Reginald said, "Andrew, you can blame me, even hate me, because I failed to protect your mom. But I must tell you the truth: Eleanor most likely did not survive."
Andrew's mind buzzed, and in an instant, everything went blank. "What did you say?"
His voice trembled.
All along, Reginald had been telling him that Eleanor was still alive. He had never expected such a revelation.
Reginald lowered his head, slowly shaking it. "Andrew, I'm so sorry. I left Holtrien many years ago. Initially, it was because of a mission, with my heart focused solely on my country. But later, tracking down the entrance to the Veiled Paradise and finding the last hidden small world became an obsession. I had to ask the people of the Veiled Paradise why they did what they did, and if it was truly unforgivable for Eleanor to be with me…"
He continued, "Andrew, remember this: the people of the Veiled Paradise were not actually strong enough to take your mother away. She was forced to leave to conceal your existence. You can blame me, but you must not blame her for seemingly abandoning you."
Andrew remained silent. After a long while, he forced a weak laugh. "Dad, you should have told me everything much earlier. If it were the old me, I would have certainly resented you and might have even picked a fight. But now, I won't."
Reginald looked surprised. "Why? Aren't you angry that I didn't protect her?"
Andrew shook his head. "Of course I am! But you're my father. I know you did your best, and that's enough."
With that, Andrew returned to his room, wanting only to lie down and rest. Since arriving in the Outlands, he had been holding himself together, and now that last bit of strength seemed to have vanished all at once.
It was rare for Andrew to feel tired. The last time was when he left the organization, watching helplessly as all his comrades died.
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Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Rising from the Ashes (Andrew)
Buy nothing is there...
no update? :-(...
Why there is no update for last two days??...
Brilliant piece of work. I am enjoying the novel. The only problem is that it is taking longer to update more chapters....