HBWnovel Chapter 136 How It Ended
Chapter 136 How It Ended
Standing before two makeshift graves, marked by simple wooden crosses adorned with shreds of cloth, Mina clenched her fists in sorrow. Her voice, barely more than a murmur, carried the weight of her emotions, "I suppose this is where we bid our final farewells."
The burial of Chris and John had taken place after the intervention of Utopia and her valiant knights, who had confronted Ken and his unholy legion of undead. Witnessing Ken's descent into darkness had appalled Utopia, and she had resolved not to grant him an easy death.
Bound by chains infused with holy energy that seared his flesh due to his half-demon nature, Ken lay limbless on the ground, a proof of the consequences of his actions.
Mina cast her gaze towards the village, now reduced to ruins, as she walked towards the village and stood at the gates. She observed the resilient survivors who had managed to rise to their feet and the valiant knights who were aiding those in need. Mina's eyes also fell upon the graves of the fallen Daventirers and guards who had perished in the brief but fierce battle.
Though she had never personally known them, the somber scene weighed heavily on her heart, evoking a profound sense of sorrow.
As Mina stood there, her eyes fixed on the makeshift graves, a calming voice suddenly broke the silence. Utopia had approached her from behind, her presence a reassuring anchor in the midst of the somber scene.
Utopia's voice, steady and composed, carried an air of reassurance. "It's all over now," she said, her words meant to provide solace and comfort. "You don't have to worry."
Mina turned to face Utopia, her gaze meeting the leader of the holy knights. Despite the grim sight of the village, Utopia's expression remained remarkably composed.
Casting a brief glance over her shoulder at Ken, who was still writhing in pain, Mina posed a question, "You're not going to finish him off?"
In response, Utopia stated, "Not yet. We're taking him back with us. He has a lot of questions to answer."
Mina released a sigh upon hearing Utopia's decision. Utopia then added another piece of news, "You'll be coming along with us too. The fact that there's a hero who's been lured to the dark side implies there may be others. We're uncertain about the Demon King's plans involving these heroes, so we can't afford to take any chances."
Mina let out a sigh as she raised her gaze to the sky, pondering the weight of the situation. "Is that so," she murmured, accepting the gravity of their mission.
They pushed the huge wooden doors open, revealing a room adorned with moss on the roof and accompanied by flowers. The room had an ethereal glow, filling it with an otherworldly light and warmth. Walking up to the double king-sized bed where her parents lay, Rinalef took slow steps that reflected her inner turmoil.
Arriving at their bedside, Rinalef knelt down and gently reached out to hold her father's hand. His skin displayed purple cracks, a clear sign of the curse. "I failed you," she mumbled as tears welled up in her eyes. "Mother... Father," she sniffed, as tears streamed down her cheeks.
Her father and mother's breaths came out as ragged gasps, the purple cracks on their bodies seemed to pulse with energy, draining them of their vitality with every breath. Discover exclusive tales on empire
"Please tell me what to do," she mumbled, her tone filled with desperation. "I'm so confused."
Suddenly, her father's eyes fluttered open, and he coughed weakly. He gazed at the figure beside him and whispered with a hint of recognition in his voice, "My daughter, is that you?"
Rinalef was slightly caught off guard by her father's sudden awakening. Her tears had momentarily ceased, and she stared at him with a mixture of hope and relief. Composing herself, she leaned closer to him and rested her head gently on his chest. With trembling words, she urged him, "Go back to sleep, Father.
You need all the rest you can get." Her tears, a mixture of joy and sorrow, flowed freely once more, marking this reunion in the midst of uncertainty.
Upon seeing Rinalef, her father managed a weak chuckle, despite the fragility of his condition. Slowly, he raised his hand, concealed beneath the sheets, and gently touched her head. His voice trembled as he spoke, "You must have really missed us. I'm sorry." The touch of his hand, though feeble, conveyed a world of emotion, bridging the gap between a daughter's longing and a father's remorse.
Rinalef clutched the sheets tightly with both her hands. Her voice was filled with sorrow as she said, "You don't have to be sorry, Father. It's me who should be sorry. I can't even do this one thing right to save your and Mother's lives."
Rinalef's father conjured a faint smile despite his frailty. "Oh, come now, Rinalef," he whispered. "When did I ever tell you this was your burden to bear?" Suddenly, Rinalef lifted her head to interject, her voice quivering with emotion. "But it is," she insisted, her eyes brimming with tears. "You both always taught me to be a proper ruler, so I would succeed you one day.
So I have to do this." Her cheeks were wet with streaming tears as she expressed her inner turmoil.
Witnessing his daughter's fierce spirit, Rindeleaf couldn't help but offer a tender smile. "Oh, my sweet daughter," he whispered weakly, "I'm sure you'll grow up to be a fine ruler one day." His voice faded as he drifted back into unconsciousness.
"Father!" Rinalef exclaimed, her worry evident for his well-being. She realized he had slipped back into sleep and chose not to disturb him. Inwardly, she vowed, "Don't worry, Father. I will get that core, one way or another. I won't let anything happen to you and mother, I promise." she then rose from her father's side and quietly left the room.