To tell the truth, she somewhat regretted introducing her good friend to Esther.
She had always believed that Esther was a decent person who could be a good husband and father, but...she misjudged the extent of her friend's "violence." Seeing Esther's injured face, Danfoss was filled with pity.
"So, I ended up with broken bones again."
Esther said with a bitter smile.
"Don't use the techniques Aras taught you to dodge responsibility; after all, no one forced you to marry Jennifer."
Next to Pasi stood a youth.
His eyes were lively, his hair slightly curled, his body not very tall but sturdy enough, and his face could be considered handsome. Yet, standing there so straight, he gave off a mischievous and slightly defiant air.
"Mom, Kuituo, Brother Luogen is here."
The youth said while already moving his feet, walking towards his two older brothers,
because he was very aware that what followed would be his mother's best lecturing time.
He didn't want to be caught in the crossfire while standing there.
For some reason, every time she lectured, she would inevitably drag him into it.
"Stark, you must understand..."
Behind him, Pasi's voice rose, causing the youth to quicken his steps and his ears to automatically filter it out.
He didn't dislike his mother.
He was clear that she loved him.
But he preferred to be with his two older brothers.
And yes, his sister too.
Even though Sister Emma was always lying comatose in a hospital bed, she was still his sister.
And of course, the seven adorable younger brothers too.
"Stark is spoiled by you guys too much."
Pasi's gaze turned towards Edmund and Esther.
Edmund stared blankly, opened his mouth wide, and pointed at himself.
He had been so busy that he had to cut down on his sleeping hours; how could he possibly have time for Stark? In fact, he spent 95% of the year traveling back and forth.
There was just too much he needed to do.
There was no time to just sit idly by.
But he had grown used to it.
For the sake of the promise made that day.
In fact, if it hadn't been for the importance of this particular issue, he wouldn't have been able to come back so quickly.
Yet, faced with Pasi's gaze as if looking at a family member, what could Edmund say?
He looked at Pasi with a smile.
Facing such familial reproach... a smile was appropriate.
Do not try to do too much else.
A smile is the quickest way to simplify and erase everything.
Esther, on the other hand, scratched his forehead.
He admitted that he was somewhat overly indulgent with Stark.
After all, when Stark was born, Jennifer was already pregnant with their first child. To ensure his own child would be well cared for, and to adapt to the role of a new father in advance, Esther treated Stark as his own child.
As the "first" child, Stark naturally received more attention.
Just as the youngest would be favored.
"Don't worry, Stark understands far more than we think."
Esther said with a smile.
This was not consolation, but his sincere thought.
Stark had already started helping him manage some matters of the Night Owl Court. In Hydra and the Brotherhood, Stark also began to serve as a consultant a year ago.
Esther was unsure whether Pasi knew.
But he wouldn't volunteer this information to Pasi.
It was better for Stark to speak up about it himself. If he revealed it, it wouldn't just be a brief lecture.
Yet, silently, Esther couldn't help but sigh at the passage of time.
The little guy who used to be so small now could help him with work.
They were also changing imperceptibly.
But all their changes together did not compare to Aras alone.
Aras, the most talented person he had ever seen.
His fists became unbeatable ten years ago.
Five years ago, his fists won Avent's admiration.
One year ago, his fists could shake the void.
And just now, he shattered the void with one punch.
Such strength left Esther in awe.
Because up to now, he had not been able to reach the level Aras had achieved ten years ago.
It was Aras's presence that made the Night Owl Court as stable as Mount Tai.
No one could catch Avent's sword.
And no one could block Aras's punch.
When the two of them appeared on the battlefield, any enemy would be annihilated.
This was not an exaggeration.
A fact verified by countless enemies and "anomalies."
"I hope all goes well."
Esther prayed quietly in his heart.
As Aras's friend, Aras's strength brought them peace of mind, but at the same time, they also hoped for Aras's happiness.
And the person who could make Aras happy, was right behind that "door."
Esther couldn't help but look towards that "door."
Fifteen years had weakened that door, making it more and more unstable.
Especially just after it had been opened, and then struck by the aftermath of Aras's punch, the double doors were already at the point where a slight touch would completely dismantle them.
The sound of imminent shattering kept coming.
Everyone's gaze turned here.
Then, they saw the familiar cracks appearing on the wall.
Right after Aras shattered the void with his punch, similar cracks had appeared.