Realm of Myths and Legends Chapter 1299: A Source of Anger

Moreover, by using the pretense of bidding on the Transforming Rebirth’s Embrace, Dagraen was able to engineer a meeting with Izroth. It’s likely Dagraen anticipated Izroth summoning Vexpela the moment the Dragon-Level VIP status was mentioned. After all, such knowledge was exclusive, known only to a select few, and anyone participating in an important business negotiation would be foolish to remain uninformed. This strategy allowed Dagraen to encounter Vexpela without raising any alarms.

Concurrently, this arrangement also bestowed a Dragon-Level VIP status within the Golden Dragon Association upon an individual on Vexpela’s side. Even the esteemed Head of the Golden Dragon Association would exercise caution when dealing with such a conferral. This status alone would serve as a significant deterrent, offering protection to Vexpela should any unforeseen circumstances arise.

However, after observing the dynamics of Izroth’s dealings with the Kroma family and witnessing Hyrell’s presence, Dagraen evidently revised his original strategy.

"...My father... Does he know the truth about my mother’s death...?" Vexpela inquired, her voice trembling.

In reality, Vexpela already possessed an understanding of the answer within her heart. She recognized that such a profound secret could not have been concealed without her father’s complicity. Furthermore, if he had intended to bring those responsible to justice for their transgressions, it would have transpired years prior. Nevertheless, a sliver of hope persisted within Vexpela, a desire to believe that her father remained oblivious to the entirety of the events.

"Hmph, how could that man possibly not know? Merely recalling that day ignites a burning fury within me..!" Dagraen exclaimed, his words punctuated by a fit of hacking coughs.

A chalice materialized within Baalthazar’s grasp, brimming with a violet liquid flecked with finely chopped herbs. He patiently awaited the cessation of Dagraen’s coughing spell before extending the cup towards him.

Dagraen’s hands quivered as he drained the contents of the cup, returning it to Baalthazar with a drawn-out sigh.

Vexpela slowly rose to her feet, brushing away the tears coursing down her cheeks with the back of her hand. Her gaze, fixed upon Dagraen, seethed with animosity and rage.

"Why did you not intervene to save her? Did the formidable Impassable Golden Dragon find satisfaction in passively observing as my mother was hounded to her demise? Even if it was a year later… or five years later… Did you ever endeavor to rectify the profound injustice my mother endured? Do not presume to claim that a promise was the reason!" Vexpela challenged icily, advancing upon Dagraen with palpable anger.

Baalthazar promptly stepped forward, positioning himself protectively before Dagraen.

"This...!" Abruptly, Baalthazar’s entire form became immobile. The more he struggled to break free, the more constrictive the invisible force gripping his body felt.

"Remain still—as a courtesy." Hyrell stated, casually gesturing with her index finger towards the right.

With this simple gesture, Baalthazar was forcefully propelled aside, clearing Vexpela’s direct path.

Baalthazar stared, dumbfounded by the display. He, a cultivator who had attained the primary stage of the legendary realm and stood merely a single step away from the late stage, possessed combat capabilities that could rival those who had just entered the late stage. Yet, he found himself utterly subdued by the presence before him, as if it were an effortless exertion.

The aura emanating from Baalthazar began to surge, his muscles engorging, causing the private room itself to tremble.

"Balthaazar, that is sufficient." Dagraen's voice resonated calmly.

Baalthazar immediately reined in his aura, his brow furrowed. With Dagraen’s intervention, he had no alternative but to cease his actions.

Vexpela halted directly before Dagraen, her expression grim.

"While I did not directly contribute to the events concerning your mother, it is true that I elected to remain inactive and preserve the secrecy surrounding the matter for all these years. If sacrificing this old man's life can alleviate even a fraction of your accumulated anger, I shall willingly accept my judgment. My sole request is that you permit me to divulge all that you must know before any final decisions are made," Dagraen stated without haste.

Vexpela’s fists clenched tightly as she replied icily, "...I will hear everything you have to impart. What course of action I take thereafter—I shall determine when the time arrives."

In truth, a deep-seated understanding resided within Vexpela; the true source of her animosity was not Dagraen. While it was plausible he could have intervened to save her mother had he truly committed himself, it was an unreasonable expectation for him to risk everything for an individual with whom he shared no profound connection. Moreover, considering his actions and the information he had previously disclosed, it was likely due to his clandestine efforts that she had managed to survive all these years.

She grasped these truths, yet Vexpela felt an overwhelming surge of rage, and Dagraen, by sheer circumstance, became the sole recipient of her immediate fury—however irrational it might have appeared.

"As I've previously stated, your mother was an exceptional woman. The circumstances under which she ended up with your father somehow remain an enigma to me even now. Yet, it was her captivating beauty and sharp intellect that utterly enthralled your father. Witnessing your mother's brilliance and your father’s deep infatuation, the other wives, with the exception of the meek third wife, perceived her as a significant threat. From the moment your mother entered the picture, they were relegated to mere afterthoughts in your father’s considerations." Dagraen elaborated.

He then continued, "A few years elapsed, and your mother conceived. With their positions already precarious, the other wives decided to unite their forces. Meanwhile, your father—during those intervening years—faced unrelenting pressure from the families of his first, second, fourth, and fifth wives. Perceiving the trajectory of events, and with your mother nearing the time of your birth, she sought me out. At that particular time, I had already retired and severed most ties with the political machinations of the Golden Dragon Association. However, even on the cusp of bringing a new life into the world, your mother possessed a remarkable persuasive ability. We entered into an agreement—no, perhaps 'a pact' would be a more fitting term than 'a promise'."

"A pact to safeguard my life and to conceal the true cause of her demise from me, unless I demonstrated sufficient potential to ascend as the next Head of the Golden Dragon Association." Vexpela stated, his gaze sharp and penetrating.

"Indeed, it is precisely as you have articulated." Dagraen confirmed.

"...Continue." Vexpela commanded softly.

"Merely a few days subsequent to the formation of that pact, your mother gave birth to you. Tragically, on that very same day, your mother passed away. The official account cited complications arising from childbirth; however, the stark reality is that the maid assigned to your care that fateful day had absconded with you. Your mother received an urgent, veiled message compelling her to travel to Darzhan Forest by carriage, under the strict condition of absolute secrecy, lest your life be imperiled. By the time the disappearance of both you and your mother was discovered, it was regrettably too late." Dagraen recounted with evident remorse.