The situation quickly changed following the events at the conference hall.
Everyone present that day became witnesses, evidence, and testament to what had transpired.
We witnessed both despair and hope in that place! It is now our responsibility to decide whether to embrace despair or hold onto hope.
Among them were nations that made the decision to join hands with Rojas, as well as those who, unable to let go of lingering doubts and fears, aligned themselves with Akan.
Nevertheless, fortunately, there were more who made the decision to stand with Rojas and share the same purpose.
The pivotal role in their decision was played by the power demonstrated by Kalia the power of purification.
While the unknown chimeras, Akans summoned demons, and magic instilled fear, the belief in the power of purification that could counteract them gave them hope.
And it was none other than Kalia Tacskate, who possessed that power, making their faith even stronger.
The nations that made their decision no longer had time to hesitate.
They hastily returned to their own countries or conveyed the news to their homelands king.
Thus, the first sparks of war began to spread rapidly.
* * *
Its Kalia again.
Helena, who had set down her teacup with a clatter, scrunched up her face in a thoughtful expression.
The rumors had spread not only abroad but also within the country.
Helena, too, heard about the events at the conference hall before anyone else.
Why is it always that child?
Despite giving birth to her own sons child, she didnt consider Kalia as part of the family.
She had never relied on the comforting word family in her life, so she didnt understand the significance it held.
Moreover, she had lived as an elf, a race that existed in small communities.
To her, family was merely a group within that context.
And even within that group, she had been neglected for decades due to her mixed heritage, so she never knew the warmth of family.
Elf.
They may be a noble race of the grand forest, but whats the big deal?
There are politics and discrimination within, as well as sacrifices and sorrow.
Helena had come out of that place to survive.
To escape the suffocating misery, she had made her way through the cracks of humans and eventually reached the pinnacle where she stood now.
Just like her grandmother, Titiana.
No, in some ways, Helena thought she had achieved even greater accomplishments than Titiana.
By leaping into the world as a complete outsider, Helena became the epitome of high society in the Imperial Kingdom of Rojas and the mother of the greatest magician in history.
In this way, she became the most radiant person in this place.
Or so she thought.
Kalia. That child keeps getting in the way
Helena muttered with an expressionless face as she sipped her cold tea.
Helena disliked Kalia.
She disliked her resilience, which stood tall even in situations where one should be unhappy.
She also didnt like her naive personality, so upright and knowledgeable on such topics.
Most of all, she despised the fact that Kalia never seemed to lose hope in the face of any impending danger.
That child seemed as if she didnt even realize her own misery.
Whether she was oblivious or just composed.
Or maybe her self-esteem was so exceptional.
Without even remembering her parents or knowing where she came from, she was as clear as a child who had received all the joys and love in the world.
Weird child. Why dont you become stained by unhappiness
There were plenty of situations where she could have pitied herself, so why?
She looked at the mirror standing beside the tea table.
A face devoid of any discernible emotions, a blank expression.
Even without looking away, her gaze was as cold as her eyes.
Silently, she turned her back to face Helena.
Why have you come? We are not close enough for you to inquire about each others well-being, grandmother.
It seems that a war is imminent.
And what does that have to do with you, grandmother?
If demons are involved, it wont be a war exclusive to humans.
Titiana wanted to help Helena, even now.
The past where she pretended not to know about the child during the twenty years Helena spent in her forest had gnawed at her and become thorns embedded in her chest.
This war involving demons was dangerous.
Especially if that child, the human Archmage, was Helenas son, Helena herself could be in even greater danger.
Thats why Titiana wanted to help Helena at least this time.
It wouldnt change the past, and her actions might be hypocritical, but it didnt matter.
She just wanted to extend a helping hand, even if only once.
You want us to retreat to the forest? Why should I do that? What does my son being an Archmage have to do with my safety? I am just a powerless half-elf, and that child is simply fulfilling his role.
The childs spouse is not an innocent person either. The key to this war lies in that childs hands.
Kalia, that child? Why?
Helena hesitated, furrowing her brow, but soon found the answer herself.
The power of purification That child, could it be a descendant of the Fairy Race?
Not all fairies can wield the power of purification.
Then Youre saying they are a high-ranking fairies. If theres someone among the high-ranking fairies that you would know, grandmother Could it be, a member of the Fairy Kings lineage?
As Helena asked with a pale face, she chewed on her lips.
Her expression wasnt simply one of surprise.
She seemed uneasy, anxious, and anger could be sensed.
Why on earth was Helena emitting such wicked emotions towards that child?
Titiana narrowed her eyes and observed Helena.
The eyes of an elf who had lived for hundreds of years were calm yet sharp.
You wont die easily. I always thought you were quite resilient I never knew you had such a mischievous secret.
At Helenas words, Titiana sensed a mixed emotion.
Helena, do you hate that child?
In response to Titianas question, Helena stared at her intently and smiled brightly.
No, why would I? Now that child will become a part of our family. Why would I hate her? Its just that the child always surprises me, and thats amusing.
Did Helena know?
Back then, when the child looked at Titiana and smiled for the first time?
You said you wanted to help me, right? Well please grant me one request.
A request?
Yes. I wont go to the forest. This place is my home. But I need a weapon to protect myself. I may have a great son and a great daughter-in-law, but Im just a powerless half-elf.
A weapon, lend me one. A strong one that can protect me from any race You have one, grandmother.
Titiana watched Helena, who spoke with a desperate expression, for a long time, then took something out from her embrace and handed it to her.
This is
Greed sparkled in Helenas face as she recognized what Titiana had given her.
That was their final conversation, and without looking back, Titiana left the mansion.
My past, where I pretended not to know you, is coming back like this.
Recalling their final conversation, Titiana slowly crossed the gates of the Dukes estate.