“That's how those years went by,” Joe said, sitting beside Evangeline as they held cups of tea. Evangeline stared into her cup, her mind lingering on the details of his story.

  “The nobles envy you now,” she said thoughtfully. “After years of mocking and gossiping, they’re finally recognizing you—as both a man and a warrior.”

  Joe’s smile turned sharp. “Mother Evangeline, I couldn’t care less about them. They’re as petty and useless as I once was. Their opinions don’t matter in the real world; let them say what they want.”

  Evangeline nodded, her gaze steady on him. “We’ve heard some troubling tales about you. They say you’ve become quite the rogue, Joe. I hope there’s no truth to that.”

  He offered her a small smile. “I’m not all wicked—I have a few redeeming qualities.”

  Evangeline patted his arm gently. “Good to hear, son. But what are your plans now? You could return to being a noble. Jeffrey isn’t—”

  “Sorry,” Joe interrupted, his tone softening. “Sorry, Mother Evangeline, but I can’t. I’m not even sure about seeing him again. I don’t know if it’s shame or fear, but…”

  “It’s in the past, Joe,” Evangeline said with a gentle smile. “He misses you; he doesn’t even try to hide it. You’re his family, his first son. Just meet him once—it’ll get easier from there.”

  Joe chuckled. “I thought you’d say, ‘Once and never again.’”

  Evangeline sighed playfully. “I’ll make sure you two meet, even if I have to send the guards after you both.”

  They shared a soft laugh, sipping their tea, and then Joe asked, “Where are Agatha and Ebe? I’d like to see them.”

  “Agatha’s at the market with two guards,” Evangeline replied. “You’ll probably find her by the mountain of things the guards are lugging around.”

  Joe raised an eyebrow. “But it’s the nobles’ market. Everyone has—”

  “The capital’s market,” Evangeline interjected. “The commoners’ market. That’s her favourite place to shop.”

  Joe nodded. “And Ebe?”

  “Ebe is with Ilana at the noble school. Oh, and by the way, Ilana has… changed, just so you’re aware,” she answered.

  Joe nodded again. “Yeah, Jogo said she’s become a bit of a spoiled, annoying brat.”

  Evangeline smiled. “So, you’ve kept in touch after all.”

  Joe nodded. “Of course. I’ll head out now. See you later, Mother Evangeline.”

  “Wait a moment,” she called, stopping him. “Promise me you’re not a bandit or a thief.”

  Joe met her gaze earnestly. “Never. I have a mother who’d be very disappointed if I did.”

  Evangeline smiled to herself and nodded, and Joe turned toward the door.

  “I’ll be cooking dinner tonight,” he said.

  “I look forward to seeing what you can do,” she replied.

  Joe waved as he opened the door to leave.

  “Joe?” she called after him.

  He paused and turned back. “Yes?”

  “You look good with a beard,” she said, smiling warmly.

  Joe grinned and gave a nod before heading out.

  As he made his way through the bustling commoners’ market, Joe looked around. “This market’s huge—I should’ve spotted her by now,” he muttered, absently stroking his beard as he considered his next move. Just then, a box nudged lightly against his back.

  “Why don’t you put those strong arms of yours to some real use for once?” teased a familiar voice from behind.

  Joe turned around, smiling. “Good day, Agatha.”

  Agatha returned his smile and handed him a box brimming with vegetables. She then turned to the two guards, each weighed down by similar boxes. “Take those to the mansion. I’ve got more shopping to do. Come on, Joe.”

  Joe walked behind Agatha as she strolled leisurely through the market, her gaze sweeping over the merchants’ displays. She paused thoughtfully at a spice table.

  “You look as beautiful as ever, Agatha,” Joe remarked.

  Agatha smiled, taking in the scent of a green powder. “You’re not looking too shabby yourself, Joe. That beard could use some trimming, but overall, you clean up well.”

  Joe chuckled. “Get the red powder—I’ll make you some soup today.”

  Agatha laughed with mock suspicion as she paid for the red spice. “Good thing we’ve got a doctor nearby, in case your cooking backfires.”

