Chapter 406: When Mom Follows the Shamans to the Hills (2)

The Supreme Beggar’s smile turned rather fierce.

Well, humans were inherently cunning creatures, and being a Supreme Beggar didn’t change the fact that he was still human—capable of all sorts of strange thoughts.

But... was this all his mother amounted to?

Back then, when she scolded him so fiercely—wasn’t she like a towering giant?

But the woman before him now... was just an exceedingly beautiful, young girl.

The emotion that rose faintly as the Supreme Beggar tilted his head—he examined it.

Disappointment.

That’s what it was.

But then he changed his mind.

No, no. That’s not it.

She was already his mother. No matter how petty she seemed now, she was still his mother. The mother he’d wanted so badly.

Something he’d never had. Something he needed. Something he should have had. Something he’d desperately wanted.

So even if this was all he got, so be it.

It didn’t matter if she was lacking now. He could slowly shape her into the ideal mother over time.

If Qing had known what was going through his head, she’d have said, What kind of freak thinks like this?, but because Hyun-gyeong (Profound Realm) was scary, she’d probably mutter it to herself.

But the Supreme Beggar had always been this kind of person.

Maybe it couldn’t be helped—he’d never had proper parenting in the first place.

And at that moment, Qing swallowed hard.

Wait a minute... hadn’t that kid’s gaze just now gotten way more disrespectful—and dangerous?

Surely he wasn’t about to switch classes from “Son-Beggar” to “Degenerate-Beggar,” right?

Qing forced out an awkward, wheezing laugh.

“H-haha. You know, I only said all that for your own good, right? Be sincere, live righteously—because of me, you turned over a new leaf, right? Became Profound Realm? Got younger, became handsome? Wow, triple jackpot—killed the bird, ate the egg, and stole the nest.”

The Supreme Beggar gave her a wide grin.

“That’s right. Although, I must say—I’ve never experienced pain like that before in my life. Even now, when I remember it, my dantian throbs, and the empty eye socket aches.”

“Oh. Still hurts, huh.”

Damn. Should’ve just killed him.

Well, actually, that’s exactly why she let him live.

So that every time his dantian ached and his missing eye stung, he’d remember her.

She’d wanted him to suffer from that incurable, unforgettable pain—tormented by the scar he’d never be able to erase.

But now...

He came back as Profound Realm?

...Still, that’s probably better than him coming for revenge with a blade.

Hopefully this wasn’t revenge in disguise.

“But it was discipline from my mother, was it not? Each time the wounds sting, I reflect on my foolish past.”

“Mm. Right. Got it.”

...I’d regret it too, honestly.

Actually—I do regret it.

That day we fought—when he became all pitiful—I should’ve just killed him.

“There’s no need to be afraid. What kind of mother fears her own child? A true mother, even if it breaks her heart, disciplines her child knowing it will hurt them.”

“R-right?”

“Of course, if you’re not my mother, that would change the story. For a martial artist, losing an eye is no small thing. But because you are my mother, I engraved it into my bones. If you weren’t... you’d just be an enemy.”

A chill ran down Qing’s spine.

Why was he putting so much emphasis on mother and child like that?

This was a threat, wasn’t it? He was threatening her, right?

Who the hell threatens you to become their mother?

Am I the first person in history to be coerced into parenthood?

...Well, no. There were people who got threatened into adopting someone to secure the royal line or whatever.

But Qing didn’t know that.

All she knew was that this was some ridiculous, cursed fate—what the hell was she doing in some far-off land getting roped into this nonsense?

“Mm.”

“Isn’t it nice though? A well-mannered son, who also happens to be a master of Profound Realm. I became a good son because you wanted one. If you wanted a different kind, I’d become that too. I heard you love tormenting villains? Just say the word.”

Qing’s expression hardened immediately.

Being afraid was one thing—but some things were just not okay.

Whether you were adopted, sworn siblings, or even just close friends—you couldn’t use people like that. Treating them like tools to keep or discard?

“What the hell are you even saying? Didn’t you say you wanted to be my son? You think this is a loyal servant recruitment ad? A parent is a parent, and a child should live their own damn life. What, you want to cling to me and be used just ‘cause you’re my kid? That’s not how mothers work. If that’s what you want, forget it and leave. I’ve heard enough insanity for one day.”

The Supreme Beggar’s smile deepened.

And it wasn’t a pleasant expression.

“That’s strange. Didn’t you already tell me to be a good son—that only then you’d show me affection? You wanted a good son, didn’t you?”

“No, not like that. Stop twisting my words. I said if you behaved, I’d greet you nicely when we met again.”

“So if I didn’t behave, you’d hate me. Isn’t that what you meant?”

“Oh, come on. Of course I wouldn’t want to get along with some asshole. Why are we even—ugh.”

Qing’s face twisted into a scowl.

“Fine, let’s say I am your mother. Of course I told you to be good. But you think I did that to get some benefit out of you? I see you’ve been doing lots of good deeds, but didn’t you feel anything doing it? Weren’t there people like that cheeky little brat from earlier? Didn’t it feel good to be liked? Didn’t you think, Hey, I like this person too?”

“...Things like that...”

Suddenly, the Supreme Beggar’s eyes trembled.

