My Soul card is a Reaper

The next day morning, Azzy's family members, who were at the dinner table last night and currently stayed as guests of the palace, were summoned to the throne hall.

Azzy sat on the throne as the Clan Monarch, adorned in his clanlord robe, eyes steady but solemn as he waited for everyone.

One by one, his family entered.

Azzy looked around at them without carrying an ounce of expression on his face.

"I've gathered you all here," he began, "because I realized something. I came back expecting things to fall in place like puzzle pieces. But I realized it too late that your interests don't align with one another, and it seems quite impossible for you all to stay on one board to complete the puzzle. So, I'll sort it out right now, one after another.

Azzy's first gaze fell on his son. "Orion…"

Orion blinked, staring at his Father.

"You," he began, voice calm but steady. "Your problem isn't with me. Or with your mother controlling you. It's not about rules or expectations or even your pride. You just… miss your old life. You miss the comfort of your old self. And in a matter of days, everything flipped, which undoubtedly started because of my reappearance. That's why it is very difficult for you to just forgive me, no matter how many times you say it."

He tilted his head and continued. "And now you're angry because of all the suffocation you felt because of various new things. I get it. But it is also a fact that no matter what I say, you're not in the headspace to listen. So I won't ask you to get along with anyone anymore. Since you wish to be independent, I'll let you go free. Once the tournament of Power is completed, you can leave the clan and stay in Egrein City with my adoptive grandfather, Oakley Night. Take the time. Figure out what you want. I can't change the fact that I wasn't there for your childhood, and you have to accept that. What I will give you is a choice to decide your own future."

He then turned to face his other son. "Zion Pendragon."

"And you," Azzy said. His voice softened, but there was a tired weight to it. "You think your mother wronged you. You didn't get a normal childhood. You didn't get the dinners, the birthdays, the holding hands of even a parent, much less a father. I could imagine what people would have talked about you behind your back."

Zion looked down and didn't refute it.

Azzy continued. "But the truth is that I promised your mother before your birth that I or the Garcia family would not hold any rights over you. Perhaps, you could have had less resentment had I been a part of your life. But, I say the same thing I told Orion earlier. I can't change the past."

Taking a pause, Azzy added, "But, I can give you the choice of your future, too, but not now. Your mother gave birth to you for just one purpose. Yes, you might feel like you are a tool, but your mother's intentions are noble. For the sake of her dynasty, she let go of relationships, feelings of love. She is a Heavenly daughter and one who had suitors from businessmen to princes, but despite that, she made the choice because I carry one of the most powerful bloodlines, so that her son will secure Camelot's future. You being powerful would bring no joy to your mother, Zion. Your mother will be happy when you help your ancestral kingdom. The day you succeed your grandfather and bring Camelot's fame to new heights, the day you suceed her dream, the day when you make it the most powerful country in the world, the day you will be free of your burdens, if you still wish to be called as my son then, I will proudly announce to the entire world that you have the blood of Garcia. I will formally acknowledge you as my son. Your descendants will be my descendants, too. Until then, only your mother can dictate your life, and you shall be the son of Leah Pendragon, only. I will come and visit you from time to time. You will also be invited to my house, but only for informal gatherings like yesterday. I hope you don't take it hard if there is an official Garcia family event and you are not invited. You are an adult, and you are also a Supreme Realm expert. I hope you get to the reality. As for your issues with your mother, I have no right to interfere in them. I apologize for that. You have to sort out your issues with her by yourself. I can't do anything about it, no matter how much I wish."

The air in the throne hall hung thick with unspoken tension after Azzy's announcement.

Zion couldn't help but gaze at Azzy. His emotions swirled in his heart.

Azzy took a breath, his gaze drifting toward Leah. He was calm and composed as before, but he could see the faint grip she had on her robes, the restraint in her expression as he called out her name. "Leah Pendragon."

"Seventeen years ago," Azzy began, speaking loud and clear, but with great calmness, "you said you wanted a child from me, not for love, not for warmth, but because both our bloodlines were powerful. And you believed that our child could secure Camelot's future."

Leah's brows furrowed slightly, wondering where he was going. Isn't he already gone through it earlier with her son? The room went still again.

"When I visited Camelot a few days ago," Azzy continued, "I offered you marriage so that Zion could have his father's name. You refused."

Leah looked away, lips pressed tight.

"You said it was because you didn't want your presence to disturb my married life. That you wanted the best for me and Leiza. I respected your choice in the past, and I respect your choice in the present."