Realm of Myths and Legends Chapter 1298: It Wasn’t My Fault

A sudden wave of revelation seemed to engulf Vexpela. All the harsh years she had endured—her father’s coldness, her siblings' constant torment, the pressure from her siblings' maternal families, and the scheming elders of the Golden Dragon Association who wished to discard her—it finally became clear why none of them had ever crossed a distinct line.

Despite his unassuming introduction, Dagraen's name carried substantial influence within the Golden Dragon Association.

During his active years in the business world, Dagraen commanded a formidable reputation, striking fear into all competitors. He was known as the 'Impassable Golden Dragon' because, in the realm of business, he invariably triumphed over rivals, even in the most dire of circumstances, and ruthlessly annihilated those who dared oppose him.

Dagraen's renown escalated to such a degree that even the then-head of the Golden Dragon Association, Vexpela's own grandfather, approached him with caution. The current head, mind you, dared not take Dagraen lightly, notwithstanding the latter's declining health.

"Now, the time has come for me to fulfill the other promise I made to your mother that day," Dagraen stated, his words casting a heavy, somber atmosphere over the room.

Vexpela knew very little about her mother, save for her renowned beauty. And, naturally, that she had passed away at the moment of Vexpela's birth. Yet, it struck Vexpela as peculiar. Apart from a single, small portrait she had secretly received from Dagraen on her thirteenth birthday, there was virtually no other trace of her mother within the Golden Dragon Association.

On one occasion, Vexpela had inquired about her mother from her father, only to be met with icy indifference. It was also the first time she was informed that her mother had perished while giving birth to her. As a young child, Vexpela experienced an immeasurable sense of guilt, blaming herself for the tragedy despite having no control over it. From that point forward, she never again mentioned her mother to her father or anyone else.

"...This is the very first time I have ever heard of any promises my mother made. After all these years, why speak of it now?" Vexpela inquired, her gaze hardening.

"Sir Balthaazar," Dagraen declared, his tone imbued with significance.

"I, Balthaazar, swear to never disclose what is discussed here today to anyone. Should I break this vow, may the heavens judge me and cast me down," Balthaazar avowed without a hint of hesitation.

"I place my life in Sir Balthaazar's trust. However, I do not intend to bind him to this particular affair. Given that Supreme Elder Sagarus and Formation Master Head Hyrell have chosen to align with your cause, it is only fitting that they too be privy to the truth," Dagraen elaborated.

"The truth?" Vexpela's brow furrowed in confusion.

"On the day you exhibit even the slightest potential to become the next Head of the Golden Dragon Association, I am obligated to reveal the truth surrounding your mother's demise. That is, of course, if you deem yourself prepared to receive it," Dagraen explained, his grip tightening on his cane.

A chilling sensation began to creep up from the very depths of Vexpela's heart. Her mind raced, churning with countless thoughts and nascent speculations. Her heart pounded against her ribs with such intensity that its echo reverberated within her head. Even the most obtuse observer could discern the direction of Dagraen's veiled implications.

"Before you commit, consider your decision with utmost care. Knowledge, devoid of commensurate power, can transform into an unparalleled burden. If you believe-" Dagraen began, only to be abruptly interrupted by Vexpela.

"Tell me. I want-... No, I must know the truth," Vexpela insisted, her voice trembling as she fought to maintain composure.

Dagraen drew a deep breath, then slowly exhaled.

"The truth is that your mother did not perish during childbirth. She was deliberately driven to her death by the families associated with the first, second, fourth, and fifth wives of the former head," Dagraen disclosed.

As these words hung in the air, a profound silence descended upon the room. For Vexpela, the initial emotion to surface was an overwhelming sense of sheer relief. After enduring years of self-recrimination for her mother's death, she realized it had never been her fault. However, this fleeting relief was swiftly supplanted by a wave of bewilderment. Why had her father deceived her? And more importantly, why would anyone wish her mother dead?

As the confusion subsided, it was replaced by a different, more potent emotion—unbridled rage. Why had her father permitted such a heinous act to occur? Why had Dagraen, with all his might and influence, not intervened to protect her mother? Why was she condemned to live her entire life believing herself to be a harbinger of misfortune, the very cause of her mother's demise? Why did everyone act as though her mother had never existed? Why?

"...Ah... It wasn't my fault... I see... It wasn't my fault, after all... It wasn't..." Vexpela mumbled, her entire body wracked with tremors. She desperately tried to hold back her tears, but before she could even comprehend it, they streamed down her face. Her legs gave out, and she collapsed onto her knees, all strength having abandoned her.

Deep within her heart, Vexpela harbored a conviction that she was a cursed being. There were indeed moments when she contemplated the possibility of the world being a better place without her existence. Such thoughts were difficult to dismiss, especially since they had been ingrained in her from a tender age.

To have that burdensome belief sensationally lifted, only to be replaced by a nauseating reality—Vexpela experienced a profound disgust unlike anything she had ever known. Yet, what fueled her anger even more was the undeniable accuracy of Dagraen's words.

Even if the truth had been revealed earlier, it would have merely consumed her from within, leaving her to wander with a heart brimming with pure malice. In such a scenario, her mind would have been consumed by thoughts of retribution, but what value did such desires hold without the means to enact them?

Izroth cast his gaze upon Vexpela, observing her internal turmoil. His eyes narrowed before shifting their focus to Dagraen.

Izroth found it hard to conceive that an individual in Dagraen’s standing, even in his advanced years, could remain oblivious to the significant dealings involving the Golden Dragon Association and its affiliated branches.

The instant an item like the Transforming Rebirth’s Embrace was appraised and cataloged, news would have inevitably reached Dagraen’s ears. He must have also maintained informants within the Golden Treasure House, learning of Izroth’s ascension to Supreme Elder of the Fourth Pavilion shortly thereafter. It would have been equally simple for him to deduce that this very Supreme Elder was the proprietor of the Transforming Rebirth’s Embrace. Dagraen probably wished to meet in person to assess the new Supreme Elder, thereby fulfilling a promise made to Vexpela’s mother. After all, he had no certainty regarding Izroth’s intentions toward her. Furthermore, "Sagarus" was a name entirely unknown in Danaharpe prior to this day.