  “Relax,” Joe replied with a grin. “I know your doctor can work miracles.”

  Agatha laughed again, slipping the powder into the overflowing box Joe was carrying.

  After an hour of shopping, they climbed into a carriage to return to the mansion. Breaking the silence, Joe asked, “So, how have things been these past few years? How are the kids?”

  “They’re doing wonderfully,” Agatha replied with pride. “Talented, too. They’re my pride—not just as a Gostave, but as their mother.”

  Joe nodded, and after a quiet moment, added, “I returned the necklace… personally.”

  Agatha gave a slight nod. “That’s good, but don’t you think it’s a little late?”

  Joe couldn’t help but smile. “When I was younger, the way you talked would make me so angry. Now, it just makes me smile.”

  Agatha turned to the window, her voice steady. “I’ve never been one to sugarcoat things. I say what I think, directly and without a filter. You know that.”

  “That’s what’s both frustrating and endearing about you, Agatha,” Joe said with a smile. “Something a kid couldn’t appreciate.”

  Agatha shifted the topic. “And the thieves' guild? Urien mentioned you were working with them. Is that true?”

  Joe noticed her expression—a mix of sternness with a hint of warmth and concern. Her care was evident behind the question.

  “As a merchant,” Joe replied, “you need them around to keep other thieves off your goods.”

  Agatha sighed. “Good, keep them away from us.”

  Joe teased, “No more questions? I thought Agatha would have a few more in reserve.”

  Agatha smiled, shaking her head. “I trust you. For the first time in years, it feels like I’m talking to the real Joe. You’re strangely honest today.”

  Joe nodded. “Where’s Urien? I’d like to see him.”

  Agatha glanced at him. “And what for? To toss him off the capital walls?”

  “Only if he’s stubborn,” Joe teased, before adding more seriously, “I promise, I just want to talk.”

  Agatha sighed, a hint of playful exasperation in her tone. “Great, now I’ve lost my free helper.”

  Joe looked puzzled. “You’ve already bought three boxes of—”

  “I need more,” Agatha interrupted. “I’m running a mansion, not a barn.”

  Half an hour later, at the knight school in the capital, Urien beamed with pride as he clapped his older son, Rodney, on the back. “You won the tournament! They’re assigning you a level-seven knight for training. I’m so proud of you, Rodney!”

  Rodney grinned, chest puffed out. “I told you I’d win! I’m the best! I trained hard and studied, just like Mother always said.”

  Urien nodded, pride shining in his eye. “Tonight, we’re celebrating with a big dinner, and Uncle Jeffrey might even get you something special. And remember—”

  “He’s a noble before he’s Uncle Jeffrey,” Rodney finished with a smirk. “I know, Father. But he’s still Uncle Jeffrey, so he’ll buy me something big and awesome!”

  “Don’t be greedy!” Urien laughed, giving Rodney a playful smack on the head. They both chuckled together.

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  Just then, Urien’s gaze shifted, and he noticed Joe standing by the gate, watching them with a smile. “Joe?” Urien said in surprise.

  As Joe approached, Rodney looked at the unfamiliar man and asked, “Father, who’s that?”

  “That’s Jeffrey’s eldest son, Joe,” Urien explained. “We haven’t talked much about him, so you wouldn’t know him.”

  Rodney nodded thoughtfully. “Jogo always spoke highly of him. I’ve been curious to see what he’s like, but… he looks a bit older, doesn’t he?”

  “He is,” Urien replied, though Rodney noticed a faint smile cross his father’s face.

  Joe reached them and looked warmly at Rodney. “Congratulations on winning that tournament, Rodney.”

  Rodney nodded respectfully. “Thank you, sir.”

  Turning to Urien, Joe noticed the marks of time on his face—weathered skin, the veins prominent on his hands. Despite the years, and even with just one eye, Urien’s strength and steadiness were still apparent. “Good day, Urien. It’s been a long time,” Joe greeted him.

