The Weight of Pride
Shan finally let out a long breath the moment he saw Shera sitting upright.
For a split second, the tension in his chest loosened.
"Father… are you alright?"
His voice carried both urgency and restraint. He stepped closer, eyes scanning Shera's face, searching for any hidden weakness.
Shera's old face seemed to age even more in that moment.
The wrinkles on his forehead deepened, his eyes dimmed—not from injury, but from something far worse.
Humiliation.
"Shan…" he spoke slowly, his voice hoarse, bitter. "I've been embarrassed today."
His fingers tightened against his robe.
"You didn't see Leon's smug expression."
His eyes darkened, as if that image was carved into his mind.
"I've never suffered such humiliation in my life."
Each word came heavier than the last.
"In the future… my Secret Sword Summit will probably never be able to raise our heads in the academy again."
The room fell quiet.
Even the air felt heavier.
