the Demon King, and Lilina stood by his side as his queen.
“Something about the castle, Towa?”
“…Just thinking it’s huge. Probably not a place we’ll ever get involved with, though.”
“With my power, sneaking in would be child’s play. But with a kid like you in tow, it might be tricky.”
“You’re not saying it’s impossible…?”
“Of course not. You think the Hero, the princess, or a bunch of castle guards could take me?”
“…”
She’s probably joking, right?
But knowing Mom, I got the unsettling feeling she could take them all on and win. Wait, no, I shouldn’t be reassured by that!
“If you did that, we’d be wanted criminals facing execution…”
“Hah! Too true!”
She let out a low, villainous chuckle, flashing her pointed fangs. I’d seen them plenty of times, since I let her feed on my blood regularly, but paired with that wild grin, they gave off a chilling vibe.
I tore my gaze from her and looked back at the castle.
Arios and Lilina are there, sure, but the capital’s also home to them—Lilith the succubus and Selen the elf.
…No way I can just go see them.
I never told them I reincarnated in my last life, and there’s no record of anyone reincarnating like I have. Even if I’m absolutely Towa, there’s no way they’d believe me.
Besides, I’m just a kid now, and they’re national heroes. I might catch a glimpse from afar, but actually talking to them? No chance.
“Still, shopping while enjoying a walk with my darling son? These are the best days.”
“Haha…”
Mom was in such a great mood, she used magic to float all our bags in the air. Then, before I knew it, she scooped me up into a princess carry.
“Whoa, Mom!?”
“You’ve gotten heavy… Well, you are ten now.”
“Can you put me down!?”
“Nope. We’re heading home like this. Let’s show everyone just how close we are.”
“…”
Once Mom’s like this, there’s no stopping her. I let out a small sigh.
I’m ten, so I’m not that small, but to a vampire like Mom, carrying me is a breeze.
“…”
The stares from passersby were too much, and I buried my face in embarrassment.
Even with my long string of memories, I’m just a kid in front of Mom. How long will this body keep dragging me around like this?
“Hm?”
Mom stopped suddenly.
Curious, I followed her gaze. Two burly guys were facing off, arguing loudly.
“You bumped into me, jerk!”
“Huh? You slammed into me, moron!”
From their gear, they looked like adventurers having a spat. No knights were around to intervene, so the crowd kept their distance to avoid getting caught up.
“No choice… Guess I’ll shut them up.”
Without so much as a warm-up, Mom cast a spell. A crimson, blood-like orb materialized in the air and dropped right onto the guys’ heads.
“Guh…!”
“Agh…!”
Despite its rough appearance, the impact sounded soft. The two collapsed with pathetic yelps.
“What the!?”
“Hey, you okay!?”
Their buddies rushed over to check on them.
Still princess-carrying me, Mom strolled past the commotion like it was nothing. Some of the guys stopped helping their friends to gawk at her, but she didn’t spare them a glance, striding off with confidence.
“Nice moves.”
“Child’s play. Plus, the crowd was getting annoyed, so I did them a favor.”
Yeah, fair enough, I thought with a wry smile, letting it go.
After we got home and had lunch, I headed to the backyard to practice magic.
In a world of swords and sorcery, it’d be a waste not to use the magic flowing through me. Plus, casting spells is just plain fun.
“Phew, that’s enough for today.”
I dispersed the magic gathered in my palm, calling it a day for training.
My routine hasn’t changed much—spending time with Mom is a constant, but I also carve out moments like this to practice magic.
“I’m picking up magic way faster than last time… That’s a big help.”
My ability to absorb new skills is leagues ahead of my past life, but the real game-changer is having Mom by my side. She’s not just a mother—she’s a master of both magic and swordplay, the perfect teacher and role model.
“Vampire Queen…”
Living with Mom, I’ve learned a lot about her too.
The title “Vampire Queen” is reserved for female vampires with exceptional power. Mom claims she couldn’t care less about it, but she’s undeniably a force to be reckoned with. Having been by her side all this time, I’m convinced she’s on par with my old comrades from my last life.
