***** Jacob searched Zach’s face after revealing that truth, hoping for hesitation… or anything. But Zach… simply stood there, staring back at him with an unreadable expression. Seeing this, Jacob felt as though a mountain had been placed on his chest. “This… backer,” he resumed, his voice hoarse, “they are part of your family’s oppressors!” His teeth ground together so violently that it was a miracle they didn’t crack. “They are one of the forces that openly supported the tragedy that befell the Rex clan ten years ago.” His fists tightened at his sides. “They now control this city and are determined to wipe the Rex bloodline from existence… your bloodline.” Jacob forced himself to breathe, like a drowning man clawing for air. “They would go to any length,” he continued shakily. “The moment they learn that you are alive… that you have returned…” His throat constricted. “They will come.” His eyes burned, his entire body shaking as he fought to hold himself together.

***** Jacob’s face became serious as he carefully replayed Zach’s reasoning, turning it over again and again in his mind. Then understanding dawned on him, and in the following second, his eyes brightened. “That’s great!” He blurted, releasing a breath he never knew he was holding. Then almost immediately, his shoulders sagged. He wiped the lingering tears from the corners of his eyes with his sleeve. Zach said nothing again. Instead, a faint smile formed on Zach’s face as he watched Jacob collect himself. For a few seconds, neither of them spoke, then… “Oh… right, Young Master,” Jacob said abruptly, seeming to have recalled something important. His voice had completely changed, sounding almost cheerful now. “Let’s go pay our respect,” he added gently. However, the moment those words left his mouth… Zach’s heart skipped a beat, then he slowly lifted his head. Jacob was also staring at him, but with shining eyes… his expression filled with a kind of hopeful excitement.

***** “Mother…” he called solemnly, his voice slightly hoarse again, filling with longing. “Your… unfilial son has finally returned home.” He remained there for a moment, and just like before, he made the same pledges. He vowed vengeance, promised that the Rex family would rise again, and apologized for returning so late. His tone remained controlled, but beneath that control lay an ocean of restrained emotion. When he finally finished, he stayed there silently for a few minutes, then he stood up again. This time, he didn’t stop at the third memorial. Instead…. He continued to the fourth… his younger brother’s grave. Although Zach had been the elder brother… he still knelt, his knees touching the marble floor once more. This time, however, a faint sheen of moisture gathered in his eyes. Zach repeated the same words and promises, yet the tone carried a different weight. After all… This was his younger brother… the one who should have been here, standing in his pl

***** As Zach calmly retraced his steps, Jacob continued his relentless campaign of concern on his back. “Young Master… are you sure you’re alright?” “Young Master, you should put me down. I’m already feeling much better now.” “Really, I can walk now, Young Master, you don’t need to carry me like this.” “Young Master, please, I insist… You must be exhausted already.” The old man’s voice, though weak, was filled with unmistakable concern, and strangely enough… even though he was the injured and pale one, he sounded far more worried about Zach than about himself. But Zach just smiled faintly, understanding exactly what Jacob was worrying… about. But that still didn't change a thing. His footsteps never slowed or staggered. Instead, he moved as though he were casually strolling, which was almost ridiculous, considering he was carrying a full-grown man who was clearly not light despite being frail, and carrying a backpack that looked heavy enough to double as gym equipment

***** Jacob sniffed quietly, trying desperately to steady himself. On one hand, his heart swelled seeing Zach grow so much, but on the other hand… An overwhelming sadness struck him, knowing that this kind of maturity never came for free. Growth like this demanded a price. Jacob couldn’t even begin to imagine the kind of pain, hardship, and battles Zach must have endured over the past decade. The thought alone made his chest ache, his tears gushing even more. But just then… “We are here.” A sudden voice shattered the heavy silence, jolting Jacob out of his thoughts. “O-oh… okay.” He quickly wiped the tears from his face, moving with the guilty panic of someone who had just been caught doing something suspicious. Then he turned toward the driver who had spoken. “Thank you,” Jacob said politely and reached into his pants pocket, fumbling around to pull out some money. However… “Here.” A calm voice sounded beside him, startling Jacob. Turning, he saw Zach e