Threats of Fate

When Akio and his mother arrived home, they were warmly greeted by his father, Ferro. He was eager to have dinner with his family and hear about their day.

Ferro hugged his son tightly, but today Akio seemed especially tired. His parents decided he should rest before dinner.

Ferro: "Akio, my boy. You look like you haven't slept in days. What's wrong?"

Akio: "School was too much. So much learning and running around."

Ferro: "What do you mean?"

Kiyomi: "He told me the same thing earlier. I think something happened in his class today."

Ferro: "Rest up for now. Your mom and I will prepare dinner and call you when it's ready."

Akio: "Okay, I'll go sleep. I love you."

Kiyomi: "We love you too. Sweet dreams."

Akio headed to his room without saying much more. His shoulders slumped, and his steps were heavy as he trudged slowly toward his room. His parents watched him, concern etched on their faces. For Akio, everything seemed normal, but Kiyomi felt something was off.

Kiyomi: "Ferro, is something wrong?"

Ferro: "What do you mean?"

Kiyomi: "You're not acting like yourself."

Ferro: "Is it that obvious?"

Kiyomi: "To me, it is. Come on, tell me what's going on."

Ferro: "I got a new assignment today... in the capital. It's a dangerous case, and apparently, I'm needed there."

Kiyomi: "What? You didn't...!"

Ferro: "I've already accepted it."

Kiyomi: "Why? Akio has just started adjusting to school. Why should we move to the capital now?"

Ferro: "The issue isn't moving. I have to go alone."

Kiyomi: "Why? What's wrong?"

Ferro: "I can't take the risk like last time. I don't want our son to face the same fate."

Kiyomi: "It wasn't your fault!"

Ferro: "Yes, it was. I could have stopped it. It wouldn't have happened if I'd acted sooner."

Kiyomi: "You did your best."

Ferro: "The risk is too high. I can't lose another child."

Kiyomi: "And what's your plan now? Leave us? How long will you be gone?"

Ferro: "Yes, I have to go. My department head has already given me a new alias. I don't know how long it will take."

Kiyomi's voice rose with frustration and concern.

Kiyomi: "Why the capital?"

Ferro: "They need me there. It's too dangerous for anyone else. I was their only choice."

Kiyomi: "But you have a family. This is too dangerous. Don't they understand that?"

Ferro: "I promise, I'll be as quick as I can. I'm doing this so that you and everyone else in this country can live safely."

Kiyomi: "You say it's for us, but you're leaving us. How is that for us?"

Ferro: "It might seem that way, but it's not. I'm doing everything to maintain peace. No one should have to suffer anymore."

Kiyomi: "And what will we do without you? What will Akio do without his father?"

Ferro: "I'll come back as soon as I can. I'll solve this case and return home."

Kiyomi: "How can you be sure? What if something happens to you? I don't want Akio to grow up without a father."

Ferro: "You're imagining the worst. It won't come to that."

Kiyomi: "How can you be so sure?"

Ferro: "Because I've solved every case so far."

Kiyomi: "And why an alias?"

Ferro: "To protect you two. In the capital, they know my name but not my face. This way, I can work there without putting you at risk."

Kiyomi: "If you stayed home, they could know you all they want. I'll turn anyone who tries to harm us into mincemeat."

Ferro: "Honey, your old self is showing again."

Kiyomi: "Sorry. But seriously, they can meet me if they dare try anything."

Ferro shook his head, a faint smile crossing his lips.

Ferro: "That's exactly why I have to go. I don't want it to come to violence. You promised me you'd never take up arms again."

Kiyomi: "But why the capital?"

Ferro: "It's the main hub for criminals. The murders there aren't random. Someone is challenging the government."

Kiyomi: "What murders? Can't we handle this together, like we used to?"

Ferro: "Not this time. We can't leave Akio alone. We don't have anyone we trust enough."

Kiyomi's anger and worry clashed with her understanding of Ferro's reasoning.

Ferro: "This has to happen, no matter how painful it is. It will be over quickly, and then it'll be as if it never happened."

Kiyomi: "Probably?"

Ferro: "If I learn more, I'll let you know."

Kiyomi: "You're irreplaceable to them, but Akio's father is irreplaceable to us."

Ferro: "Exactly why I understand this even better. No one should have to endure what we've endured. I'm doing this so that such tragedies never happen again."

The conversation lingered in a tense silence. Finally, Ferro spoke.

Ferro: "Once the case is solved, I'll quit. I'll find something safer."

Kiyomi: "But you're a recognized light mage. Will they let you go?"

Ferro: "I've proven my loyalty. They don't see me as a threat."

Kiyomi: "Do you know that, or do you just think that?"

Ferro: "Both!"

Kiyomi: "That doesn't sound very certain."

Their conversation shifted, becoming a little lighter as they started joking about opening a food shop once Ferro was done with his work.

In their lighthearted banter, they lost track of time and realized they hadn't prepared dinner yet.

Kiyomi: "Oh no, dinner!"

Ferro: "Oops, I completely forgot."

Kiyomi: "Hurry, get the plates on the table."

Ferro: "Think I can do it without breaking them?"

Kiyomi: "I still have some faith in you."

Ferro: "Thanks for the vote of confidence."

Together, they rushed to prepare dinner and called Akio to the table. Over the meal, Akio enthusiastically recounted everything he'd learned at school that day—crafting, physical education, nature studies, and the seasons.

For Akio, these moments were the happiest in his life. He wished he could stay like this with his parents forever. To him, they were the best parents in the world.