Raising a life does not have a universal guide Pt. 02

Under the azure sky, walking on the trail between the grassy fields.

"Rupert, do you know your surname?"

"Surname? What is that?"

"Hmm, it's your last name. Come on, like you see how my name is Han Anghert? The 'Anghert' is the last name. Your first name is Rupert, so what is your last name?"

"I don't know."

Sigh. he doesn't know? damn the parents "Well I guess it doesn't matter at this point. It can't be helped. Alright, from now on, your last name is Anghert. Rupert Anghert, alright?"

"Anghert? I'm Rupert Anghert? I like it. I'm Anghert."

"It's a surname. Don't go around calling yourself that unless asked. People will use 'Rupert' instead of 'Anghert.' Don't ask why, that's just how names work."

Sigh. How did I end up like this? Damn it, one thing after another. Give me a break. I have to take care of this kid from now on? Well, I guess I owe them my life. Sigh. I'm not a heartless monster. Well, at least I don't try to be. I can't throw this kid into an orphanage after lying straight to his face. "Your parents set off on an adventure?" What a stupid lie. Well, in any case, it seems he believes it. Little kids really are easily deceived. No, I think it's just him who is easily deceived. After crying a river, he went and forgot about his own parents' end. I don't blame you, kid. I would want to forget that as well if I were you. But you really have guts to alter your own memories. Well, I guess that is trauma for you. It can't be controlled. The mind is really strange.

Sigh. Where did all this start? Was it at the ambush? No, it was further in the past. Was it at the incident? I want to think so. I really want to, but I know it can't be. Yeah, it was all the way back then. It began all the way back then, three decades ago.

...

"Lukarte, unfortunately, I have decided to go forward with another candidate."

"Huh?... Understood, umm, can I ask what I did wrong?"

"What you did wrong? Don't get me started. What didn't you do wrong? First of all, you don't even have the basic skills required for the job. Thirteen-year-olds in carpentry school have a better understanding of the fundamentals. Second, all your blueprints and ideas are horrendous. A ten-year-old would have better reasoning for their made-up house. Your lack of communication caused many problems between your co-apprentices. They felt you were holding them back. Sorry, but I suggest you find a new career path, for I believe you will do better in anything other than carpentry. You are a persistent guy, but I can tell you right now—don't waste that trait of yours in this field. You will get nowhere. Now please leave."

I didn't have to be so harsh to him. Why did I insult him and his work so much? He wasn't a bad guy. He was frail and weaker than most. His looks pissed me off too—looking like a mouse, or a goblin. I don't even know what he resembled anymore. But I shouldn't have done such a thing. I shouldn't have been so harsh on him. Who am I to criticize others' work? Just because I was lucky to be picked up by Goldenleaf doesn't mean I'm superior to others. I was just lucky to be there, that's all. I definitely didn't see any potential in him, but I was blind—blinded by my own ego, my own fragile ego. I was arrogant and had false confidence. Damn it, I had that attitude throughout my whole career. Now that I think about it, it's actually impressive how I lasted for so long with such a nasty mindset.

The young man called Lukarte had his head down as he turned around, leaving the room. His face was pale and clouded, his eyes hollow and vacant. It was as if a black entity had occupied the space in the room. His presence was a depressing sight.

The young man left the room, closing the door slowly and gently—though not out of intention. He had no such motives for a gentle attitude. In fact, he had no motivation for anything at this moment.