I'm 22 years old now, living in a small rented apartment that feels more like a box than a home. Most days blur into one another as I work long hours at a grocery store, barely making enough to scrape by.
After leaving that house, not much changed. I'm still struggling to make just enough money to survive and pay rent.
But at least I'm far away from my worthless father.
My daily life has improved in one way—I don't have to hear his crap every single day.
Other than that, I still don't have anyone close to me. Just a few coworkers I exchange a quick "hi" or "hello" with—nothing more.
Well, I've pretty much gotten used to this. It doesn't even bother me anymore.
"What...? Sir, but I've been working here for so long! You can't fire me. I'll go broke—please!"
"Sorry, but we have more staff than we need. We can't afford to keep you. Please understand."
"But sir…"
"I'm sorry. Please leave. I don't want to get security involved."
Tsk... What now? I just lost my job, and I still have to pay rent. I couldn't help but think that to myself as I walked back to my apartment.
Of course, it had to be me. I know the others have connections—some of them are friends with the owner.
It really made me realize just how alone I am.
Time passed, and now I'm 29 years old. The years between have been tough.
After losing my job at the grocery store, I managed to scrape by with labor work—just enough to pay rent.
Yeah, I worked in factories, lifting heavy metal or bags of cement. I applied to all kinds of jobs, but every interview ended the same way: rejection.
Why? Because I never finished high school.
I was a dropout. No diploma, no qualifications. No one wanted to hire me.
Now, I work as an assistant delivery driver. I don't drive—I load and unload packages for a small delivery truck. It's a six to seven-hour job, and after that, with the money I saved up, I bought myself a camera.
I'm not a professional photographer, but after a while, I got the hang of it—enough to do a bit of freelance work. Just small jobs. It helps me afford the occasional manga or recharge my TV.
Life hasn't been easy. In just two more months, I'll be 30… and I might die a virgin.
Looking back, I wonder how my life might have turned out if I had a normal family.
Not rich. Not perfect. Just… normal.
A life where I lived happily with my mother.
A father who loved me the way fathers are supposed to.
I wanted to live life to the fullest. But ever since I turned 10, everything changed.
Now, all I have are regrets and endless "what ifs."
What if I tried harder to make my father love me?
What if I'd refused to live with him and gone with my mom instead?
What if I focused on my studies, let go of the past, and built a better future?
My heart is full of regrets. Full of "what ifs."
Maybe I should take a break. Even the mind needs rest.
Where was that One Piece manga?
Oh, it's chapter 1141… Whoa… ha… man, this chapter is one of the best I've read in a while.
Heh… the only place I can truly feel happy is inside the world of manga and light novels.
In fantasy.
Man, I wish...
"SKREEEEE—THUD!"
"CRUNCHHH!!"
Ugh… my head. It hurts. What happened to me? Where… where am I supposed to be?
Is this some kind of dream? Why does my ceiling look… antique?
.....
"He looks so cute... Serenia, thank you again—for this moment of joy you gave me. I love you more than anything."
"And, Eddy, I love you more than anyone."
Man… this feels like a dream.
Their smiles, their love for each other, and the affection they show me… it all feels like the dream I always wished for.
I've never known a family like this—so warm, so gentle, so full of love. Just hearing them call me, seeing their smiles… it almost doesn't feel real.
The only time I ever felt close to this kind of happiness was when I was with my mom. She was my whole world… but even that didn't last. First the divorce took her away from me, and then… death did the rest.
After that, all I had was a father who never wanted me, and a stepmother who never cared. That so-called "family" was just a house full of cold stares, harsh words, and loneliness.
But this—this is something else. This is what a real family feels like.
And if this is a dream… please, just let me stay.
Let me have this warmth for a little longer.
Forever, if I can.
No, in fact, I'll make sure of it—make sure their smiles, their love for each other, and, if I'm lucky, even a little love for me… never fades away.
If I've really been given another chance, then I swear I'll do everything I can to live a life worth living—a life to the fullest—with this new family.
I promise... I won't waste it. I won't let my life be filled with regrets and "what ifs" like before.
This time, I'll protect this warmth. I'll protect this happiness. I'll make sure it lasts.
I promise, Mom.
I promise, to my new mother.
And I promise—I'll do everything I can to make this new father love me.
.....
Knock, knock.
"My Lord."
"Yes, Elise, come in," Edric said, still holding the warmth of the moment just shared with Serenia.
Elise entered with a gentle bow. "Do you require anything, My Lord?"
"No, nothing for now. But tell me—has the message about Lady Serenia's childbirth been sent?"
"Yes, My Lord. I confirmed it myself. The message has been delivered to all the Dukes, the noble families, and to His Majesty the King."
"And what of my father? And Lady Anneliese?"
"Lady Anneliese, along with the young Master is currently residing at her father's estate, House Von Delsaire. The message will reached them, and if all goes as expected, she should arrive within the month."
"And my father?"
"Lord Aldric Everhart will receive the message as well, though it may take nearly a month depending on travel conditions."
Edric gave a slow nod, glancing briefly toward Serenia, who is nearby."Good. Once Father arrives, we'll hold the traditional Everhart name ceremony properly."
Edric looked down at his son, gently rocking him."Looks like our son's already asleep…"
Serenia stepped closer with a soft smile.
"Then let me put him in bed. He should take long naps—it's good for his growth."
She carefully took the baby from Edric's arms, cradling him gently as she walked over to the cradle.
Edric turned to Elise."Elise, see to it that a celebration is arranged. I want all five of my generals and their soldiers to have a feast in their respective barracks—for the birth of my son."
"And prepare something special for the maids and butlers in their rest house. Let them share in this joy too ."
"Yes, my Lord. I will see through all the preparation." She replied with a gentle bow before take her leave.
(Author's Note: Edric's first wife, Serenia, is the mother of our protagonist. His second wife, Anneliese, is the daughter of Duke Alaric von Delsaire and the current head of the prestigious von Delsaire family. She also has a son with Edric.)