The Mission
Sebastian wondered if things would have turned out differently had Frederick done the same thing for
him. Maybe I wouldn’t have to suffer in a mental hospital for six years. Anyhow, I have to do right by my
son.
As expected, Ian stopped crying as soon as he heard his father. The boy quickly dried his tears before
nodding like a determined adult.
“I won’t make the same mistake again, Daddy.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Don’t be too hard on yourself, Ian. The whole thing with Duncan was planned, so
you couldn’t possibly have anticipated it.”
“Then… Then what should we do now?”
“If you’re up for it, I have a mission for you. I’ve had a discussion with Devin, and we realized that we
have no idea how many of those who went to the military base with you were like Duncan. Because of
their identities, your Uncle Devin and great-grandpa might not be the best people to investigate. That’s
why I think you’re the best fit for the job.”
Ian was utterly taken aback when asked to consider such an important mission.
Staring at Sebastian in shock, Ian could not believe that his father would entrust something so critical to
him after his mistake.
The boy suddenly felt a rush of excitement and was ready to find courage once again.
“So will you do it?”
“Yes, of course! You can count on me!” agreed Ian instantly while nodding fervently, afraid that his father
would reconsider assigning him the mission if he responded a second later.
“Good. I’ll fill you in with the details later. I know this is your first mission, Ian, so I hope that everything
works out for you. We’ll celebrate when you return, okay?” Sebastian gave Ian an assuring smile,
relieved to see how his son had regained confidence once again. I know Ian is destined for great things
because he’s my son!
It did not take long before the news reached Devin and Jonathan, who got concerned when they heard
that the sixteen-year-old was assigned with such a dangerous mission.
However, Sebastian did not feel the same way. “Even a lion cub needs to learn how to hunt before it can
become the king of the forest. You don’t have to worry about Ian. That boy is smarter than two of you
combined!”
Jonathan made a face when Sebastian ridiculed his intelligence. How dare this b*stard of a grandson
mock me as soon as he gets the chance! So what if I’m not as bright as Ian? The boy’s only that gifted
because he has my genes!
Since Sebastian had already regained consciousness, the gang was ready to head back.
When Ichika’s parents heard the good news from their daughter, they insisted on having Sebastian and
Sasha over for dinner.
Sebastian thought it was only normal since they had not seen each other for three years, so he accepted
the invitation.
That evening, Ichika personally drove over to pick up the couple.
“Sha, Sebastian, I hope you don’t mind being dragged out like this. It’s just that my father got a little too
excited after hearing that you’re awake again.”
Worried that her parents might have caused the two some inconvenience, Ichika repeatedly apologized
on the way.
Sasha quickly shook her head in response after hearing what Ichika had to say. “Don’t worry about it.
After what your parents have done for us, we’re more than glad to have dinner with them. Oh, that
reminds me. We didn’t have the time to buy them something nice, so would you mind dropping us at the
mall for a few minutes, Ichika?”
Meanwhile, Sebastian said nothing since he tried to get some shut-eye beside Sasha.
Naturally, Ichika turned down the woman’s generosity.
“That won’t be necessary, Sha. You two are like family to us, so there’s no need for such formalities.”
“But—”
“We probably shouldn’t get them anything then. I’ve been in a coma for three years, so we’re kind of
financially tight right now. Tell them we’ll get them something next time,” chimed in Sebastian, who
seemed somewhat half-awake.
Immediately, there was a sense of awkwardness in the air.
Sasha stared at Sebastian and wondered if the man was just sleep talking. Oh, my goodness! That was
embarrassing! Does he really have to mention our financial situation?
The three finally arrived at the Minamoto residence two hours later.
“Dad! Sha, look who’s here to welcome you!” exclaimed Ichika excitedly when she saw her family waiting
just outside the house. Even the white-haired elder was there.
Sasha was touched to see the Minamotos’ warm gesture, so she quickly got out of the car to get the
wheelchair.
When Giichi realized what Sasha was doing, he hurried over to lend a hand without a second thought.
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