Blood and Steel

Part 60 "Father Dearest"

Reegan, the Lawbringer, sat regally behind his imposing desk, his stern gaze fixed upon his son, Vorgen, who stood at attention before him.

Reegan: "How many times.....?" his voice trembled with a potent mix of frustration and concern.

Vorgen: "............. "

Vorgen remained silent, apprehension etched across his face.

Reegan: "How many times do i have to keep telling you...... Hm...?" he continued, his voice rising,

Vorgen: "Dunno.....

Summoned to his father's office for a stern reprimand, Vorgen offered a nonchalant response that only served to further stoke Reegan's ire.

Reegan: "You were lucky that Linda Was there to handle the situation!" 

Reegan exclaimed, his anger mounting.

Vorgen, his nonchalance unabated, dismissively retorted,

Vorgen: "I was wearing my armor. No one recognized me, father. You're making such a big deal out of this."

He idly picked his nose through the holes in his helmet, a gesture that further aggravated his father.

Reegan seethed, struggling to maintain his composure.

Reegan: "I'm getting sick and tired of your antics! Do whatever you want you-- "

His rant was abruptly interrupted by a violent coughing fit, startling Vorgen.

Vorgen: "D-dad?" he uttered in genuine concern.

Reegan: "It's nothing--" *Cough* *Cough* he claimed attempting to downplay his vulnerability

Reegan tried to hide his pitiful side from his son by covering his mouth, but unfortunately he let out a loud and harsh cough. Uncovering the fact that he was not fine.

But what really shook Vorgen to the core was when he noticed that there was a droplet of blood seeping out of his father's hand. He was coughing blood.

Reegan: "Marius!"

Reegan desperately called for his butler, Marius, with urgency.

Marius: "Yes, master?"

Marius promptly entered the room, his eyes widening at the sight of his ailing lord.

Reegan: "Get him out of here!" The Lawbringer ordered, his voice strained and weak.

Marius, understanding the gravity of the situation, gently guided Vorgen toward the door, ignoring Vorgen's protests.

Vorgen: "B-but he's-"

Reegan: "Get out now!!" his voice, tinged with anguish, demanded.

In the hallway, Vorgen was left shaken, his thoughts racing. He turned to Marius, his emotions a tumultuous mix of worry and anger.

Vorgen: "What happened to him, uncle Marius?!" He demanded, his voice a raw expression of concern.

Marius: "It was nothing serious, Young master."

Vorgen: "Bullshit!! I've never seen him cough like that before. Hell he was always healthy!!" His distress was palpable. 

Marius: "........It's due to stress" Finally, Marius gave in and explained the truth.

Vorgen: "Stress?! Is he overworking himself?"

As Marius recounted the cause of Reegan's illness, Vorgen was rendered speechless, the crushing realization of his own role in causing his father's distress weighing heavily on him.