Chapter 171: The Second Born Son

Chapter 171: The Second Born Son



Bruno's time in Japan, or at least during his second visit to the eastern island nation, was one of relative peace. Other than the drama that occurred on the first two days of his visit, Bruno was given a full tour of the industrial nation and was able to witness its ongoing

developments in an era that was renowned in history for, in many ways, being the last days of an older world.

But eventually, the time came to return to the Reich once more, a return that Bruno greatly anticipated. If the man was being honest with himself, diplomatic efforts were not exactly something he was fond of performing on behalf of his nation and Kaiser.

But Bruno was first and foremost a soldier, and a soldier did his duty regardless of his own personal feelings towards whatever that duty may entail. Upon returning to the fatherland, after months of travel at sea, Bruno found himself welcomed at the rail station by his wife and his children.

Of course, Bruno's older children were more than happy to see their father, who had been gone for more or less four months, return home at last. They knew he was on a peaceful venture overseas, but being away from their father for so long naturally instilled a sense of dread in them.

After all, many things could happen on a months-long voyage across the world's oceans, and some of those possibilities were a frightening reality. The girls were easily the happiest; with their father's return, their mother's tyranny had come to a swift and sudden end.

Even in such a large palace, the woman had a damn near instinctive ability to tell when her children were misbehaving and was not far behind to catch them in the act and, in doing so, discipline them thoroughly.

With Bruno's leniency to his girls, it was as if the figurative chains about their necks had been released, as they jumped into their hero's arms and hugged him tightly.

"Daddy is home!"

Such a warm gesture and a loving statement were more than enough to make Bruno feel welcomed upon stepping off the train, which took him from Hamburg to Berlin, and

witnessing his loved ones waiting for his return.

Bruno, of course, greeted his two young girls with the same familial love, as he kissed them both on the forehead while holding them in his embrace, ensuring the two girls he would not leave them to their mother's authoritarian nature for at least some time.

"Hello, Josef, I'm your father. I'm sorry we haven't been able to meet until now, and I know it will be one of the greatest regrets I have in this life. But I assure you I will spend the rest of my life making up for this."

Naturally, the child did not understand a word Bruno had said, being at most two months old, if even that. But nevertheless, Bruno felt the need to properly introduce himself to his newborn son, if not simply for his sake.

His wife and children watched Bruno speak to his young son. They were all as happy as he was, well, except for perhaps Erwin, who was having problems with the fact that a new son had been born. This meant he was no longer his father's sole potential heir.

It also meant that Bruno would have a little brother to compete with in life, which was ultimately something Erwin did not know if he truly desired. Whatever the reason, Bruno handed Josef back to his mother, noticing the conflicted glint in his eldest son's eyes, and simply patted his head, assuring him that just because he had a little brother, he would not be treated any differently.

"And what are you looking at, little man? You think just because you have a little brother that

I will favor him over you? If anything, his life will be more difficult than yours is, as he will always be seeking to prove himself against that which you have already proven yourself to be and will continue to prove yourself to be.

Besides, your mother and I are still young. I'm sure you will have plenty more siblings to speak of in the coming years. So don't you dare treat that little boy any different than you would your sisters, you understand me?"

Having raised his son properly, the boy immediately lost whatever conflict he felt in his heart, and instead nodded at his father with a look of understanding, responding to the man with

the utmost respect as he did so.

"Yes, sir..."

Seeing that he had properly dismissed any behavioral problems his oldest son might have now that he had a younger brother to compete with, Bruno patted the boy on the back before walking with his family towards where their car was waiting for them.

One of many that was currently being protected by armed security. After all, a convoy was best to ensure the safety of him and his family, which is exactly how they drove back to their

home.

"Now, let's go spend some quality time together as a proper family..."