"I missed you so much! Little Joe....... where are you?...........son!"

It was another bustling day in the capital. A carriage made its way from the market towards a grand mansion nestled within the noble district.

Seated inside was a woman in her fifties, her short hair elegantly styled, adorned with a few strands of white. Her eyes were a striking shade of orange, and she wore a light coat over a flowing red dress. Golden rings adorned each of her hands, and her shoes gleamed with expense. She smiled contentedly as she peered out of the carriage window at the market.

Her maid, equally beautiful and perhaps a touch older, remarked, "Today was delightful. I truly enjoyed it."

The noblewoman smiled warmly, "Of course, and we've acquired everything necessary. Your husband will surely be pleased, Agatha."

Agatha returned the smile, clutching the box tightly. "And what did you bring for Jeffrey?"

Evangeline smiled warmly, "It's a book, filled with tales, something I know he will enjoy."

Agatha's expression shifted to surprise as she exclaimed, "I just remembered, where's Jogo? He suddenly vanished months ago! Where could that young man have gone?"

Evangeline raised her hands in resignation, saying, "He didn't want to tell me anything, and Jeffrey is clueless too. I hope he's alright."

Agatha waved her hands dismissively, "Don't worry, he's probably chasing after some girl he has a crush on."

Evangeline chuckled in response, "I was thinking he might be in trouble, not that!"

Agatha picked up a small candy, popping it into her mouth before offering one to Evangeline. She responded, "Nooooooo, your boy is at the top of his school. He's skilled in magic and swordplay, and earned respect from knights—a challenge for a noble youth. He knows numerous wizards; I even saw him conversing with a devil once! Can you believe that? There's no way that kid is in trouble."

Evangeline nodded, her expression shifting to a mix of curiosity and concern as she asked, "Have you heard anything about Joe?"

Agatha lowered her head, speaking in a defeated tone, "People are saying all sorts of things. Some call him a criminal, others say he fought ghouls, some say he ran away, and there are even rumours of him being involved with the thieves' guild."

Evangeline nodded sadly, murmuring to herself, "I promised his mother, Beatrice, that I would take care of him, you know? At her grave, I gave her my word, but things haven't gone as planned... I hope he's safe."

Agatha was visibly annoyed, peering out the window as she muttered, "I hope he's safe, but I haven't forgiven him for what he did."

Evangeline smiled sadly, her gaze distant, "I've never held anything against him that needs forgiving. I love him so much, more than anything."

Agatha sighed deeply, "Why? Just because he was an orphan? Because he lost his mother? That doesn't excuse his actions."

Evangeline responded firmly, "I loved him because he was my first child, because he lost a great mother at a young age. Before that dark day and all that followed, he respected me, was kind to me, loved me, and took on responsibilities like a man of the house when Jeffrey wasn't around. I make excuses for him like any mother who loves her child."

Agatha was about to say something, but when she met Evangeline's gaze, she saw the resolute eyes of a mother determined to love and protect her child.

She sighed deeply before saying, "My children are better."

Evangeline chuckled, the tension easing as she responded, "You raised men and women, not kids—I've never even seen them argue!"

"Because I disciplined them," Agatha boasted proudly. "They never disobeyed a command, and they're following Jogo in the knights' school. My daughter is already on her way to becoming a witch; give it two more years, and you'll see her flying through the sky on a broom."

Evangeline smiled warmly and remarked, "Just mentioning your children gives you enough material to talk for days."

Agatha nodded at Evangeline with an emotional gaze, saying, "I was born into a poor family, Evangeline. You know how poor we were. When I became your maid, it was to support my family. I know what it feels like to be in need, and I don't want my children to experience that. That's why I'm pushing them so hard."

Evangeline nodded in understanding, adding, "But don't forget to show them your love."

Agatha lifted the box she was holding and quipped, "Then why did we spend the whole day at the market? To show our love for our families."

Evangeline nodded as she and Agatha continued their conversation, discussing their choice of gifts.

In the past, after Jeffrey and Evangeline's marriage, everything changed. The name Gostave acquired value, along with certain expectations and an image to uphold.

Joe had left his job in delivery and enrolled in a noble school, drawing all eyes as a child from a common family turned nobility through marriage.

It was an unwritten rule that to Jeffrey and Joe, they were seen as outsiders in the noble world—two honest and straightforward individuals in a realm where a smile, a compliment, or a gesture spoke volumes without a word being uttered.

