Realm of Myths and Legends

Chapter 1195: The Betrayer, Looking Ahead

"The High G-... No, Caius, that man—by the time I joined the 1st High Legion, he was already well known for being eccentric and free willed. He has always allowed his generals to act freely and relayed orders via messengers or magic tools. It must have all been to avoid General Solomon’s Absolute Symmetry since it would have revealed his connection to our enemies. It all makes sense now..!" Aurie said as she was unable to hide the anger in her voice.

General Solomon’s ability, Absolute Symmetry, let him can see and connect many things that others could not. This meant that if Caius had met with Solomon face to face, his connection to the enemies of Amaharpe would have been discovered almost immediately.

"I will be sure to repay the ’kindness’ he has shown me." Nova said with a cold gaze.

The next moment, Nova released a heavy sigh.

"But, for now, my revenge will have to wait. As I mentioned earlier, it is best if no one knows that I have recovered yet and stepped into the peak of the legendary realm." Nova reminded.

Aurie nodded and replied, "As much as I want to punish Caius for his wrongdoings, I agree. A rare opportunity has fallen into our hands. If we can turn misfortune into fortune, then your suffering will not have been for nothing."

’Oh? Despite her behavior, she’s more insightful than I expected. I suppose she’s one of the seven heroes for a reason.’

Most people in Nova’s position who had just freshly experienced betrayal and gained power since then would immediately seek to claim their revenge. However, instead of being satisfied with that alone, Nova was able to look at the bigger picture and think of ways to use the situation to her full advantage.

Nova looked over at Izroth and said in a meaningful tone, "You seem like you know how to keep a secret or two. Since I’m asking you to keep mine, naturally, I won’t pry into yours."

"When the time is right, you will know everything that needs to be known." Izroth replied calmly.

"You are someone who has been recognized by the old man. But, even if not for that, the fact that you’ve managed to earn the trust of my cute and straightforward daughter—that alone is enough to place my trust in you. Ah, of course, you also saved my life. You’re quite the catch, Izroth. Say, my daughter is still single. Have you given any thoughts to marri-" Nova started; however, she was quickly interrupted by Aurie.

"Mother! Even if it’s you, I will really get mad this time!" Aurie said as she displayed a rare flustered expression and tried to contain her embarrassment.

"Ahahaha! Alright, alright, I get it. Besides, I fear it might be a little difficult for Izroth going forward. Although I was the one who received it, it is he who accepted it. The old lady is sure to kick up a fuss when she finds out. Well, worst case scenario, maybe he’ll be asked to take responsibility and join the Second Great Clan. A human being part of one of the Great Clans... How many years has it been since such an exception was made? You really are full of surprises, young man. Ahahaha!" Nova stated with a hearty fit of laughter as she casually pat Izroth on the back a few times.

’If it wasn’t for my Heavenly Golden Body and Might stat, I might have flown across the room just now.’

"Your jokes are really too hard for me to deal with, Lady Nova. Besides, Commander Aurie may already have someone else in her heart." Izroth said nonchalantly.

"Oh?! This cheeky brat, have you been holding out on me? Spill it, who is it? As your mother, I must make sure they are worthy of my daughter’s affection." Nova said as she quickly moved over to Aurie and pulled her aside.

"Y-you! What kind of nonsense-!" Aurie exclaimed as she glared at Izroth.

Izroth looked on with a carefree smile on his face as Aurie was essentially dragged away by Nova.

’My apologies, Commander. But, since Lady Nova is your mother, shouldn’t you be the one who deals with her in moments like this?’

Looking at Aurie and Nova, Izroth was suddenly reminded of Reilei.

"Mother, huh..." Izroth said quietly to himself as a peaceful smile found its way onto his face.

’Last time, she refused to give me her in-game name. Well, although I understand her intentions, a part of me couldn’t help but feel disappointed by it. Since when I have been so easily swayed? A strange feeling.’

During his time in the Seven Realms, Izroth had grown indifferent to many things. That’s because it was necessary if one wanted to survive in that place. It was not to say that he was indifferent to everything in the Seven Realms; however, he could not have imagined himself being disappointed over such a matter he would have typically written off as insignificant.

’Since it’s a choice that she has made, I will not force her hand. Nevertheless, I can’t allow those with hidden or bad intentions to get close to her. I also won’t let other take advantage of her. I asked Azalea to look into anyone matching the description I gave her, but the Mortal Realm is a big place. Should I ask the others to keep an eye out as well?’

"Um, Commander Izroth..." Kalmesia voice sounded.

Izroth snapped out of his thoughts and answered, "Captain Kalmesia—is there something troubling you?"

Izroth could hear traces of anxiousness in Kalmesia’s voice when she called out to him.

Kalmesia shook her head and said, "On the contrary, it is I who should be asking you if you are troubled. What Lady Nova said earlier, it is not something I usually go around sharing, but since it is Commander Izroth, I do not mind if you know. And, seeing as how you have accepted my life essence, it was only a matter of time before you found out."

She pause for a moment and then continued, "The current Grand Elder of the Second Great Clan is my maternal grandmother."

’If I’m not mistaken, in order to become a Grand Elder of one of the Great Clans, one must have been a princess of the previous generation. Still, a Grand Elder... I just hope it doesn’t complicate anything on my upcoming trip to the Mother of All Forests.’

"My maternal grandmother is very strict when it comes to keeping to traditions. Under such traditions, o-one would not give away their life essence unless it is to the one they wish to spend the rest of their life with. But, I obviously have no intention of holding Commander Izroth to such old traditions, especially when it is I who made the choice to entrust my life essence to you. As for my maternal grandmother, please be no worry too much. I will explain things properly so as not to cause trouble for you in the future." Kalmesia reassured.

Izroth shook his head and replied, "Since it was a request I made, I, Izroth, am not someone who runs away at the first sign of trouble. In terms of marriage—I’m afraid it’s not possible. While Captain Kalmesia is someone beautiful and admirable, I have my own path that I wish to take. Joining the Second Great Clan also is not feasible since I do not like being tied down. However, if there are other ways that do not compromise my beliefs or remove me from the path I intend to walk, I will take responsibility for my request."

Kalmesia released a small sigh of relief.

"You don’t sound too disappointed by my response." Izroth said casually.

"Well, my thought process is not too far from yours. Commander Izroth is a capable man with a bright future. However, in the end, you are a human. Even if we got married and I grew to love you in that way, the difference in our lifespans is a bit... It will only lead to heartache. Also, I plan to serve by Commander Aurie’s side for as long as possible. Getting married—maybe I will consider it in one or two hundred years." Kalmesia stated.

Suddenly, an inquisitive look appeared on Kalmesia’s face.

"Commander Izroth, may I ask a somewhat personal question?" Kalmesia inquiried.

"Oh? What is it?" Izroth answered.

Kalmesia was usually always quiet and had a hard to approach aura about her whenever she was with Aurie or tending to her duties. So, it was the first time she went out of her way to have a conversation. Not to mention, she was not as cold as the image she gave off.

"Is there someone you already have in your heart?" Kalmesia questioned.

Izroth brows rose slightly as he was a bit taken aback by Kalmesia’s question. However, the following moment, the look in his eyes became gentle.

"Well, who knows?" Izroth closed his eyes as he responded with a warm smile.