Chapter 19 – A Son’s Oath

  Previously, Rin heard about his mother falling unconscious and immediately rushes to Everhart Mansion.

  THY DAY MY WORLD CHANGED

  The golden hue of the late afternoon sun painted Everhart Mansion in warm colors, yet Rin felt none of its warmth. His body moved on instinct, his legs trembling with each step. His boots pressed against the grand marble floor, but he barely felt it—his mind was blank, his breath uneven.

  His hands felt cold, yet his skin burned. Sweat dripped from his palms, trailing down his fingertips, yet he couldn’t stop walking.

  His mother had collapsed. The news had shattered his thoughts, leaving only an overwhelming dread clawing at his heart.

  By the time he reached the door to his mother’s chamber, his throat was dry. His fingers hovered over the ornate handle for only a second before pushing it open.

  “Where... where is she?” he rasped. His eyes, wild searching. “Where’s my mom?!”

  The scent of incense and light herbs filled the air. The dim glow of enchanted lanterns illuminated the room, where a man in the sacred white robes of the Terranis Church stood beside the large canopy bed.

  And on the bed—

  She was awake.

  Rin’s breath caught in his throat. His mother, Seraphina von Everhart, lay against the cushions, her usually radiant face pale, her delicate hands resting over the silk sheets. Her deep blue eyes met his, filled with emotions he couldn’t place.

  Relief surged through him like a wave, his knees nearly buckling from the weight of his fear fading away. But something was wrong.

  She was awake. But she wasn’t smiling. A hint of nervousness, a trace of unease—it was there, faint but present.

  Rin turned sharply to the High Priest, his voice coming out faster than his mind could control.

  "Is my mom okay?! Does she need medicine? An elixir? More rest? Tell me—just tell me she's fine!"

  "Calm yourself, young heir." The High Priest studied Rin for a moment, sensing the storm of emotions behind his eyes. His voice softened yet held firm authority.

  "Your mother is fine, young heir. There is no need for fear." He paused, then offered a small, knowing smile. "She is with child."

  The words rang in his ears, yet his mind refused to grasp them.

  Child.

  The meaning clicked, but his thoughts froze. For the first time since his rebirth, his mind stopped working.

  A storm of emotions clashed within him—joy, confusion, fear, relief, and something else. Something deeper.

  A younger sibling.

  A new life.

  A family that was growing.

  Seraphina, watching the flicker of emotions on her son’s face, misunderstood his silence. Her heart ached, and her voice softened as she reached for his hand.

  Seraphina reached out, gently cupping Rin’s face in her hands. Her fingers trembled slightly, brushing away the dampness on his cheek.

  "My sweet Rin, don’t be sad." Her voice was soft, filled with unwavering warmth. "Nothing will change. You will always be my precious son. You will never, ever be alone."

  Rin blinked. Alone?

  Did she think he was afraid? That he feared losing her love?

  A chuckle left his lips, soft yet unsteady. His throat tightened, his eyes burning. A warmth he couldn’t describe swelled within him.

  Rin let out a shaky breath, his vision blurring.

  "Sad?" He laughed softly, the sound breaking midway like a choked whisper. He clenched his fists, pressing them against his chest, as if trying to hold back the flood of emotions.

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  "Mom… how could I ever feel sad? You’ve already given me more than I ever dreamed of."

  Seraphina’s eyes widened before tears slipped down her cheeks. She pulled him into her arms, holding him as though he were still a child clinging to her for comfort.

  Lucien and Elysia, watching from the side, said nothing. Lucien turned away, wiping the corner of his eyes, while Elysia smiled faintly, her gaze shimmering.

  "Outside, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long golden streaks across the Everhart estate. But within these walls, a different kind of light had been born—one that would never fade, no matter how many nights passed."

  A new life had begun.

  Bound by blood and Strengthened by Love

  The golden light of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting soft streaks across Rin’s room. A gentle breeze carried the distant chirping of birds, but he barely noticed.

  His mind was fixated on one thing.

  A system notification had appeared last night, but with everything that had happened, he hadn’t reacted. Now, as he sat up in bed, he willed the translucent blue window to appear.

  [Forced Quest Activated]

  Description: Take care of your mother and unborn sister until the child is born. Ensure their well-being and provide unwavering support.

