"Hi, shitty father."
The knight standing nearby scowled in anger. "Master, do we have to tolerate this? Shall I shut him up?"
Hassan, the man addressed, waved dismissively. "No need for that. It's only a friendly conversation between a father and his son."
"Watch your tone, boy," Hassan growled. "Just because you can use magic doesn't make you special. Any knight here could kill you with ease. Be grateful your head is still on your shoulders. I'm only here to take you home. Your mother is thrilled her dear son can finally use magic. I've heard plenty about your so-called adventures and that disgrace of a party you've been leading. It's shameful for the family, but we'll let that slide for now."
I clenched my fists, anger boiling inside me, though I couldn't deny his words entirely. "So, you're finally going to accept me as royal? Do you have any idea how much shame I've endured all my life? Do you know how people looked at me?"
Hassan laughed bitterly. "So what? You were just a spoiled kid who put together a party with family money. Anyone could have done that. Don't think for a second you're special. And hiring that rebel, Joe? A man who wouldn't even obey my orders? I almost had you and your party killed. Be grateful to your mother—she's the only reason I'm bringing you home without hurting your precious friends."
His words cut deep, but I knew he wasn't bluffing. I sighed in frustration and muttered, "So, you came to drag me back. What if I refuse?"
The air grew heavy with a dense, murderous aura. I froze in place as my father's sharp gaze pierced through me. "Just tell me how much more shame you intend to bring on this family," he said coldly. "If that's your choice, then I'll have no choice of my own. You can go back to your party if you wish, but don't blame me for the consequences."
I could barely breathe under the pressure of his aura. It was unlike anything I'd ever felt before—even deadlier than Javelin's magic. My voice trembled as I swallowed my pride. "I'm sorry, Father. I was arrogant before. Please, take me home. Just don't hurt my party. I'll leave them—I swear."
Hassan's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Good to hear. Seems my son has finally learned his place. I'm not an unreasonable father. I'll let you say your goodbyes to them. Is there anything you need before we leave tomorrow?"
"Just one thing. Can I bring my maid with me?" I asked cautiously.
He nodded, almost amused. "I was planning on that. Of course, you can. Now go. Knight, escort Lion to the gates."
"Yes, Master," the knight responded immediately, stepping forward to guide me.
As I walked through the gates and hurried back home, my heart was heavy. The moment I opened the door, Milla, my maid, rushed to me and threw her arms around me. "Master! I was so worried! I heard they took you to prison. I tried to visit, but they wouldn't let me. They said no one was allowed to see you."
I felt guilty seeing her distressed face. Gently, I reassured her. "It's okay now, Milla. We're leaving for my family's home tomorrow."
Her expression darkened, her usual warmth replaced by something hollow, though she quickly masked it. "That's wonderful news, Master. Finally, they've recognized your greatness."
I explained how my magic had been discovered. Strangely, she wasn't surprised—she accepted it easily. "I need to go now," I told her. "I have to say goodbye to my party."
Milla didn't say much, only, "Then hurry back tonight."
I spent hours searching for my party, but no one seemed to know where they were. Finally, I went to Joe's mansion. When he opened the door, he immediately pulled me into a hug. "Good to see you, Captain," he said warmly.
Hearing the commotion, Milly and Gil came running. Milly burst into tears the moment she saw me. "Thank the gods you're safe! We were so worried!"
Gil grinned and clapped me on the back. "Welcome back, Captain Lion! Come inside."
I entered and sat in the guest room as Joe brought me a glass of water. "How did they let you go?" he asked.
I explained everything, leaving out my father's threats. As I spoke, Milly and Gil grew visibly upset. Joe's face, however, turned dark with suspicion.
"Lion," he said quietly, "I have two questions. First, how did your magic suddenly awaken? I've never sensed mana from you before. Second—and most importantly—do you really want to leave the party?"
I lied through my teeth. "My talent must have awakened late. And yes, I want to leave. Why would I stay with you when I can return to my family? You're just adventurers I hired."
My heart ached at my own words, but I had no choice. I couldn't let them die because of me.
Milly began to sob. "You mean…all this time meant nothing to you?"
Gil slammed his fist on the table. "Then just leave! Why bother telling us?"
Joe stayed calm, but his gaze was piercing. "They must be threatening you, right? Tell me the truth, Lion."
I forced myself to stand. "There's no threat. Can't you understand? You've always been nothing but tools to me. I used you to cover my failures."
The silence was deafening as I left Joe's house. No one stopped me. Tears streamed down my face. Why am I crying? I made up my mind to leave them. This is for the best…for everyone.
Back at my home, Milla was waiting. She greeted me with a gentle smile. "Master, you're back early. I've prepared your final training test before we leave—a dose of centaur's blood. You must be tired. Rest first."
"No need," I said firmly. "Let's do it now."
As she injected the blood, I felt power surge through me. My body felt light, my mind sharper than ever. "Thank you, Milla. You've always been there for me."
She smiled softly. "It's the least I can do. I wish I could stay by your side forever."
Her words lingered in my mind, though I didn't understand her meaning. "Pack our things. We leave early tomorrow. Father will send knights if we delay."
That night, I couldn't sleep. I went to Milla's room and found her writing a letter. She quickly hid it as I entered. "Master," she said lightly, "it's not polite to snoop. What brings you here?"
"Never mind," I muttered and left. As I turned, she suddenly hugged me from behind. "Master, I know what you're feeling. Bear with it for now. Just rest."
The next morning, she woke me. I was overwhelmed with relief to see her still by my side. "You didn't leave me, Milla." I cried like a child.
"Don't cry, Master," she said gently, handing me a napkin. "Now let's go. Your father is waiting."
When we reached the Asra Gate, my father stood waiting with an army of knights. His cold eyes studied us before he smirked. "Good choice, son. For once, you've made the right decision. But tell me…who is this illusion standing beside you?"
I froze. "Illusion? This is Milla—the maid you hired for me!"
Hassan laughed darkly. "I know Milla very well. And this…this is not her. What you see beside you is nothing more than a magical illusion."