"He'll be joining the academy too."
The middle-aged man finally broke the silence, twirling the cigarette between his fingers.
"I know it's what's best for the Empire… but you can decline if you want. You know that, right?"
He glanced at the girl beside him.
She remained quiet for a moment, then finally spoke.
"I know, Father," she said, turning her gaze to him. "But… will they be okay with that? Won't they accuse you for it?"
Then she smiled—softly, carefully—like it was a gesture she'd practiced a thousand times.
"I'm okay with it. I really am."
She turned her head away again.
The man sighed and leaned back, exhaling a plume of smoke as he stared at the ceiling.
'How grateful I am… to have such a sweet girl like her.'
His fist slowly clenched.
'If only it wasn't for them… If only I was strong enough…'
Another sigh escaped him, his eyes softening as an old, bittersweet memory rose to the surface.
