Epic of Ice Dragon: Reborn As An Ice Dragon With A System

Chapter 2316: Oda Nobunaga’s Endless Castle [34]

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Ruby found herself caught in a conversation with her parents, one she would have preferred to avoid, given her complex feelings for Drake.

Deep down, Ruby knew her emotions were foolish. Sighing, she insisted it was merely platonic, claiming Drake would never notice her. She even mentioned he already had four wonderful women in his life, likely overwhelmed by them. In contrast, she saw herself as too naive, shy, and young.

Rakasha had assumed she was older than Drake, and though Ruby acknowledged this, it wasn’t her point. Confused about her feelings, she missed Drake terribly, yearning for his presence in this perilous situation.

Her mother, Carmilla, smiled and giggled, teasing her daughter about her feelings, which only deepened Ruby’s embarrassment. Meanwhile, Rakasha gently urged Carmilla to stop, recognizing that Ruby was still navigating the complexities of relationships.

However, when Carmilla called Rakasha "dear" while agreeing to ease up on the teasing, Ruby grew confused.

"Mom..." Ruby said, a smile flickering. "Wait a second! Did you just call him ’dear’?"

The "dear" thing was especially shocking!

Since when had they started such a relationship?

"Uh, well..." Rakasha said, embarrassed, scratching his beard with a forced smile before looking away, flustered. "After your mother... well, returned, we spent a lot of time together."

"Yes..." Carmilla giggled, gliding to Rakasha’s side, floating up, and kissing his cheek. "After I died and was resurrected, I reflected deeply on my life... and all the regrets I had, things I wished I’d done before. One of those was never... well, starting anew. Rakasha is a remarkable man who cared for you like family, so... and well, he’s worked hard to win my heart, fufu. I can’t deny he’s succeeded, hehe."

"Carmilla..." Rakasha said, visibly embarrassed. "I don’t know what to say, honestly... I’d lost everything myself and thought I’d never find love again. I’m eternally grateful for the love you’ve given me."

"So you’re in a relationship?!" Ruby asked. "Oh wow, this is amazing! So you’re finally my dad now! We’re truly a family! Uncle—I mean, Dad! I can finally call you Dad without you getting upset!"

"Haha, am I? W-Well..." Rakasha scratched his head, flustered. "I-I don’t know, isn’t it a bit hasty? We’re in the middle of a dangerous mission right now."

"It’s fine, dear, don’t be embarrassed over something so simple. We planned to tell you after everything was settled, but I suppose it came up sooner, Ruby..." Carmilla said. "If we survive this, we plan to marry."

"Yes, I’ve already crafted the ring," Rakasha nodded. "I truly love your mother, Ruby... She’s been an incredible presence by my side, soothing my broken heart and helping me heal from things... I couldn’t bear to share before. I love her dearly." He held her hand gently.

"And I love you too, because... well, you did the same for me," Carmilla said tenderly. "Without you to hear my grievances, share quiet moments, and... more, I wouldn’t have moved past the horrors I endured in the Vampire Family... You showed me life in new colors, with a fresh perspective. You taught me to forgive myself."

Ruby beamed as she watched them kiss lovingly... It was shocking, but it also filled her with joy and warmth.

"Wow..." Ruby’s eyes sparkled. "I’m so happy for you two!"

"But enough about us, right?" Rakasha asked.

"Yes, this is about you, Ruby," Carmilla nodded.

"Me?" Ruby asked.

"Listen, Ruby..." Rakasha said, patting her shoulders. "You have power and authority. You’re a Venerable, just like Drake."

"I know you lack confidence, and I know they didn’t listen to you earlier, but you must show them you’re not just someone who demands obedience. You’re a leader who protects them," Carmilla said.

"You’re their guardian, someone they can feel safe with. You’ve already proven it with your ability to drain the Cursed Miasma," Rakasha added. "You just need to communicate that to them, demonstrate your capabilities, and show the strength and resolve you’ve already displayed to us."

"When you faced your other self and rejected the Venerable of Blood’s legacy, stopping him from controlling you..." Rakasha continued. "I know you can do this, Ruby."

"But..." Ruby hesitated. "Am I really good enough?"

"You are," Carmilla affirmed. "Never forget that."

"..."

Ruby returned to the others, where the discussions had only grown more heated, with everyone on the verge of panic.

Despite the strength and brilliance of these people, they were still flawed, like anyone else.

Ruby had long known that even Drake had his imperfections. No one in this world was perfect, no matter how powerful or charismatic they seemed.

"Everyone... please listen."

She spoke gently again, but no one heard her amid the ongoing arguments. The debate was particularly intense between Tisha and Nadia, who both desperately wanted to find Drake and Surtr. They were beginning to threaten to go their separate ways if they couldn’t agree.

"Everyone..."

"Please..."

Ruby glanced back, but nothing changed...

"EVERYONE, PLEASE LISTEN TO ME!"

RUMBLE!

Ruby unleashed her powers as a Venerable, her aura transforming into a swirling crimson ring, radiating immense Venerable essence.

Her presence sent a powerful pulse of energy, a commanding pressure that instantly drew everyone’s attention.

"R-Ruby?" Tisha asked. "What’s wrong?"

"Did you have to scream like that?!" Nadia complained, visibly irritated.

"Yes, I had to, because you wouldn’t listen!" Ruby retorted angrily, then calmed herself, though her shout made Nadia step back. "So please listen! Drake left me here for a reason. I need you to hear me out."

"Okay..." Pekora nodded. "What’s happening?"

"I’ll lead you to our closest ally, no matter who they are. We’ll proceed in order, okay?" Ruby asked. "Whoever’s nearest, we’ll go to them. I’ll also keep you safe from the miasma and... if any monsters appear, I’ll protect you, since you’re all quite weakened now, right?"

"Yes... unfortunately," Hector nodded.

"Thank you, Ruby," Pekora said. "I truly appreciate it."

"Yeah..." Tisha said. "I suppose it’s fair to go after the closest friend."

"Hmm... fine," Nadia agreed, crossing her arms.

"Alright!" Ruby nodded, feeling a spark of confidence. "Fuyu, can you sense them?"

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