Yugo wasn't sure if the word was appropriate, yet he found himself whispering it anyway.
Back when he had first reincarnated into this world, this was the man who had cast him out while he was still reeling from the confusion of his new life. Hugo Clay's father stood right there before him.
Uno, who had accompanied him, wore a look of mild discomfort, creating an atmosphere that made it difficult to know how to even begin the conversation.
As Yugo stood frozen in shock, his father let out a soft sigh, stepped forward, and spoke again.
"No matter. My business here today does not involve you, in any case."
"Huh...?"
After those words, his father bowed deeply.
Yugo watched the scene in astonishment, realizing that the gesture wasn't directed at him. His father began to offer a formal apology.
"I must offer my sincerest apologies to the Three Great Houses of Yamato. Due to our lapse in security, your daughters were placed in grave danger. As a representative noble of this nation and a member of the Magic Knights, I am deeply sorry."
Eugene Clay bowed to Motonari, Tadakatsu, and the absent Ujiyasu.
When he finally raised his head, he introduced himself formally to the Yamato VIPs.
"Forgive my late introduction. My name is Eugene Clay. As I mentioned, I am one of the ranking nobles of this country."
"The Current Head of the House of Clay, the prestigious lineage that has produced many of our finest Magic Knights, right? I'm familiar with the name. And—"
Tadakatsu glanced briefly toward Yugo.
Yugo was currently reeling from the shock of learning his father’s name for the first time, a stark reminder of how little he knew about his own family. Amidst his internal turmoil, Eugene spoke coldly.
"...The man standing there has already been disinherited from the House of Clay. He has nothing to do with me. I merely allow him to remain at this academy under surveillance to ensure he does not drag our family name through the mud any further."
"Ngh...!"
"D-Don't let it get to you, Yugo-dono. Your father is surely only saying that because we are present," Sakura whispered, trying to comfort him.
Yugo had known the truth, of course, but being confronted with the reality of his disinheritance like this still stung.
While Sakura looked on with concern for the clearly wounded Yugo, Motonari addressed his father.
"Lord Eugene, there is no need for you to apologize. The culprit behind this incident was one of our own from the Yamato side. If anyone should be apologizing, it is us."
"Even if that is true, the fact remains that our security was inadequate. Our Magic Knights, the Security Force included, were unable to stand against Zaraki. He could have easily fled the country. Furthermore, we failed to capture Koumaru, who is arguably the True Culprit. This was a failure on our part, and there is no excuse for it."
Eugene bowed his head once more.
It seemed he hadn't been informed of the more sensitive scandals, such as Raiha's secret.
Yugo felt an indescribable ache in his chest watching the man who was technically his father repeatedly bowing and apologizing, despite their lack of a real relationship. Finally, Tadakatsu crossed his arms and let out a grunt.
"Then why don't you give Yugo some credit? He's the one who prevented this whole mess from becoming an irreversible catastrophe, isn't he?"
"...I have received reports that he defeated Zaraki to rescue the daughter of the House of Utsusemi. However, I cannot offer him praise."
"I realize it is boorish to meddle in the affairs of another house, but even if he is disinherited, Yugo is still your son. What harm is there in acknowledging his achievement in preventing further tragedy?"
"I am the Current Head of the House of Clay and the one who personally disinherited him. I am ashamed to admit that our house is currently filled with those seeking to claim the position of heir in Yugo's stead. If I were to show any sign of acknowledging him now, the internal chaos would only accelerate."
Yugo caught his breath. He had no idea the House of Clay was in such a state of upheaval after his departure. As he stood there stunned, Uno, who had remained silent until now, spoke up.
"Lord Eugene, your son has shown remarkable initiative not just in this instance, but in numerous other incidents as well. However, because most of those events cannot be made public, he has received no formal recognition. I believe that a single word of praise from you, his father, would do much to save his heart."
"..."
"There is no one here who would breathe a word of what is said. Lord Eugene, I beg of you...!"
Under the weight of Uno's plea, Eugene let out a small sigh.
Keeping his expression stern, he turned his gaze toward Yugo and addressed his disinherited son.
"...I have been receiving reports from Fee regarding your conduct lately. It seems you have finally given some thought to how to carry yourself since your expulsion."
"Um..."
To be honest, Yugo didn't know how to respond. He was a son, yet not a son—a secret only he knew—and the conflict left him bewildered. Ignoring his hesitation, Eugene continued.
"...I have already settled the expenses for your School Trip. Consider it a reward for your recent efforts, this incident included."
"What...?"
"...I shall tell the rest of the family it was a bribe to keep you from throwing a public tantrum. Do not embarrass yourself while you are away. Is that clear?"
"Y-Yes! Thank you very much!"
"Hmph... At least you've become a man capable of showing gratitude to others."
Seeing his son's sincere thanks, a faint smile flickered across Eugene's lips.
He pulled it back instantly, resuming his rigid mask as he looked at Yugo one last time.
"...Well done. That is all."
"Ah...!"
With that final word, Eugene turned his back on the group and walked away.
Watching him go, Yugo noticed a strange sense of satisfaction radiating from his father's back. Motonari spoke to him then.
"A father rejoices in his child's growth above all else. Your father truly wanted to praise your deeds."
"He has a position to maintain, so he can't be honest, but his actions said everything," Sakura added.
Hearing from the Kogarashi family that Eugene didn't actually hate him, a joyful smile spread across Yugo's face.
Gazing at his father’s retreating form, he felt a surge of genuine gratitude and bowed deeply to show his respect.