The next day, after a full day of deep sleep, Kael woke from his lethargy. A sharp pain pierced his ribs, acute and persistent, but he made no sound. It felt as if the exhaustion had not completely left; his body was still heavy, numb, but clarity slowly returned to his mind, clearing the fog of fatigue.

  // -- You finally woke up, idiot. You really went into a deep sleep… -- //

  Kael (thought): well, it was an extremely difficult day… I really thought I would end up exiled… this human and demon issue is very sensitive…

  He stayed still for a few seconds, staring at the wooden ceiling, remembering every word from the trial, every tense look, every heavy silence that seemed to weigh more than any sentence.

  Kael (thought): Wait! We completed the mission and I didn’t even ask what we earned…

  // -- the reward raised me to level 2. Now I have the Evaluation skill… we can check the status and characteristics of many things. -- //

  Kael (thought): Wow, that skill is amazing!

  He tried to move and sit up… but he couldn’t.

  He felt trapped. Chained.

  He looked down.

  Caria was holding him completely tight, as if she feared he might escape at any moment. Her arms wrapped around his small body with almost excessive firmness, and her warm breathing hit his chest in a steady rhythm. Even asleep, there was a slight tension in her brow, as if she were still fighting in her dreams.

  Kael (thought): Why the hell am I in this bed with my mom?!?!??!

  // -- well, after what happened yesterday, both of you passed out… she didn’t let you go at any moment… I think she’ll keep you like this for two more weeks… -- //

  Kael (thought): oh no… this can’t be…

  He tried to slowly free himself, barely moving his shoulders so he wouldn’t wake her. The smallest movement made the bandage around his ribs pull with uncomfortable pain. But just as he managed to move a few centimeters, a hand grabbed his pajamas tightly.

  Caria opened her eyes.

  She had not been fully asleep.

  With an intense look, still drowsy and with her hair messy over the pillow, she murmured:

  — Where do you think you’re going…? You still owe me a lot for everything you made me suffer… —she said in a low but firm voice.

  — Mom… can I make you a lot of hot chocolate… but without squeezing me so hard…? —Kael replied, trying to negotiate his freedom.

  Without answering with words, Caria wrapped him again in her arms like tentacles and “devoured” him in an exaggerated hug.

  — Help! Mom, slow down… my ribs hurt…—Kael protested as the bandage lightly creaked.

  — Lots of kisses, smosh smosh smosh —Caria said, covering his face with kisses while making exaggerated sounds— (>*3*)>(>*3*)>(>*3*)>

  At that moment, Tana entered the room with breakfast, trying to let them rest a little longer. The smell of freshly baked bread and warm milk filled the air.

  Kael raised a hand as if asking for help, barely visible between his mother’s arms.

  — Mama Tanaaaa, save me!

  Tana looked at him with fake sadness and condescension, though deep down there was relief at seeing him awake and conscious.

  — The young master did very bad things… he must pay… —she replied solemnly, as if delivering a sentence.

  And so, Kael had to pay a great amount of cheek squeezing and kisses for the high betrayal he had committed against his mother’s heart.

  When he finally managed to escape from the “cheek-squeezing sect,” he walked away quickly, though the slight bend in his posture revealed the pain still stabbing his ribs.

  The air in the training field was fresh that morning. The ground still held the moisture of the dew, and the metallic sound of weapons clashing marked the rhythm of the training, creating a steady echo under the clear sky.

  Ken stood at the center, giving orders to the soldiers, who responded with discipline.

  Kael approached, exhausted. His expression changed completely. The childish lightness disappeared. He stopped in front of Ken and, without hesitation, bowed deeply, visibly ashamed.

  — Uncle Ken… I want to apologize for disobeying you and putting you in danger… —he said in a serious voice, holding the bow longer than usual.

  Ken placed a hand dramatically over his chest.