“Thinking about it, Mom’s kinda terrifying.”
Those massive black wings, those piercing crimson eyes, that sinister scythe swinging through the air… Just imagining it sends a shiver down my spine.
If I keep dwelling on that, I’ll catch a cold from all this nervous sweat. Time to wash it off.
“I’m back~!”
Back home, I found Mom in the living room, knitting away.
She’d been searching for “mom things” to do and stumbled into knitting, getting totally hooked. Humming by the window, her knitting needles clicking away, she had this refined, almost noble air—mixed with that badass edge. Honestly, Mom’s a straight-up handsome beauty.
“Done with magic practice already?”
“Yeah, I’m good for today. Sweated a ton, so I’m hitting the shower.”
Nothing beats a shower after working up a sweat.
From my last reincarnation, I knew this world’s tech is pretty advanced. For a guy used to modern Japan, that’s a lifesaver.
And it’s all thanks to Mom.
This house we bought when we moved to the capital, the furniture, even the top-grade magic stone powering everything—Mom funded it all by selling off her stash of gems.
Magic stones are like the key to an all-electric lifestyle. The higher quality they are, the more power and durability they’ve got. The difference between having one and not is night and day.
“Alright, I’m off.”
I headed for the bathroom.
In the changing room, I was about to close the door when Mom strolled in, cool as a cucumber, like she had every right to be there.
“Mom?”
“Heh, don’t mind me.”
Her fangs gleamed as she flashed a grin.
In one fluid motion, she stripped off her clothes, then mine, and marched us into the bathroom. What the heck!?
Illustrations“Mom!?”
“Don’t mind.”
“I do mind!!”
“Don’t mind.”
“I—”
“Don’t mind.”
…Fine, I give up.
My clothes were already off, and so were hers. Nothing to do but go with the flow.
“Feels good, huh?”
“Yeah…”
Resigned to my fate, I let her take over.
She started by scrubbing my back, now working on my front—every inch of me, with those gentle, caring hands.
“Taking a bath with my son? Nothing beats it.”
“…Sure.”
She sounded genuinely disappointed that I’d been dodging shared baths lately, saying it’s embarrassing. Please, just let it go, Mom…
No escape this time, so I just endured. But I had a feeling this wouldn’t end with her just washing me.
“Alright, you’re done. Now, how about helping me out?”
“…Sure.”
She handed me a soapy cloth, and I started washing her.
…Man, what a view.
There it was—Mom’s bare body.
Flawless white skin, no blemishes, full curves, a perfect waist, and… well, a nicely shaped rear. Taking it all in calmly like this, her figure’s just unreal.
“Come on, don’t skimp on the chest.”
Empty your mind. Be zen. I told myself, carefully washing her soft, heavy chest with as much gentleness as I could muster.
“Mmm… That feels nice, Towa.”
“…”
I shut off my brain.
We finished the mutual washing and slipped into the tub together. The warmth seeped into my core, loosening my cheeks into a goofy grin. Mom was the same, her face practically melting with bliss.
“Hey, Towa.”
“Hm?”
“We should do this regularly. Honestly, if we don’t, I might lose it.”
“I’m ten, Mom…”
“Doesn’t matter how old you are—you’re my son! I want to be with you all the time, bathe together, sleep together!”
She rattled off her demands like a kid throwing a tantrum, squeezing me tight, refusing to let go.
“Ahh… Hugging my son like this? Pure heaven.”
“Mmph…!”
My face was smushed into her… assets. Water splashed as I flailed, trapped in her grip. No escaping this one.
This is what happens every time we bathe together.
After five minutes of letting Mom have her way, she finally released me.
“S-sorry, Towa… I got carried away with joy.”
“No need to apologize.”
I could never admit it, but as a guy, I wasn’t exactly complaining…
At my words, Mom let out a relieved sigh, scooping up water to pour over her shoulders.
“Feels so good…”
“Yeah.”
But seriously, I’m lucky.
A nice house to rest in, delicious meals every day, relaxing baths—all things I never had in my past life. And above all, a mother’s love I never knew before.
