In an abandoned alleyway a few blocks away from the restaurant, Garth slowly walked across, his expression downcast as he was in deep thought.
He suddenly paused as he felt the presence of another individual.
"Kekeke, how does it feel?... You must hurt all over from the beating you received." A mocking voice was heard.
He turned to look behind him but then the wind blew from the front causing him to turn once again, just in time to see a person draped in a black cloak, standing a few meters from him.
"Why are you here?... You guys aren't meant to show yourself anytime soon." Garth remarked as he eyed the one before him.
The latter chuckled. "Well when our trump card decides to do something foolish without thinking about the consequences, then we would have no choice but to show ourselves."
Garth snorted. "I couldn't just sit back and watch the old man and his daughter suffer."
"Hmmph, that kid from earlier was right about what he said. You and I both know that you cannot make use of your magic yet you decided to face off against four magician nobles."
Garth gritted his teeth. "I'm sorry but if something similar happens before the magic tournament then I will surely do something about it."
"And the magic we gave you?"
"You don't have to worry, I won't use it no matter what. I just can't stand watching helpless commoners getting bullied by those disgusting nobles." Garth's body trembled slightly but he controlled himself.
The hooded figure looked him over before sighing. "You should be more careful, everything we have planned rests on your shoulders, you cannot continue being so reckless. We have also lost something important."
Garth slowly nodded. "…I understand."
"Good, as long as you understand. Let's go, we have much to prepare." The hooded man said as he turned and walked away.
Garth watched his retreating figure momentarily before following behind him.
***
"Mom, can you stop?... I really don't think it would work." Max groaned as he struggled to get away from Lara's probing.
"Are you saying that you don't find Laura even a tiny bit attractive?... Come on, tell me what you think." Lara did not give up as she continued to pester him.
Max and Laura had returned an hour prior, a few hours left before the city would be shrouded in the darkness of the night.
After washing up and changing into a new set of clothes, Max was immediately dragged away by Lara to find out more about their 'date'
"Mom, it wasn't a date, just a normal outing."
Lara looked at her son as though she were looking at a fool. "Do you really think that is the case?... Sir Lloyd would send his only daughter out with you just because he wants you to get acquainted with the city?... Does that sound plausible?"
Max thought for a moment and realized the error in his train of thought. "You mean, Sir Lloyd wants to match make me with Laura?"
Lara rolled her eyes. "He is definitely interested that's for sure. I'm sure you saw the way he was appraising you earlier today, he was approving of you."
Max nodded but still showed a sign of unwillingness. "Fine but I'm being serious when I say that I don't have any feelings for Laura. Sure she's a nice girl, albeit stingy, she's also good-looking with a nice physique but…"
"Tell me."
"You should know mum, as a Sage, my future is not going to be an easy one and I know more than anyone else how strong I need to be before I can settle down," Max said.
Lara calmed down as she reached out and touched his cheek. "You can come home now, Max. There's no need to continue living the life of a Hermit. You are strong so your father won't disagree with your return… hopefully."
Max placed his palm over her own. "I will return home but not stay there."
"But why?" Lara was unwilling.
Max showed a solemn smile. "Because I am no longer a part of that household and even if I was, remaining in a sheltered environment would stunt my growth as a Sage. Mother, the moment I stepped on this path, there was no going back for me."
"So are you saying I'd have to wait several more years before we will be able to live as a family once again?" A tear trailed down her cheek.
Max reached out and flicked it away. "Don't worry, I'll make sure to visit and I'll also send letters so you don't have to feel lonely. If you get too lonely, then I'll just ask Sir Lloyd to help you dissolve your marriage with dad and then marry you." He smiled sheepishly at the last statement.
Lara chuckled despite her sadness. "Stupid boy, who told you that I want to remarry?"
They remained silent for a moment as they stared into each other's eyes, a mother yearning to love her son and a son yearning for his mother's love.
They thought it unfair that fate had been so harsh on them.
Max had a thought as he stared into Lara's eyes. "Don't worry mother, I will change our fate, just wait for me."
With this, his resolve only grew stronger!
Lara seemed to read his thoughts as she nodded before reaching in for a hug.
Feeling his mother's warmth, Max hugged her as well.
Lara muttered as tears flowed unrestrained from her eyes. "First, Regard and now you. Do all the important men in my life have to leave me?... I wonder if I committed some great sin that I'm not aware of."
Max stroked her hair. "You committed no sin, mom, only that fate decided to dole out heavy cards. It's fine though, we will surely come out triumphant in the end."
Lara sighed. "I know, I just hope it doesn't take too long."
Just as the mood felt perfect, Max had a thought.
"Can you explain to me how that old geezer, Regard, is important to you?" Max questioned like a father wary of suitors for his daughter.
Lara pinched him. "Don't ruin the moment."
"Hmmph."