The famous words "War Hero" meant nothing in the eyes of nobles, perhaps due to jealousy, arrogance, or sheer stubbornness. They refused to accept Jeffrey as one of their own, and viewed his untrained son as an unwanted outsider—a stray dog who had birthed a puppy, evoking disgust without uttering a word.

Three years later, Jeffrey awaited Evangeline, who was planning to join him in Eldoria city to start their life together as husband and wife. However, she was late.

A knight, riding swiftly on his horse, halted in front of Jeffrey and respectfully bowed his head. "Sir, she will arrive in half a day. I apologize if that timing is inconvenient for you, sir!"

Jeffrey shook his head reassuringly, replying, "Of course, go and let her know she can come whenever she wants. I'll be here at the mansion, as usual."

The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

The knight nodded and turned to leave, but Jeffrey called him back, asking, "By the way, where is she? I forgot to ask."

The knight nodded again and answered, "She's in Goven village, sir!"

Jeffrey looked at the knight with confusion, questioning, "Why there?"

In Goven village, the community flourished with new merchants opening shops and the walls being torn down to accommodate its growth, transforming it into a lively hub. Under Jeffrey's leadership, aided by his authority, the region prospered with new businesses emerging. Not only Goven village but also several other villages and five cities experienced rapid growth and prosperity, thanks to Jeffrey's dedicated efforts. His leadership was widely appreciated, and people were content with the positive changes he brought about.

At the graveyard, now enclosed by walls, Evangeline placed red flowers on Beatrice's grave. With a gentle smile, she spoke softly, "I will now be Jeffrey's wife, and I promise to take care of him. Please rest in peace, Beatrice and Basil. I will be a supportive partner and a caring family member."

Evangeline stood up, with Agatha behind her, and both bowed respectfully to the two graves. Evangeline spoke softly, "I will not take your place, my dear. Instead, I will carve out my own space in their hearts and hope it becomes as cherished as yours. Requiescat in pace, sister Beatrice, father Basil."

In Eldoria city, Urien entered Jeffrey's office, gripping Joe firmly by the arm.

Jeffrey paused from his work, his expression filled with disappointment. "Joe, what have you done, son?"

Joe looked away, sporting a black eye from Urien's earlier punch. Urien shoved Joe forward and demanded, "Answer him!"

Joe's voice was thick with anger as he explained, "They... they were disrespecting us. They burned my magic scroll and then treated me like dirt. That's when I punched one of them."

Jeffrey gazed at Joe, his disappointment evident, while Joe continued, glaring at Urien with resentment, "And this hero here punched me! Are you blind?"

Urien looked at Joe with fury in his eyes and replied, "Joe! You struck a foreign noble! He's an elf noble, and you punched him in the face!"

Joe shouted back defiantly, "He burned my expensive scrolls! My father paid for them! And you didn't even stand by my side! Damn you, Urien!"

Urien became enraged and shoved Joe forcefully, causing him to tumble to the ground. He yelled furiously, "An average kid like you will be beheaded for this! I saved your damn life! And you dare to talk back to me!"

Joe rose to his feet, glaring at Urien, while Jeffrey intervened, shouting, "Urien! Leave!"

With a scornful glance at Jeffrey, Urien stormed out of the office, slamming the door behind him. Jeffrey then sat down on the ground next to Joe and calmly said, "Come, sit down, son."

Joe sat beside his father as Jeffrey began to speak. "You know, yesterday, a nobleman from Greg disrespected me during a meeting with the king. I had suggested lowering taxes to encourage more businesses to open, and the king was listening attentively until that nobleman interjected, making everyone laugh. He said, 'Jeffrey, what the hell are you talking about?' in a humorous manner, cutting off my explanation."

Joe looked at Jeffrey intently and asked, "What did you do?"

Jeffrey smiled and replied, "I laughed along with them and then continued with my explanation. And you know what? King Rolando dismissed my suggestion, saying the kingdom needs money now more than anything else."

Joe expressed, "But father, they didn't leave me alone. Those three years were hell. Even the teachers showed me a lot of disrespect. They didn't even care about my exams; those bad grades were because they didn't bother to grade my papers."

Jeffrey nodded solemnly, acknowledging, "I understand. As a new noble family, my influence is limited, especially since the teachers outrank me in nobility. But Urien intervening by punching you actually helped the situation. Hopefully, this won't escalate into a larger issue."

Joe looked away with a sigh, saying, "There's no point in continuing at the noble school. I can't endure this treatment, and even if I were patient, the teachers could just fail me by neglecting to grade my exams if no one stops them."

Jeffrey smiled warmly, saying, "I was thinking the same thing. Would you like to start helping me instead?"

