R4STWH - Chapter 84
Chapter 84
“It would be wise to talk while you still have the chance.”
Clea flinched at my thinly veiled threat, then opened her eyes. “Honestly, can you persuade my brother?”
“I can't.”
“…What?” She looked up, and our eyes met.
“Instead, I’ll tell you what you can do without Elias. That is, if you don't want to see Protia turn into a monster den.”
The girl stared at me blankly, then slumped her shoulders. “You’re right. I can't let that happen…” Her voice, now calm and subdued, was different from before.
“Lady Ilesha, I know my brother… I mean, His Excellency, doesn't think highly of us. I don’t know the details, but my mother has told me many times that she deserves his resentment.”
I listened silently.
“My mother was already deeply depressed when I was born. Because of her betrayal of her first husband, resentment towards her family, and guilt and longing for her son.”
Clea’s face darkened as she thought of her mother, whom she’d left at the castle.
“Naturally, their marriage was loveless, and my father started having affairs even while my mother was pregnant with me. He recently brought the son he had with another woman into the family. He’s already been officially registered as his heir.”
‘An affair and an illegitimate child while his wife was pregnant? How could he…!’
As someone newly married and enjoying a blissful life with Elias, their situation seemed incredibly tragic.
“And as if that wasn’t enough, he wants to make his mistress the official wife. He’s threatened to expel my mother and me if I don’t bring His Excellency to see him, using the dungeon as an excuse.”
Even though I was a concubine myself, I couldn’t understand.
‘How could he do that when he already has a child and a wife?’
It seemed Clea’s father was planning to latch onto Elias, now the head of Tenaclad, if he showed any interest in them, and discard them if he didn't.
“So I had to do this. I don’t care if I’m expelled, but my mother’s health is failing… and I don’t want her to suffer anymore.”
‘Why are there so many people worse than animals? I’m starting to suspect the calamity is caused by these scumbags.’
“How much do you know about dungeons?” I asked, gritting my teeth.
Clea flinched. “Just… what everyone else knows…”
“Then do you know this? That the moment Elias steps into that dungeon in Protia, its clear difficulty will increase by at least three or four ranks?”
“…What? Why?”
“Because Elias is that strong.”
This was basic knowledge disseminated by the temple. I couldn't believe she didn’t know. It showed how neglected she was within her own family.
I tried to explain it to her as clearly as possible. “Just like the entrance exam for an eight-year-old is different from the graduation exam for an eighteen-year-old, the same applies to dungeons. The average stats of the entrants are taken into account.”
“I-I see.”
“Why haven’t you tried to awaken?”
“…I thought it was pointless. And I wasn’t sure if I was… worthy.”
“Who told you that?”
After a moment of hesitation, she said quietly, “My father.”
“What an idiot.” I immediately regretted saying that out loud. “I shouldn’t insult someone’s parents in front of them. Sorry.”
“It’s okay,” Clea said with a small smile.
…Now that I looked closely, the way her eyes crinkled when she smiled resembled Elias a little.
“I’ll tell you what you need to do now.”
I called Kallen over. I needed the cooperation of the Lakdel Knights to carry out my plan.
“Once you pass through the gate with the Lakdel Knights, go straight to the dungeon without stopping by the castle. And enter with them.”
“M-Me?”
“Kallen, you can help her awaken, right? And protect her.”
“Don’t worry. I will protect her with my life.”
“No, you don’t have to go that far.”
I rummaged through my inventory and took out some useful unbound items. “If you wear this cloak, monsters won't detect you unless you attack first. These boots will increase your stamina and agility, so wear them. Use this in emergencies. And…” I explained each item as I helped her equip them.
“Once you clear the dungeon, no one will be able to treat you like that again. You’ll be strong, just like Elias.”
“Me…?”
“Yes. Trust me.”
I had sensed her potential while observing her in the greenhouse.
“If you want, you can easily take control of your family. But if you don't want to, just bring your mother here. I’ll give you a good job.”
Clea stared at the items she was now wearing, then looked at me.
“Why… are you being so nice to me?”
“Well…” I shrugged. “I can, so I am.”
I didn’t need those items. And giving some advice wasn't difficult.
“Kallen, you’ll take good care of her, right?”
“Of course, Madam.”
The Lakdel Knights were Elias’s most trusted and well-trained men. They were well-balanced and excellent at handling crises.
They were survivors who had stayed by Elias’s side, fighting in the most dangerous battles, even before dungeons appeared.
“Then, take care. I have to go now.”
Clea grabbed my hand as I waved goodbye.
“Thank you, sister. I’ll repay your kindness.”
‘Sister…’ The word felt strange.
“Alright. I’ll remember that. Be careful and don’t get hurt.”
“Yes…!”
The sweet-faced girl, who resembled a puppy, beamed at me, a genuinely happy smile.
However, I couldn’t delay any longer, so I had to leave them behind.
I’d been planning to run to the main house when I saw the carriage we usually used waiting in front of the guest quarters.
As I approached, Elias got out and opened the door for me.
“Did you wait long?”
“No, I just arrived. I was meeting with my grandfather.”
I got in, and he followed, closing the door and knocking on the wall to signal the driver.
“Ilesha,” Elias said, taking my hand.
“Are you concerned about her? Why?” He seemed curious about why I’d visited Clea.
“I noticed it when I first saw her, but she has a special constitution. Once she awakens, she'll be a great asset in protecting this world.”
“Is that the only reason?”
“Well… she also resembles you a little.”
I wasn't talking about the rare talent she possessed or the similar shape of their eyes when they smiled.
Her difficult life, her weary shoulders, the sad look in her eyes as if she’d given up on everything, reminded me of Elias when I first met him.
I didn’t tell him about Clea’s family situation or what she’d told me about their mother. He could easily find out himself if he wanted to, and…
‘I don’t want to force him to sympathize with them.’
Regardless of the circumstances, Elias’s mother had abandoned him, knowing full well the kind of treatment he’d face.
He had never expressed it, but I doubted he harbored no resentment towards her.
Elias was a victim. So, I didn't think he needed to understand or forgive his tormentors.
If understanding and forgiving them would make him happy, I would support him, but I wasn't sure.
“I didn’t notice any resemblance,” Elias said, his lips twisting into a strange expression.
“Really? But you’re much more handsome. You’re the most amazing person in the world…!”
Only after showering him with heartfelt compliments did his frown disappear.
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