Reawakening: Primordial Dragon with Limitless Mana
Chapter 42: You should be sorry

Chapter 42: You should be sorry

"It’s really saddening," said the blond Count seated across from Rinne.

To her left sat two people—a boy and a girl.

She was currently in Hades’s old home. A place he once lived, but no longer called his own.

Why was she here? She had a purpose. A clear goal in her mind.

Rinne gave a small nod. "Yes, it is. But considering the things he did... I believe Cedric received the punishment he deserved." Her honest words made Count Trevon shift uncomfortably in his seat.

"I’m surprised Hades hasn’t been punished by the royal court yet," said the young man beside the Count. His name, Rinne recalled, was Dowen.

Same blond hair. Narrow, lazy eyes. A cheeky smile that made Rinne want to slap it off his face.

But she held back—for the sake of her purpose.

"Perhaps the King sees things in a way others cannot?" she suggested calmly.

"His son was killed," said the youngest in the room. "Even a man grows attached to a pet if he raises it from birth. Surely the King must’ve been angry at losing his own child."

Her name... right, Gabriella.

Rinne glanced at the Count and offered a faint smile. "Yes, compassion. Feeling love and sympathy for one’s child is only natural."

Trevon quickly averted his eyes. He understood what she meant.

Rinne felt nothing but cold hatred toward the man sitting in front of her.

This was the same man who had tormented Hades throughout his childhood—constantly reminding him he didn’t belong to the family, beating him down with words and pain.

And yet, Hades had endured it all. He had remained the perfect son, always fulfilling his role and doing even more than what was asked of him.

But when Hades was falsely accused of a crime he hadn’t committed... Trevon had been the first to sever all ties.

As if he had been waiting for that moment.

"Please have some tea," said the lady of the house softly, just as a few maids entered the room with trays of tea and confections.

Rinne’s lips lifted into a genuine smile as her eyes settled on the green-haired woman who stood gracefully with a warm expression.

Rising from her seat, Rinne approached the lady. "Lady Quintessa... Hades has spoken a lot about you."

She gently held the woman’s hands, eyes kind and sincere.

Quintessa blinked in surprise, then nodded. "He mentioned you in his letters. Thank you... for staying by his side."

As she spoke, her gaze briefly flickered to her husband—whose displeasure was clear from his twisted expression.

Rinne took the hint. She didn’t make things harder for the woman and returned quietly to her seat.

The conversation around the table picked back up.

And while all eyes remained on the Saintess, Lady Quintessa discreetly tucked away the parchment that Rinne had slipped into her hand during their brief exchange.

She was extremely eager to read the letter, since she knew whatever it was written, it was related to her son.

.....

Thalia lay on her bed, pencil in hand, quietly sketching. The drawing slowly took shape—a tree with long, elegant branches, each one adorned with glowing golden orbs.

It was her favorite way to pass time... or maybe just a way to cope. A hobby, sure—but more than that, it was her escape. A moment of silence where the world couldn’t reach her.

Right now, she needed that escape more than ever.

The situation at home weighed heavily on her. It was heartbreaking... and far too much for someone her age to carry.

Every time she looked at her mother, she felt something inside her crumble—just a little more than before.

Since the day her brother left this world, Thalia had tried to stay strong. She wanted—no, needed—to be the one who could offer even a sliver of comfort to their broken mother.

But at the end of the day... she was just a girl, holding together the shattered pieces of a family that had already fallen apart.

"Haah... why am I even thinking about this—mmfh?!" She gasped, eyes widening in shock as a hand suddenly covered her mouth and gently pressed her down onto the bed before she could react.

"It’s me," a voice whispered in her ear—low and familiar.

Thalia froze.

Only after a moment did her tensed body begin to relax.

Hades whispered again, "I’m going to remove my hand now... just please don’t scream."

He was prepared for anything—a slap, a punch, maybe even a blade.

And honestly, she had every right to do all of that.

Because despite calling her his sister, he hadn’t been there when she needed him most.

When the world had crumbled, when grief had swallowed their home—he was gone.

Slowly, Hades withdrew his hand from her mouth.

She didn’t speak.

Didn’t scream.

Instead, in one swift movement, Thalia sat up—and then launched herself at him.

"Oh—ah." He caught her just in time, stumbling slightly as her arms wrapped tightly around him.

She buried her face into his shoulder, and for the first time in what felt like forever... she allowed herself to breathe.

She allowed herself to cry.

"Where were you... so late... You’re so late..." she sobbed into his chest, her voice trembling with a mix of grief and frustration. Her tears weren’t just sorrow—they were heavy with all the anger she’d been holding back.

Hades held her close, his arms wrapping around her protectively as her body shook.

Seeing her like this—so vulnerable, so broken—tore at his heart.

Gently, he began to pat her back, his voice soft with regret. "I’m sorry, Thalia... I wasn’t brave enough to face you."

She suddenly pulled away, her eyes red and wet, a fierce light burning behind them.

"And why is that? Because you blame yourself for what happened?" she demanded, her voice cracking, raw.

Hades opened his mouth, wanting to deny it... but he couldn’t. Not this time.

So he gave a small, solemn nod.

Thalia’s expression twisted, equal parts pain and fury. "You’re an even bigger fool than Graham."

Her words struck deep.

"How could you ever blame yourself?" she cried. "My brother died protecting you. Do you think this—" she gestured to his haunted eyes, his heavy silence, "—is what he wanted? For you to carry that weight and crush yourself under it every single day? Is that what he gave his life for?"

Hades was rendered speechless.

She had lost her brother—the light of her life. The one person who had always been there for her. And yet... she wasn’t blaming him. Not even a flicker of hatred lingered in those tear-filled eyes.

Only sorrow. And something far deeper—forgiveness.

His shoulders slumped, as though the weight of her kindness crushed what little strength he had left. "I... I’m sorry," he murmured.

"You should be," she whispered, voice trembling. "For coming to me so late."

Then, without another word, she hugged him again. Tighter than before.

And for the first time in what felt like forever, a stillness washed over her—a quiet peace she didn’t know she’d been yearning for.

In that fragile embrace, it felt as if Graham was holding her one last time... through him.

Just once more.

For the last time.

°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading.