Vitori was sitting at the dining table.

Alone.

The seat on his right—where the little girl usually sat, legs swinging restlessly—was empty tonight. He didn't question her absence. There was no need to. He already knew that Emma and William had arrived earlier in the afternoon.

And that very fact made his heart unsettled and anxious.

Knowing that his daughter was inside the Tower, so close yet not sitting across from him, made his chest tighten in a dull, lingering ache. Dinner used to be the one time they always shared, no matter how busy the day had been.

But he couldn't pretend innocence.

He knew his own actions were the reason things had turned out this way.

Emma's displeasure towards him was justified since Vitori went a little overboard…no, not little. He was reckless in making decisions which could have resulted disastrously.

And because of that, now, he was here…all alone.

"Master, shall we serve dinner?" the maid asked softly, standing a respectful distance away.

Vitori had no appetite. He was just about to decline when—

"For one more person."

Vitori's brows lifted in surprise. He turned to his left and saw a familiar blond young man walking toward the table with unhurried steps.

William stopped beside the chair and asked politely, "I hope you don't mind me joining?"

Though caught off guard, Vitori shook his head and gestured toward the empty seat on his right.

William nodded once and pulled the chair out, sitting down without another word.

Vitori's gaze flicked toward the doorway for a brief moment, but William spoke before he could ask.

"She isn't coming."

It was exactly what Vitori had expected to hear, yet it did nothing to soften the heaviness pressing against his chest.

The older man let out a slow sigh as the maids placed warm bowls of soup in front of them.

"Emma and Nana fell asleep about an hour ago," William added calmly. "They were exhausted. I'll have them eat once they wake up."

Vitori nodded and picked up his spoon, following William's lead.

A heavy silence settled over the dining hall as both men took their first sips. The quiet wasn't uncomfortable, but it was thick with unspoken thoughts.

After a while, Vitori broke it.

"You don't seem too displeased with me."

William glanced up. "About the dungeon challenges?" he asked casually. "Why would I be?"

Vitori studied him, prompting William to continue.

"I watched the trials others went through," William said. "Based on how the floors usually progress, I would have reached the fifth—maybe even the sixth floor if things had gone normally during my turn."

No offense to Emma, but the monsters she faced on the fourth floor could've been dealt with using a few Drops of Oblivion. He would've had enough energy left to push further.

He shrugged lightly. "I was going to take risks anyway. You just brought the dangerous opponents forward."

Vitori exhaled. "That still doesn't excuse what you faced. The Prism Ape was never meant to be there. I placed it on the fourth floor because you went in alone… and because I wanted you to fail."

William winced. "That's cruel, you know. Don't ever tell Emma."

Vitori visibly shrank into his seat, unwilling to imagine the consequences if she ever found out.

After a moment, William asked quietly, "But why do you dislike me this much?"

Vitori shook his head. "Putting aside what I've heard about your past… my instincts tell me that Emma will never live peacefully if she stays by your side."

William went still.

He couldn't deny it.

With his complicated origins and the attention of a deity now fixed upon him, peace was never something he could promise. Anyone who chose to walk beside him would inevitably share that burden.

Vitori wasn't wrong.

The table fell silent again.

William stared at his hand. Vitori wrestled with his thoughts.

"But," Vitori finally said, breaking the silence, "I may have been unfair."

He let out a long breath. "Perhaps it was my possessiveness. Emma is the only person I have left. Seeing you beside her… I couldn't help but view you through a darker lens."

He looked at William. "That doesn't mean you're a bad man. It just means I'm afraid of losing what's precious to me."

William smiled faintly. "I understand."

Vitori leaned back, having long forgotten the food in front of him. "I always knew I'd have to let her go one day. And if that day has come… I'm relieved it's someone who cares about her—not her name or her wealth."

William grinned. "And here I thought her vaults were irresistible."

Vitori chuckled softly. "These eyes have seen more people than the days you've lived. I know how to judge character. And I know you'll stay by her side."

William nodded firmly. "I promise you that."

Vitori's lips curved slightly. "Well, let's eat. Go back to them before they wake again."

The two men resumed dinner, the tension between them finally eased.

This time, the atmosphere felt lighter.

….

Click.

William opened the door carefully and pushed the cart of food inside the room.

Emma and Nana were sitting on the bed, both groggy and barely awake. Their hair was messy, eyes half-lidded.

William chuckled. "Awake, or do I need to splash some water?"

"Where were you?" Emma asked, her voice hoarse.

"I stepped out for dinner," he said lightly. "I brought food for you too."

He parked the cart near the bed and gently picked Nana up, carrying her to the bathroom.

Though she knew how to wash herself, Nana immediately went limp in his arms, lazily letting him wipe her face with fresh water.

"Gargle before you eat," William reminded her.

Still sleepy, Nana hugged his neck instead of stepping down.

William sighed helplessly.

That was when Emma asked, "You had dinner with my father?"

William hummed. "Is that a problem?"

She leaned against the doorframe. "Did he say something rude again?"

William laughed softly. "Don't make him sound evil. You know he has a good heart." as he said, he somehow convinced Nana to step on the stool and freshen up.

Emma hesitated. "What did he say?"

William turned toward her with a smile. "Congratulations. We got acceptance from your side too."

Emma's eyes widened. "Really?" She jumped at him, hugging him tightly.

William caught her, laughter escaping him.

Nana, sensing the joy, hopped down to hug his leg too.

She didn't know what exactly happened but since her brother and sister were happy, she was happy too!

Emma looked up at him and said, "My breath stinks… but I want to kiss you."

William leaned down and kissed her anyway.

It truly had been a good day.

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