I’m sorry, Paul.
I’ve always wanted to say this to you, personally.
Why am I saying sorry?
Because I didn’t fulfill my duties as a son properly.
I neither protected this family well, nor did I truly treat you as a father.
But you treated me as your son until your dying breath.
Although clumsy.
You fulfilled your responsibilities as a father well.
So, I’m truly sorry, Paul.
Besides that, I have nothing else to say.
—- Paul’s perspective.
When I learned that Rudy had hit Somal from the Eht family, my first reaction was surprise.
Because Rudeus didn’t seem like someone who would bully the weak.
He had been mature since he was little, so mature that I, as his father, felt a bit of a loss of confidence.
Hehe, it’s a bit embarrassing to say, but after all, it was my first time being a father, so a slight dereliction of duty should be forgivable, right?
Probably.
But if Rudeus really did something like bullying the weak…
As soon as I thought of this, my expression darkened.
No, Rudy.
Having power is a good thing.
But great power is meant to protect those you want to protect.
If possible, I’d rather you turn your talent into a shield, not a sharp sword.
So, today I will fulfill my duties as a father.
That’s what I thought.
But when Rudeus came before me, before I could even speak, he apologized to me first.
“I’m sorry, Father!” That’s what he said.
I was stunned for a moment, but quickly put on a stern face again.
“Why are you saying sorry?” “Because I did something bad outside today.” “What did you do?” “I hit a few kids my age and made them cry.” Rudeus said, his voice low, while bending at the waist.
My tense mood relaxed slightly.
Is that so.
So, Rudeus knew he had done wrong?
That’s all the better then.
I secretly breathed a sigh of relief, then half-squatted down, meeting Rudy’s eyes.
“Rudy, can you tell me why you did that?” “Because they were bullying someone.” Rudy said very seriously.
“Bullying someone?” “Yeah, they were throwing mud at Sylphy, and Sylphy looked like she was about to cry.” Sylphy… I see, it was the Rolles’ children.
But why didn’t Rolles tell me about this?
“Father is the knight who protects the village, and as his son, I cannot stand by and watch such bullying happen.” “So I used magic… but because I didn’t control the strength well, it seems I made them cry.” “In the end, I became the bully.” “I am very sorry for damaging Father’s reputation by letting this happen, so I apologize, Father!” Rudeus looked like he was about to cry, continuously apologizing to me.
Ah… Seeing his sincere expression, for some reason, I also felt like crying.
What an excellent son he is!
Even with my strong self-esteem, I couldn’t help but feel proud.
Rudeus Greyrat.
There’s no doubt, you are a kind child.
Thinking this, I pulled Rudy into my embrace and hugged him tightly.
“Fa-Father?” Rudy seemed a little surprised.
“Rudy, you don’t need to feel sorry.” “But I hurt them…” “Yes, so next time you need to control your strength better.
But as for the act itself, you did the right thing.” Hearing me say this, Rudy’s face also broke into a smile.
Later.
At the dinner table, we chatted happily.
That night, during leisure time after exercise, I spoke to Zenith about it.
Zenith also smiled.