  Urien nodded. “It’s been many years. Is this a sign of good things to come? Or something more… ominous?”

  Joe couldn’t help but grin. “Take it however you like. I came to see you as family, as an old friend. Someone I wronged years ago, and I’m hoping you’ll forgive me.”

  Urien’s expression softened, a quiet smile tugging at his lips. “Realistically, a guard can’t hold a grudge against a nob—”

  Joe interrupted gently, shaking his head. “Not as a noble, but as a man who wronged a friend.”

  “I’m sorry, Urien.” Joe’s voice carried the weight of regret, and Urien looked at him, surprised by the emotion on his face—an expression he’d never seen from Joe before.

  Joe continued, bowing his head deeply. “I’m sorry for everything I did. I regret a lot of things, especially what I did to good people, and you’re one of them, Urien.”

  Rodney stood in silent shock, watching as Urien stepped forward and placed his hands on Joe’s shoulders, lifting his head. “As I always taught you,” Urien said, his voice thick with emotion, “this isn’t how nobles behave, Joe.”

  Joe looked up and saw tears streaming down Urien’s face. With a firm voice, Urien said, "A noble never bows! That’s the mark of a true noble!"

  Joe nodded, then embraced Urien. They held each other tightly, patting each other’s backs in a gesture of shared respect and forgiveness.

  After about half an hour of catching up, Joe finished a story. "So, that was the situation with the two guards in Cerulea City."

  Rodney, still processing the tale, looked puzzled. "So, let me get this straight… You did all that for gold bars? But that’s illegal, even if they’re yours!"

  Joe smiled and glanced at Urien, who explained, "Son, the real world goes beyond our region. Jeffrey’s done well to keep things just, but not every noble is like him. What Joe’s experienced is just one of many stories I’ve heard."

  Joe added with a grin, "See? I—"

  Urien interrupted, shaking his head. "But that was still over the line, even if it was your gold. You went too far."

  Joe chuckled. "I told you, I’m not exactly a good guy. I’m Joe, just a simple merchant."

  Urien smiled. "But you fought off the ghouls and helped those nuns. Falkor, the priest at the temple, couldn’t stop praising you and your demon friend."

  Joe nodded thoughtfully. "Falkor’s an asshole, but I respect his dedication. He fought hard, even if it doesn’t mean much to me."

  Urien laughed. "Ironically, Jeffrey’s in a meeting with the temple priests right now, but he’ll be at the mansion tonight."

  Joe paused, considering before asking, "Do you think I should see him?"

  Urien looked at him seriously. "It’s up to you, but here’s my advice—meet him. From the stories you’ve told, any moment could be your last, so take it while you can."

  Joe nodded, then turned to Rodney. "Stay strong, kid, and look out for Urien and your mother, alright?"

  Rodney grinned confidently. "Always! I’m ready!"

  Joe ruffled Rodney’s hair before standing up. "How’s Ebe? I’ve missed her."

  Urien’s expression shifted as he replied, "She’s engaged to a noble. The wedding’s in six months."

  Joe whistled in surprise. "Good for Ebe! Looks like I’ll have to get her a gift, huh?"

  Urien’s face grew serious. "She’s engaged to Lud."

  Memories washed over Joe, recalling his three years as a student at the nobles’ school. Lud had been one of the kids who’d harassed him back then—a tall, blonde-haired boy, often sporting bruises from his scraps with other students. Mischievous and cruel, Lud had been a major reason Joe had despised that place.

  Joe remembered the pain—the bullying, the punches, the times Lud had stolen or destroyed the books Jeffrey had given him. But now, he simply smiled at Urien and said, "That was a long time ago. We were just kids."

  Urien let out a sigh of relief. "Lud’s a good man now, Joe. You might even like him."

  "Maybe," Joe replied. "Anyway, I need to go. I’ll see you at dinner tonight, Urien."

  As Joe headed toward the gate, he called back, "Oh, by the way, I’ll be cooking tonight."

  Urien nodded, watching him go. Beside him, Rodney asked, "He’s cooking? Is he better than Jax, our chef?"

