The rise of a Hero

Chapter 10

Knight's Code of Honor

8. He respects all weaknesses and becomes their defender.

oOo

"By the goddesses, but he almost made me cry with that distressed look!" exclaimed Karl before bursting into laughter.

With his wife, they both looked at the photo that the princess had edited upon her return to the castle and had given to the knight when he was leaving. In the picture, Link was soaking wet and looking at the camera with dismay. Adelaide was laughing heartily with him, not omitting any detail about that memory. Link, who was outside brushing Ciaran, finally joined them as he wanted to know what was making them laugh so much. But as soon as he stepped into the house, his father hid the photo behind his back. The young man gave him a suspicious and inquiring look.

"Are you done taking care of your horse?" his mother asked him to divert his attention.

"Yes," Link replied as he approached his father.

In a swift motion, he reached behind Karl's back to grab the object of his inquiries, but the knight raised his arm high enough to make it unreachable.

"Come on? What's with these manners, my son?" he wondered, a smirk on his face.

The young captain winced because of his father's teasing. He, however, did not let it deter him and jumped to grab the photo. Link knew perfectly well what it was about.

"Give it to me!" he ordered his father in a nonchalant voice that betrayed his embarrassment.

Karl chuckled as he took a few steps back.

"So that you destroy this masterpiece? Certainly not."

"It was an accident, he defended himself with a grimace. If Florine hadn't arrived so suddenly, I wouldn't have fallen into the water, and the princess wouldn't have made fun of me."

He looked away in shame when he thought about that humiliating moment. The blond would have preferred Zelda not to witness such a ridiculous scene... He was the Hylian Champion, for crying out loud... Not a clown. Karl observed his son in silence. His smile faded, replaced by a pained expression. Slowly, he placed the photo on the dining table and took a seat on a stool, sighing.

"You know, Link, I'm glad I didn't find you like..."

The man stopped, his lips trembling.

"Well, you know what I mean. We heard so much about you at the castle. We've been without news for so long... Your mother insisted on sending you this miniature."

The Champion's throat tightened. He remembered that day perfectly. The princess had rejected him so harshly, and the problems weighed heavily on his shoulders. That day, too many overwhelming events had made him crack.

"I'm sorry," Link whispered, bowing his head with remorse.

He had never intended to hurt them. His mother had only just recovered from many years of illness, while his father worried a lot about him. Two arms wrapped around his chest, and Adelaide hugged him tenderly.

"Link, we know how difficult it must be for you," she reassured him, trying to comfort him. "We are your parents, we will always love you, even if your duty turns you into a different person."

The young man's lips pinched as he was moved and relieved by her words. However, he didn't cry. Link didn't want to shed tears; he wanted to be strong for them.

"When Ganon is defeated, and the kingdom is out of danger, I will come back to Hateno," he promised, placing his hand on his mother's forearm. "I will protect the village with Dad."