[7] I'm sorry, Father 

'I'm sorry, Father.

I've always wanted to say this to you in person.

Why apologize?

Because I haven't fulfilled my duties as a son properly.

I haven't protected this family well, and I haven't truly regarded you as my father.

But until your dying moments, you treated me as your son.

Even though I'm clumsy.

But you fulfilled your responsibilities as a father properly.

So, I'm really sorry, Paul.

Other than that, I can't say anything."

—Paul's Perspective—

When I found out that Rudy had fought with the Somar kid from the Ertz family, my first reaction was surprise.

Because Rudy didn't seem like the kind of person to bully others.

He had been mature from a young age, so mature that I, as his father, sometimes felt inadequate.

Heh, it's a bit embarrassing to say it like this, but after all, I'm a first-time father, and a little neglect should be forgivable, right?

Maybe.

But if Rudy really had bullied someone weaker...

Just thinking about it made my expression turn dark.

You can't do that, Rudy.

Having power is a good thing.

But great power is meant to protect the ones you care about.

If possible, I'd rather you turn your talents into a shield, not a sword.

That's what I thought today. I wanted to fulfill my duties as a father.

But when Rudy stood in front of me, before I could say anything, he apologized on his own.

'I'm sorry, Father!'

He said that.

I was momentarily stunned, but quickly composed myself.

'Why are you apologizing?'

'Because I did something bad outside today.'

'What did you do?'

'I... I fought with some kids my age, and I made them cry.'

Rudeus bent over, speaking in a subdued tone.

My tense emotions relaxed slightly.

I see.

So, Rudeus knows he did something wrong?

That's more than enough.

I inwardly sighed with relief and then half-squatted down, locking eyes with Rudeus.

"Rudy, can you tell me why you did this?"

"Because they were bullying someone."

Rudeus said this very seriously.

"Bullying someone?"

"Yes, they were throwing mud at Sylphy, and she looked like she was about to cry."

Sylphy...

I see, she was a child from the Laws family.

But why didn't Laws tell me about this?

"As my father, the knight who protects the village, and as your son, I can't allow such bullying to happen," Rudeus continued. "So, I used magic... but I didn't control the strength well, and it seems like I made them cry. In the end, it turned into me bullying the weak. I'm really sorry for damaging Father's reputation, so I apologize, Father!"

Rudeus seemed on the verge of tears as he repeatedly apologized.

Ah...

Seeing his earnest demeanor, I don't know why, but I was close to tears too.

What an exceptional son he is!

Even someone as prideful as me couldn't help but feel proud.

Rudeus Greyrat.

Without a doubt, you are a kind-hearted child.

With these thoughts in mind, I pulled Rudeus into a hug and held him tightly.

"F-Father?"

Rudeus seemed somewhat surprised.

"Rudy, you don't need to feel sorry."

"But I hurt them..."

"Yes, so next time, be sure to control your strength. But in terms of your actions, you did the right thing."

Hearing me say this, a smile appeared on Rudeus's face.

Later, at the dinner table, we chatted happily.

In the evening, during a leisurely moment after some exercise, I told Zenith about the incident.

Zenith smiled too.