  Urien chuckled. "We’ll find out."

  After a pause, Urien added, "That beard of his looks terrible."

  At the nobles' school, Ebe stood near the gate, smiling as she chatted with one of the teachers—a tall, muscular man with blonde hair and a small moustache. She held his left arm affectionately. This was Lud, her fiancé.

  As Joe arrived at the gate, he spotted them and approached with a warm greeting. "Good day, sister Ebe."

  Ebe, surprised, turned to see him and broke into a smile, embracing him tightly. "I missed you so much, Joe!"

  "I missed you too, sister," Joe replied, returning her hug. Then, he turned to Lud. "Lud, long time no see."

  Lud’s eyes widened slightly. It wasn’t just the years that had passed since he last saw Joe—it was the surprise of coming face-to-face with the man he’d once bullied, now known for his unforgiving reputation.

  "It’s been a long time, indeed," Lud managed, regaining his composure. "Are you well and in good health?"

  Joe smiled and gave Lud a friendly pat on the shoulder. "I’m well, thanks for asking. And congratulations on your engagement to Ebe. I wish you both a happy life together—and best of luck with your future kids."

  Lud’s tense expression softened as he patted Joe’s back in return. "Thank you. And, of course, you’re invited to the wedding."

  "Looks like I’ll have to buy a gift," Joe joked. "I was hoping to dodge the invitation."

  Both Lud and Ebe chuckled. Then Joe added, "I’m cooking dinner tonight, so you’re welcome to join our family gathering."

  Lud nodded, while Ebe looked at Joe, a bit surprised. "You? Are you planning to meet the whole family after all this time?"

  Joe cut her off gently. "I already have—everyone except Ilana and Father. It’s still early, so Ilana’s school day isn’t over yet."

  Ebe’s expression softened with pride. "So, you’ve really come back. I’m proud of you."

  Joe nodded. "Thanks. I’ll see you both tonight."

  As Lud and Ebe waved goodbye, Joe walked away, his pace quickening as memories began to surface. He people on his way back to the mansion, his mind drifting to the days after he’d killed Dan.

  After months away, Joe had returned to Goven Town. He greeted Cox, the blacksmith, and Tyka and Ola at their shop, only for them to scold him for not visiting sooner. He apologized over and over, laughing at their good-natured reprimands.

  He bought honey wine as a gift for Safle and her husband, Ogilvy. Safle hugged him tightly, having missed him dearly, while Ogilvy joined in, embracing them both with a wide grin.

  Next, Joe stopped by to see Lyra, bringing her a large box of expensive sweets and chocolates. When she opened the door and saw him, she hugged him warmly, as he’d always been like a son to her.

  Finally, Joe made his way to the cemetery, where he sat beside Beatrice’s grave. He sat quietly, a soft smile on his face—how could he not miss her? She had been his mother, after all.

  He also placed some herbs on Kaelen’s grave, saying softly, "Let your grave reflect what you did best in life, Kaelen. Requiescat in pace, old friend."

  No matter what, Joe always returned to Goven Town. Whether the White Fang had robbed him, or when Cetus and Eli had betrayed him, whether he was a miner or a mercenary, he would always find his way back to visit the people he called family.

  Each time he stepped into his old house, memories filled the rooms, tugging at him with a sense of nostalgia. Through snow, rain, blistering heat, or biting cold, Joe showed up. Different clothes, the same familiar smile, as he came to see those he loved.

  Years later, on a rainy night in Goven Town, Joe stood quietly near his mother’s grave. Hearing the sound of a carriage approaching, he walked to the graveyard gate, where he saw his father's arrival.

  Startled, Joe dashed behind a tall tree, watching as Jeffrey stepped out with Urien. Jeffrey laid flowers on Beatrice’s grave, sitting down in the mud with a smile, while Urien draped a coat over him. After a brief exchange, Jeffrey waved Urien off, and he left, leaving Jeffrey to sit alone at the graveside.

