BXBX NOVEL Chapter 910 Greatest In History
"That is not wrong," said Ivory with a frown. "I never told anyone this because it would hinder my dream. However, I steal the experience of those I defeat in a sword fight. It has happened since I was young, and I never thought it was stealing."
"And when did you learn of the truth?"
"I once grew stronger without fighting an opponent, and he grew weaker before I killed him. Although he was a bandit, I had a sick feeling in my stomach. I did not deserve that power."
"Your ability can steal experiences without defeating them, so why would you impose such a harsh condition on them?" asked Zonas Mantra with a frown. Ivory was silent until Zonas realized her reason. Then, he chuckled. "You are too prideful."
"This a matter of honor. I still train every day to become stronger without stealing. As for those I defeat, they have already fallen behind. I will be the one to become a swords god. This is why I never had the desire to rule."
Ai seemed downcast as she heard her declaration. It was one thing to make the people accept Ivory as their ruler and a different one to make her change her dream.
"However, I have a responsibility to fix the damage my family has done. Even if I was not involved in their wrongdoings, the blood in my veins is enough sin as it is. I want to serve you as the empress of Ilios and provide whatever knowledge I would have."
Ivory then placed her hand on her heart and bowed. Ai did not seem thrilled with the proposal because it did not change a thing. No matter how many advisors she gathers, there will be moments when she needs to follow her instincts. The situation with the nobles was such a case.
"If that is the case…."
Knock. Knock.
Rain was about to suggest something when someone knocked on the door. All of them were confused about who that would be because this was not a house but a prison. Zonas walked toward the door and opened it, revealing the newcomer.
The person at the door was someone that none of them expected. It was Rae wearing casual clothes. Like a ghost, the white-haired woman walked into the pavilion without even excusing.
"How did you manage to get past the guards?" asked Zonas with confusion before he looked outside and saw the guards knocked unconscious. "You cannot go around attacking our men!"
"Your men need more training, that is all," said Rae as she walked into the garden and looked at the three. "Arthur said you would be here, begging for the responsibility to be taken away from you," she said toward Ai.
The new empress seemed embarrassed when her desire to run away was exposed. However, she quickly composed herself before taking a deep breath and standing straight.
"I will choose the right thing for the people."
"Ilios does not need another warrior that pursues strength," said Rae as she walked toward the nearest bench and sat on it. "Arthur allowed you to rule this nation not because you are the best candidate but because you are a pacifist."
"Why isn\'t he the one here to tell me this?" asked Ai with both confusion and hurt. "And you have no right coming here to lecture me."
"This is why he asked me to talk to you," said Rae as she pointed at Ai with a grin. "He knows that if he were the one to ask, you would accept without even objecting. However, he does not desire to force anyone to do anything."
Ai was silent because she knew it was true. Her life so far has been granted to her by Arthur himself, and her ability has awakened because of his spiritual energy in the alternate timeline. She would not ask why if he told her to forfeit her life.
"Arthur does not enjoy the way you worship him," Rae revealed the cold hard truth, making Ai clench her fist. "He can take care of you as his follower, but you would never be his friend if you treat him like a god. You came here to ask someone else to take the role instead of facing Arthur and telling him you cannot do it. You are… a coward."
"Enough," said Ivory with a frown. "It was brave of her to come and ask me and wise of her to know her limitations. I know who you are, Rae of Shon. I heard you betrayed your nation but still dare accuse others of cowardice."
"At least I am not one to sneak attack my father," laughed Rae with a grin. "However, I would be damn happy to do that. We are not different, Princess Ivory. We both made the difficult choices, but that girl… is a coward."
"I am a coward," said Ai after she took a deep breath. Her face looked defeated, disappointing Zonas and Rain. "However, this nation needs a coward to lead it. A coward would think twice before going to war. I do not fear for my life, but when it comes to the lives of innocents, I am the biggest coward."
"Well said!" exclaimed Zonas while nodding several times. "I served many men and women of authority over the years, and all made the wrong choices because of their ego. I believe Empress Ai is the first one who did not let her ego decide for her, but her mind."
"And for that reason, you are a better fit to rule," said Rae before pointing at herself and then at Ivory. "We are both hotheaded morons with too much pride to stomach a provocation. However, you remained calm and collected even when the nobles reached your walls."
"I… ran away," said Ai with a shake of her head. "There is no need to flatter me with these ideologies because I know what I know, and it will never be enough."
"Arthur could always imprint you with the knowledge of countless emperors using his runes, but he chose not to interfere. Can you guess the reason?" Rae asked a very stunning question that made Ai frown. "Can you answer us, Zonas Mantra?"
"Many rulers knew everything to rule but got defeated by life. Those who survived are those who harnessed the knowledge through living the hardships that came their way," said Zonas with a smile. "This is a quote written by a man known as the greatest ruler."
"There you have it," Rae said as she rose. "If this does not convince you to rule Ilios, throw the position to someone else. However, all of us believe in you."
Ai was then silent. The eyes of those present seemed sincere, and she started doubting if she was as incompetent as she thought. In the end, a voice asked her a question that convinced her.
"What did you come to Earth for?"
The voice belonged to Arthur, leaving her stunned for a moment. Then, she smiled as she remembered her purpose. Under the confused eyes of the crowd, Ai placed her hand on her heart and bowed.
She came to Earth to aid the Seika in his quest and fend off the enemies that wished to harm him. She had witnessed the nations of Alka rallying against Runera before and was there when countless wars happened because of the epiphanies.
That chaos would soon reach Earth once the gates of hell break loose. Once that happens, Ilios will be prepared for the apocalypse. That will be the greatest way to aid Seika and give her purpose in life. Then, she realized something when she remembered the chaos in Alka.
"Edward Garret leads the nobles, and his business relies on his farmlands. Someone we know warned us about a disease that eats farms and life."
"Do you suspect that the Garret Dukedom is suffering from that?" Zonas frowned. "However, that does not explain his actions."
"If someone owned a farm and watched it die, he would do whatever to stop the spread. This includes illegal smuggling or anything else that breaks the law. If we present Garret with help, then he would be our ally."
"Turning the man who provoked you into an ally?" said Rae with surprise. "That is one thing that I would never do. I would have hanged the next hour if I could."
"And that will hang Ilios by early morning," said Zonas with a smile. "I will invite him over so we can give that offer. Is that alright, Your Majesty?"
"Do it," said Ai with a nod. "I will talk to him myself."
Zonas Mantra smiled with happiness and pride before he left. The old man seemed emotional to see this kind healer step up for her role as an empress. However, unknown to all of them, Ai would not become a simple empress but the greatest in history.