Faces flashed through his mind.

Expressions, each different in detail but the same in warmth—people smiling at him, giving him affection, trust, and care.

Yes. It was different.

Nothing like the flattering glances from his days as a tyrant—those were full of fear and greed.

These were... sincere.

He no longer needed to crave affection.

Because he already had it.

“...I see now.”

The Supreme Beggar felt the massive knot in his chest begin to dissolve.

And then—his smile finally looked like a real smile.

Not like some savage blade’s glint, not like the grin of a wolf bared to bite—

But like the clear, innocent grin of a child.

Qing, seeing that, let out a sigh of relief.

...For all of two seconds.

Because the Supreme Beggar’s expression quickly turned mischievous—like a full-blown rascal.

“So this... this is a mother’s love.”

“Eugh.”

“The noble love of a mother who wants her child to grow up well and be loved! I was so foolish. I thought you were small and insignificant, but such worldly things are meaningless! Oh, Mother, ah, Mother! Truly, there is only one in this world. Accept your son’s bow!”

“Why does the conversation keep turning into this?! And you just said I was small—!”

“Come to think of it, a child doesn’t need recognition to be a child. You molded me into a new man. Even if you didn’t give birth to my body, you birthed a new person into the world. That makes me your child.”

“Why do you get to decide that?!”

“I am already your child. I won’t ask for your permission.”

Then he gave her that cheeky grin again.

Qing was so stunned, her mouth just opened and closed like a fish.

What was this? Was he serious?

Just a second ago, he’d been brimming with desperation, obsession, a kind of terrifying resolve to make this happen no matter what.

But now?

He was so lighthearted it was hard to tell if he was joking or not.

It was like he’d shrugged off a massive burden.

“I’ve had one wish since I was a child. Almost everyone in the world has it, and I didn’t—and it gnawed at me. Just once, I wanted to call someone ‘Mom.’ Will you allow it? Actually, even if you don’t—I’ll do it anyway.”

“Then why even ask—”

“Mom.”

Instantly, every inch of Qing’s skin exploded in goosebumps, and from her mouth burst the purest, most unfiltered scream known to man:

“KYAAAAAAACK!!”

If a painter in the Western regions had once envisioned “The Scream,” it would’ve looked exactly like Seo Mun Qing right then.

“Eek! Don’t! Don’t do that!”

“Mom. Mom! Wow, this is amazing! Mom?! I can’t believe this word existed and only those with mothers got to use it. I have so much catching up to do. I haven’t used it in fifty years—I’ll need at least fifty more. Isn’t that right, Mom?”

Then, as if something struck him, he clapped his fist into his palm.

“Of course. ‘Mother’ feels distant and formal, but ‘Mom’—that’s close, warm. It just feels right.”

“No, it doesn’t feel right! It feels awful! Can’t you see I’m getting chills?!”

“Hmph. Too bad. I like it. Mom~? Your son wants to show you something cute~!”

“I’m gonna lose my mind.”

Qing turned her head away.

She was really about to end up with a son. A grown son, older than her. And Mom? What even—

“Mom.”

Goosebumps again. All over.

Nope. She needed backup.

It probably wouldn’t help much, but she shot a desperate look at Gyeon Pohui like a drowning woman grabbing at straws.

“Sniff, it’s so touching. Nephew, you don’t have to be all formal and call me ‘Aunt Ma’am.’ Just ‘Aunt’ is fine.”

“Yes, Aunt.”

“Isn’t honorific speech a bit much, too? When you’ve got a young aunt, you’re supposed to just be casual with them, right?”

“Got it, Aunt.”

Yeah. No help whatsoever.

No help—she's pouring oil on the fire!

“So anyway, Mom. I’ve waited a long time. Can I have a name now?”

“Guhh—c-could you at least call me ‘Mother’ instead?”

“Do you prefer formal titles? Wouldn’t you rather have a son who feels like a friend?”

“I just don’t like having a son. I hate this...”

“Request denied. How could I deny a bond of blood? Still, if Mother wants—I can use honorifics.”

“Let’s just speak casually. If you start adding honorifics too, it’s gonna start feeling real. Ugh, my stomach...”

“Ah, so it feels real with honorifics, huh? But since you hate it, I’ll compromise—half-honorifics, then.”

Qing gritted her teeth and pressed her temples.

And the Supreme Beggar jumped up.

“Wait, what?! Your belly! Mom! You’re pregnant?! When did that happen?! Is that a sibling in there?! I’m getting a sibling?! When?!”

Qing’s eyes flared.

“What the hell did you just say?! That’s from eating, you bastard!”

“There’s no need to be shy. But honestly—how much did you eat to look like that? No one’s belly swells that much just from food. Who eats that mindlessly, that stupidly?!”

“Excuse me?! Did I eat with your money?!”

“Come on, Mom. We’re family now. A sibling! A sibling! What should I do to be a good brother? Or is it a sister? What does the doctor say?”

“For real?! I’m getting another nephew?!”

At this point, Profound Realm or whatever—Qing’s rage was boiling over.

And judging by her instincts, the Supreme Beggar didn’t seem like he’d actually cause harm.

“You little shits are both losing it! GET OUT! BOTH OF YOU! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!!”