A Background Character’s Path to Power

Hm...

I slowly retracted my hand from Baron's hand, my fingers lingering a moment longer than necessary

He was still unconscious as Veylan said, and his condition... it hasn't changed at all. No signs of improvement or waking up.

However, the dew seemed to have worked, as his psyche was much better than three days ago. Although they were the last drops I had, I am relieved they worked for the better.

"..."

I stared at Baron's face, noting how peaceful he looked now.

So different from the tormented expression he'd worn under the shroud's influence.

Memories crashed through my mind like waves against stone. I recalled how we fought together against the giant Mistborn; how he told us about my child self, his voice filled with paternal pride and love; those fleeting, precious moments my child self experienced in the weaver's memories...

And...

Just for a moment...

That other scene overlapped my vision like a nightmare bleeding into reality.

Where he, with pitch black eyes devoid of recognition and life, was stabbing me with his spear. The cold metal piercing through my chest, his face twisted with indifferent malice, not showing an ounce of emotion even as he-

My breath caught as I realized I was already clutching my heart.

Yet, I still couldn't believe I would have ended up being killed by my own father, and worse...

I would have been forced to witness everyone's death, the destruction of the Keep, helpless to stop any of it.

The lament shroud that corrupted and took over my father—it made me live through that hell. It was the one who reeled in my despair and helplessness, feeding on my anguish like a parasite.

The Second Thread had shown me that possible future, or past, and burned it deep into my soul.

But thankfully, thankfully, I managed to avert that fate this time. My chest tightened with a mixture of relief and lingering dread. I saved my parents, the people, the Keep, and even the shroud itself.

Of course, I couldn't have done it alone. Everyone who participated in it... they gave me the strength and the opportunity to rewrite that terrible ending.

I reached out again, my hand hovering over Baron's still form.

Rest well... father... You deserve it. Leave everything to me.

I will make sure to fix all the problems before I leave.

"..."

I then stood up, putting my hands into the light coat's pockets. It was time to check up on Mother now.

Her room was just next to this one, she changed it herself, saying she wanted to be closer to her husband.

I knocked on the door a few times.

"Ma'am, it's me, Lumin."

"Oh, I will open the door now!"

It was another voice who replied. Probably her maid.

I took two steps back and a few moments later, the door opened.

Inside, Lady Selva was sitting beside the table. There were tea and snacks on it.

"Have you returned safely, Mr. Lumin?" She rose from her seat and gave a polite bow.

I returned it and answered. "Yes, I just came back. I wanted to visit you two first. It seems like your recovery is going well. Baron as well. I trust that you heeded my words."

I looked at her maid for confirmation.

"Yes, the lady has been resting enough and is obeying your and healer Avir's words. She recovered a lot, too." The maid answered with a cheerful smile.

"Mmm." Lady Selva nodded. "The medicine you gave worked well. I feel a lot better now. My mind feels cleared up and much more at peace now."

"That's good then." I nodded with a smile. "I will give you and the baron a new medicine soon. Then, you will be fully healed."

Lady Selva smiled. "I really don't know how to repay this kindness you have shown us. Truly, thank you."

"No worries, we already talked about this before." I reassured her. "And, I have something else to say."

"Oh, please tell me about it." Lady Selva's eyes brightened up. "If it's something within my power, I will gladly help."

I paused for a moment, choosing my words carefully. "I met a young lady during my visit to the city. It seems like she wanted to visit your family. So I took her back with me. Right now, she's waiting in the guest room. I promised her to talk to you. So, I wanted to know if you could meet with her."

Lady Selva's expression shifted to one of curiosity mixed with concern. "A young lady? May I ask her name and purpose for visiting?"

I hesitated for a moment.

"I don't know her real name, but she told me to call her Cassie." I started. "She mentioned that she had heard about recent events concerning... Young Master Amaniel. She said she wanted to offer her respects and see if there was any assistance she could provide."

"..."

"...It seems like she was a close friend or acquaintance of his," I added to make it more plausible.

I both lied and told the truth. Now, it was all up to her to decide what to do. But I think I already know what she's gonna say.

"..." Lady Selve stared at me for a few moments.

Then her expression softened with a mixture of sadness and warmth. "A friend of Amaniel's..." she whispered, her voice carrying the weight of grief that still lingered. "Of course, I would be glad to meet her. Any friend of my son is always welcome in our home."

She paused, her hands clasping as if steadying herself. "It's... It's been so long since anyone has come looking for him. Especially friends..."

Her voice trailed off, and I could see her struggling with memories. Perhaps wondering what kind of person her son had been away from home, what friendships he'd formed, what life he'd lived that she'd never gotten to witness.

The silence stretched between us, heavy with unspoken grief and a mother's desperate need to connect with any piece of her lost child's world.

...

"...I keep thinking," she continued softly, "that if I could just hear stories about him, about who he was to others, it might help fill the emptiness he left behind. Does that... make sense?"