Chapter 40 "Grandfather Blamed Himself"

Noah handed the phone to his grandfather… leaned against the couch and took out his phone to play..

Grandfather Einar pressed the phone against his ear and heard many voices coming from the other side.. he realized that his son must be in a meeting or busy with something important.. he said unhurriedly "I have something important to talk.. walk outside for a minute.."

The son obliged and excused himself outside of the room saying that he'd be back in a minute..

After walking out he went to his personal office room and closed the door behind him before saying "Father.. you can speak now.."

The next moment he heard his father's heavy voice "Bring back the concealment pearl from our old house tomorrow.." He was shocked after hearing his father ask him to bring back the concealment pearl with him at such an urgent notice.. he knew best that if his father asked him to bring that thing, then the situation must be quite serious..

"Father.. what happened that you need to take out the sacred divine artifact out of the safe? You know what'd happen if we take that thing out.." The son said with some hesitation as he felt concerned about something bad happening..

He had a bad premonition and felt reluctant to take that thing out of the safe.. he was not in favour of it, unless things were more concerning than that..

He stood in front of the glass wall of his office and looked outside.. worry written all over his face.. he was deep in thought for a long time when he heard his father speak again "I know what you are worried about.. but, the situation has escalated beyond our knowledge and there's no other option than using the concealment pearl.."

After a slight pause he continued "You know that I will never do anything to make things hard for you, our family and the clan, as the clan leader.. I've already made the preparations for this day just in case.. I just never thought that the day would come so early, that we use that thing again.. you don't have to worry about anyone knowing about it being taken out.. as I said, I've already made the arrangements.."

"Alright father.. if you say so.. I'll make sure to personally deliver it to you tomorrow.. we'll talk about the details after I get there.." The son said as he nodded his head and his eyes turned cold as something flashed across his eyes.. his gaze was on the scenery outside but he was in deep thought.. he looked like he had just recalled something that he didn't want to..

Grandfather Einar heard him and said "I know how you feel about it my son.. I also remember what happened that year.. I'd failed in my duties to protect our family.. but this time I'll make sure that nothing happens to anyone of you.. believe in your father one more time.."

Grandfather Einar said as regret filled his heart.. how could he not know what his son was thinking? he was afraid of the past repeating itself.. and was feeling reluctant to comply with it.. still, he was relieved that his son was a rational person and agreed..

"Father.. you did everything that was in your power.. it's not your fault that something happened back then.. you have the responsibility of the whole clan on your shoulders.. it's your son, I, who only inherited your name but failed to inherit your abilities to protect something important to my heart.. so, father don't ever say that again.. without you we'd not have been able to survive.. I believe in you father.. whether it was in the past or now or even in the future.. I'll always believe in you.."

The son said as tears welled up in his eyes.. he never doubted his father's abilities in protecting them.. he never blamed him for not being able to protect them at that time.. he understood this much that his father did his best.. and it was all fate that played with them..

So, when he heard his father talking like that he knew that his father blamed himself and regretted everything that happened in the past.. he just wanted to free his father from the regrets and lessen the burden off of his heart..

Grandfather Einar heard what his son said and scolded him in a stern voice "Damiano Cygnus Einar, you brat.. you are not allowed to say that you failed in anything, ever again.. You are my son.. I gave you the name, along with your mother.. yes, you inherited the family name from me, but, you also inherited the courage to protect your loved ones from me.. you inherited the strengths from me but nourished them by yourself.. you inherited the lovable heart from your mother that cherishes her dear ones.. you have every quality that your mother and I have.. and I believe that you'll do better than us in protecting everyone.."

Damiano heard his father and didn't know whether to laugh or cry.. his father was always like that encouraging him in his weird way.. never forgetting to compliment himself and his wife.. there was a smile on his face as a tear rolled down his eyes.. he said as he wiped the tear "Yes father.. you are right.. but you forgot one thing that I haven't inherited from you.."

Grandfather Einar asked in a confused voice "What's that?"

"Your narcissism.. the ability to compliment your wife and yourself every chance you get.. haha.." He heard the teasing voice of Damiano, who started laughing as he teased his father..

Grandfather Einar felt overwhelming emotions in his heart.. he couldn't remember how long it'd been since he heard his son laughing so heartily.. he felt his eyes burning as his vision blurred.. he quickly returned to his tsundere mode and scolded him lightly "You brat.. is this how you talk to your father? You just wait.. when you come here, I'll beat you up.."

After saying that he hung up the phone.. he feared that if he talked anymore he'll cry surely.. and he never wanted to do that in front of his son and grandson.. if that happened, he'd be so embarrassed at that time..

At this time, Noah exited the video game and placed the phone aside to look at his grandfather with questioning eyes.. he had heard everything what they were talking about… although he was not able to hear what his father said, but, he clearly understood that there was something that happened years ago and his grandfather blamed himself for that..

He wanted to ask but hesitated before asking anything that might hurt his grandfather.. he opened his mouth to speak and closed it again.. grandfather Einar saw this and he knew what was going on in his grandson' mind..

He looked softly at Noah and said "You'll know everything when the time comes.. before that you don't need to think about anything.. just concentrate on your training.. you just promised to get stronger and protect Da-eun.."