  — I suffered so much… oh, the pain, the sorrow… oh, poor me… —he exaggerated theatrically, swaying slightly—. But if you give me several chocolate bars for some ladies in the city… I might forgive you…

  The soldiers exploded at once, almost as if they had practiced it.

  — HE DOESN’T DESERVE IT!!! Monkey Boss, don’t give him anything!!!

  Ken turned sharply toward them.

  — AAA, shut up!!! Or I’ll make you run all day!!! —he shouted, pointing at them with fake fury.

  Kael frowned.

  — You’ll get your chocolates next week, old pervert.

  Ken opened his arms with exaggerated emotion, hugged him, and gave him a couple of loud kisses on the head.

  — Ayyy, my boss is so cute! Smoch smoch.

  — AAAA, get away… you’re going to rip my stitches open, old pervert! —Kael protested while trying to break free.

  The soldiers’ laughter softened the atmosphere. The weight of the previous day seemed lighter among jokes, though the memory still floated in the air like a recent shadow.

  Then came the apology with the “steel tank.”

  Kael approached Holley, who was supervising the training of some recruits with her arms crossed and a severe expression.

  — Aunt Holley… I wanted to apologize for exposing you to so much… —he said formally, bowing.

  He bowed properly, but before he could finish, Holley grabbed him firmly.

  — As payment for making me suffer, those cheeks will be all mine —she declared with childish excitement—. Wheee!

  — AAAAAAAA! Aunt Holley, not so hard! —Kael shouted as he was caught.

  Holley held him for a moment longer, looking at him with affection. There was a slight maternal instinct in her expression that she rarely showed, softening the usual hardness of her face.

  — Young master, please think more before doing things… those who care about you also suffer, and a lot… —she said in a softer, almost protective voice—. Now give me some kisses, smoch smoch (>*3*)>.

  Kael ended up once again surrounded by excessive affection, with red cheeks from the squeezing and slightly wounded pride.

  Only one guardian remained.

  More exhausted and defeated, Kael headed to the library.

  The interior was silent, filled with the smell of old paper and aged wood. Light entered through the tall windows in golden beams that illuminated the suspended dust. Among several stacked books, Enta rested, sitting in a chair, with a calm expression and straight posture.

  Kael burst in looking like he had endured several wars. He walked firmly, though the slight drag of one step revealed his body was not fully recovered yet.

  — UNCLE ENTA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! —he shouted from the entrance.

  Enta opened his eyes immediately.

  — What is it, young master? —he asked calmly, though attentive.

  Kael looked at him with a mix of slight anger and guilt.

  — Uncle Enta! I’m angry with you!

  Enta raised an eyebrow, surprised.

  — Why, my young master? Did I do something wrong?

  — Yes! Uncle Ken told me you almost put your life at risk to save me!

  Enta blinked, confused.

  — That is the law… as your guardian, my duty is to preserve your life even at the cost of my own…

  Kael crossed his arms, but the movement caused a sharp sting in his ribs. He made no sound, though his breathing tightened for a moment.

  — No, that’s not allowed. I don’t accept that law! It’s canceled, even if Grandfather says so!

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Enta looked completely bewildered.

  — Well… I wouldn’t have risked my life if you hadn’t put yourself in danger…

  — I have permission! You don’t anymore!

  — WHAT!? How can you say that?

  — Because I say so! If your life is put at risk, Mama Tana will hit me.

  Enta blinked.

  — And why would Miss Tana hit you?

  — Because she would… And besides… she’d be right… —his tone slowly lowered, his energy fading—. I apologize for forcing you to reach that point. I hope I never have to see that situation again… I don’t want you to get hurt because of me.

  He looked at him with sincere concern and something deeper. It was not only guilt. It was fear.

  — Uncle Enta, you have cared for and protected me since I can remember… I underestimated your commitment until you scolded me during the fight with the mage… that’s when I realized everything you were willing to sacrifice… so I will become stronger and stronger so I never have to see you suffer again —Kael said firmly, though his hands tightened slightly at his sides.