It’s all because I met Mom.
“Hey, Mom?”
“Mmm?”
“I’m glad… you’re my mom.”
Saying thanks isn’t hard for me.
But embarrassment? Doesn’t matter your age or how many reincarnations you’ve been through—it never gets easier. I flashed her my best smile, but the heat of it got to me, and I tried to bolt from the bathroom. Mom caught me instantly.
“You always know exactly what to say to make me happy.”
“…”
“I’m so glad you’re my son… I love you, Towa.”
And just like that, I was trapped in her embrace again.
But we couldn’t stay like that forever—overheating’s a real risk—so we got out soon after.
Dressed in fresh clothes, I decided to head out again. Sure, I’d taken a bath to wash off the sweat, but it wasn’t even evening yet. The urge to explore was too strong.
“Alright, time for some adventuring.”
Going out with Mom is great, but I like wandering on my own too. Without her around, the stares drop off big time, and when they do come, it’s from folks we’ve gotten friendly with.
“Twenty years, huh…”
It hit me again how much time had passed.
I wanted to explore every nook and cranny, but going too far and getting caught in trouble would worry Mom.
“…What’s that?”
As I walked, things got noisy up ahead.
Another adventurer brawl? Nope, didn’t seem like it.
“She’s gorgeous every time I see her!”
“Otherworldly beauty… Straight-up bewitching.”
“Seeing them keeps me going for days!”
“You’re so basic… but yeah, I get it!”
“What’s the commotion?”
“Lilith-sama and Selen-sama are out shopping!”
Those two names snapped me to attention.
“Lilith… and Selen?”
The crowd was because of them?
People were gathering in a small plaza just ahead. Drawn like a moth to a flame, I moved forward, forgetting to even breathe.
“…Ah.”
There they were, two stunning women walking through the crowd’s adoring gazes.
Their beauty captivated everyone, young and old, and they looked exactly like I remembered.
“…Haven’t changed a bit.”
Lilith the succubus, Selen the high elf.
Being non-human, their lifespans are long, and twenty years hadn’t touched their appearances one bit.
Like everyone else, I was mesmerized, but the joy of seeing them again—even from a distance—outweighed everything else.
“Lilith’s a special instructor at the Magic Academy, right? And Selen’s the deputy director of the Magic Research Institute.”
I inched closer, thinking maybe I could get a better look, but the crowd swelled, making it impossible.
Two breathtaking women, heroes who saved the world—even if I got close, the noise would probably drown out any attempt to talk.
“And… what would I even say?”
That I’m Towa? That I died protecting everyone and reincarnated in this world ten years ago?
“Whoa, they’re really here!”
“So beautiful…”
Lost in thought, I didn’t react when someone bumped me from behind. I stumbled, a sharp pain shooting through my knee as I hit the ground. This crowd’s getting dangerous. Reluctantly, I left the plaza behind.
Once the commotion faded, I let out a heavy sigh.
“It’s lonely, not being able to talk to them… but seeing they’re okay? That’s enough.”
I’m a dead man, after all.
Sure, I’ve reincarnated, but that’s not something this world acknowledges. Even if I shouted, “I’m reborn!” no one would believe me. More likely, they’d think I’m nuts.
“And…”
It’d hurt to be shunned as some crazy kid.
“Ugh… Life’s not fair.”
Sighing, I looked up and realized where I was.
“Whoa… I wandered this far?”
A few more steps, and I’d be in the noble district. Commoners don’t get sliced up for wandering in, but I vaguely recalled knights roughly escorting people out.
“The noble district, huh…”
Unlike the commoner streets, every building here screamed wealth—ornate, lavish structures that radiated money.
Mom and I have a nice house for the commoner district, but this place? It’s on another level. You can tell at a glance it’s where the rich live.
“…?”
As I stared, a carriage approached from behind. Looked like some noble coming home. I quickly stepped aside to avoid trouble, but the carriage stopped right beside me. A man leaned out.
My eyes widened the moment I saw his face.
