Kirin stared at Kaito, his eyes a mirror of confusion and disbelief. "Why me?" he asked, his voice tinged with skepticism. "What about preserving the family bloodline?"

Kaito's gaze turned solemn as he locked eyes with Kirin. "Because, kid, you and I share the same blood. You're the descendant of my younger brother, who made the tough choice to break away from the clan years ago."

Kirin's focus sharpened, captivated by the tale unfolding before him. The Zenigata clan, once mighty and respected, torn apart by internal power struggles that spanned generations. His brother didn't wish for any such struggle, So Kaito orchestrated their escape, making sure they found refuge in some quiet-ass village, far from the reach of the clan.

"Tragically, your parents fell victim to a treacherous act aimed at wiping out their heritage," Kaito went on, his voice heavy with regret. "Since that tragic day, I've been watching over you silently, keeping you safe from the shadows. But seems like your true identity's been revealed."

A chill ran down Kirin's spine, full-on realization hitting him like a ton of bricks. The recent attempt on his life, the mystery behind his damn orphan status—it all fell into place like a twisted puzzle.

Kaito reached out, his weathered hand gripping Kirin's with hope. "You're the last heir of the Zenigata bloodline. I'm old, and I had only one offspring to carry on our legacy but you know of his end. The responsibility of becoming the new clan head falls on your lean shoulders."

Kirin's mind raced with a whirlwind of awe, fear, and mostly, confusion. "I am not worthy," he spoke, doubt lacing his words. "How can I, when the powerhouse of the empire and the descendants of the strongest mages were killed?"

Kirin's frustration and disbelief bubbled up, ready to explode. "How could the descendant of the mighty Zenigata clan be weak enough to fall prey to a mere assassin?" he spat out, his complaint heard loud and clear.

Kaito's expression shifted to one of pain, his eyes carrying the weight of past betrayals. "External powers might not have had the strength to harm us, but when the bonds of family break, the dynamics change," he explained, the sorrow evident in his voice.

"Huh?" Kirin's confusion deepened.

Kaito's voice trembled with a mix of anguish and regret. "My son, Zev, had three wives, and from those unions, four children were born. Each, wanted their own son to be the next heir, and one by one, they schemed against each other. We were so-bent on finding enemies from the outside that we failed to see the damn dangers lurking within our walls until it was fuckin' too late."

A thick silence settled between them as the weight of the loss sank in. Kirin struggled to comprehend the magnitude of the devastation that had shattered their once-proud clan.

"I'm the only one left from our lineage, standing here in my old age," Kaito's voice quivered with sorrow, tears streaming down his worn-out face.

As Kirin watched the tear-stained face of Kaito and sensed the immense burden weighing on the old man's soul, a wave of empathy washed over him. It was as if he could catch a glimpse of the profound sorrow etched into Kaito's very being.

"I get it," Kirin whispered, his voice filled with genuine compassion. But as he delved deeper into his thoughts, he realized the enormity of Kaito's pain and loss. "No, I don't... and maybe I never will."

Kirin's mind drifted back to his own battles, the deep sorrow he had endured when he lost a cherished friend from his youth. For a long span of five years, he had fought against the grip of depression and solitude that threatened to consume him. But at this moment, standing face to face with the incomprehensible tragedy that had befallen Kaito, he recognized the stark juxtaposition.

Kaito had experienced far greater losses—bearing witness to the deaths of his son and grandchild, witnessing the downfall of an entire clan, and now bearing the immense burden of preserving their legacy. Kirin came to realize that his pain, while significant to him, paled in comparison. In the presence of Kaito, he felt an overwhelming sense of admiration, a deep acknowledgment of the strength and resilience emanating from the elderly man.

"He possesses greatness," Kirin whispered, his voice filled with wonder and reverence. "Perhaps the most remarkable person I have ever encountered."

He closed his eyes, being transported to a memory of the past.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

He recalled a moment inside the village temple, where a vulnerable Kaori had confided in him about her grandfather. She prayed earnestly, her voice trembling, beseeching the gods for her grandfather's long life.

When Kirin inquired about her grandfather's identity, her eyes shimmered with admiration. "Kaito Zenigata. He's the bravest, most extraordinary mage," she declared. Kaori vowed to grow strong to protect her clan and Kaito from harm.

"And can you accomplish that?," Kirin lightly taunted.

Kaori swiftly turned to face him, annoyance evident in her eyes. "I hail from the renowned Zenigata clan," she proudly proclaimed.

Undeterred, Kirin retorted, "But who shall protect you as you safeguard others?"

A spark ignited within Kaori. She pointed her finger determinedly at Kirin's chest. "Then you shall be my knight."