  Kael lowered his gaze for a second. His breathing became heavier, as if he were holding something back.

  — I… thought I could carry everything alone… but when I saw you willing to give your life for me… I understood something I didn’t want to accept…

  He took a step forward. The movement caused a sharp pain in his side. He clenched his teeth. The faint creak of the bandage under his clothes could barely be heard in the silence of the library.

  And without warning, he hugged Enta’s legs tightly.

  The impact of the movement made him lose his breath for a moment, but he did not let go.

  It was not an elegant or dignified gesture for an heir.

  It was the clumsy, impulsive, desperate hug of a child who almost lost someone important.

  — I don’t want you to die for me…

  — You’re not just my guardian…

  — You are… my family.

  The silence became dense.

  The light coming through the window barely illuminated Enta’s face. His eyes, used to war and discipline, trembled for just a second.

  Enta, who had faced wars and monstrous creatures without shaking, felt something tighten in his chest stronger than any physical wound. For the first time since he accepted that mission, he understood he was not only fulfilling a duty.

  His hands hesitated for a moment before carefully resting on the boy’s head.

  — Young master… —he murmured in a lower voice than usual— protecting you is not an empty obligation… it is an honor.

  He slowly bent down enough to be closer and rested his forehead for a moment against Kael’s head, in a gesture that mixed respect and restrained affection.

  — But I promise you something… I will not seek death recklessly. I will live long enough to see you grow… to see you become someone strong… and to scold you many more times.

  A small but sincere smile crossed his face.

  — So don’t make me run after you again.

  He had never received words like that before. For him, this was his first mission caring for a child. Something in his chest expanded in an unfamiliar way… something that was not only duty. It was pride. It was affection.

  Carefully, he lifted him in his arms.

  Kael let out a small groan that he tried to hide by pressing his lips together.

  Enta noticed.

  But he said nothing.

  He just held him for another second before lowering him gently, making sure his feet touched the ground without harshness.

  — Well… if we don’t want to put ourselves in danger… then we’ll have to train a lot, a lot… —he added in a lighter tone.

  Kael smiled, though he still felt the dull pain under the bandages tightening around his torso.

  — Yes, sir! I will be the best staff, spear, and super-mega-hyper-powerful halberd fighter!

  Just then, Tana entered, watching the animated scene from the doorway with an expression between curiosity and tenderness.

  — Ohhh… you both look very lively. Did I miss something? —she asked, crossing her arms gently.

  — I was telling Uncle Enta that if I put him in danger again you would bonk me because you care too much —Kael replied naturally.

  Tana turned red like a tomato.

  — Kael! —she exclaimed, embarrassed.

  Enta let out a sincere laugh, completely relieved. The tension he had carried since the previous day finally seemed to fade.

  Only one person remained to face.

  There was Kael, standing in front of the grand lord’s office.

  The dark wooden door commanded respect. The atmosphere was more serious than the training field or the library. There were no laughs or cheek squeezing here. Decisions that could change destinies were made here.

  He took a deep breath.

  He felt the pull in his ribs.

  He entered.

  Lord Garbard observed him with a strict and serious expression, sitting behind his desk. The light entering through the window barely illuminated his profile, marking the lines of experience on his face and hardening his features.

  — I think it is unnecessary to repeat what happened —Garbard began in a deep and calm voice—. Your mother will be recovering for several days after fighting at full power against the dark mage…

  He paused briefly, letting the words sink in.

  — The guardians were badly injured during your rescue… and your father ended up wounded and overwhelmed by the disaster in the city…

  Each word was a reminder of the weight of what had happened, of the invisible cost left by the battle.

  — And above all, you… even if you try to hide it, you are severely injured.

  Kael looked at him firmly, without lowering his head.

