He looked at Ezra before lowering his gaze to the stone floor beneath his feet.
His fists tightened more.
"I wanted to blame the Family itself..."
His voice became heavier.
"...for creating such a stupid trial in the first place."
He gritted his teeth.
"I wanted to blame everyone."
He slowly raised his head, his eyes carrying emotions he had been suppressing for a long time.
"I wanted to blame every single person who could still smile and celebrate as though nothing had happened...while there are families like ours..."
He paused.
"...still mourning."
Silence settled over the courtyard.
Even the gentle sound of the fountain seemed quieter than before.
"I hate all of it..."
He said through clenched teeth.
After a long pause, he slowly exhaled.
"But...There isn't anything I can do."
His shoulders gradually relaxed.
"I can only accept reality. I..."
He stopped halfway.
The words simply refused to come out.
His father gently placed a hand on his shoulder.
