The day had finally come when the Robeheim Siblings had just turned fourteen, and they started seeking company more among their peers than in the warmth of their parents’ arms.

That day, the weather was unusually mild, and Edgar found himself wondering if the family should go out together while enjoying a warm moment in the garden.

Lately, he hadn’t been burdened with irksome affairs, so this garden had become a frequent spot for his visits.

“Ah, Dad!”

“Hmm?”

Just then, an unexpected guest showed up.

From the title, the voice could be narrowed down to one of two people.

Plus, since it was a pre-teen boy’s voice, Edgar smiled before even turning his head to guess who it was.

“Hey, Evan. How was the Academy?”

“Ah, yes! I should’ve greeted you first…”

Knowing that the family valued manners above all, Evan hurriedly bowed, flustered.

Edgar, however, thought it unnecessary to be so formal among family, gesturing for him to relax.

“That much is fine. What’s up?”

“Actually, I have a favor to ask. Dad might find it a hassle…”

“Hassle? What could it be? It’s a precious son’s request.”

Of course, if Evan asked for something extravagant or inappropriate for his age, Edgar would show some reluctance. But in his understanding, Evan was an adult-like boy with a well-established sense of values.

He didn’t think Evan would demand anything unreasonable.

Maybe he simply hesitated to ask because he felt he would trouble his father in some way. Edgar guessed this much.

“Don’t overthink it, just tell me. It’s been a while since you asked your dad for something, hasn’t it?”

Patting the seat beside him, he smiled expectantly at Evan.

Though he was fourteen, unlike his baby sister Serina, who still acted like a little brat in front of Edgar, Evan rarely asked for things unless absolutely necessary.

‘Could he be asking for dating advice or something?’

The thought suddenly crossed Edgar’s mind, and he pondered that it could actually be a reasonable guess since Evan’s first crush had started at eight and was still ongoing.

Thus began a silent standoff, one filled with anticipation on one side and tension on the other.

Evan looked up at his father, opening his mouth to speak but stopping twice, eventually nodding resolutely.

“I want to be strong too!”

Edgar’s eyes widened in surprise at Evan’s bold declaration.

Blink. Blink.

As he blankly blinked, he tilted his head as if trying to comprehend the meaning behind those words.

Certainly, in this peaceful era devoid of war, it seemed like a strange thing to say.

“What do you mean? Did someone bully you or something?”

“N-no! I just want to be a man like you, Dad…”

“Hmmm.”

Edgar wasn’t particularly surprised to learn of Evan’s admiration towards him; he already knew it well.

He simply wondered what could have sparked such a thought in his son all of a sudden, with a hint of suspicion in his silence.

On the other hand, when Evan didn’t receive an immediate answer, he awkwardly drooped his shoulders, looking a bit down.

“Is it too much for me to be like you?”

“Too much? Don’t think that way. I wasn’t strong to begin with either,” Edgar reassured.

“Really?”

The unexpected truth made Evan’s eyes widen like those of a startled rabbit.

To him, Edgar had always been a strong, steadfast father and hero, so imagining him as anything less was difficult.

Gently ruffling his son’s hair, Edgar nodded without a hint of doubt.

“Of course. Your dad had reasons to grow stronger and received help from those around him. So Evan, if you set your mind to it, you could become even stronger than your dad.”

Evan’s downcast eyes were illuminated with a glimmer of hope at Edgar’s heartfelt encouragement.

“Now that you mentioned it, shall we go to the training hall? Since it’s the first day, let’s take it easy.”

“Yes, Dad. Thank you.”

As Evan rose and bent to thank him, a content smile crossed Edgar’s face, but he suddenly remembered a curiosity and cautiously spoke up.

“By the way, can I ask you something before we go?”

“Of course.”

With a much brighter demeanor than before, Evan confidently nodded.

However, that confident look didn’t last long.

“Is the reason you want to get stronger related to Claire, that girl?”

“…”

Caught off guard by the sudden stab from his father’s words, Evan found himself at a loss for words.

Edgar, interpreting the silence as a confirmation, erupted into loud laughter.

   

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