  — That is correct, grand lord. I take responsibility for everything. I cannot say I feel satisfied with the result because, although no one ended up gravely injured or dead, it weighs heavily on my heart that I failed you and caused my loved ones to suffer…

  Garbard studied him in silence before answering, as if measuring every word.

  — Boy… I cannot fully approve nor fully disapprove of the situation… because, in a way, as a Sungley, you went out to protect your citizens… you followed my motto exactly: “The lords of House Sungley exist for the people and because of them.” BUT you are still too young and inexperienced to do this…

  Kael frowned, confused, and asked with genuine curiosity:

  — And when will I be able to fight the bad guys without being afraid of losing my life?

  Garbard looked at him with a mixture of affection and concern, like someone hearing a child speak about something too big for his age.

  — When you fully inherit the name of house Sungley… there are many, many years left.

  He rose slightly from his chair, placing both hands on the desk.

  — I can only grant myself that honor now as lord… because I have my son… my daughter… and three more I raised as my own, even though they fight all day… and my dear grandson… so I can do it.

  Those words hit Kael harder than he expected.

  Something in that sentence resonated deeply in his memories… in the memories of his previous life.

  The last phrase pierced his soul.

  In that instant, he understood something he had not fully understood before.

  Tears began to fall from his face again, silent at first, warm and steady.

  Garbard looked at him in surprise at the unexpected reaction. He approached and crouched down to his level, placing a firm hand on his shoulder.

  — What happened, boy? Did something occur? —he asked in a softer voice.

  Kael breathed unevenly.

  — I… remembered something… something that became clear when you said that…

  — And may I know what it is? —Garbard asked cautiously.

  Kael nodded slightly.

  — My father… in my previous life… he once said something very similar to what you just told me…

  Garbard was deeply impressed. He did not know whether to keep asking, afraid of touching a wound of the soul they still did not fully understand.

  Kael continued, his voice soft but full of emotion.

  — In my old life, my dad once said… that his life belonged only to him and to what he chose to do… but that when I was born, that freedom ended… because from the moment I was born, his life stopped belonging to him and began belonging to me… that from that moment on, his life was no longer his alone… it was mine too…

  The silence filled the office, heavy and reverent.

  Even the faint creak of the building’s wood seemed to stop.

  Garbard was deeply struck by the phrase. His eyes, usually firm and analytical, reflected something more human. It was not only surprise… it was understanding.

  — Is that what you meant about inheriting the name of the Sungley and protecting your legacy? —Kael asked, his voice still slightly trembling.

  Garbard nodded slowly.

  — Without a doubt, that phrase fits this very well… and I hope that just as that wonderful memory came to you, you never forget it…

  Kael wiped his tears with the back of his hand, breathing more steadily.

  — Yes, grandfather.

  Garbard stood up again and walked toward the office door. His steps were firm, but his expression remained thoughtful.

  When he opened it, Redda, Jacki, and Lasan were waiting outside, standing formally, though clearly nervous.

  The grand lord let them enter.

  They stood before a still-confused Kael, who did not understand what else could come after that conversation.

  Redda took a scroll from her outfit and handed it to him respectfully.

  — My young master… despite all the dangers and consequences of your actions, the three of us, on behalf of the Cautares orphanage, are deeply grateful for rescuing and protecting all the children and volunteers… your sacrifice allowed everyone to escape safe and sound…

  The three bowed respectfully.

  — Thank you very much, young master.

  Kael opened the scroll.

  There were crooked attempts at letters, childish drawings made with uneven ink, and words of thanks written with effort by small hands. Some lines were misaligned, others had stains, but every line was full of sincerity.

  His heart felt lighter.

  For the first time since everything happened, he allowed himself to feel a bit of pride, small and quiet, not born from power… but from impact.

  — I’m glad my effort helped… —he said softly.

  Jacki did not miss the chance and hugged him tightly. Then came the cheek pulling and kisses of the now famous cheek-squeezing sect.

  — Our hero! —Jacki exclaimed, squeezing his cheeks.

