Rich (2)

Before long, I arrived at the study of the head of the household.

I stared at the door intently, focusing my senses.

“….”

A strong presence could be felt beyond the door.

It wasn’t just a simple sensation. I could confidently identify it as the aura derived from magic, originating from life itself.

With this amount of magical power, it must be Evan’s father, Zait Ilane.

I took a moment to compose myself and carefully chose my words.

I wasn’t nervous, just determined not to underestimate him.

After all, he is the head of a noble family and a man with formidable strength as a knight.

I can’t act recklessly due to the difference in status. I need to distinguish between courage and recklessness.

“The relationship doesn’t seem that great.”

Maybe he was worried because it was a special case. If I had confronted him in good condition, he wouldn’t have spared me a glance.

So, I need to be cautious with every action.

*Knock knock*

As I knocked, a solemn voice responded.

Without hesitation, I opened the door and entered.

“Hmm.”

A rather impressive sight awaited me on the other side.

Bookshelves neatly arranged in regular positions.

A few display shelves in the remaining space, adorned with various spirits.

In addition, decorative items, candles, and furniture were also meticulously arranged.

I don’t know. The owner of this room seems overly diligent and clean.

To put it nicely, he seems to have a clean personality, but to put it harshly, he seems like a crazy obsessive-compulsive patient who would be disgusted by a speck of dust.

And I had no intention of saying anything nice.

“He lives in a very tiring way. In many ways, he’s a crazy guy.”

I’m not afraid of demons or find goddesses amusing.

But facing these crazy individuals like this man poses a bit of a challenge.

It’s hard to read their thoughts. You need to know what they’re thinking to deal with them.

Anyway, they are stronger opponents than I thought.

“Isn’t it? Does it matter?”

If I make a mistake, I’ll just pretend to be someone’s dad or something.

It’s not like he’s my real dad anyway.

#

“Evan.”

Although I called out Evan’s name, my hands and eyes were focused on handling documents.

I didn’t give him any attention. The meaning behind this was clear.

How much time had passed?

Suddenly, he stopped his hands and slowly raised his head.

“It’s been a while.”

If someone were to witness this scene, they would never consider it a conversation between rich people.

The cold gaze that seemed to call forth frosty air met mine.

“Yes, father. It’s been a while.”

Evan replied with a slight nod as a sign of acknowledgment.

His dry gesture was perceived as displeasing, causing Zait to furrow his brows for a moment.

“Have you been well?”

“…Yes. The usual routine. But you, on the other hand, seem different.”

A dignified voice. A deep sense of propriety. All infused with magic, creating a formidable presence.

Feeling it from head to toe, Evan couldn’t help but admire it.

The level of 6 stars. Is it really just a stroke of luck that put him in the position of the head of the household, or is it truly remarkable strength?

“I heard about the conflict with Damian. I regret worrying about you so much. I should have scolded you instead.”

“I feel the same way. It’s not too late to punish me now.”

“….”

The gaze they exchanged was far from ordinary.

What made this situation even more uncomfortable was Zait Ilane.

“…Evan is different.”

Normally, Evan couldn’t look his father in the eye.

If their eyes met, he would either avoid it or tremble. But today, Evan exuded an air of confidence that bordered on arrogance.

Look at him now. With a gaze full of arrogance, he stared straight into his father’s eyes without a hint of submission.

“I’m curious.”

What exactly is he so confident about?

What caused the change in that child’s mindset?

It raises questions and curiosity.

Silence lingered.

Zaite cleared his throat once, creating a natural transition.

“It’s not a look of remorse. Do you have any excuses to make?”

“Yes. It was self-defense. Damian attacked me first, and I simply responded.”

“It seems different from what I heard. I was told it was one-sided violence. And looking at your body, the nature of that fight can be easily inferred.”

“…”

“Let me make it clear. You, as the son of a viscount, used a dagger in self-defense. Striking a noble with another noble. How ignorant can one be? You could jeopardize the Laurents family because of your actions. How will you take responsibility for that?”

“I… I guess you wish I had been hurt?”

“…What?

Evan’s somewhat irritable tone and the content of his words, along with his furrowed expression, revealed his animosity.

