Chapter 1238: Truths Unburdened (1)
Chapter 1238: Truths Unburdened (1)
Rex could sense the intention behind Iris' flattery, she wanted something from him.
But then again, from the others' point of view, Rex was the Emperor, who killed the Fifthborn and also created a lot of powerful figures under his reign. He could manifest things from thin air that was unrivaled in mortal's comprehension.
It would be weird for Iris, who was in his presence to not take her chances.
One good item from Rex would set her for life.
"Naela, can you check the progression of the Divine Chalice?" Rex asked with eyes closed.
He was still enjoying Iris' head massage.
Upon hearing this—Naela glanced over at him and saw Iris was also looking at her peculiarly, and this somewhat made her uneasy, "Your Majesty, I don't think leaving you alone in a room when you don't know the place is a great idea"
Despite the carefulness of her words, it was obvious what she meant by that.
She was saying it would be a bad idea to leave him alone in a room with the Marchioness.
Not to mention there was Evelyn in the area, it would be inappropriate.
"It's not what you think, give us some time" Rex added, waving his hand in dismissal.
Having no other choice, Naela looked over to Iris, her eyes began to glow with a dark light, a blatant warning to Iris who replied with a light smirk as she focused back on the massage. It was only then that Naela stood up and left the room.
As the door was closed once again, Rex opened his eyes and pointed Iris to sit down.
He was already refreshed from the massage and was in a good mood.
Smiling lightly, Iris went over to sit on the black ottoman again and straightened her spine.
"So, what is it that you want, Iris?" Rex asked, glancing at her knowingly. He was expecting, Iris to ask him for something that could make her stronger or even aid in increasing her own political power. Either way, it was definitely something that would benefit her.
Upon hearing this, Iris smiled inwardly before she raised her gaze, "It's about the Tabaxis"
"I reckoned Your Majesty needs to be the one to go there," She added.
Not expecting such an answer, Rex raised an eyebrow, "Explain to me why is that?"
"As Your Majesty might know, the Tabaxi Race was a low-rank Supernatural race before, but they have had their evolution and elevated their race to the mid-rank. Pride is overflowing in their race right now—and they would fight to the death if they were asked to fall underneath our Clarentium Empire..." Iris explained as concisely as possible.
Rex listened to this and found it logical, it made sense for the Tabaxi Race to be like that.
It was akin to a country's independence, they wouldn't want to kneel for anyone.
Iris inspected Rex's expression before she continued, "Since Your Majesty's decree to make contact with the Tabaxi Race, I've done my research, and I found their kingdom was located on the edge of a deep valley between two land masses—and the only possible way to cross over to the other side is through the Saltura Bridge, which was under their control"
"Based on Your Majesty's information, the Angel would arrive on that other side" She added.
Listening to her explanation, Rex's frown became deeper and deeper.
"Are you saying...?" He mused questioningly.
Knowing what he wanted to say, Iris nodded, "If we get on the wrong foot with the Tabaxis, it would be akin to giving the Angel Race an ally, and also a geographical advantage, over all of us. It would be extremely bad for us"
Coming to this realization, Rex tapped his index finger on his single sofa in contemplation.
He was taking into account the new information he gained.
"So what are you suggesting? I know you want to offer me a solution," Rex finally asked.
Despite the problem that comes with the new information—he could tell that Iris was already ready with an answer, a solution. Naela has some animosity toward her, but they aren't in the same age range, Iris is way older. She didn't ask me for anything, but told me this information instead. Nevertheless, she must want something. Hmm... Is it to replace Naela? With Kyran?
Rex was already making guesses in his mind as he waited for Iris' answer.
Eventually, she answered, "Since we've established, that Your Majesty or one of the favored inner Silverstar Pack members needs to make contact directly—I wanted to be the one who taught the tradition of the Tabaxi Race. I'm well-versed in their way of life—I was quite well-acquainted with them in the past, so I'm sure I'm qualified to do that"
Soon, the carriage moved, taking them to another part of the Dark Elf's great tree.
It was then arrived in front of Qonvale's abode.
Rex and Naela got out of the carriage and rode on a mutated plant that acted as an elevator, bringing them both to Qonvale's place. Arriving there, the guards were startled and instantly went to their knees.
Not even bothering them, Rex knocked on the door lightly.
It didn't take long before the door was opened from the inside, revealing a beautiful woman.
Her face was puffy as she seemed to have spent the day crying.
Evelyn was on the other side, and she had a straight face, not surprised at Rex's arrival.
"May I come in...?" Rex asked with a wry smile.
Despite coming to check on Evelyn since he was already in the area, he was met with a cold, distant demeanor, from her. He had anticipated this frosty reception, given that they had not spoken since the incident.
At the very least, it was fortunate enough that Evelyn didn't punch him on sight.
Keeping her silence, Evelyn stepped to the side, allowing Rex to step inside.
Feeling the tension, Naela decided to stay outside.
Upon entering the room, it was a wreckage mess with broken things scattered everywhere.
Standing motionlessly, Rex could hear the steady breaths in the other room and deduced the person of the house, Qonvale was already sleeping. Pivoting around, he looked at Evelyn and asked, "What happened to Madam Qonvale?"
"Everyone said she had gone crazy, but she was not," Evelyn replied shortly.
Rex nodded and asked again, "And why are you doing here?"
"She helped me to overwrite the Witch's cursed power—of course, I'll be here to take care of her," She replied, her voice filled with disdain and hostility. "Also—she was seeing things, she was seeing a calamity brought by the Angels"
Listening to this, Rex frowned as that was also what Garret said, a calamity was coming.
Despite the connection, Rex put it on the back of his mind.
He has something more important to deal with right now, other than the calamity.
"Explain..." Evelyn suddenly said, pinching the edges of her clothes hard.
Upon hearing this, Rex instantly knew, what she was talking about and sighed. He looked to the side and found a room there, and he brought her in there so as to not disturb, Qonvale's sleep as this was her home.
Closing the door, Rex calmed his breath before he turned around.
But he was instantly met by Evelyn's teary eyes, desperately seeking an explanation.
Both of them had been avoiding each other ever since the accident, their emotions naturally piled up inside, threatening to break free at this moment. Through Evelyn's eyes, blocked by a few strands of her crimson hair, Rex saw a mixture of pain, sadness, and anger.
Her beautiful face, once gazed upon him with warmth, now struggled to hold back tears.
Similarly, her lips quivered for the same effort.
It pained Rex to see her like this.
Evelyn had been abandoned by her family and Humanity because of him, and now he had made her cry, just as they did. The weight of his actions, even though it wasn't his to take responsibility fully, pressed heavily upon him.
He couldn't bear to look at her like this, so he decided to be more truthful towards her.
"It was an accident..." Rex finally said and looked up to the ceiling. "During my first mission in the military, I was tasked to mark a Ghoul's den but that ended up in a bad success. I should have died that night, but an unknown power came to me, and that power, turned me into the person you know right now—a Werewolf, the monster I once hated, and I wanted to die back then..."
Rex paused for a second, reminiscing that time before he took in a deep breath.
"Somehow, the Fifthborn knows that power and I fell to his ploy," He added whisperingly. "It was because of that ploy, that Calidora took advantage of my condition—and provoked me, when I blacked out. I didn't remember what happened, so that happened"
"I'm sorry... for what had happened. And I promise, Evelyn, I will never leave you"
NABC