Joe smiled back and replied, "Yes, I would love to."

Jeffrey stood up, still smiling, and said, "Go take care of your eye and apologize to Urien. He cares about you deeply, so don't hold any grudges against him, son."

Joe was still upset with Urien, but he nodded in acknowledgement. As he turned to leave, Jeffrey called out, "Son?"

Joe paused and turned back, asking, "Yes?"

Jeffrey asked, "I've heard you've been visiting the adventurers' guild. Has something caught your interest?"

Joe shook his head. "No, it's just research. I prefer to look into it alone."

Jeffrey smiled warmly. "Of course. If you need anything, I'm here for you."

"What hurt me that day... I never apologized to Urien... I hated him, but he really loved me as his son... It was the beginning... The beginning of my worst years as Joe, the son of Jeffrey Gostave... a true asshole of nobility."

After that, Joe became a merchant at a young age, mastering all the necessary crafts to travel with a guard through the Gostave region. With the help of Bot and Jeffrey, he became wealthy, gaining both knowledge and money, along with powerful allies.

A year later, Joe, as usual, visited the adventurers guild. This time, he wore a tired face, one accustomed to rejection, as he walked to the guild master's office and knocked.

Inside, he spoke with the guild master about starting a partnership with the guild. After a long discussion, Mo smiled and said, "For a kid, you really do have a sharp tongue. I accept. I suppose I can't push you further to extend the deal?"

Joe responded with a professional smile, saying, "The terms of the deal are carefully designed to benefit both my house as much as your guild. Any changes could upset that balance, I trust you see the importance, Sir Mo."

Mo smiled back and requested, "Please bring me the contract for signing, Joe Gostave."

From that point onward, Joe began to establish his reputation. While some continued to doubt him, his journey was steady. Slowly but surely, people started recognizing him by name.

After signing the deal, Joe continued, "I'm also here for another matter, as detailed in my letter."

Mo nodded knowingly, adding, "The bandit leader, Dan—that's the tricky part, son. We have no trace of him. He vanished after the attack on your village."

Joe maintained a composed expression. Mo wasn't the only guild master with no valuable information on Dan. Joe had visited numerous guilds, sent letters, and even paid adventurers to find something, all to no avail.

Mo observed Joe's demeanour and remarked, "Perhaps you just need to consider letting go?"

Joe met Mo's gaze, shaking his head with a distant look in his eyes as he replied, "No... no, I can't. I have to find him to find closure. He killed my mother, a good friend, and a lot of people. I have to find him."

Mo nodded understandingly, saying, "I'll broaden my search efforts, but I fear we may never locate him. He vanished without a trace. I suspect he has influential figures aiding him, especially considering the attack involved members of the noble families Zafa and Zok."

Deep in thought, Joe nodded before stating firmly, "I'll take my leave now. If there are any updates, please send them directly to me, not to the Gostave house. This is my responsibility to resolve."

As Joe headed towards the door, Mo asked curiously, "Why not involve your father? Doesn't he seek revenge too?"

Turning back to Mo, Joe shook his head slightly and replied, "No, he only wishes for people's happiness, to feed the poor, to put a roof above their heads. I don't think revenge is something he harbours anymore."

Mo nodded as Joe left the office and made his way toward his waiting carriage, where his guard awaited him.

During the journey, Joe recalled Mo's words and began reminiscing about his father, Jeffrey. Occasionally, when Joe's work brought him near Eldoria city, he would visit his father at night.

Upon these visits, Joe often found Jeffrey asleep at his desk, draped in a coat. Nearby, Evangeline would softly stroke his father's hair, keeping watch over him as he slept.

Evangeline always allowed Jeffrey to sleep a little before gently waking him to lead him to the bedroom, knowing that sleeping at his desk would leave him with neck pain.

She would look at Joe with a smile and say, "Joe, you're back. Jeffrey is sleeping now, so wait for me. Everyone else is asleep, and it would be rude to wake them. I'll make you a light dinner, son."

After helping Jeffrey to bed, Evangeline cooked a meal for Joe, who sat at the table wearing a defeated and weary expression, lost in his thoughts.

Evangeline served Joe a hearty dinner and said, "I hope you like it."

Joe smiled, teasingly responding, "You said it would be a light dinner."

Sitting down beside him, Evangeline said, "I'll eat with you."

Joe nodded and began eating. Evangeline sighed softly and said, "Joe?"

Joe looked at her, waiting for her to continue. Evangeline gently rubbed his head and smiled warmly, saying, "I missed you so much, little Joe... Where did you go....... son?"