A few days had passed since that fateful day. Jay was still haunted by nightmares—visions of Saikopasu and the day his mother died. Even while asleep, tears would fall as he relived that tragic moment. Lately, he preferred being alone, avoiding even those closest to him. To Jay, isolation felt like the safest choice.

  If I stay alone, I won’t hurt anyone… I won’t disappoint anyone. After all, I am the disappointment itself.

  A familiar voice soothed him, accompanied by a warm, comforting hug.

  “It’s okay… really. You’re not a disappointment. You make me proud, your future wife,” she said, stepping in front of him. Seeing her, he blushed. A beautiful woman with white hair, surrounded by a faint purple aura that masked her true appearance, leaned in to kiss his cheek and laid down on the bed, inviting him to join her. He obeyed and lay beside her.

  She’s always been there… even in my darkest moments. Does she really care about me?… Doesn’t matter.

  Jay embraced her, and she returned the hug, placing a gentle kiss on his forehead.

  “I’ll always be with you, no matter the moment, my sweet Jay,” she whispered softly.

  Her words comforted Jay, and soon he drifted into sleep.

  Yet in his dreams, he found himself walking through a dark, cold place. Snow crunched under his feet as he gasped for breath, clutching his chest tightly. Suddenly, he stepped on something fragile—a skull. Startled, he fell through the ground into darkness. Voices echoed, some his own. Hands brushed his body, gripping his shoulders and feet. One hand grabbed his neck.

  Then came another voice, Saikopasu, laughing while trying to tear a limb from him.

  “Why? Why did you take me from my family? Why… why did you kill me?”

  Jay couldn’t bear it any longer. Runa, his old love, appeared, repeating her final words:

  “You’re the worst! How could you do this? Look at what you’ve done… you’re a monster. Never show yourself to me again. Goodbye!”

  Jay, kneeling, cried out a mix of sorrow and rage, punching the wall until his knuckles bled.

  He continued to fall through the darkness. Saikopasu tore at his shoulder, yet he felt no pain.

  “Jay…” a familiar voice called. He didn’t know who it was at first. The voice returned, louder and more insistent, and it pulled him awake.

  He opened his eyes to see his family around him, worry etched on their faces.

  “Jay, are you okay?” Mary asked, concerned.

  He remained silent.

  “Tell me why you’re crying,” she said, placing a hand on his cheek. “Please, Jay, you’re making me even more worried.”

  Forcing a smile, Jay replied, “It’s nothing. Just a nightmare.”

  Damn… I can’t even look her in the eyes.

  “Jay, be honest. I know you’re going through a difficult time, but let us help. Share your burdens with us,” Poul said, hope in his eyes.

  Do I even deserve this? This family… this happiness… do I deserve it? Jay thought, doubt and sadness mixing on his face.

  “I… I don’t… I don’t know,” he muttered.

  Poul, frustrated, stepped closer, his expression serious yet concerned.

  “Stop shutting out your family and friends. You’re pushing us away out of fear after what happened. Stand up and face reality like a man. Share your burdens with your father—I failed to protect you. I’m a failure as a father, that’s undeniable. But at least trust us, son.”

  No… he’s a great father. I’m the one who failed. I’m a failure as a father, husband, boyfriend, son, and friend. I’m a murderer. I broke my family’s values, hurt and even killed people. How could someone like me deserve happiness?

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  “I trust and love all of you. I’ll try to overcome this with everyone… but sometimes, I’ll want to be alone for a while… like now,” Jay admitted, a melancholic smile blending with faint happiness.

  Poul gritted his teeth, clenching his fists, then left the room with Mary and Luis. Stubborn Kyrai refused to leave, choosing to stay with Jay. She sat in a chair, teasing him, and he quickly returned the favor.

  “You’re such a troublemaker, little sister.”

  “Heh! Saying that makes you sound old.”

  Jay laughed genuinely.

  Kyrai began to cry tears of happiness. Jay, worried, asked, “What’s wrong, Kyrai? Did I do something?”

  “I thought I’d lost my brother forever… but you’re back. I’m so glad you’re okay,” she said, smiling through her tears.

  Jay hugged her warmly. “I’m back, Kyrai.”

  “Welcome back, brother.”

  I need to take care of my little sister now… maybe I can redeem myself, Jay thought softly, holding her close.

  They spent the morning catching up until Noa and her parents arrived, apologizing for not bringing Jay home sooner.

  “Do you forgive us, Jay?” Noa’s father asked.

  “I forgive you,” Jay replied with a smile.

  Noa handed him a book, lightly hitting his head.

