For Her(4)

"My dear, do you believe it was the right decision to let him go back then?" whispered an hourglass figure, untouched by the passage of 666 years, her voice quivering ever so slightly.

Although she had been unable to express her thoughts to her son at the time, she vividly recalled the scene of him comforting her husband as they bid farewell, knowing they would not see each other again until much later.

Yet, despite their different perception of time, the sudden rise of their son to the position of Prime Harmonic shocked them both. Had their son truly possessed such exceptional talent?

One would expect the Seraphis family, known for their thirst for power, to rejoice at this accomplishment. However, neither the husband nor the wife could find joy in it, as their son immediately initiated a war merely two days after attaining his new title.

The news was a jolt that almost prompted Anne to scream. How could this be considered a wise decision? Had their son lost his senses?

Reflecting on what she had allowed to transpire over the course of these years, Anne's thoughts came to a halt, tears streaming down her face. She was well aware of the trials he would face, yet she had still permitted it.

After all, their family now stood as the strongest and most influential among the nine families...

Anne slapped herself forcefully, causing Pierre to worry about her mental state.

"I'm sorry, Ren. I was never a good mother... I'm so sorry..."

She sobbed uncontrollably, berating herself for the role she had played.

Of course, Pierre himself felt foolish for believing his son. If Ren had lost his mind due to the training, it was his fault alone.

"My love, I will seek an audience with Ren. Do not worry, I will do whatever I can..." he comforted, enfolding her in his embrace, his own countenance a mess of emotions. He had sworn to be a good father, yet he had done nothing to fulfill that role. It was time for him to confront Ren.

---

However, as always, reality had its own plans.

"Turn back. The Prime Harmonic is occupied" declared a guard.

With war looming, it was natural the leader would be engrossed in paperwork associated with the conflict. Ren had explicitly instructed that no one be allowed inside, never considering that his own father would pay him an unexpected visit.

"The Prime Harmonic you're referring to is my own damn son. If you ask me to leave again, I will make sure you understand just who Pierre Von Seraphis is."

What a ridiculous situation. Pierre had mustered all his emotions for this very moment, and yet a mere guard dared to obstruct him? His fury surged within him.

Of course, recognizing that no one would casually invoke Pierre Von Seraphis' name, the guard quickly acquiesced. Pierre was granted entry.

Upon entering the Prime Harmonic's chamber, Pierre took a deep breath before knocking.

Ironically, the scene from 666 years ago seemed to replay itself in reverse.

"Enter," came the response, a voice clear and devoid of any emotion. However, to Pierre, it felt strikingly unfamiliar, causing his expression to harden.

He complied, pushing open the door, only to be greeted by a baffling sight.

He remembered his son as a small child, barely reaching his waist. Yet now, seated upon a regal throne, an imposing figure loomed before him, radiating an overwhelming aura of power. Pierre could sense the immense strength that far surpassed his own, leaving no doubt of his superiority.

"My... son..."

But his attention was captured by his son's eyes. Though they remained the same shade of blue he had always known, they now appeared hollow, devoid of the dreams and aspirations that had once made them captivating.

"...I am... so sorry..."

Pierre understood. The man standing before him was not insane; he was a shell of his former self.

Before he could utter more, his trembling voice choked with tears, he was halted by his son.

"Why are you here? I made it clear to those old geezers that the Seraphis family should be kept away from the flames of war."

His words were cold, causing even more pain to pierce Pierre's heart.

While they relished in the power their son unleashed upon the continent, their status soaring higher, conveniently forgetting his suffering, he still held his family in his thoughts...

"...We... declined. The Seraphis family... is a spear. If our Lord... no longer requires it, then cast it aside."

Struggling to form his words, Pierre longed to apologize in any way possible. Yet, he knew that doing so at this moment would only be more pitiful. Thus, he silently presented Ren with a choice—to cast aside his family, for they had never been a source of goodness to him.

"What are you saying, Father? I understand your determination. Return and prepare your forces, though I doubt I will require them."

His son's words stirred doubts within his mind, but he brushed them aside.

"...I see. My Lord, I will do that then."

Rising to his feet, he prepared to depart, unresolved emotions weighed heavily upon him, burdening his heart even further...

However, before he left, the Prime Harmonic spoke the words he had always yearned to convey.

"Thank you for raising me. While I can't say I loved the Seraphis Family, I developed a fondness for it along the way. Convey my words to my Mother. Let her know that I loved her too, as I learned so much about this world thanks to her. Lastly, tell Catherine to find a partner, if she hasn't already, as I can't marry her. But assure her that I harbored a certain affection for her."

His words reverberated in the confines of the small office, causing Pierre's form to tremble heavily as he struggled to respond.

"I... I understand, my Lord. I will be sure to deliver your message."

Pierre departed in a state far more wretched than when he had arrived, yet a smile graced his face, for even though he sensed that this might be the last time he saw his son, his regrets somehow eased a little...

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Author's note:

I swear, I did not make the 666 years on purpose. I just calculated and it randomly ended up with that.