After All

Vengeance

At the Marino Mansion, Rafael, Monica, and Ryoma were having breakfast. As they ate, Rafael, the new patriarch of the family, couldn't help but gaze thoughtfully at his children.

"Is there something wrong?" Ryoma asked, noticing his father's serious expression.

"I want both of you to train under Uncle Arjan," Rafael replied, his tone firm. "This war is serious."

"There is no such thing as an unserious war," Ryoma responded. "You just want revenge for what happened to Grandpa."

"Yes," Rafael admitted plainly. "And since you two are now involved in this war, you need to be prepared."

Monica looked up from her plate, her brow furrowed in concern. "Dad, what do you mean by training under Uncle Arjan?"

Rafael turned his gaze to her, his eyes filled with determination. "Arjan is one of the best strategists and fighters we have. Training with him means learning to protect yourselves, to handle weapons, and to think strategically. This isn't just about revenge—it's about making sure you both are safe and ready for whatever comes our way."

Ryoma nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I get it, Dad. But why drag us into this now? We've always tried to stay out of this life."

Rafael sighed, his voice softening. "I wanted to keep you both out of this, away from the dangers and violence. But after what happened to Grandpa, it's clear that danger can find us anywhere. The enemies we face are ruthless, and they won't stop until they've destroyed everything we hold dear."

Monica set her fork down, her expression conflicted. "I never thought we'd have to fight the same battles as Grandpa. I thought we could find a way to live peacefully, away from all of this."

Rafael gave her a reassuring look. "I know, Monica. I wanted that too. But sometimes, the fight comes to us, no matter how hard we try to avoid it. And when it does, we have to be ready."

Ryoma finished his breakfast and leaned back in his chair. "Alright, if this is what it takes to protect our family, I'm in. But promise me, Dad—this won't change who we are. I don't want us to become like the people we're fighting against."

Rafael nodded, smiling slightly. "I promise. We fight to protect, not to become what we despise. That's what Grandpa would have wanted."

Monica nodded in agreement, her resolve strengthening. "Okay. If we're doing this, we do it together. As a family."

Monica looked at Brian with a mixture of surprise and concern. It had been a while since they last spoke, and she hadn't expected him to show up at the Marino Mansion, especially not unannounced.

"How did you find this place?" Monica asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

Brian gave her a gentle smile, the kind that used to make her heart flutter. "I have my ways, Monica. Besides, I couldn't stand not knowing how you were doing. I've been worried about you."

Monica sighed, glancing over her shoulder to ensure they were alone. The tension in the house was palpable, and she didn't want to add any unnecessary drama to the already volatile situation. "Brian, you can't just show up here. Things are... complicated right now."

Brian took a step closer, his expression earnest. "I know, Monica. I heard about what happened to your grandfather. I'm so sorry. I just wanted to be here for you, to support you through this."

Monica felt a mix of emotions welling up inside her—gratitude for his concern, frustration over his sudden appearance, and the weight of everything her family was going through. "Thank you, Brian. I appreciate it, but this isn't the best time. My family... we're in the middle of something very serious."