In that moment, Riley understood that Francis had already surpassed him in one regard: responsibility.
Dale broke the tension with a light laugh.
"Guess that means I'm staying too, Father," he said with a grin. "Someone has to keep an eye on my brother and make sure he doesn't get corrupted by all that power. An emperor needs a conscience, after all."
Though his words were playful, Riley knew Dale spoke sincerely. Behind the humor lay sharp insight and unyielding principles.
Riley nodded slowly. "Very well," he said. "Both of you have chosen paths worthy of your hearts."
And so, Riley did not depart immediately. Instead, he chose to remain in this world for another hundred years.
During that time, he traveled freely across continents and seas, revisiting places like the village he grew up and discovering lands that had once been beyond his reach.
