Chapter 204 - Episode 204: A Change Of Heart.
Chapter 204 – Episode 204: A Change Of Heart.
Rodwane is surprised and hesitant to say a word. He leans on the chair and processes what is happening while staring at both of us so seriously. I'm leaning forward and rest both of my hands on the table.
"I don't know what you're thinking right now, but there's will be no next time. It's either you watch the Alliance Kingdoms fall or you stand up and protect the people that you used to serve. You were a great king, you ruled and served the people and there's nobody else who can do better than you are right now. The fate of the Alliance Kingdoms is in your hand now."
Rodwane shakes his head.
"I'm not sure if I will be welcomed by the people of the Alliance Kingdoms since I ran away and hid for decades. I'm a coward and there will be no place for me there."
I scoff and shake my head..
"So you would rather see-"
Ivonna puts her hand on my shoulder and I stop talking because of that. Ivonna shakes her head while smiling, she then looks at Rodwane.
"Lord Rodwane… I'm one of the people from the Alliance Kingdoms, and I know exactly what's happening between the kingdoms. At the surface, people might think the Alliance Kingdoms is a peaceful place to live, but at the bottom, each kingdom only cares about itself and would do anything to be the strongest kingdom. They would betray and abandon the others if it comes to power, and I have seen them with my own two eyes. They're only interested in power and nothing else."
Ivonna puts her hands on the table.
"I know nothing about you, Lord Rodwane, but what I do know is that the Rodwane family is still respected by the people, they speak nothing but good things. I have heard and read many good things about the Rodwane family, and I want to believe that the Rodwane family is the right people to rule over the Alliance Kingdoms, and I believe deep down in their hearts, they want to see the last Rodwane rule the kingdom as well as your ancestors ruled over the people and brought happiness to them, my Lord. People are suffering because of the unjust treatment they received from their king, my Lord, the Alliance Kingdoms are on the brink of collapse as we speak. Don't you want all the people of the Alliance Kingdoms to be happy and receive what they deserve, my Lord?"
Rodwane sighs.
"I really do want them to be happy, I want to make the Alliance Kingdoms like it used to be, but I cannot do it. I am ashamed of myself…"
Ivonna tilts her head and smiles pitifully.
"Isn't that just an excuse, my Lord? I don't recall the Rodwane family being ashamed of themselves for what they did wrong. What I recall is the Rodwane family devoted themselves and did their best to make amends for what they did wrong, and history is the proof of why the people loved the Rodwane family because of it. If you regret what you did, then please come back and devote yourself to the people and let the Alliance Kingdoms rise to its glory day. You swore an oath as a ruler, and you're still bounded with the oath, my Lord."
I raise my eyebrow while staring at him.
"Power isn't something that hard to get, and people will give you the power if you're going to stand up for them. There are still so many people who believe in you, and this is the perfect time for that. Prove yourself as the Overlord and as the most prestigious and respected Rodwane family in the Orion, and we both are here to support you."
Ivonna nods in agreement.
"The people are patiently waiting for you, my Lord."
Rodwane is smiling while staring at the table. He lifts his head and looks at both of us.
"Then, I will swear to devote myself to the people of the Alliance Kingdoms. Please, Lady Ivonna, Mister Trevor, help me bring the Alliance Kingdoms to its glory."
We both smile and nod with understanding then I look at Ivonna.
"Can you stay here for a moment? I'm going to find Avriel and bring her with us."
Ivonna nods.
"Okay, I will be waiting here."
I nod and stand up then leave the house. I look around and open a portal to Krestan's house.
I'm entering Krestan's house, but there's nobody here except for Jariel. I look at him and he turns his head to see me from the corner of his eyes. I look at him then walk toward him. I sit on the couch in front of him and keep staring at him.
Jariel sighs.
"What do you want from me?"
I grab the [Max Health Potion (S)] from my inventory and put it on his lap.
"If you drink that potion, you will be able to use your limbs again. I don't care what you're going to do, but there's something that I would like to tell you."
I'm putting my hands together.
"We are going to hunt down all the subjects and make Rodwane the Overlord of the Alliance Kingdoms. I bet you already know about the first part from Avriel, but I bet you're surprised to hear the second part. So, I give you that potion as a pity for taking the wrong side, Jariel, and of course because you're a burden to Avriel since she has to take care of you every day and I don't want her to waste her time taking care of you and making her worry while we are busy doing our mission."
Jariel is smirking and looks at me.
"Did you hear that, Avriel?"
I'm furrowing my forehead and then Avriel appears from the shadows. I look at her and I don't feel guilty or regret what I said because it's the truth. I don't want her to be distracted with the plan and even if she changes her heart, then it's better to do it now than later because it will only make things more complicated and I want to do this plan perfectly with or without her help.
Avriel is leaning on the wall and staring at me.
"I heard everything."
Jariel scoffs.
"He does not care about you and he only needs your ability nothing else. Is it not the same when you were working with the emperor? You are nothing but just a tool to him."
I'm ready to see a screen pop up in front of me that my bond with Avriel is going to break, but then Avriel smiles and tilts her head while staring at Jariel.
"And?"
Both of us are surprised and Jariel immediately turns his head toward Avriel. He's speechless and looking at Avriel with confusion. Avriel lifts her body and crosses her arms.
"Even if he only sees me as a tool, it does not matter. He saved my life and risked his life even if he had something more important to take care of. I knew at that moment, he came for me because I'm a precious tool for him, but that does not mean he did not care for me. On the other hand, you knew about me and the spies that were trying to backstab me, but did you do anything to help me? You did nothing. All you did just keeping yourself hidden and only cared about yourself. I came to realize that you are my father by blood, but I never looked at you as a father figure."
Avriel walks toward Jariel and stands in front of him while looking down at him.
"Drink that potion, and you can go wherever you want. I thought by sparring your life it will give you a change of heart, but I was wrong. You have stooped so low that you only care about yourself and are blinded by your arrogance."
Jariel's eyes are watering while looking up at Avriel. Avriel is not showing any expression and sighs while walking away from him. Jariel is gritting his teeth while his tears falling down his cheeks, he then looks at the potion and the tears are falling down to his lap. I look at him for quite a while and then stand up. I approach Avriel and tilt my head outside, then we both leave the house and I guide her toward the wood. I can hear Avriel's heavy breathing and she's finally can no longer hold the emotions and starts crying.
I'm looking at her wiping her eyes and tears. Her shoulders are trembling and she keeps looking down and crying. I slightly smile and open my arms, she lifts her head to look at me and without hesitation, she walks so slowly toward me and hugs me so tightly. I'm slowly rubbing his back to comfort her, but the more I comforting her, the more emotions burst out and making her sob louder.
The emptied health potion is falling to the floor. Jariel is slowly standing up and look at the window. He walks so slowly and looks at Avriel is in my arms crying. Jariel is clenching his fists and a tear is falling down his cheek.
"Avriel… I will change…"