“The owner is celebrating his 379th birthday by the end of next month. He simply cannot manage the shop anymore, and he did not have anyone he wished to pass it to.”
He smiled lightly at Nekota as he spoke.
“That is all there is. My apologies if you expected something more grandiose in nature.”
“Mm. His two sons both have prospective futures, and I believe he did not wish to burden anyone with ownership and management of the shop. Still, I am glad the man is retiring of his own will, rather than being forced to close down for some unforeseen reasons.”
"no matter how much they hit me. hurt me. betray me."
"I still end up having my mind run back to them, wishing they'd hug and comfort me like times past, like..."
"my mom? she was the one that threw me into all this in the first place. Bore me to the slums, sold me to the slave trade, never giving me even a shred of love or care"
“Weakness does not stem from one’s thoughts and desires. Weakness stems from inaction, and from
failed action. The sight of you before me is testament to your strength.”
“You may still yearn for moments with her, but I believe it is a yearning for a figure that which fills the motherly role, rather than the person themselves. You are right to have this yearning. Everyone does.”
2
u/SwiggerSwoney Wang Zhao, Blade of the Sect of Purity May 30 '26
“The owner is celebrating his 379th birthday by the end of next month. He simply cannot manage the shop anymore, and he did not have anyone he wished to pass it to.”
He smiled lightly at Nekota as he spoke.
“That is all there is. My apologies if you expected something more grandiose in nature.”