Chapter 11 - Reconciliation

We see Zalmiuth sitting in a chair, immersed in a book. His father is also engrossed in his book, and they haven't spoken since Zalmiuth sat down.

Despite the silence, there is an awkward yet calm atmosphere, with only the sound of birds chirping and the slow, steady wind breaking the stillness.

Zalmiuth took a peak at his father, he seemed to be in deep thought. He wanted to say something but his father seemed to be passive.

He sighs and goes back to reading his book.

Dwanus: You seem…hesitate.

Zalmiuth jumped a little as he heard his father. He looked up and saw the delicate yet intimidating look of him.

"H-hum…well…I wanted to ask why did you call me…And uhm…"

Dwanus listens to Zalmiuth's explanation. He put down the book with a sigh. "I saw what you did in the training ground, Zalmiuth."

Zalmiuth stood silent "...I-it was an accident Father I–"

"You still need a little bit of training, if you want to maintain your aura." His father cut him. "You managed to make a complex spell, but you have to be careful."

Zalmiuth eye's widened. "Wait…You aren't mad?"

Dwanus tilt his head "Why would I be?"

Zalmiuth didn't have a good relationship with his father, he remembers the look of disappointment when his first blessing came, and he saw the pain and the anger through him. The look of the…others.

Zalmiuth clenched his fist "...I…I apologize for being weak…father…I'm sorry for being a disappointment."

Dwanus eyes widened, disappointment? Why is he saying those things to himself?

"Father…If my blessing turns out to be a disaster…I take all the blame to myself…"

There was a huge profound silence. Like as if time had stopped. Dwanus looks at the sadness of his son.

Was this why he was so silent this morning?

Dwanus looks at the sadness of his son and his heart aches. He never meant to make Zalmiuth feel like a disappointment, but he knew he could be harsh at times. He stands up and walks towards Zalmiuth, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"Zalmiuth, my son, you are not a disappointment. Your blessings are unique and powerful in their own way. And as for your mistakes, they are a part of your learning process. I am proud of you and I believe in you."

Zalmiuth looks up at his father, eyes filled with tears. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Father, I...thank you. I...never thought you would say that."

Dwanus smiles at his son, his heart overflowing with love. "I know I haven't been the best father, but I want to change that. I want to support you in every way possible."

Zalmiuth hugs his father tightly, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. "Thank you, Father. I love you."

Dwanus hugs him back, feeling the warmth of his son's embrace. "I love you too, Zalmiuth."

The two stand there, wrapped in each other's arms, as the birds chirp and the wind blows around them.