Chapter 116: No More Running
Cassandra had no idea what Givia was planning. Givia had only shared her plan with Abyss and his followers, keeping it secret from everyone else. Before leaving the laboratory, Rebecca had brewed a potion that could generate intense heat, its volume small, but its power immense. Even the soldiers carrying the furnace had used long wooden poles to keep their distance, fearing burns.
Givia recounted the events of that fateful day, her voice clear and steady, amplified by Abyss’s magic, reaching every corner of the kingdom. She didn’t spare any details, reliving the horror of that day, her voice filled with emotion.
Givia was a gifted speaker. The crowd, their faces etched with concern and sympathy, listened intently, their hearts moved by Cassandra’s sacrifice. Some even looked at Cassandra with admiration. The Ossi people were honest and straightforward, their emotions easily visible.
“And yesterday, Cassandra came here, risking her life to deliver vital information. Upon seeing her, I finally remembered the debt I owed her, the apology I had withheld for so long,” Givia continued, her voice softening, but her words still carried through the air, reaching everyone present. “Tell me, am I despicable? Am I selfish?”
The crowd remained silent, but many nodded in agreement. Givia’s confession had revealed the truth, the dishonorable nature of her actions. Ingratitude was a grave offense in Ossi culture, a source of shame. If Givia were a warrior, this revelation would have tarnished her reputation forever.
Throughout the Ossi Kingdom, those watching the broadcast were stunned. They were relieved that their princess was alive, but her actions had betrayed their trust. She hadn’t upheld the ancient Ossi code of honor. Her confession, although brave, couldn’t erase her transgression.
“I admit, I was a coward. I succumbed to fear. I chose to forget, to avoid facing the consequences of my actions, to ignore Cassandra’s sacrifice,” Givia said, removing her fur cloak, revealing her bare arms, their skin pale and scarred.
Cassandra, sensing her intentions, tried to stop her. “Your Highness, protecting you was my duty. You owe me nothing… I never blamed you! Please, everyone, understand! She didn’t intentionally forget. She was young, and she couldn’t control her fear…”
“Although I’ve already apologized privately, I must apologize again, before all of you,” Givia said, kneeling before Cassandra, her head bowed low. “Cassandra, I’m sorry!”
The crowd gasped. A princess, kneeling before a disabled commoner?
“She’s putting on a show!” a noble in the Ossi Kingdom scoffed, pointing at the image in the sky. “She couldn’t hide the truth anymore, so she’s confessing her sins and offering a fake apology. But who will compensate that woman for her suffering? Her life must have been incredibly difficult after the accident. Who will take responsibility? The princess… No, the former princess’s apology is worthless!”
His companions nodded in agreement. He didn’t care about the common people, but he was willing to feign empathy if it meant discrediting the now-useless princess.
“What good is an apology?” some Ossi citizens muttered, shaking their heads. “This incident will forever stain the royal family’s honor.”
Cassandra, overwhelmed by the princess’s gesture, tried to help her up, but Givia, as she had done in the laboratory, refused to rise.
Abyss and his companions watched silently. Abyss, using his magic, was projecting this scene across the kingdom, ensuring everyone witnessed it. Flora and Leona stood among the crowd, their expressions unreadable. Rebecca stood beside the burning furnace, seemingly waiting for something.
“I know an apology isn’t enough. I can’t undo the pain I caused Cassandra,” Givia said, finally rising to her feet, her voice clear and strong, addressing the crowd. “Cassandra has forgiven me, but you might not. I am the Princess of Ossi, the leader of the Restoration Army. I should uphold Ossi’s honor above all else. But I failed. I know I’ve lost your respect.”
She was right. Foreigners might not understand the gravity of her offense. A princess makes a mistake, offers compensation and an apology, and all is forgiven. But in Ossi culture, this was a grave transgression, a betrayal of their most cherished values.
Civilians and nobles, soldiers and commoners, all felt a sense of disillusionment, their unwavering faith in Givia shaken. Those nobles who opposed her seized this opportunity to mock and belittle her, hoping to witness her downfall.
“I don’t expect you to respect me, but I hope you can forgive me. I’ve betrayed Ossi’s code of honor. Allow me to seek your forgiveness in the way of an Ossi warrior!”
Givia, her resolve hardening, walked towards the burning furnace.
“Your Highness, what are you doing?” Cassandra cried out, reaching for her, but Givia, her movements swift and determined, brushed past her. She was a mid-level Dou Warrior, her strength surpassing Cassandra’s.
Haina’s eyes widened in horror. She realized what Givia was about to do.
“This is your last chance. Are you sure you want to do this?” Rebecca asked, her voice calm, as Givia approached the furnace.
“I am. This is the Ossi way of seeking forgiveness. I won’t run away anymore,” Givia said, nodding firmly.
The crowd, both friends and foes, watched in stunned silence, their gazes fixed on Givia, understanding her intentions.
“People of Ossi, bear witness to my atonement!”
Givia knelt before the furnace, thrusting her right arm into the flames!
Sizzle!
The smell of burning flesh filled the air.
“Aah!” Givia’s face contorted in agony, the pain searing through her soul!
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