I'm Dropping Out

Damien really couldn't take it anymore. After yesterday's exhausting events, he'd spent a sleepless night staring at the ceiling. Months had passed without the system triggering the main mission, leaving him guessing as to what it could be. No matter how diligently he attended lessons, or listened in on his father and Lukas talk about business, nothing happened. Clearly, whatever his mission was, it had nothing to do with inheriting the Hertz empire.

It was time to take control and drop out.

More precisely, he was opting out of his right as an heir.

He knew deep within himself that the role of heir didn't suit him. He lacked both desire and the right temperament for such an enormous responsibility. His true passion had always been art, and perhaps this situation was the perfect chance to do what he's been putting off ever since he had "died." Maybe stepping away from this oppressive inheritance battle was exactly the thing needed for his real mission to show up.

Although he had art lessons here at the estate, he wanted to go out and travel, see other artworks created by the artists of this world and not be bound to lessons he was already familiar with.

Resolved, Damien straightened his posture, took a deep breath, and walked toward his father's private office. Then he knocked on the heavy wooden doors.

"Come in." A voice rang out.

The doors opened, and inside sat Arel in quiet contemplation over a stack of paperwork. He glanced up, eyes softening slightly after seeing Damien.

"Damien," Arel greeted, setting down his pen and folding his hands on his desk. "Is something the matter?"

Damien moved forward hesitantly, shoes sinking slightly into the carpet beneath him. His eyes were fixed carefully on his father's composed expression.

"Father," he began, his voice tense, "There's something important I need to discuss with you."

Arel studied Damien and his gaze immediately sharpened. "Very well, have a seat."

Damien sat carefully at the edge of the leather bound chair opposite his father. His fingers tightened nervously around his knee as he formulated the words to express what he wanted to say.

"I... I've been thinking about it recently," Damien said. "About my future..."

Arel nodded, his eyes focused intently on Damien. "Go on."

"I want to opt out."

Arel momentarily froze, not understanding what Damien meant. "Opt out? Of what, Damien?"

Damien took a deep breath, steadying himself. "Of inheriting the Hertz conglomerate. I don't want to be involved in the battle for succession."

The silence that followed felt heavy. Arel sat perfectly still, his expression unreadable as he stared at Damien closely. Finally, he spoke, voice neutral. "Do you understand what you're saying, Damien? Relinquishing your rights is not a simple matter. The elders will become involved. And since you're so young, I warn you that this is a decision you can't easily reverse."

Damien nodded slowly. "I understand. I've reflected on it."

Arel leaned back slightly, exhaling deeply, as if absorbing the weight of Damien's declaration. "Tell me your reasons."

Damien hesitated, searching carefully for words that could properly convey his emotions. "This family—this inheritance—is enormous. I understand its importance, and I deeply respect it. But… it's not what I want. The competition, the expectations—I feel it wouldn't lead me to the life I truly desire."

"And what is it you truly desire, Damien?"

Damien looked away briefly, his gaze lingering on the floor. "I want freedom. Freedom to choose my path, to pursue what genuinely makes me happy without the pressure of becoming an heir."

Arel's brows furrowed slightly. "Have you discussed this with your mother or Lukas?"

Damien shook his head slowly. "Not yet. I wanted to speak with you first."

"Very well. Damien, you must realize the magnitude of this decision. Once this is official, the elders will meet, and the decision will become permanent. The path back will be nearly impossible."

Damien nodded firmly, meeting his father's gaze with quiet determination. "I know."

Arel studied Damien quietly for a long moment. Eventually, he stood, moving around the desk to stand beside Damien's chair, gently resting a reassuring hand on Damien's shoulder. "If this is truly your wish, then we will call the elders and inform them of your decision. But first, we should speak to your mother and Lukas."

"Yes, Father." Damien responded rather softly.

The rest of the day passed in quiet, solemn discussions. Yuri's initial reaction was surprise and concern, but soon she expressed understanding, holding Damien close in quiet support. Lukas seemed conflicted, yet he offered Damien a hug, standing protectively by his side as the elders arrived.

The elders, stern and dignified, listened carefully as Damien repeated his wishes. They asked questions, seeking assurance that Damien truly grasped the gravity of his choice. Throughout it all, Damien held on firm, his resolve unwavering despite the serious atmosphere.

By evening, as the elders departed, their decision recognizing Damien's relinquishment of rights, he found himself alone again in his father's study. The room was silent, shadows stretching across polished surfaces as the daylight faded.

Arel entered quietly, approaching Damien slowly. "How do you feel now, Damien?"

Damien weighed the question. Finally, he lifted his head, meeting his father's steady gaze with newfound clarity. "Relieved and free."

"Then you've made the right choice," Arel said gently, reaching out to ruffle Damien's hair affectionately. He took a seat opposite Damien, leaning comfortably into the sofa.

Just then, Yuri entered the room carrying a delicate tea set. She set it carefully onto the table before sitting beside Arel, smoothing her skirt neatly as she settled.

"Damien," she whispered, "Now that you've decided not to pursue the inheritance, have you thought about what you might want to do next?"

Damien considered her question thoughtfully. "I'd like to transfer to a new school. Somewhere I can learn different things, maybe find new interests."

And maybe also have more freedom to explore so that I can find this main mission once and for all. He commented inwardly.

Yuri and Arel exchanged a brief, meaningful glance. Yuri leaned forward slightly, excitement sparkling in her eyes. "What about Fujimori Academy?"

Damien tilted his head curiously. "Fujimori Academy?"

"It's in Japan," Yuri explained eagerly. "It's where I studied when I was your age. Fujimori offers a unique opportunity to explore various fields and connect deeply with peers. It's where I discovered my love for dancing."

Damien looked excited, but a little hesitant. "Japan? Would that mean living away from home?"

"It's a boarding school, yes," Yuri confirmed gently, observing his expression. "You'd stay there during the school year. But it's an incredible experience, truly."

Damien paused, weighing the idea carefully. The prospect of independence was both exciting and slightly daunting. "I think I'd like that," he finally said, a quiet determination firming in his voice.

Arel nodded approvingly. "Good. We'll make the arrangements."

Yuri smiled warmly, her relief evident. "I hope you'll find your path there."

Damien met their supportive gazes, feeling a mixture of anticipation and determination.