  Reward: Epic Skill –Warrior’s Instinct

  Failure Penalty: Seraphina von Everhart’s health will deteriorate beyond recovery.

  Rin’s breath hitched. Cold sweat prickled his spine.

  No.

  His fingers trembled, clutching the doorframe as if to anchor himself to reality.

  What?

  His pulse thundered in his ears. His fingers trembled as he reread the words, his vision blurring slightly, breath caught in his throat. Forced Quest? Mother health will deteriorate?

  "Is this some kind of mistake? A cruel joke?" His voice came out hoarse, barely above a whisper.

  He forced himself to take deep breaths, but the cold knot in his stomach wouldn’t fade.

  A storm of thoughts crashed into him, but one thing remained clear.

  Penalty or not, nothing mattered more than her well-being.

  No force in this world could stop him from protecting her.

  From that morning on, Rin became his mother’s shadow.

  If she was awake, he was by her side.

  If she was eating, he made sure her plate was full of perfectly prepared meals.

  If she rested, he adjusted her pillows, watched her breathing, and ensured she was comfortable.

  When she walked through the gardens, he steadied her steps, kept an eye on her every movement, never straying too far.

  When she smiled, he made sure it never faded.

  Every single day, he talked with her, played games, and told stories just to keep her spirits high.

  Not even the maids, who had served her for years, could match his level of care.

  Fifteen Days Later – The Duke Returns

  Fifteen days after Seraphina’s collapse, Duke Edwin von Everhart returned home.

  He had read everything that had transpired in his absence—a letter from Alfred, the head butler, had reached him on his journey back from the Imperial Capital. He had read it in silence, his grip on the parchment tightening with every line.

  His wife had collapsed.

  His son had taken over her care.

  The weight of responsibility had fallen on a child’s shoulders.

  So, when his carriage arrived at the Everhart estate, his gaze immediately sought his wife.

  News of his return swept through Everhart County, drawing crowds to the mansion gates. Everyone stood at the entrance—nobles in fine robes, servants bowing low, villagers craning their necks for a glimpse. Yet his eyes passed over them all. He didn’t care for titles or cheers. All he wanted was her—his beloved, heavy with child, waiting somewhere beyond the crowd."

  Seraphina stood at the center of entrance; her presence radiant despite her condition. Rin stood beside her, his posture straight, his deep blue eyes unwavering.

  Without hesitation, he strode forward, his steps quick, urgent.

  And then, he pulled her into his arms.

  "I should have been here, Seraphina. I should have been the one by your side."

  Seraphina’s eyes softened. She touched his cheek gently, a small smile gracing her lips.

  "We have our son, dear. He has taken care of me in every possible way."

  Edwin turned to Rin—eyes shadowed with regret, then widening with slow awe.

  The boy stood firm, unshaken. But what struck him most… was the calm steel in his gaze. A quiet pride. A strength that spoke louder than words.

  Edwin's voice caught in his throat for a moment before he finally spoke.

  "You..." he said, almost in a whisper. “You stood where I should have, Rin… beside the woman we both love. You cared for her when I failed to.”

  His eyes softened. "You’ve done more than well, Rin. You’ve done... beautifully."

  Rin met his father’s stare and nodded; his voice steady.

  “Of course I did. She is my mom.”

  Edwin studied his son—not just a child standing before him, but a boy who had shouldered responsibility far beyond his years. In his absence, Rin had not only cared for Seraphina… he had proven himself worthy of the Everhart name.

  A deep chuckle rumbled from Edwin’s chest, his previous tension finally releasing.

  "You must be tired from standing." He exhaled. "And I am exhausted from my journey."

  Before Seraphina could react, he lifted her into his arms.

  A small gasp escaped her lips. “Put me down! I can walk!”

  Edwin only grinned. “My turn, beloved. Let me enjoy the warmth of my wife before the boy steals you away again.”

  Laughter rippled through the crowd.

  Even Rin—who had spent the last two weeks consumed by worry—finally smiled.

  For the first time in days, his heart felt truly at peace.

  The warmth of family surrounded him, and for the first time in this life… he had something he would never let go of.

  [End of Chapter]