Eric was acutely aware of why his life had been like that of a protagonist with an unfair advantage all these years; it was all bestowed upon him by the figure before him.
That is why, no matter what he achieved, he had never been arrogant, because he knew that everything he went through was orchestrated for him; he was like a puppet on strings in a stage play, with every move being controlled.
Knowing this, it was very difficult for him to feel proud; he was full of doubts about everything he had, including his current lover and even his son.
"There's no need to be so modest, you undervalue yourself too much. Your own abilities also play an indisputable part in your achievements," Muria reassured him with a smile, comforting him as if he was a ripened leek ready for the harvest.
Although about seventy percent of Eric's achievements, along with a string of dazzling titles, could be attributed to Muria, there was no doubt that Eric had also made his efforts.