Weeks had gone past and here I am facing my father inside the audience room.
My father's face had grown old contrary to his age! I mean, yes, he's old enough to have grandchildren but seeing him, he's far worse before I flee!
"My son, I'm sorry..."
This is the first words that came out from the mouth of my father. But I'm confuse. As far as I remember, he never did something that would upset me! Moreover, I was quite a spoiled child despite being a prodigy!
"Father, I have come. It is nice to see you again... But, why are you apologizing to me? Shouldn't it be me who gives apology?"
Yes, it is me. The foolish person, the one who flee despite being spoiled by my parents. And yet, because of my self righteousness, I waste all of it!
But still, It's confusing to hear my father apologize to me. I wonder what's the problem?
"No, my son. You see... Nevermind, we'll talk later," My father stands up from his throne and head towards attempting a hug.
Well, Since I'm a good child and I'm quite fond of my family even in the past life, I don't find any reason to refuse this!
As soon as he hug me, he tighten his embrace making me lose my breath for a second but it's not a problem since I can bear with it compared to what they experience losing not just a son, but a prodigy that can, or may be used as a chance for their fame!
However, what soon came to my ears devastated my feelings... I thought he just embraced me because he missed me... But, it's not it.
"Son, I'm very sorry!" He whisper near my ears with a trembling sound.
I can never guess why, or what happen to them! The only thing I know is that I think I'm back! Haha!
My father finished his embrace and hold both of my arms and gripped them tightly.
Ouch, father that hurts! Be careful with my body! I jokingly thought as we both stare at each other awkwardly.
"U-uhm, Father. Is there something you wish to say?" I can only broke the awkward silence with a word I firmly chose.
"My son, please marry the Duchess of Amaria,"
"Okay, if that's what you want... Is you think what I gonna say! But wait the horses, what do you mean the duchess of Amaria?!" I suddenly blurt out an angry tone in front of my father causing them to flinch for a seconds.
The Duchess of Amaria. If I remember, the head of the Amaria before I flee is Duke Leravheo. What happened?
And as if reading my question in my mind, the next word that came out from my father froze me!
"The Civil War. We lost." The only words that came out from him.
That's right! I remember! The reason why I flee is not only because I want to escape with the commoner! It's also because I want to live and I don't wanna get involve with the scheme of my father!
Now I remember! Why didn't I think of it!? It's the main reason why I found myself being a Village Chief!
"T-then, Father!-"
"Don't worry, my son. Your brother will take my place. The King gave us mercy and let those only the heads of the family be cut down," My father gave me a wry smile as he explain. But it's not enough, I came back here because I want to live a carefree life. My brother being the head is bad but I didn't even think about being a duke!
I don't even know who that woman is!? Duchess of Amaria!? Only responsibility awaits me there!
By the way, doesn't the Duke have heir? Why the duchess? I remember at a certain party, despite being a noncommunicable person, some of them still talk to me. Including the heir of Duke Amaria!
"Father, If I remember correctly. Doesn't Duke Amaria had a heir? Why make the duchess the head?"
"The heir, he was killed at the battle. We were outsmarted by them so every heir of the families that opposed were targeted. It is merely luck that your brother escaped from the grasped of the death's hand," My father said as he return to his throne.
"But why should it be me?"
As my father sit, he just look at me without saying anything. I need answers, goddammit! But wait, I can use the commoner as an excuse!
"Father, you know that I'm married to a commoner right? I can't marry a noble if I'm already married much less to a commoner,"
"No you are not, my son. Marrying comes from vows. And I see no records of you from the church from where you lived. You cannot fool me anymore my son. But please, accept this. It is for you after all,"
With that kind of face he's making, it's making me look like I'm the villain here! I just want to live peace okay?... Damn, a duke? Am I really gonna be okay?
"Father, if I-"
"No, you cannot refuse, I have already done the arrangements. You will depart to the Duchess' territory,"
And leaving me shut, my father merely walk away. I also notice the glare of my brother who imitates my father while the two girls; my mother and sister, awaits me to speak out something.
"I have return, mother. I apologize for the ruckus I have caused before, but please do forgive me as I am a fool that doesn't know anything," I kneel, and I bow my head as I apologize to my dazzling mother who has a sad face on her.
"Welcome back, my son, you have grown strong... And mature, is the life outside that harsh?"
"Yes, mother. It is quite hard and I regretted almost everything I have done the moment I flee. Please, forgive this foolish child of yours."
"Don't worry, I have already forgiven you the moment you escape. I know you will learn someday so we didn't look for you. I am glad that you're back!" my mother starts to cry as sob can be heard inside the audience room.
I see, it seems I failed as a son, I guess? To me, giving my parents a reason to be sad, let alone to cry is the worst thing I can possibly do. I want to pay for what I have done, but it seems I am too late.
I already know it. That both of my parents will be executed. But the only thing I can do is sit idly and stare at my crying mother. I want to save them, I want them to live. What can I do?
"Can I save you mother?" I mutter my thoughts but it's my voice is too low for them to hear.
Yes, I want them to hear. I want them to know I still love them.
Fuck! Aren't I prodigy? What happen to the knowledge I possess? Is the past really just something given to me? Can't I use them right now?
As I thought about ridiculous things, tears started to form in my eyes and eventually flow as I can't hold my feelings anymore.
The most regretful thing I have ever done... Is running away.