“A commoner brat? Beyond this point isn’t for filthy peasants like you.”
His condescending tone was all too familiar. Older, sure, but unmistakable—Gario Mistel. My older brother from my past life, the heir to our baron family.
Back then, I ditched the Mistel name when I left home, cutting all ties. We had zero contact until I died. Never thought I’d run into him again after reincarnating.
“What’s the matter, Lord Gario?” a guard asked.
“It’s a noble’s duty to teach brats reality, isn’t it? And… hm?”
Finally, Gario really looked at me.
For a split second, his eyes widened, then sharpened with disgust.
“Well, well… That face of yours is infuriating.”
“…”
Ignoring the confused guard, Gario stepped out of the carriage. His clothes were fine, but the gaudy, jangling accessories screamed nouveau riche. Totally tacky.
“Seeing a kid like you reminds me of my idiot brother. He had the honor of joining the Hero’s party but died without leaving a single thing for our family.”
“That’s…”
I almost responded but caught myself, clamping my mouth shut.
Luckily, Gario didn’t hear, clicking his tongue as he went on.
“‘Miracle Towa,’ my ass. If he didn’t bring anything to the family, he was trash. And because that garbage blabbed about his circumstances to the royals, we got nothing but a pittance as thanks!”
That’s a bit harsh… or so I thought, but honestly? I didn’t care. Blood or not, his words didn’t touch me.
Realizing yelling at a kid was pointless, Gario clicked his tongue again, climbed back into his carriage, and disappeared into the noble district.
“…Some things never change.”
As the third son, I was never expected to amount to anything. I didn’t show off my power while I was at home, so of course they thought I was worthless. Letters started arriving after I joined the Hero’s party, but I tore them up without reading. Bet they were demands for money.
“You guys never loved me as family. Never even cared. No comparison, but right now? I’m genuinely happy.”
Not being looked down on coldly, but gazed at with warmth—that’s what matters.
Suddenly, I missed Mom so much I started jogging home. On the way, I spotted a flower shop and decided to buy her something as a thank-you for everything.
“Hey there, little customer! What’s up?” the shopkeeper asked.
“I want to get flowers for my mom. Got anything good?”
The older lady smiled warmly, picking up a striking red flower.
“This is a Raynorose. It symbolizes familial love.”
“Whoa! That’s a thing?”
I’m clueless about flowers, but it was gorgeous.
“I’ll take it.”
“No need for money, kid. I just want to make a sweet boy’s wish come true.”
“Come on, I gotta pay. It feels wrong otherwise.”
“Well, aren’t you a proper one?” she chuckled.
I handed over the money and took the flower.
“Thanks!”
“Come back with your mom next time!”
“Haha, will do!”
I bowed once more and left.
I didn’t want to run into another Gario or some greedy jerk, but thankfully, I made it home without incident.
“I’m back~!”
“Welcome home, Towa… What’re you hiding?”
“It’s not like I’m hiding it…”
Mom noticed because I had the flower tucked behind my back. I’d bought a gift to show my gratitude, but just handing it over felt too plain—no surprise factor.
“Mom, can you head to the living room?”
“Hm? Sure, alright.”
She tilted her head but went. I followed after a moment.
No need to make a big deal out of it, but momentum’s key. Here goes!
“Mom!”
“Y-yes?”
“Thanks for loving me and being my family.”
I held out the Raynorose.
“I got this at a flower shop on the way back. They said it means familial love, so I thought it’d be perfect for—”
I stopped mid-sentence.
Mom was crying, big tears streaming down her face. Whaaat!?
Sniff!
“Why’re you crying!?”
“How could I not cry!?”
Her usual cool demeanor was gone, replaced by raw emotion.
She threw her arms wide and tackled me into a hug, nuzzling my cheek.
“A gift from my precious son is enough to make me cry, but one with such heartfelt meaning? Of course I’m bawling!”
I hadn’t even handed her the flower yet, but I let her do her thing.
“It’s beautiful… smells wonderful. It’s like your kindness is woven into it.”
Finally, she calmed down, and I gave her the flower. She sniffed it, her face softening dreamily. Seeing her so happy made it all worth it.