This was clearly rebellion. He dared to challenge not only his father but also his liege.

“…”

Zaite widened his eyes as if drained of spirit.

For him, his child’s rebellion was a first, so the shock was considerable.

And that shock…

“Hah! So Evan knows how to anger me! He’s finally grown up!”

He felt satisfied. Yes, every man should have a spirit of resistance. This change could be seen as Evan’s first step toward manhood.

“Cough.”

But one must still distinguish between public and private matters.

Zaite cleared his throat again to hide his mistake.

Then, with a sharp voice, he reprimanded Evan.

“What father would wish harm upon his own child? But Evan, you never saw me as your father. Even though I clearly respected you.”

He put extra force into his last words.

“An son who left to isolate himself, only to return after five years and cause trouble. Even after committing such a mistake, your head remains held high.”

“…”

“Take responsibility for your actions.”

After letting out a sigh, Evan casually retorted.

“Aren’t men supposed to fight each other? And I’ve had plenty of grievances so far. Why are you now holding me accountable when you were indifferent before?”

Zaite was moved by Evan’s defiant response.

He held back the tears welling up inside and solemnly spoke.

“Fair point.”

“Let’s just forget about our mistakes and move on. Father, just let it go as you always have.”

Sniff.

It was none other than Zaite who led the conversation with his father. And his confidence in facing anyone.

Such bold courage is what a knight should possess.

Zaite secretly wiped away tears. He never knew his child’s growth would be so moving. He finally felt the worth of raising a child.

“Evan.”

“Yes.”

“You’ve changed a lot. Could it be because of those women?”

“What?”

Zaite subtly revealed his concern.

It was a slightly uneasy topic, but Zaite couldn’t help himself.

He continued boldly.

“Could it be that I hate those women, and that’s why you’re acting out of spite?”

“I don’t understand what you’re talking about. Why are you suddenly bringing up those women who have nothing to do with me?”

“…?”

“They have nothing to do with me, so why would I care? I must have been crazy back then.”

“What…?”

“Anyway, I won’t show such a fierce side in the future. So please don’t look down on me too much.”

Zaite bowed deeply without muttering another word.

He didn’t want to show himself shedding tears.

Struggling to swallow his tears, he lifted his gaze to meet Evan’s eyes again.

“I’m really… proud… I’ve always hoped to witness this scene in my lifetime, and it’s truly becoming a reality. My father is truly beyond compare…”

His vision was blurred by the tears that welled up in his eyes.

Zaite pretended to scratch his eyebrows and stole a glance at Evan. The tears that welled up again were embarrassing.

“…Father?”

Unlike Zaite, Evan felt like he was sitting on thorns at the moment.

During his time as Mayer, there was no relationship between father and son. It had been decades since he last saw his real father.

So, the conversation with his father was truly awkward and uncomfortable.

“Sob…! Hiccup….!”

Is he angry?

Clasping his hands tightly as if blood was about to spill, and gnawing on his lips, it seemed like he was trying to contain his anger.

Taking a deep breath, it seemed like he was more than just angry.

Evan watched the change closely.

‘Could he be losing his temper?’

Did I cross the line?

I also felt unfairly treated and tried to reason a bit, but it seems like I may have crossed the line.

“Hiccup…. Hm…! Well, I understand your intentions.”

“…?”

“…I’ll ask you one more thing out of curiosity. What about your relationship with those women?”

“Well… what can I say… There’s no relationship to speak of. We won’t see each other for the rest of our lives.”

Sniff!

Zaite, unable to control his emotions, suddenly stood up.

Why the sudden outburst?

I thought he was going to draw his sword for a moment, but Zaite just turned his back without any other movement.

‘What the hell.’

His shoulders intermittently trembling. How much anger did he have to endure to contain it like that?

Evan prepared himself for an incoming attack.

“I-I want to be alone!”

That was the moment.

Zaite snapped, ordering Evan to leave with a sharp tone.

“What?”

“You want to be alone! Just go!”

“….”

Evan blinked for a moment, then uttered a word and left his seat.

Thud!

Alone now, Zaite couldn’t contain his emotions any longer. Standing still, he burst into tears endlessly.