Montediore's Legacy: The Forgotten Son's Return

Chapter 1: I am Back

Death 

That is something you can’t hide from. The day will come when you will run out of time. And soon… you will finally take your last breath.

“I guess, this is my end…”

Looking at the cliff, Clark has no way to go. Monsters covered the whole area. From the deepest corner of the city to the hidden valleys in the forest. He knew that the world has come to an end. 

“As the last person on earth… I think I keep my promise to them… I manage to survive this far… isn’t it worth the applause?”

'But who would do that for me? When all of them... already left me behind?'

Chuckling to himself, Clark laughed as he saw how the pitch-black strings are having their way to where he was. It was the Camradhar.

[Ding]

Surprised by the notification he got, it was from his system. A system he luckily got back then. The one that gives him the chance to manage to survive this far.

[Do you want to have a reset? Yes or no?]

“A reset? It is not as if I have anything to lose”

Clicking the yes, he care nothing about what would happen to him. If it is just a joke or not. As the Camradhar charges its spikes in his direction, he saw the notification pop in front of his face. 

[Progress complete]

And before he was even impaled by the sharp metal-like monster, he was blinded by the bright light. 

…

“Hey stop right there! Who are you? If you don’t have an appointment then you may leave”

Acting so arrogant, who else shall they fear other than their masters? As the Guard of Montediore, there is no one that can dare belittles them. Well of course other than their very masters. 

“Tell your boss that I want to meet him”

But of all people they met, there are just two reasons why people can act arrogant in front of them. 

First is if they are a fool and wants to die.

'Boss? What is he thinking? This place is like a gang or what? Wait, who even is he?'

“Wait, Mister, Who are you?”

And the second last is…

“I am… Clark”

…if they hold enough power to act that way. 

“Clark Montediore”

“Cla- you- you are Master Clack Montediore??!”

Eyes glowing in the radiance of amber, that is the mark of a Montediore. 

‘He… he is…’

And that is how the missing child of Montediore came back. For his parents? For the love that he had for his family? For power? Of perhaps status?

No, it is for something much more important than that.

“Is he really the lost child of Master Henry Montediore and Madam Claret Montediore”

“He is alive?”

“It's been years… why did he show up just now?”

News surely travels faster than anyone can tell. But that occurrence is something that he is not surprised to hear. He was guided by some servants yet there are still much more that was peeking in some sides. Who knows if that was really their post.

Finally sitting in the guest room, the atmosphere was heavy for the servant. After all, the one sitting at the center claims that he is Clark Montediore. It is known that Clark was the lost child of Montediore. The second last grandchild of Ofiello.

It’s been decades since that incident happened. Two decades to be exact. The time Henry and Claret lost their one and only child. With that being said Clark, he is probably in his early adult years. And indeed, the man before them seems to be one. 

The door soon open as Henry and Claret made an appearance. 

“You are?” Henry started. Still trying to catch up on the situation.

“Your son”

Sitting down, the two can see how calm he is. As if he is not in any bit, feels overwhelmed by the thoughts that he is having a conversation with a Montediore.

 If it was any other guy, even if he is at that age he would no doubt be kissing their shoes just to get their favor. But this guy is different. That is confidence and not arrogance. 

“So… you say you are Clark. How would you know? And even if you possess those eyes, I am sure you are aware of how easy one can make such a trick or two. You know what I mean to say, right?”

Putting down the cup as he took a sip on it, he looks at the couple which makes the two wonder if he really is their son.

His eyes shape looks so similar to Claret’s and even the facial structure he had was so similar to Henry’s. Join with that natural confidence and aura, no one would doubt that he is indeed a Montediore. But this is something that can’t be confirmed by just that. They need evidence. Proof that he is indeed Clark. Proof that he was their son. 

“How could you not know?”

There was a small huff escaping his lips. ‘Blood is thicker than water they say, I thought a mother would feel the rush of blood flowing in her child’s veins. As I can say, it is but a myth and not a truth at all. Or perhaps… an impossible thing for the likes of them?’

“If I am not, then explain this”

Standing up, he removes the jacket he was wearing and soon took his shirt off to let them see his back. Gasp echoed as the servants find it like an insult to their masters. With a C and M mark on the top right of his shoulder, Claret can’t help but stare in awe.

“You can check it if you want. I mean, you have money. Why not run a DNA test?”

Even Henry can say nothing. Only Montediore knows that it exists. After all, Ofiello hates it when someone claims to be his relative just for his money. By doing that, all the grandchildren he recognized would gain a mark with their initials.

But… There is no way that he would know something like that. For that is a secret that we kept hidden for so long.

‘How… only us Montediore know such thing… wait… did someone leak that information to trick us? But… where did he learn about this thing? Who told him?’

A small smile escapes Clark’s lips, but none even notice that since they are all lost in their thoughts.

‘Just as I thought, they would wonder why and how I learned such information. Well, even I won’t know… if not because of someone telling me who I really was’

A secret that Clark learned in an unfavorable situation. Remembering that time, he did have hesitation about that before. But that someone who confirmed who he really was is someone he can trust.

“That is if you are not sure that I am indeed your child”

“Clark…”

Tears suddenly form in Claret’s eyes, she hugged her dear son as soon as she stands up.

“Clark! You… came back…”

She mumbled as she let all tears fall down her cheek. As for Henry, he was still left speechless. But soon, a small smile escaped his lips as a bit of laughter from joy can be heard. 

