Jason closed his eyes, already prepared to accept death.
He suddenly heard a clang!—the sharp sound of metal colliding.
Slowly opening his eyes, he saw his father, Dawn Lyon, standing in front of him. Dawn had blocked Karadi's sword with his own, then forcefully flicked his wrist, knocking Karadi's blade aside.
"Karadi, you'd better explain to me exactly what you think you're doing."
Dawn stared sternly at Karadi, who had nearly killed his son.
"M-My lord! Why are you here? I'm sorry, I—"
As Karadi spoke, he dropped to his knees before Dawn, lowering his head and falling silent. He knew that this time, death was inevitable.
"If the tavern owner hadn't rushed to report this to me, you might have already killed my son. Do you know that what you've committed is a capital crime?"
Dawn questioned him coldly.
"I'm sorry. This is entirely my fault. I'm willing to accept any punishment. I only beg that you don't implicate my father and the others. This was my doing alone—it has nothing to do with them."
Karadi knew how serious the crime of attempting to murder Jason was. He was willing to die for it, but he feared dragging his father down with him.
"That goes without saying. I know very well how loyal your father has been to the Lyon family. What I want to know is—why did you do this? Surely it wasn't just because you disliked Jason and wanted him dead."
As Dawn spoke, he glanced at the battered and miserable-looking Jason nearby.
"Things have already come to this, my lord. Why ask meaningless questions now? I'm willing to accept whatever punishment you decree. Please, just pass judgment."
Karadi said resolutely.
"Good! Truly worthy of being Martin's son—full of backbone. Guards! Bind him and throw him into the dungeon. He'll await my final judgment there!"
Dawn ordered the fully armored retainers behind him.
Several guards quickly rushed forward, tied Karadi up tightly, and dragged him away.
"You brat, are you alright?"
Dawn walked over to Jason and asked.
"Phew—thank goodness you arrived in time, Father. Otherwise, I'd probably be in heaven by now."
Jason patted his chest, still shaken.
"Give me a break. With what you've done in this life, there's no way you're going to heaven. At best, you'd be heading straight to hell."
Dawn replied dryly.
"Father, I'm your son at least. How can you say that about me?"
Jason said helplessly.
"If you hadn't suddenly started acting like a completely different person lately—making me look at you in a new light—I might not have bothered saving you at all."
Dawn said this sharply, though in truth he was just venting his frustration.
"Don't worry, Father. From now on, I'll become someone you can truly be proud of."
Jason promised.
"Alright, enough talk. We'll discuss this after we get back. Your arm needs treatment immediately—if you ignore it, you could bleed out."
With that, Dawn led Jason back.
On the way, Jason followed behind him, staring at Dawn's broad back. He stood like a mighty lion, exuding authority without even needing anger. Jason suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of security.
He sighed inwardly, What a great father. That previous Jason never knew how to cherish this… truly living in blessings without knowing it.
They soon returned to the castle, where several elderly physicians hurriedly began bandaging Jason's wounds.
Dawn sat quietly to the side, waiting for Martin to arrive. He needed to discuss the matter with him.
Not long after, Martin rushed in, flustered. He knelt before Dawn and greeted both Dawn and Jason.
"My lord! Young Master!"
"That's enough. No need for formalities—stand up."
Dawn said calmly.
"Thank you, my lord."
Martin rose.
"How is the Young Master's injury?"
Martin asked, looking toward Jason.
"It's nothing serious, Lord Martin. No need to worry."
Jason replied politely.
"This is all my failure in discipline. Karadi actually did such a thing to the Young Master. I beg you to punish me!"
Martin bowed deeply to Dawn.
"Your loyalty to the Lyon family is something I know well. However, Karadi's attempt on Jason's life is something I cannot overlook. Do you have any objections?"
Dawn asked.
"I have none. That rebellious son attempted to assassinate the Young Master—his crime deserves death. I will not plead for him."
Martin said firmly.
"Good! Since Lord Martin has no objections, I will have him executed immediately!"
Dawn stood up as he spoke.
"Father, wait!"
Jason suddenly stood up.
"Hm? Jason, what do you wish to say?"
Dawn turned and asked.
"I wish to beg Father to spare his life and hand him over to me. I believe what he did was merely a moment of impulsiveness."
Jason said earnestly.
He understood Karadi. He knew how powerful the word love was to a man. Having been hurt by a woman himself, Jason felt deep sympathy for Karadi.
"Very well. Since you're pleading for him, I'll spare his life and leave him to your disposal."
Dawn nodded. After all, Karadi was Martin's son—he hadn't truly wanted to kill him either.
"Thank you, Young Master. On behalf of that unfilial son of mine, I offer my deepest thanks."
Martin bowed to Jason.
"No need for courtesy, Lord Martin. I'll go have a talk with him now."
Jason took his leave of his father and, escorted by several retainers, headed toward the dungeon.
Jason arrived at the prison gate with his men and saw Karadi sitting miserably on the ground. Jason smiled faintly.
"Sorry about that. Didn't expect my father to suddenly show up and ruin your plan."
"Tch. Just bad luck on my part. If you're here to kill me, then do it. I have nothing to say."
Seeing Jason arrive with guards, Karadi assumed they had come to execute him and instead became strangely relaxed.
"Open the door."
Jason ordered the jailer.
A jailer hurried forward and unlocked the cell.
Jason looked at Karadi and smiled.
"You can leave now."
"What? You're letting me go?"
Karadi stared at Jason in disbelief.
"That's right. I'm letting you go. I just hope you remember this—women like that aren't worth giving your life for. A man can go crazy for love, but he also needs to know when to wake up."
Jason said calmly.
"Aren't you afraid that once I leave, I'll try to assassinate you again?"
Karadi asked.
"Yeah… what if this guy really does try to assassinate me again?"
Jason muttered to himself, suddenly feeling a bit uneasy.
...
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(End Chapter)