The following article contains spoilers from Batman vs. Robin #3, on sale now.
For quite some time now, Batman has been grieving over the death of Alfred Pennyworth. Fortunately, Batman vs. Robin #3 (by Mark Waid, Mahmud Asrar, Scott Godlewski, Jordie Bellaire, and Steve Wands) gave him the closure he never got. After exposing the demon impersonating Alfred, an echo of Batman's faithful butler used his last few moments to absolve Bruce of any guilt over how he died.
In doing so, Alfred gave Bruce the boost he needs to go save his son from the Devil Nezha's clutches. It may even help reunify the Bat-Family. The loss of Alfred affected all of them because they weren't there to help him, but with his final words he cemented that no one was at fault, and now any lingering awkwardness or grief can be addressed. Even in death, Alfred is still looking out for the people he loves.
Alfred Pennyworth Finally Told Batman What He Needed to Hear
Batman exposed Nezha's manipulations by using the fake Alfred as a shield. It bought him the time to recover and knock out a possessed Nightwing. What Batman didn't expect was to get a few moments with the real Alfred. A part of him needed to be merged with the demon, so it could know how to avoid Batman's suspicions. This gave Bruce the chance to speak with a dying Alfred. He tried to apologize for not being there, but Alfred silenced him by using his last ounce of strength to ensure that he understood that there was no blame.
Alfred knew the risks of the life they lived and accepted them; he faults no one for his passing. He bid that Bruce cease feeling guilty, and finally begin to heal from his death. As Nezha's machinations point out: it is a weakness that can be exploited, and by healing, Bruce not only unburdens himself from unearned guilt but may even find the strength to save his son. Right now, Damian is angry, blaming Batman for all his faults, but by beginning to heal this wound, Bruce can finally heal his family.
Batman's Closure Over Alfred's Death Will Help Heal His Family
Ever since Alfred died, there has been something missing from the Bat-Family. They've tried to make it work as best they can, but the glue that bound them together left with Alfred. Even though he is the head, Batman doesn't have that unifying effect, quite the opposite in fact. With Alfred's last words though, he could begin to course correct. Batman will never truly be as warm and caring as Alfred, but the lessons instilled in him by his surrogate father are always there. Now that he has Alfred's blessing, Batman can now stop blaming himself for what happened and be happy.
That in turn can make it easier for others to be around him. Instead of feeling the heaviness of Alfred's absence, they'll feel the familial warmth that Batman can share with them on Alfred's behalf.
Damian is very much in need of this right now. His possession has forced his worst feelings about his parents to the surface, but it willfully ignores all the good that comes from them. Batman may not be a perfect father, but he's the one who is fighting for Damian right now, and now he finally has exactly what he needs to save his son: compassion and forgiveness.