Asherton approached Marianne slowly and embraced her, sensing her shock and disbelief. Marianne stood frozen, trying to process everything she had just heard. "Don't worry, from now on, you can live as a family, I won't disturb you" Asherton reassured her. "And Marianne, if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to call on me." As he spoke, he handed Marianne a small ring. "Wear this ring, and whenever you need me, simply call out my name. It will shine and teleport me to wherever you are, regardless of the place, time, or day," he explained, his voice gentle and comforting. "You didn't hate me, Asher?" Elena asked, her voice filled with uncertainty. Asherton took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding. "I did hate you, Elena," he admitted, his tone heavy with emotion. "But now, I'm trying to distance myself for the sake of our daughter. I don't feel worthy to be called her father." Asherton's words hung in the air, a mix of regret and resignation. "Vale, I'm glad that Elena and Marianne have found happiness with you. Perhaps they truly don't need me," he added, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. With that, Asherton spread his wings and gracefully flew out of the window, leaving behind a sense of longing and unresolved emotions. As Asherton departed, Marianne's emotions overwhelmed her, and she rushed to her room, tears streaming down her face. The weight of the shocking revelation and the sadness she felt consumed her, causing her to lock herself away in her room. Meanwhile, the knights who had been frozen gradually regained their senses as Asherton made his exit.
Meanwhile, Asherton found solace on a tree branch, his emotions overwhelming him as tears streamed down his cheeks. It was an incredibly difficult decision for him to leave his long-lost daughter behind. Over the past ten years of being separated from her, he had missed her dearly. However, in order to ensure her safety and provide her with a comfortable life, he made the painful choice to leave her behind, even though every fiber of his being longed to take her with him. As tears continued to stream down his face, Asherton's thoughts raced through his mind. "I have nothing to offer her," he whispered to himself, his voice filled with self-doubt. "No wealth, no home... How can I provide her with everything she deserves? Am I a foolish father?" The weight of his emotions intensified, and he couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by his perceived inadequacy. "All I want is for her to have a perfect life, even if it means without me," he admitted, his voice choked with sorrow. The waves of uncontrollable tears served as a testament to the depth of his love and sacrifice for his daughter.
As Asherton sat on the tree branch, lost in his thoughts, his younger brother, Elijah, suddenly called out to him from below. "Asher, are you crying?" Elijah's voice carried concern and curiosity. Asherton climbed down from the tree and faced his brother. "No," he replied, his voice shaky as he hastily wiped away his tears. "It seems like you're not doing well today," Elijah observed, his voice filled with empathy. "How about we have some chocolate milk together? It might bring some warmth to this cold day." Asherton considered his brother's offer for a moment before nodding in agreement. "Yeah, that sounds good," he replied, a glimmer of appreciation in his eyes. The two brothers then made their way to the cave they called home, the only shelter they had.
As night fell, Vale and Elena grew concerned about Marianne, who had been secluded in her room for hours. Unaware that she had left the palace once again, they approached her door and gently knocked, hoping to check on her. Little did they know, Marianne had ventured into the forest wearing the ring her father had given her. She called out into the darkness, her voice filled with both hope and desperation, "Dad! Asherton!" Her words echoed through the trees as she raised the ring. As the ring shimmered with a radiant glow, Asherton suddenly materialized before Marianne, a cup of chocolate milk still in his hands. Startled by the sudden appearance, he blinked in confusion. "Huh?" he uttered, his voice filled with surprise. Before he could fully comprehend what had happened, Marianne rushed towards him, wrapping her arms tightly around him in a tearful embrace. She cried uncontrollably, finding solace in her father's presence after years of longing and separation. Asherton held her gently, as they shared a deeply emotional and heartfelt moment together.
"Why did you call me so suddenly?" Asherton inquired. Marianne, still holding onto him tightly, pleaded with desperation in her voice, "Please, take me with you!" Asherton's expression turned pained as he processed her request. "No," he replied firmly. Marianne, confused and hurt, "Why?!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion. Asherton took a deep breath, his gaze filled with love and understanding. "Let me explain," he said gently, pulling Marianne closer to his chest. With a graceful movement, he spread his wings, searching for a tree branch where they could find solace and a sense of safety. As Asherton settled on a large tree branch, he held Marianne even closer to him. With a tender touch, he caressed her head. "Marianne, you can't be with me," he began, his words gentle yet firm. "I know you're still confused, but I'm doing this for your own well-being. You see, your father doesn't have the means to support you, and I don't have a home to provide you with comfort. I want you to live as a princess, not as a poor magician like me." His voice quivered slightly as he spoke, his heart heavy with the weight of his decision.
"I want you to inherit the throne to break the scroll," Asherton revealed. Marianne, taken aback by his words, asked in confusion, "Scroll? What scroll?" Asherton took a deep breath, his eyes filled with a mix of sorrow and resolve. "Yes, the scroll," he replied. "It's a rule that allows kingdoms to sacrifice their own children in order to prevent war. But you see, a true king would never sacrifice their own child for the sake of the kingdom. That's why I want you to promise me, Marianne. Promise me that you will break the scroll, not just for me, but for the future generations to come."