Amidst the commoners' area, the chatter of the crowd buzzed faintly in the background as Eldric approached the seat where his mother sat, her presence a stark contrast to the pomp and grandeur of the VIP section. Her simple yet graceful demeanor radiated warmth, and the faint smile on her face never faltered despite the disapproving murmurs of those around her.
Eldric, shoulders slumped and voice trembling as he approached her. "Mother… I… I'm so sorry. I've let you down."
His mother turned her gaze to him, her soft eyes filled with love rather than disappointment. She gently took his hand and pulled him to sit beside her.
Eldric's Mother, her tone calm and soothing:
"You've let me down? Nonsense, Eldric. You've done more than enough. One loss doesn't define you, my son."
Eldric, barely able to meet her gaze:
"But I… I let my emotions get the better of me. I disqualified myself. I humiliated the family…"
