After Marcus said those words, the room froze – the air began to vibrate – the clock ticked louder than ever. The cup cracked in Alaric grip and shards fell as an aura blasted outward, rattling the windows. After a few moments, everything returned to normal. Marcus looked dazed as he lifted his head. He saw Alaric gripping the shards of broken glass with an angry fist. Blood dripped from his palm as he stood up.
He threw the shards away and walked to the kitchen. Opening a drawer, he opened a first aid kit and wrapped himself with gauze. He then walked into his bedroom, slamming the door shut. After a few minutes, Alaric returned in a crisp white suit with golden accents, the fabric sharp and unyielding. Then, he looked at Marcus and said in a solemn tone.
"Let's go."
Marcus nodded and walked to the door, opening it as Alaric passed him. Marcus followed behind, closing the door. They entered his car and Marcus sat in the driver's seat while Alaric beside him. Marcus turned it on and drove off from the countryside.
***
After an hour, Marcus parked the car in the Augustus manor. He got out and walked around vehicle, opening the door. Alaric stepped out and took in deep breath. Then, he strode to the front entrance of the mansion. The guards at the front door stomped their feet and saluted Alaric. Alaric nodded and saluted back. Alaric nodded and entered the living room with Marcus trailing behind him. Alaric lifted his head and saw his son eating his breakfast with his caretaker beside him.
Alaric's hard expression softened a little as he saw his son.
"Call…Lilla."
Marcus followed the elder's order without hesitation. The swift breeze coming through the window as he approached. He walked over and Lilla turned her head. Marcus leaned in and whispered into Lilla's ear. Lilla flicked her head to the elderly man standing behind him. She turned to look at Missio and said with a soft smile.
"My lord…I must do some work. Eat your breakfast, okay?"
Missio looked at Lilla and turned his head at his father. Father and son made eye contact for a moment. He recoiled; body shaking slightly and drew a sharp breath. He nodded at Lilla and went back to eating. Lilla headed over to the elder with Marcus. All of them sauntered to the dining room where they sat down. Alaric opened his mouth and said in a calm voice.
"I heard what happened to my son and I…I'm truly distraught. I must thank you all for taking care of him."
Marcus and Lilla nodded. Then, Lilla spoke.
"Elder, I've already informed the general of his condition and have sent a leave application in the lord's name."
Alaric leaned back in his chair and opened his mouth.
"Where is Victor? He should be taking care of Missio since he's his therapist!"
After Alaric finished, Lilla spoke up.
"Elder…Victor has already checked Missio's mental state and…has concluded that it's in an extremely fragile state like before…but the good news is that he can recover faster than before. "
Hearing Lilla's reply, Alaric was surprised.
"Really? He can recover faster than before? Good lord…Pangea has blessed us."
He paused and then spoke with a hint of anger.
"I'm also going to send a complaint to this prime minister about sending my son on such a Mission."
"I agree with you, elder. It should have never been the first move to send the first unit rather to ask Ashland to investigate and capture that bastard."
"I can't believe I left the government in such a state once I handed over the position of patriarch to Dante!" Alaric exclaimed, placing his hand on the table. " In fact, where is he now?"
"Currently, the head is dealing with Ashland since the Black ops is under his command…" Marcus stated with a wavering voice.
"I assume he didn't send his brother, did he?"
"No, sir…It was the general who agreed on this action. Dante personally said he wasn't involved in this."
"Son of bitch! That general is unsuitable! My dear Dante would've done a better job or even Missio!" Alaric exploded in anger.
"Elder – elder, please calm down…we must think rationally of the situation." Lilla said with a hasty voice.
Alaric slumped into his chair and narrowed his eyes to a slit, gritting his teeth.
'Missio, my son…I'm sorry, your father couldn't help…even now…even then…'
He took a deep breath and straightened his back. He sighed as he looked at Marcus and Lilla.
"For now, …follow what victors says and take good care of Missio and…Inform Dante of his situation."
"Dante? Sir, I believe he would've already heard about what has happened to his brother?" Marcus asked in puzzlement.
Alaric gave a dry laugh. "You know that boy…last time he went to a party, he forgot he had to give a speech."
"Oh! You're right." Lilla said holding back her laughter.
"He was supposed to give a speech on the Justitia scale Law firm success and he gave a speech on the damn food!" Alaric laughed.
"That child is just like you." Marcus gave a somber smile.
"I remember like it was yesterday…Dante was definitely a blessing in disguise because no one can be as talented as him!" Lilla added.
"Of course! He reached the rank of saint at 20, didn't he?"
"No, it was at 21."
Alaric coughed, disrupting their excitement and the two servants looked at Alaric with composed eyes.
"Let's not get carried away. Lilla, you can go back."
"Yes, sir." Lilla stood up and went back to Missio.
Alaric watched her leave. Then, he spun his head towards the head butler was idly sitting waiting for his next command.
"Marcus…don't let any unknown guests enter the estate for the time being and take care of Missio's every need."
Marcus nudged his crystal monocle and asked in a solemn tone.
"Is there anything else that I must do?"
Alaric raised a brow and pondered for a moment before saying in a somber tone.
"No…there's nothing else. Now, go."
Marcus obeyed and left the dining room, leaving the elder behind with his darkness. Alaric sat there for a while, collecting his thoughts. Flashes of that day flickered through his mind…Missio wasn't the only one that had suffered. He looked at his palm which was covered in gauze. He clenched it hard enough to draw blood but stopped at the right moment. Buildings collapsing – civilians burning – natural disasters destroying Romulus…he had seen it all at this point.
'If only I had listened to you, then maybe…maybe things could've been different…but it's too late to change anything and to hope for change…'
Alaric let out a painful laugh.
"…I'll always live in the shadow of regret…"
As he said those words, he stood up, pushing the chair back. He glanced at the chandelier and then, walked towards the exit. He paused and then, stared at the main chair reserved for the patriarch. He slid his hands across the soft surface, remembering his time as the head. Then, he snatched his hand away.
'The future is in your hands, Dante…I hope you a better job than me.'