His Adoptive Parents' Genuine Care

<.Seacastle, Nathaniel's residence.>

Standing opposite the floor-to-ceiling windows of his home study, Nathaniel's figure was reflected on the glass. He threw his gaze out, staring at the sea beyond the cliffs, shimmering under the moonlight.

Nathaniel pressed a phone on his ear, listening to Ruediger at the end of the line. In a rare moment of vulnerability, his old friend vented about his fears.

All of it was related to Lariette.

Ruediger called Nathaniel right after dinner. Thinking that his friend might have something important to talk about, he told his adoptive parents that he would be in the home study.

Nathaniel let Ruediger speak without unnecessarily interrupting the latter. Being his friend for years, he knew what Ruediger needed right now was someone to listen to him.

"...it's funny but, I know I'm the only one clinging to the past from the beginning. Pathetic."