  “Because of your kidnapping, I couldn’t read the new volume of The Beginning, so I bought it for you.”

  “You little brat! When I get out, we’re having a contest.”

  “I accept your challenge.”

  Everything seems back to normal, Kyrai thought, laughing.

  Later, Poul was in his office when two royal knights knocked.

  “Good evening, Captain Poul. May we come in?”

  “Of course,” Poul replied.

  The knights entered, sitting on the available chairs.

  “Captain, a question first… shouldn’t you be guarding His Majesty?”

  “Yes. He’s in the city to visit your son and the new Saint,” the knights answered.

  “The new Saint is here in the forest city?!” Poul exclaimed.

  “Yes, Your Grace,” they nodded.

  “And why visit my son?” Poul asked.

  “You are the hero who killed an elemental giant. That’s no small feat. After your son was kidnapped, the King wanted to see him, and the Saint came to grace him with her mercy,” explained the knight calmly.

  Poul, surprised, asked, “Then what do you want to discuss?”

  “We’re here to warn you of an upcoming war, critical for our continent. If we lose, all cities—except those near the capital—will fall.”

  “And where will this battle take place?” Poul asked.

  “In the city of Hell, the Wall City. One of the greatest human-giant battles will occur there. You may even die in this war. Do you understand, Hyou Poul?”

  Poul stood, placing a hand over his head in respect. “Yes, royal knights.”

  As the knights turned to leave, Poul added, eyes blazing with hatred, “I will not die. I will live and kill the giant who caused this chaos. Until I do, I will not fall.”

  The knights left, motivated by his words.

  Looks like I’m returning to my hometown.

  Meanwhile, the Saint tried to pass through the crowd to reach the room she wanted.

  Why do I have to go through this? I’m only ten years old, and I’m already treated like the most important person in the world… I just want to be loved for who I am, not my status.

  She reached Jay’s room, where he was reading the new volume of The Beginning, tears in his eyes. He looked at her deeply and said:

  “TB is peak. What a masterpiece, friends.”

  The Saint stared, confused. Jay, noticing his sleeping friends beside him, continued.

  “Who are you?” she asked.

  Regaining composure, she introduced herself, ruby-red eyes and white hair making Jay’s heart race with concern.

  “I am Saint Clarice. I came to see how the hero Poul’s son was doing. From what I see, you’re well.”

  An elf… with white hair and red eyes… I should meet her when I’m older, but now… I can’t pursue her yet, I’d feel embarrassed.

  “I’m Hyou Jay. Pleasure to meet you, Saint Clarice,” he said, feigning confidence.

  “The pleasure is mine,” she replied, smiling.

  I feel strangely comfortable around him.

  “Can I read this with you?” she asked. Jay happily agreed, treating her as a normal girl, ignoring her status. He made space on the bed for her.

  “Of course. Sit here—some lazy ones are sleeping there.”

  Blushing slightly, she sat beside him, reading together. The royal knight closed the door to prevent interruptions.

  “What does ‘is peak’ mean?” she asked.

  “It means… peak,” Jay replied with a smile.

  “That really is peak. Absolutely peak,” she said.

  Jay was surprised; few shared his tastes besides his friends and Runa.

  “You have excellent taste. I’ll be discharged soon—want to buy some books with me?” he asked, offering his hand.

  “Does that mean we’re friends?” she asked, eyes locked on his.

  Jay laughed softly. “Of course! Since you sat on the bed, we’re friends.”

  Instead of taking his hand, she hugged him. “Yes! I’ll buy books with you,” she said emotionally. Jay hugged her back.

  Their moment was interrupted by King Valerius Adelio and Poul, discussing the upcoming war.

  “Poul, why didn’t you tell me your son was a ladies’ man from a young age?” asked the King.

  “Your Majesty, I… had no idea,” Poul replied.

  Jay, embarrassed, looked away.

  “N-no, it’s not what it looks like,” he muttered.

  Saint Clarice blushed, stepping aside to speak with the King.

  As they left, Jay glanced at his sleeping friends.

  Maybe I deserve a bit of this happiness, he thought, reaching out to protect them. “I promise to protect you all.”

  The voice of a soldier whispered painfully, “Why… why did you kill me?” Even with his promise, Jay couldn’t ignore the guilt.

  Later, Poul, the King, and the Saint arrived. Kyrai and Noa were with Jay. Poul asked for a private moment with his son.

  “What is it, Father?” Jay asked.

  “Two things… first, you’re discharged. Second…” Poul sighed, looking at Jay. “I will be joining another war.”

  “What?!” Jay stared at his father, shocked and speechless.