“Alright, perfect.”
She set the flower by the window, sat on the sofa, and snapped her fingers.
“Whoa!?”
My body floated, drawn straight to her. She cradled my face against her soft, ample chest, stroking my head gently.
“I always want to hold you like this, but right now? I need it more than ever. Oh, Towa… my beloved son.”
“…”
In moments like this, an angel and devil start bickering in my head.
“Hey! You’re a reincarnator! Even if she’s your mom, stop grinning over a woman’s chest!”
That’s the angel.
“What’s the big deal? Guys are weak for boobs, especially ones spilling out of grown hands! Don’t play goody-goody!”
That’s the devil.
Honestly, I get both sides. But as a guy? I’m team devil all the way.
“Bam!”
“Hahaha! Knew it! Enjoy those non-blood-related busty stepmom assets!”
Okay, “busty stepmom” does sound kinda hot…
But Mom’s excitement wasn’t that kind—it was the emotional high of a vampire, triggered by overwhelming feelings. I could tell because her heartbeat, pressed against my ear, was racing.
“Towa… Sorry. Can I have a sip?”
“Sure.”
Her eyes glowed faintly red, pupils dilating slightly. Eagerly, she showed her fangs, and I slipped my finger into her mouth. A small prick stung.
“Mmn… slurp…”
Bloodsucking is vital for vampires, but it also spikes when they’re emotionally charged—like now.
Fun fact: getting your blood sucked feels really good. Mom says it’s designed so the victim doesn’t writhe in pain. The more the vampire cares for you, the more it turns into pleasure.
“Phew… Thanks for the meal♪”
“My pleasure…”
There should’ve been a bite mark, but my finger was clean, like it never happened.
“Towa.”
“Yeah?”
Mom stood by the window, staring at me. Her crimson eyes, still glowing from the blood, held a strange, captivating pull.
“I can’t live without you anymore. Please… let me stay your mother.”
“Of course. Just don’t go running off on me, okay?”
“Never. I’ll love you forever, Towa.”
She hugged me again, and the angel-devil debate kicked off in my head once more. Whatever—I surrendered to her warmth.
▼▽
“Once a playboy with a reputation… only to be reined in by my best friend. I swore I’d build a harem someday, but now? Just a dad who loves his wife and kids.”
“Not exactly a bad deal, is it?”
On a balcony overlooking the city, two figures stood—the rulers of the Astram Kingdom, King Arios and Queen Lilina.
Twenty years ago, Arios, the Hero, and Lilina, the princess, joined the fight against the Demon King. Their efforts, alongside their comrades, brought his defeat and peace to the world.
Both thirty-eight, they looked far younger than their age.
“The world’s been peaceful since the Demon King fell. But tensions between nations and suspicious moves from demons…” Arios trailed off.
“They’ve been quiet lately, but it’s troubling,” Lilina added.
“Towa used to say conflict never really goes away. I feel that now more than ever.”
At Towa’s name, Lilina’s face clouded.
“Towa… It’s been twenty years since he died. I still dream he’s with us sometimes.”
“Same here. I half-expect him to pop up and sling an arm around me.”
Sensing her sadness, Arios pulled her close. Lilina smiled softly, leaning into him.
“We’ve got it easy compared to Lilith and Selen. Lilith sees hallucinations of him sometimes, and Selen’s obsessed with developing magic to bring him back.”
“Yeah… They’ve had it way harder.”
“It’s harsh to say, but if Bright of Engage hadn’t triggered, it might not have been this bad.”
Bright of Engage—a phenomenon unique to certain demons.
“Lilith and Selen loved Towa.”
“They really did.”
Lilina looked up. “But they’re managing daily life now, at least. Their hearts haven’t fully healed, but seeing them push forward is a relief.”
“They were a wreck after he died. Maybe Towa gave them a little nudge from beyond?”
“I hope so… No, I’m sure he did.”
They shared a laugh.
Many mourned Towa’s loss, lost in grief. But none knew—he’d reincarnated.
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