[: 3rd POV :]
At some point, Riven step closer, his expression shifting from duty-bound sharpness to something more thoughtful—more personal.
The hustle and murmur of the bustling border outpost faded for a moment as his gaze settled on Daniel.
"Daniel..." he began, his voice steady, but laced with something deeper.
"As you know, everything you've done—every action, every rescue—will be reported. From the very beginning, it'll all go into the records."
Daniel nodded, already expecting those words.
But what followed wasn't what he anticipated.
Riven's brow furrowed slightly, and for the first time, there was no trace of formal protocol in his tone.
"But at this point," Riven continued, his eyes narrowing in thought, "I just can't help but be curious... Which mother gave birth to you?"
Daniel blinked, taken off guard by the question.
"I'm sure," Riven said with a soft, sincere smile, "that she would be proud."
There was a beat of silence.
