As soon as Nathan heard the names "Robert Gilson" and "Nicolas Gilson", his mixed feelings of hatred and other strong emotions erupted. His heart started pounding rapidly and he could feel the anger rising on his face.

Gydarra, who was sitting next to Nathan, burst out laughing, "Ah hahaha ah hahaha..." Then he turned to Nathan and said, "I'll accompany you to eat every day, Mas.... Huh?!" But, when he saw Nathan's expression, he immediately halted.

Nathan lowered his head, attempting to conceal his anger. "I think I could use some fresh air," he said before leaving.

When Nathan had gone, everyone was left in silence, pondering over where he had gone or what had happened to him.

"What happened?" Gydarra was the first to ask.

"I'm not the only one who feels something strange about Nathan Oppa?" Linda added.

"I guess so," Muramoto replied. "But, a few seconds ago he still seemed okay?"

"It's only been a few days since Edna left; she must really feel lost," said Linda, clenching her fists. "He's now faced with a problem of this magnitude; it's certainly not easy for him."

"Do we need to speak to him?" Yudan asked.

Everyone fell silent, looking confused.

"Ah... uhm...." Gydarra said, scratching the back of his head. "Men like to be left alone when they're in trouble. I think we should give him some time?"

Linda shook her head, and the blazing fire reflected in her slightly teary eyes. "We have to make sure he's okay. I think he needs someone to talk to. I'll go see him." She then stood up, but everyone held her back.

"No, no, no... Linda-chan... wait...." Muramoto said.

"I don't think you're the best person to talk to him... Kha ha ha ha..." Gydarra added.

"What's the problem?" Linda asked, her voice rife with complaint.

"I believe we all agree on the same thing, Linda," Yudan said.

She clicked her tongue in frustration and crossed her arms. "I'm just worried about him," she said.

"Maybe Meriel-chan would be a better person to talk to him?" Muramoto suggested, turning to Meriel.

"Me?" Meriel looked confused, then slowly nodded. "I'll try to talk to him, but can we give him some time first?"

"Agreed," Muramoto replied, and the others nodded in agreement.

***

Nathan entered the forest, leaning against an old tree, and closing his eyes in the moonlight. He was attempting to suppress the sudden rage in his chest. He had to think clearly and not allow his emotions to cause him to think irrationally.

Luna, who had appeared near him, didn't even dare to say anything, remaining silent for as long as he needed.

Nathan then lay down on the ground, still propped up against the old and large tree. He tried to take slow, deep breaths in the cold and biting night air in the middle of the frozen forest.

After some time, the sound of footsteps pierced the silence of the night.

"Mr. Nathan..." a voice called out to him.

Silence descended once more, and Nathan remained quiet.

"Can I speak with you?" Meriel asked gently, her tone full of understanding. "If you'd prefer to be alone, I will leave."

Nathan nodded slowly, barely audible as he muttered, "Yes.. It's okay."

Meriel strolled slowly and sat next to Nathan, leaning against the same tree. There was a moment of silence before Meriel gently raised her right hand, placing it on Nathan's right shoulder. She then tenderly pulled his body, which he seemed to comply with without resistance.

Nathan then rested his head in Meriel's lap as she gently stroked his temples, her fingers moving around his eyelids and cheeks. This had a soothing effect on Nathan, causing his eyes to close slowly as he felt the comfort wash over him.

Meriel hummed a beautiful song lyric, her voice filled with a magical quality that enchanted the night air. The soft glow of the moonlight bathed her in its serene light, accentuating the enchanting melody.

"Verdant stars alight, In the night so serene. The moon casts its gentle light. A magical scene."

"The night sings its song, A mystical melody. An enchantment so strong, Bathed in beauty."

"The stars shine so bright, And the sky is so clear. The night is so peaceful, The beauty so dear."

"The darkness of night, Is filled with delight. In this beautiful sight, So magical and serene."

Meriel hummed softly as her fingers explored Nathan's face and forehead, attempting to soothe him. She was careful, gentle, her touch light and reassuring.

Meriel quietly asked Nathan, "Would you like to tell me something, Mr. Nathan?"

Nathan raised himself up, sitting across from her, his expression appearing empty and forlorn.

"Nicolas Gilson..." Nathan began, his voice heavy with emotion. "That's one of the reasons why I came to this place."

"Yes..?" Meriel prompted gently.

He paused, then continued, "He is one of the causes of the death of my parents. And Robert..."

"Yes..?"

"Robert is the son of that man." Nathan concluded, his voice barely a whisper. As he finished, he lowered his head.

Meriel then fell silent and paused for a moment before speaking again, her voice gentle and low. "Are you planning to take revenge on Robert too?"historical

Nathan was quiet in response to Meriel's question. After a while he finally replied, "No..."

Meriel nodded slowly in understanding. "I'm sure you wouldn't do that, Mr. Nathan," she said, offering a small smile.

Meriel then slowly approached Nathan, supporting herself with her knees. Gently, she pulled him into an embrace and held him close. Nathan could feel Meriel's heart beating against his face.

"Crying can be difficult for men," Meriel said gently. "So they often put on a brave face, even when their sorrow is overwhelming."

"Someone sheds tears not because they are weak, but because it takes a great deal of courage and strength to do so." Meriel's voice was gentle and comforting as she continued, "And if tears must be shed, it merely serves as a reminder that we are creatures with hearts that can break. So, don't be ashamed to let them fall."

Nathan shut his eyes, took a deep breath, and let the calming feeling wash over him. Gradually, he felt his inner turmoil dissipate.

"You will be okay. You will get through this and come out the other side better, wiser, and stronger." Meriel reassured him.

Meriel released her embrace, and as Nathan's face began to rise, she noticed a look of unwavering determination—stronger than she'd ever seen before.

There were a few tears in his eyes, and Meriel felt reassured; it was enough for a man to shed a few tears. Excitement surged through her as she met his gaze.

"Thank you, Meriel," Nathan said, and a smile appeared on his face.

"Yes." Meriel nodded and returned the smile.

***

Nathan had determined his course of action: to remain focused on the final exams for entrance into the academy. He would ignore the fact that Robert was Nicolas' son and let Robert act naturally if any issues arose between him and Nicolas in the future.

Nathan knew that a grudge would likely persist, but he was determined to stick to his plan.

Finally, the day of their massive battle against hundreds of monsters had arrived.