My Substitute CEO Bride (Nash Calicraft) novel Chapter 1958

At a swordsmanship center, an older man with a topknot and dressed in typical sword-fighting garb was currently playing chess with someone.

"How are you feeling?" the older man asked.

At the question, the person sitting across from him paled. Alfius' eyes turned vacant. "I... I still can't accept it, Master."

"Everyone must take this step eventually, especially people like us. Alfius, once you truly comprehend the essence of life, you'll be close to drawing the demon sword, Rain of the Village," the older man replied.

"I will remember this, Master," Alfius replied, though he still felt guilty about killing Nash.

Alfius had felt Nash's efforts to save him even while he was unconscious. When he awoke to the chaos and heard Sven's and the others' conversation, he was immediately confronted with the toxic gas. He survived using the breath-holding technique his master had taught him.

The situation was too complicated then, and he was at a loss. Fearing that Nash might kill Marie and the others, Alfius picked up a dagger lying on the ground—a dagger that had coincidentally belonged to Brew. When he stabbed Nash with it, his entire body had been trembling.

He recounted this to his master, who seemed pleased. On the other hand, Alfius was confused about his master feeling happy about the fact that he had killed someone.

Alfius grew up in an orphanage and had experienced loss throughout his life. The cats and dogs he grew up with, the old orphanage director, and his friends—one by one, they all left him. Their departure had taught Alfius the preciousness of life from an early age.

Fate had decided for him to be alive today. It would be up to luck to decide if he could keep living tomorrow. Alfius looked at the banners on the walls with mixed emotions.

...

Nash returned home to his family, who had been worried sick about him.

Hera immediately threw herself into his arms. "You're back!"

Nash hugged her and consoled her affectionately, "What's wrong? I was only in seclusion for two days. Did you miss me that much?"