Chapter 124: Choice
Ireya rushed to the dungeon, only to learn that the person had already been rescued.
Two Sabbath from the Double Rest Sect were still helping to check the health of those imprisoned, while Ona had been placed to rest in a nearby inn.
So Miss Rabbit turned to the inn and finally met her great-grandmother there.
The old woman looked much thinner than before, the food in the dungeon was terrible, and the sanitary conditions were awful.
Although Clovis, following the traditions of the Western Regions, gave Ona a separate cell, which spared her from being cramped together with other prisoners.
But the strain of the dungeon was too much for Ona at her age, and after two months, she visibly aged a lot more, her wrinkles deepening.
"Great-grandmother," the Lady exclaimed as she rushed into the latter's arms.
The old woman was also happy to see the young lady, reaching out to touch her ears, "Ireya, I knew you would come."
"I'm sorry, I arrived late." Miss Rabbit's eyes became misty as she hugged the old woman, noticing beneath the clothes her body was all skin and bones, probably not even half of what she weighed before leaving Green Field.
"You are not late," Ona said. "Everyone says that those Wing Tribe people and their army are invincible, and anyone who tries to stop them will only face destruction.
"But I know you, the changes you've gone through over the years, witnessed you defeating one strong opponent after another, completing one impossible task after another, and you have the favor of Saturday.
"It sent Prophet Merlin to guide you, to guide the Arias family, all the way here, even when I was trapped, I've never doubted that."
"Why didn't you choose to leave earlier? I sent someone with a message for you because I was worried that Clovis would harm you," the Lady asked.
"Living to my age, I'm no longer so afraid of death," Ona stated calmly. "When I first heard that the Figrola family decided to side with the Wing Tribe people, I knew there would be a conflict between you and them.
"At the time, your rank as a vassal would have been problematic. David once instructed Caroman to murder your father, Ruse. If Clovis had killed me, then even if you took Rock Snow City by force, the other nobles of the Western Regions couldn't blame you for it."
"I don't need that excuse," Miss Rabbit shook her head. "We resist the Wing Tribe people together, and that reason alone is enough for other lords to stand with us, not to mention the reconstruction fund provided by me and Merlin. Everyone sees what I do."
"But what if Clovis also decides to see the error of his ways?" Ona countered. "With the prestige of the Figrola family in the Western Regions, if Clovis were willing to lead everyone against those Wing Tribe people, how would others think?"
"Then I would let go of the position as the commander of the Resistance Army," the Lady blurted out.
"That's what I was worried about," Ona sighed. "Do you know, including myself, many people have always had a doubt in their hearts?"
"What doubt?"
"Why it was you."
"What do you mean, why it was me?" the young girl said, somewhat puzzled.
"Why did Saturday and Merlin choose you in the first place, instead of someone else, have you ever asked the Prophet about this question?"
"Uh...because of this?" the Lady held up the Electronic Pet Egg hanging on her neck, "The first time we met, Merlin mentioned he had some connection to this necklace."
"And why did you get this necklace?"
"My father gave it to me."
"I don't think all this is just a coincidence. Ruse had that necklace for a long time, yet nothing happened," Ona said. "But once you acquired the necklace, Merlin appeared. Ireya, you are the chosen one," the elder stated earnestly.
"Who chose me?"
"Saturday, you have been burdened with responsibility from the moment you were born."
"Have I really?" the girl scratched her head.
"Indeed," Ona affirmed. "You are destined to achieve great things, but sometimes you are too kind."
"Is kindness bad?"
"Kindness is good, but to truly accomplish great things, sometimes you need to harden your heart and compete with others. After all, this was originally yours. Without you stepping forward, the West would have fallen long ago, and the Figrola family, like the Pangluosi Family, would have succumbed to those barbaric people of the Wing Tribe."
"Promise me, from now on, never give away what belongs to you."
The elder's expression was very serious, clutching his great-granddaughter's hands tightly, even pinching her arms into red marks.
The lady pondered for a moment, then nodded, "Alright, I do feel that it seems a bit unfair to give it away after so much effort. Besides, Merlin probably wants me to be the ruler of this land so the Double Rest Sect can flourish even more."
"That's right," Ona stated with relief. "You've just conquered this city, and there are many things to attend to. Don't stay here with me anymore."
"But your health..."
"My health is not a major issue; I just need some rest, and then I'll come and help you. I've lived here for more than two years and know quite a few people."
"That's good. Aunt Alisa will also be coming in a few days. You can manage the city with her."
Not long after Miss Rabbit left, another guest arrived at the inn. Upon seeing the person, Ona sent the maid out of the room.
Ivan casually closed the door, looked around to ensure that no one else was present, and then said, "Clovis is dead."
"How did he die?"
"He self-immolated. He refused to surrender and perished in the flames along with his beloved books—an act of great bravery."
"Good."
"I had people clean it up as best as they could, but given the limited time, we could only do so much. Those who were close to Clovis might suspect something."
"What can suspicion do?" Ona said indifferently. "Now that the Arias family is the strongest in the West, those nobles also need Ireya to continue leading them in the fight against the Wing Tribe and their allies. The smart ones will keep their mouths shut."
"You're right, I think so too," Ivan agreed.
"Thus, the rift between the Arias family and the Figrola family cannot be mended. As long as the Arias family remains in the West, they cannot return.
"It's just unfortunate for Lord Clovis. It's said that even in his dying moments, he hoped Sir Ireya would spare his life so he could continue reading in the library,"
Ona did not find this at all poignant and snorted lightly, "Has Clovis forgotten what his family did to the former lord of the West to rule this land?
"A wrong choice comes with a price. Killing only him, Ireya has already been merciful enough."