Zubaltor's eyes were filled with emotion and trust as he gazed at his son.

"You’ve grown so much, more than I could’ve imagined. I never thought I’d see you like this."

He patted Ghislain's shoulder in encouragement.

Watching from the side, Homern cleared his throat and began dispersing the gathered crowd. Even as they were told to leave, the citizens continued to chant Ghislain's name for quite some time. Only after the soldiers guided their families away did the area finally fall silent.

Ghislain also sent the mercenaries back to their quarters before entering the castle. Just as he was …