Chapter 14: Filial Rudi (Patreon)

"No, surely it isn't that serious??"

Rudy looked at his startled mother, Zenith.

He smiled and said, "I think it's really necessary to get rid of Paul. Ever since I was little, all I've ever seen him do is tease women.

He never takes his own abilities seriously either. And when it comes to the household finances, he barely earns anything at all. Useless, worthless — all he knows how to do is bully Mother and Lilia. And there was even a night... when I overheard him telling Lilia... that if she didn't want this to get out, she'd better behave and keep quiet.

And after that... he even scolded me over something involving other children, without even bothering to sort out right from wrong. That's when I really saw it. Paul isn't just incompetent — he can't even properly protect his own family.

Honestly, I just can't understand a man like that. What on earth did Mother ever see in him back then? Most likely, she was threatened into it.

So... if I weren't worried about upsetting Mother, I would have gotten rid of Paul a long, long time ago!!! And now, after I punished him... not only has he not trained any harder, he keeps recklessly tormenting Lilia.

I think the time has come to get rid of Paul. What do you all say — we get rid of Paul and start a brand-new family???"

Listening to these well-reasoned words, Paul fell silent for a moment. Was this — was this really the kind of memories he'd been leaving his child with, all this time???

As for Lilia and Zenith, though Rudy's words made them start to doubt themselves, he was still the father of the child in their wombs. And besides... Paul was still Rudy's father, after all!!! Having your own child carry the reputation of a patricide — that would be simply terrible!!!

Facing the killing intent radiating off Rudy... his mother Zenith slowly crouched down. She pulled Rudy into her arms. "Rudy, please don't have such extreme thoughts."

The moment Zenith's words left her lips, Paul dropped straight to the ground, prostrating himself before everyone.

"I'm sorry — it's my fault, I failed to be a good husband and a good father."

"You can hit me however you like, I'll accept it."

"Please don't cast me out. I really know I was wrong."

"From now on, I'll take good care of this family, I promise."

Facing Paul's repentance... Zenith and Lilia fell silent. But Rudy spoke up without hesitation. "I read a book once... and I think what it said makes a lot of sense. A person's true nature is extremely, extremely hard to change. I already gave you one chance before. But instead of changing, you only got worse — you showed no remorse at all. Honestly, I'm truly disappointed in you!!!"

Listening to Rudy's utterly unsparing criticism, Paul curled lower against the ground in anguish. Tears poured helplessly from his eyes. He'd always thought of himself as a decent enough father. But only now... as he replayed what Rudy had just said, did he truly grasp how far out of line his behavior had been all these years.

Just then... he sensed that not far away, where Rudy stood, the air was growing hotter and hotter. Paul bowed his head deeply. He gave up all resistance completely. Perhaps... Rudy was right. Getting rid of a scumbag father like him might really make things better.

Just as the searing fire magic was about to come crashing down on Paul... Lilia and Zenith, the two of them, couldn't hold back and shouted together, "Stop!!!!"

Rudy turned his head and looked at the two women. "What? Is there really anything left to say at this point??"

Zenith sighed. "Rudy, your father knows he was wrong. Why don't you forgive him, just this once, all right??? I promise you — if he does anything worse next time, I'll take care of him myself!!!"

Hearing Zenith's words, Rudy let out a sigh. He turned to look at Paul. "Paul, if it weren't for Mother's promise, honestly, you'd have died more times than you could count by now. I don't understand why your character is so rotten. You already have a family, and yet you still cling to that vile nature of yours. But this is the last time!!!! I sincerely hope you can find it in yourself to act like a real man — like a real father."

Hearing this... Paul, weeping bitterly, nodded firmly and agreed.

Seeing that, Rudy withdrew the magic gathered in his hand. Zenith and Lilia both let out a breath of relief.

"Sorry, Mother, I got a little carried away."

"It's all right. Rudy did it for the good of this family."

"So — Mother and Lilia, form an alliance and keep an eye on Paul together, okay?"

"Alright..."

"Also, Mother, could you please help find a better-paying job?"

"Sure, no problem. Leave it to me."

"Paul, look at Mother, then look at yourself — I hope you'll actually follow through this time!!!"

"Yes, don't worry!!!"

Nodding, Rudy gave Zenith and Lilia a smile, then turned and walked toward his own room.

After Rudy had left... Zenith and Lilia exchanged a glance and let out a huge sigh of relief. Honestly... neither of them had imagined that Rudy would actually consider getting rid of Paul for real.

Just then, Paul was about to get up off the ground. But Zenith stopped him immediately. "Who said you could get up??"

"Sorry..." Paul lowered his head.

"Paul, I think you really need to seriously think about why your own child would say things like that."

"I'm sorry, it's all my fault."

"Mm. Stay here for now, I need to talk to Lilia about something."

With that, Zenith pulled Lilia along and walked toward the master bedroom she shared with Paul.