  Sometimes, Joe would find fresh flowers on Beatrice’s grave. He would hide nearby and see Evangeline visiting, occasionally with Ebe or Agatha. Jogo would also come with Evangeline at times, bowing respectfully before sitting beside her in silence.

  Safle and Lyra often mentioned how they visited their loved ones almost daily, especially Beatrice, their oldest and dearest friend. Cox and his family also kept her memory alive. Joe felt a quiet warmth knowing his mother hadn’t been forgotten, her memory honoured and respected.

  At that moment, Joe understood how truly great and loving his family was—more than he’d ever fully acknowledged.

  As the memory faded, Joe found himself in the mansion’s kitchen, focused intently on cooking. He was preparing a soup, determined to make it the best ever served in this mansion.

  He was lighting the firewood and setting everything up when he heard someone sit down at the table behind him. He placed a large piece of meat into the pot, took a deep breath, and turned around to meet Jeffrey’s gaze.

  Jeffrey looked older now, in his fifties, and it showed. His once full head of hair had lightened to white, though not much remained, and his hands were veined and aged. A small moustache framed his face, but his long beard and bushy hair were gone. Yet, for all the years that had passed, his broad shoulders and strong arms had endured—he was as solid as ever, his strength untouched by time.

  Joe met his father’s gaze and greeted him, "Good day, Father."

  Jeffrey smiled and nodded. "Good day to you too, Joe."

  Joe closed the pot and sat down across from him. Jeffrey reached over, giving Joe a playful smack on the head, which Joe didn’t flinch at. With a chuckle, Jeffrey tugged lightly at Joe’s beard, then patted his shoulders firmly, as if to test the strength his son had grown into.

  "You fought the ghouls," Jeffrey said, his voice carrying a note of pride. "Now I can believe it."

  Joe nodded. "I had a friend and plenty of knights with me. Besides, I couldn’t let myself go before seeing you at least one more time."

  Jeffrey smiled and asked, "And the others? They missed you."

  "I’ve seen them all," Joe replied. "I even returned Mother Evangeline’s necklace."

  Jeffrey’s smile softened. "Good, but I’m sure she was happier to see you."

  "Yes, she was," Joe agreed.

  Jeffrey glanced toward the kitchen. "I was wondering where Jax was, but it seems you’re our chef today."

  "Yeah, I’ll make something nice for the family."

  Jeffrey chuckled. "If you impress me, I might just replace Jax with you."

  Joe laughed. "Let Jax keep his job. I’m fine being a merchant."

  Jeffrey’s eyes grew misty as he looked at Joe. "You... you look good with that beard."

  Tears welled up in Joe’s eyes too as he looked at his father, who was also getting emotional. Joe stood and hugged him, both of them gently patting each other’s backs.

  Joe whispered, "Thank you for visiting her, Dad. Thank you for bringing her peace, for never forgetting her."

  Jeffrey nodded quietly, giving Joe a strong pat on the back. He was proud of the man Joe had become, happy beyond words to have him home.

  When night fell, in a small inn, Yory and Lana were reading together. Lana suddenly exclaimed, "I can say a lot of big words now!"

  Yory smiled. "Shall we call it a night and get some sleep?"

  But Lana shook her head, sprang up, and rummaged through her bag. She returned with a children’s storybook, climbed onto Yory’s lap, and declared, "I’m going to read you a story!"

  Yory chuckled. "Alright, I’d be honoured to hear it."

  With a smile, Lana held the book and began reading him a sweet, simple tale.

  Back at the mansion, the whole family gathered around the table, laughing and talking. Ebe and Lyra, Lud and Rodney, Urien and Agatha, Jeffrey and Evangeline, and Jogo and Ilana were all enjoying each other's company.

  Suddenly, everyone paused, their eyes turning to Joe as he walked in with a big, steaming bowl. Smiling, he announced, "Dinner is served, by none other than Joe Gostave! Tonight’s soup is seasoned with bravery and wit!"

  They all cheered, and as Joe served the meal, he sat down to chat with Evangeline and Jeffrey, while the rest of the family carried on, enjoying the lively evening together.