Chapter 114: Resolve
Abyss gently lifted Givia’s head, supporting her neck with one hand.
Givia looked at him, her eyes filled with confusion.
“It’s just an Outer God. There’s no need to be afraid. The more you fear him, the stronger he becomes, like most things in this world,” Abyss said, his voice calm and steady, his arms crossed. “He’s counting on you to despair, to break you, to harvest the fear of all Ossi citizens. I was wrong before. I thought he was simply enjoying the taste of your fear, but his goals are far more ambitious. He’s not just eating. He’s preparing a feast, and you’re the main course.”
But Givia wasn’t convinced. She averted her gaze, her voice filled with guilt. “But we can’t do anything. Can you shield the entire Ossi population from his influence? …If not, we can only wait for nightfall, for the moment I lose the people’s trust. I’m sorry… It’s all my fault.”
“Are you willing to let him succeed so easily?” Abyss asked.
“I…”
“You’re a proud woman, Givia. You wouldn’t surrender so easily. You’re strong, not just before your people, but also before a god,” Abyss said, spreading his arms wide. “In times like these, you must remain calm, cast aside your fear. He expects you to crumble. Don’t give him the satisfaction.”
“My ancestors left us with a saying,” Leona said, sitting on the edge of the alchemy table, swinging her legs, a smile on her face. “‘True resolve is forging a path forward through the darkest wilderness.’ Givia, I believe you possess that resolve. Never forget your goals, your responsibilities.”
Leona’s words were cryptic, but Givia, a military leader, a princess, understood their meaning. She bit her lip, then looked around. “I understand… I’ll be strong. Where are we?”
“This is my laboratory,” Rebecca said. “Time flows slower here than in the outside world. You have plenty of time to decide your next move.”
“I need to apologize to Cassandra,” Givia said, taking a deep breath, stepping off the table, and approaching the distraught woman, bowing deeply. “Cassandra, I’m sorry. You sacrificed so much for me, and I never even thanked you. I apologize for my callousness. Please forgive me.”
“Seeing Your Highness grow into a capable leader, someone worthy of guiding our kingdom, makes everything worthwhile,” Cassandra said, trying to help her up with her remaining arm. “Your Highness, you don’t need to apologize. You owe me nothing.”
“No, Cassandra, that fire was my fault. If I hadn’t been so reckless, you wouldn’t have been injured protecting me,” Givia said, refusing to rise. “My cowardice prevented me from apologizing all these years.”
“This…” Cassandra felt increasingly uncomfortable. She had never imagined the princess would bow before her. “Your Highness, please rise. I don’t deserve this…”
“I’ll make it up to you,” Givia said. “I’ll take care of you, along with Haina. And I’ll give you a proper explanation. I won’t run away anymore.”
Haina stood silently, watching Givia apologize to her mother. She had imagined many possibilities, even accusing Givia of selfishness and arrogance, but she had never considered that Givia might have suppressed those memories out of fear. And she had never imagined the depth of Givia’s guilt.
Her heart softened. Hearing Givia’s promise to compensate her mother, she felt her loyalty to the princess reaffirmed. Givia was still the same Givia, the leader her mother had always believed in.
“Your Highness, I want you to know that I never blamed you,” Cassandra said, unable to lift Givia, so she knelt before her, meeting her gaze. “I swore an oath to His Majesty, to serve him and protect you with all my strength. My duty was to protect you, to understand you, Your Highness. That fire was indeed terrifying, and the pain was unbearable, but you know, when I woke up and learned that you were unharmed, the pain seemed to lessen. I had fulfilled my duty, kept my vow.”
“Having such a loyal servant is the greatest blessing in my life,” Givia said, her voice choked with emotion, as she helped Cassandra up and embraced her, tears streaming down her face. “Cassandra, thank you. Thank you for caring for me like a mother, for giving me the love my own mother couldn’t.”
“My dear princess, seeing you grow up fills me with joy,” Cassandra said, hugging her back. “I’ve had a good life. His Majesty provided me with enough money to live comfortably with Haina. I even had enough to send her to learn magic. My love for you has never wavered, even when we were apart. I’ve always cherished our memories.”
The once mischievous little girl had blossomed into a strong and courageous leader. Feeling Givia’s youthful heartbeat against her chest, Cassandra shed a tear.
They embraced for a long time, their tears mingling, until Givia’s sobs subsided.
“You faced your fear,” Abyss said, nodding at Givia. “You’ve become stronger, Givia.”
“I understand everything now,” Givia said, wiping away her tears, her eyes red and swollen, but her gaze now filled with a newfound determination. “Abyss, I know what to do. I need your help. I’m willing to do anything.”
“Tell me,” Abyss said. “I’ll help you.”
Givia leaned closer to his ear, whispering her plan.
Abyss’s eyes widened in surprise. “Are you… sure? I can fulfill your request, but this plan… It’s quite audacious.”
“I’m ready,” Givia said, her gaze meeting his, her voice firm. “I will fight the Lord of Nightmares, my way!”
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