  Garbard cleared his throat lightly to call attention.

  — Redda, call the guardians and the lords. The last matter remains.

  Redda nodded and left immediately.

  Those involved entered little by little. The atmosphere changed. It was no longer an intimate moment. Now it was a serious decision.

  Kael looked at everyone, still not knowing exactly what would happen.

  With everyone gathered, Garbard called Kael to the center.

  — Kael, one very important matter remains… tell me, what do you plan to do with the demon girl?

  The words struck him.

  Only then did he remember that there was still no final resolution on that matter.

  His expression changed slightly. Seriousness returned to his face.

  — I am very sorry for what I am about to say, grandfather… but I still cannot give you a final resolution on the matter…

  The gazes crossed among those present.

  — What do you mean, boy? —Garbard asked.

  — I cannot make a final decision without first hearing what the girl has to say. From what Cerva said, judging by her condition and clothes, she was probably sold to the thieves… that makes me think she might no longer have any place to return to…

  Caria looked at him uncomfortably, trying not to be dragged by memories of war.

  — Kael… this is a very difficult situation… she is a demon. She will not be welcome in the human world… and I’m not saying that only because of how I feel… humans have built a lot of resentment toward demons…

  Kael took a deep breath. His chest rose with difficulty, but he maintained a firm posture.

  — Then I propose that I gather a large amount of money and hire skilled adventurers to cross the forest and take her to her land…

  Garbard shook his head gently.

  — I understand your wishes, boy… but I doubt adventurers would want to take on such a troublesome and dangerous mission.

  Silence returned.

  Until a hand was raised.

  Ken.

  Several gazes turned toward him, some with clear uncertainty.

  — What is your suggestion, Ken? —Garbard asked.

  Ken cleared his throat.

  — Since the young master doesn’t want the girl to suffer and, as a demon, she would have a very hard time alone in the human kingdom… why not form a servant contract with her so she can stay as a maid? And when you both grow up, she will have enough strength to choose what she wants.

  Silence was absolute.

  Holley looked at Enta suspiciously.

  — Hey, Enta, you probably thought of that idea and the idiot Ken read your mind and stole it… or am I wrong?

  Ken puffed out his chest with fake indignation.

  — Hey, sometimes I can think like a normal person!… oh no…

  Kael looked at Ken with great gratitude and relief. It was not a perfect solution, but it was an open door.

  Then he looked at his parents and his grandfather.

  With firm posture, he spoke:

  — Dad… Mom… grandfather… I know this has been difficult for you… and that I’m asking a lot, especially because of your past… I won’t ask you to change your way of thinking… but please allow me this chance to show you that there could be a ray of light… that a being’s race does not define what they will become… please, let me take care of the girl…

  Laret and Caria looked at each other, unsure. The weight of the war still lived in their memories.

  Then two firm hands rested on their shoulders.

  It was Garbard.

  — I still remember the day you came to this same office to tell me you would join the crusade against the demon king… at that moment I thought you would only die or return with wounds that would destroy your lives… but I decided to believe in you… and you did not fail me… you returned healthy and victorious… sometimes we must believe in the potential of our loved ones…

  The parents took a deep breath.

  Caria spoke first.

  — Very well, son… let’s see what happens with the girl… I hope we are not wrong about your decision…

  Laret nodded.

  — From now on, she will be your responsibility… you will answer for her.

  Kael nodded, relieved.

  — I won’t disappoint you!

  And so, a very difficult and painful chapter came to an end. There were no painful punishments… but there were new responsibilities and duties.

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  .

  That’s where the first great cycle of the story will close.

  After that, if I continue, a completely new stage would begin.

  If you want to share your thoughts, if there’s something you liked or didn’t like, tell me freely.

  I love this story and I want to make it the best it can be, so any perspective — positive or critical — helps me keep improving.

  3*)> Take care and I hope everything goes well for you.