Divine Beast Ascension

But, just as Rofar turned to leave, he whispered, “It’s merely a tonic to aid my father with his insomnia. This way, he’ll get some well-deserved rest before facing the stresses of tomorrow. And feel free to blame me, his caring, eldest son, if he questions you and activates your soul-binding seals.”

Still, the servant women weren’t entirely sure how to react. Yet they had no chance to retort or ask Rofar anything. Because the Prodson Family heir had already entered a new room a few doors down.

“Oh? I still have visitors?”

That fragile, tender voice hit Rofar like a wrecking ball. Rofar put on a brave smile and strolled up to the bed. He claimed the empty chair beside the bed, saying, “You’re my mom. Of course, I have time to see you.”

Rofar quickly and gingerly took her hand in his. That feeling of her weak muscles barely being able to lift a finger, let alone grip Rofar’s hand, was Rofar’s daily reminder of life’s uncertainty.

“You shouldn’t worry too much about me,” stated the mother. “My fate was decided long ago. We’re merely prolonging it.”

“And if I can continue to prolong it, then I wish to. So long as you’re willing to keep fighting,” Rofar remarked.

The bedridden woman, with her thin, fatigued body did her best to shake her head while resting on the pillow. “Rofar, my son… you should stop wasting your time and efforts on saving me. There’s no cure–”

.....

“Even if it takes my entire inheritance, I’ll find a solution, Mom. If you’re willing to keep fighting, then why should I stop?” retorted Rofar. “You’re Faelia Prodson, wife of a territory leader. And you were the only person I see as my true parent, my mom. You’re the only person who loves me for me and encourages me to live as I please, instead of seeing me as a mere extension of the family legacy…”

“Don’t talk like that, Rofar,” Faelia stated with a motherly stare and a slim smile. “Your father is a powerful man. He’s able to live as he wishes because of that–”

But Rofar shook his head. “Why do you think I had a silent formation installed in your room? Because I’m supposed to accept my father’s repugnant ways? To let him ignore his wife by indulging in his slave women instead? He only spared you, Mom, because you’re his first, true wife in the public eye, unlike his second and third wives.”

Still, Faelia didn’t back down despite her fragile state. Her calm, tender voice stated, “Rofar, you need still need to be careful. We’re lucky to be living in the palace and to have your father pay for your cultivation. Without him, you wouldn’t be as blessed as you are now.”

“And without him, you wouldn’t have fallen ill after sinking into depression, day after day.”

Rofar’s statement cut straight through Faelia’s brave face.

And Rofar continued, holding her hand a little tighter, “I don’t care about my influence or status. I care about the people I care about. That means you and me. And, to a lesser extent, the general public. I don’t care who rules, so long as they leave society in a place that allows me to give you a happy life, Mom.”

Faelia blinked. She knew her son all too well.

“... No… You haven’t–”

“Shh…” Rofar put a finger against his mother’s mouth. “I’ve done nothing I regret. And I would make the same decision time and time again. Because it allows me to save you, both physically and mentally.

“Are you willing to fight just a bit longer, Mom?”

Faelia was taken aback, unable to properly reply. “... I… I don’t understand, son.”

“In recent years, everything I’ve done is for you, Mom. You know that. I know that. Even if it went against Leader Prodson’s best wishes. And I’m continuing to live by that standard,” Rofar stated. “And, since I know you feel guilty about me wasting all my money to prolong your life, I’ve found a solution to save both you and myself.

“After all this is over, you’ll be healed and free of that man. And I’ll be free to cultivate without a heavy conscience weighing me down. This is the best thing for you and for me. Okay?”

Looking into her son’s eyes, unable to lift her head without great effort, Faelia sighed, “... I see… In that case, I support you, Son. I always will.”

Rofar sniffled to keep his eyes from growing watery. And he leaned over to kiss his mother on the forehead. “I love you, Mom. And I’ll make sure we’re both taken care of.”

With that off his chest, and with his mother’s acceptance, Rofar smiled and waved as he walked back to the door. “I’ll be back by morning, okay Mom?”

“Okay, Son. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Rofar opened the door. And, just before shutting the door behind him, Rofar reset the lock from the inside. In the back of his mind, Rofar thought, *This way, no one can threaten you any longer. Not with chaos about to ensue.*

Rofar put on his default, solemn expression while walking through the palace halls.

Just as Rofar passed the throne room, the two servant women were walking through the double doors. Both of them were silent, fitting to their position as slaves, but they were glowing with relief.

*Enjoy your final night of rest, you bastard,* Rofar mentally scoffed behind his masking, neutral expression. *For everything you’ve committed in the name of selfishness, I’m certain hell will give you the VIP treatment. And I’ve heard there is no rest allowed in the suites of the underworld…*

Rofar eventually passed Captain Khas’s guest room as well. He nodded to the guards stationed outside the door before going about the rest of his day.

A hint of a smile briefly appeared on Rofar’s face for a split second. All because Rofar felt a rush of relief as he thought, *With an ally like Khas on the inside, things are all the more certain… I can’t wait for Prodson to fall.*