(21) Tic Tac: 02

In the opulent training hall of the Astrea estate, the air was thick with tension. Reinhard stood beside Felt, guiding her through the intricacies of noble etiquette. Her frustration was palpable, her rebellious spirit clashing with the rigid formalities. Suddenly, the heavy doors creaked open, and Heinkel Astrea, Reinhard's father, staggered in, the pungent scent of alcohol preceding him.

"Well, isn't this a sight," Heinkel drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "The esteemed Sword Saint, reduced to tutoring a slum rat."

Felt bristled, her eyes flashing with anger. "Watch your mouth, old man," she snapped. "Reinhard, get rid of this drunkard."

Heinkel let out a bitter laugh, swaying slightly. "Kill me? Like you killed your own mother?" He took a swig from his flask, his gaze challenging.

Reinhard's expression remained stoic, though a flicker of pain crossed his eyes. "Father, please leave. You're not yourself."

"Not myself?" Heinkel sneered. "I'm exactly who I've always been. Unlike you, parading around with that title, pretending to be a hero."

Felt clenched her fists, stepping forward. "You have no right to talk to him like that!"

Heinkel's gaze shifted to her, a cruel smile curling his lips. "And you, little girl, think you can play princess? You're nothing but a street urchin, a pawn in their games."

"That's enough," Reinhard interjected, his voice firm. "Leave, now."

Heinkel's eyes narrowed, but he turned unsteadily toward the door. "Remember, boy," he slurred, "no matter how high you rise, you'll always be the reason our family fell." With that, he stumbled out, leaving a heavy silence in his wake.

Felt exhaled sharply, her anger giving way to a weary sigh. "I really can't stand red-haired, blue-eyed people. First that fake knight girl, now this."

Reinhard's gaze softened as he looked at her. "I'm sorry for my father's behavior. He... harbors many resentments."

Felt waved a hand dismissively. "It's not your fault. Let's just get back to work."

As they resumed the lesson, Reinhard's thoughts lingered on her words. A red-haired, blue-eyed knight girl? Curiosity piqued, he made a mental note to learn more about this mysterious figure.

The encounter with his father had reopened old wounds, but it also strengthened his resolve. He would continue to support Felt, guiding her toward her destiny, while seeking to understand the complexities of his own family's past.

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