Caught off guard by her bold demand, Kirin blushed and bowed humbly. "As your knight, I pledge to stand by your side, shielding you from harm, while you protect your clan."

Kaori's stoic demeanor finally cracked, giving way to a pleased smile. "Your service is valued, Sir Kirin."

He snapped back to the present moment.

"That miserable tone doesn't suit you," Kirin mumbled. "It's more fitting for foolish individuals like me, not someone as extraordinary as you."

Kaito affectionately nudged him with his staff. "Don't try to portray yourself as unaffected, young man."

Kirin shrunk inward, anxiety etching his features. "I-I apologize, I never intended to cause any distress. I-If I have done something wrong, please let me know. I didn't mean to embarrass you."

Kaito's expression softened, his understanding gaze radiating reassurance. He gently tapped Kirin's chin, a tender gesture aimed at alleviating his anxiety. "No need to apologize," Kaito said, his voice filled with kindness and acceptance.

Kirin nodded fervently, his voice brimming with respect. "Yes, sir!" he responded, instinctively displaying his deeply ingrained sense of deference.

Kaito's smile widened, the lines crinkling at the corners of his eyes. "Call me Grandpa," he suggested, warmly extending an invitation to embrace the familial bond they shared. "No need for 'sir' within the family."

Kirin fell silent, his gaze cast downward as bittersweet memories washed over him. Kaori's gentle smile, her fiery determination—they had given purpose to his days.

When he finally spoke, a light smile played upon his lips. "Without Kaori, my desires fade into obscurity. Still, I remain her knight, as I had promised her."

"Since I share the blood of the Zenigata clan, I truly believe it is the path that suits me best, for both Kaori and myself."

Kaito listened attentively, his gaze unwavering, as Kirin voiced his decision. A flicker of understanding passed between them.

Taking a deep breath, Kaito responded with a mixture of pride and solemnity. "Then, join the clan and devote yourself until the very end," he declared, underscoring the weight of the commitment. "For you, for Kaori, and for the greater good."

"I will do precisely that!" Kirin proclaimed, and the elderly man's smile widened, feeling a small weight lifted from his chest.

***

A week crept by, painfully slow, as Kirin's wounds were mended with the aid of magic. Then, on a radiant morning, the thunderous clatter of hooves echoed in his ears, coaxing him outside.

Approaching was no ordinary sight, but a lavish procession fit for nobility. It wasn't some measly village cart, but a grand carriage that commanded attention. Its polished wooden frame glowed under the sun's caress, adorned with intricate carvings of mythical creatures—dragons and phoenixes entwined. Gold filigree danced across the curves, a delicate touch on the jet-black lacquer.

Gems, precious and vibrant, adorned the carriage at regular intervals, their colorful winks capturing the eye. Drawn by seven impeccable white stallions, their golden harnesses dazzled with more of these gemstones, sparkling and flickering with each majestically synchronized step.

Kirin stood there, eyes wide with disbelief. Such opulence, so beyond the realm of his simple village life. Beside him, Kaito, an elder of his clan, nodded approvingly, his aged features mirroring satisfaction in the display befitting their noble lineage.

"In time, you'll become accustomed to such opulence," Kaito remarked, his voice filled with assurance and wisdom.

Positioned on either side of the carriage were four stoic knights atop fierce black war steeds. Their gleaming armor guarded their emotions as they cast wary gazes, scouting for any potential threats.

Kirin couldn't help but shrink under the intensity of their gaze. Yet, he refocused his attention on Kaito as a respectful footman, bowing with practiced grace, swung open the gilded carriage door. Kaito gracefully entered, followed closely by Kirin.

While Kaito exuded noble elegance, draped in robes of fine silk, Kirin felt self-conscious in his tattered village garb. The fabric clung to his slender frame, stained and frayed, while his unkempt hair tumbled over his still-healing wounds.

Kaito's discerning gaze carefully surveyed him yet held a compassion within it. "Worry not about your appearance. It will be addressed in due time."

With a gentle sway, the carriage jolted into motion, and they settled upon plush cushions. Kirin's mesmerized gaze fixated on the ornate windows, studded with glistening emerald gems, as the landscape flickered past, casting him into a trance-like state.

As the distance between the familiar village and their destination expanded, Kaito engaged Kirin in a series of thoughtful inquiries about his past, his skills, and his grasp of the magic. Kirin, in turn, responded candidly, baring his vulnerabilities and limitations.

Gradually, the knots of anxiety that clenched Kirin's core began to unwind, loosening beneath the steady presence of Kaito's calming demeanor. Kirin, realizing his own magical and combat deficiencies, harbored a sliver of concern, fearing disappointment.

Yet, Kaito, foreseeing this outcome, harbored no trace of discontent. Kirin's lack of proficiency was all within expectation.