Before long, he saw two human experts.
A man and a woman.
Their features bore a faint resemblance to each other. They seemed to be father and daughter.
Daniel did not disturb them. He merely hid in the distance and watched with curiosity.
"Bella, I still remember when you were little. You mischievously lifted a short sword, pointed it straight at me, and asked…"
He paused. A bitter smile surfaced at the corner of his mouth, as though half a lifetime of guilt had been hidden within that smile.
"Everyone else has a mother. Why don't I?"
"Now, I will tell you the answer. I dedicated my entire life to the altar of Strength, lost myself in the pursuit of that illusory peak."
"Your mother could not endure a man who would forever turn his back on his family. So after you were born, she turned and left, never looking back again."
Bella remained silent.
Her eyes reddened, tears surging in them.
Her father continued speaking, his voice calm as still water.
"Do you know, my child?"