“My son…”

He patted his head as he also gave him a hug. But instead of calling them mother and father, Clark stood still. Not a bit smile or teary eyes. Nothing. 

‘Weird… it is not the same. It wasn’t like this when Grandpa lost me in the market…’

Closing his eyes, he can’t help but be reminded of that time.

‘You rascal! Why did you do that?! I told you to hold my hands! Do you know how worried I was??! It isn’t good for this old heart of mine. You are killing me, you… Don’t do this again… you hear me?!’

He can even hear the words of the old man ringing in his head.

‘Grandpa… I miss him more than I thought I would…’

But soon as the two let go of him, they are surprised to hear a voice speaking from afar.

“What a touching reunion we have here!” a woman claps her hand as she had a sweet smile forming on it. 

Looking at the door where the owner of that voice came from, Henry can’t help but frown.

“Margarett, what are you doing here?”

'Margarett? That familiar name, I heard it before’ Clark thought to himself as he saw the very owner of that name.

Her body is full of jewels and expensive clothes. One can tell how much she loves to show off by just one glance.

“Oh Henry, my dear brother. Why welcome me with such a tone?” that words just made Claret’s eyes roll. “I had some free time this morning and heard about the news. How can I not go and see my lost nephew? I am just here like the good auntie I should be. You probably have no problem with that, right? After all, I am sure that father would be happy to see us getting along with each other…”

Smiling and laughing as if she is the center of the world, her eyes then land on Clark that is putting back his jacket.

“So… you are Clark?”

Asking as she walks towards them, she can feel the hostility in Claret’s eyes as she looks at her. But that did not make her back off with her plan. For if she wants to do something, there is no backing down. That is what kind of person she is.

“Claret, I am happy for you. I know you have gone through hardships that you can’t even give birth to another child after you lost your dear son…”

Holding her shoulder, Margarett really loves to anger people. It is as if that was her specialty. Just the sight of them not having the courage to fight back at her is so satisfying in her eyes. 

“Then I shall thank you for your kindness, my dear sister-in-law”

Giggling as she hid her lips with her hands, Margarett’s eyes are closed yet she can feel that someone is staring at her. 

“Yes, indeed, I am really kind. Stop the flattery”

Mumbling even if she knows that it was contrary to what Claret really means, she dares not waste any time on something like that.

“So… Clark, it is nice meeting you. If you have a hard time with anything, feel free to ask this auntie of yours. I would gladly assist you”

Giving him a hug, Clark did not even dare put his hand on her. She just did what she want and give him a small hug. But he did feel a small snap in the corner of his ears. 

“I am grateful for your kindness”

‘Isn’t it child’s play? Margarett?’ forcing a smile at her, Clark knew what she did. But no matter what she does, it will change nothing at all. Since the truth about his origin will remain the same. 

‘Now I am really thankful I sharpen my nails…’

“Have a good time you three. It is nice to hear such good news. Shall I hope of a grand dinner this night?”

Smiling so brightly, she already did what her plan was. There is no need for her to stay.

“Yes, hope to see a grand celebration for Clark’s return, Margarett”

“Right, after all, my one and only son came back safe and healthy. It is normal for us to prepare something like that. In fact, it is far less than what he deserves. A grander celebration should be held in the future. But sister-in-law, I guarantee you that this would be the best of all”

Giggling as she heard Claret’s remark, there is no doubt that she would use that much money for Clark’s celebration. After all, she can finally get the money that was named after Clark. A two-decade worth of allowance they didn’t get all these years. 

“Of course, I would tell my dear sons to go back right away. I am sure Ashton and Miguel would love to see their long-lost cousin”

‘Ashton…’ that familiar name he heard of. A small smile hid in the corner of Clarks lips. 

'Now I remember. She is the mother of Ashton...'

Soon after she left, Henry faced his son.

“Clark, sorry for making you stay in the guest room. I will ask them to prepare you a much better room right away. Do tell me if you want anything in particular”

“No, my old room is good enough. Just tell them to give it a small clean and change the bed and remove some kinds of stuff I won’t be needing any more”

Confused by the reason why he wants that, Henry just agreed on it since Clark doesn’t look like someone who would change his mind no matter what he says.

“All right, you all hear what he said. Prepare his room right away. Make it looks like new. Free from dust and all. Are we clear?”

“Yes Master!”

Claret then looks at Clark. “Do you need anything else?”

“Yes. I have my allowance every month. Right?”

“Y-yes?’

“Then, would you help me get my verification to claim those?”

‘He also knows it… just, who did he learn this from?’

“Sure, I will prepare the papers right away. We can go to the bank and get you your card after the result of the DNA test”

Smiling bitterly, Claret was surprised why Clark did that.

“Mother, do you not believe that I am Clark?”

There was something odd, Claret can feel it. It is as if she was being questioned about her credibility. How can she not know who her son was?

“O-of course you are my son. But we still have to do that for formality. It is just for formality Clark”

“Ah, I see. Thank you, mother”

Words she never heard for so long. But those are words that she likes for some reason.

‘I now have a son again… then… if it is really Clark, it would be a miracle! Who would think that this would happen? That old man’s wealth, I will make sure to let him get it for me! Just wait Margarett, you will no longer have the last laugh between us!’

'For formality you say, just do as you please. I will make sure to get those things that were meant for me' Clark thought to himself as he fake a smile on his lips.