Chapter 286 A Choiceless Encounter The Silent Rose of Elysvarre
Five years after the Heaven Wars victory.
Elysvarre, the last kingdom standing proudly in the western plains of Earth—a land that never bowed during the Great War—has now become a symbol of strength and resilience in this new era. Under the sagacious leadership of House Caereth, it not only upholds cherished traditions but also strives to reshape a world torn apart by divine forces and the haunting emptiness left in the wake of conflict. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Elysvarre is determined to rebuild a brilliant future, innovating new values that benefit all its citizens and fostering enhanced cooperation with previously adversarial kingdoms.
Fitran Fate—known to many as The Inheritor of the Twilight Victory—stands on the high balcony of Celesthall Castle. The autumn air carries the earthy scent of damp soil and burnt leaves, creating a reflective atmosphere reminiscent of lives once lost. In the distance, the valleys of Elysvarre unfold like a stunning tapestry of bronze and gold, radiating the serene beauty of nature, a stark contrast to the turmoil of history.
A year has passed since the great victory, yet its scars have never truly healed.
"And now they want to marry me," he thinks, his voice trembling.
"But my heart belongs solely to Rinoa," he says with a tone full of sadness, his gaze focused on the view outside.
At the balcony table, the girl sat quietly, with a gentle breeze brushing through her flowing hair. "Talking about other women in front of me. You have a nasty trait, hero," she said, her voice resonating like the rustling leaves in the woods.
"Obligations seem to be the chains that bind us to a fate we did not choose, don't they?" Sheena continued, elegantly emerging from the evening shadows. Her voice was soft yet firm, carrying a profound melancholic tone that resonated with the weight of history. "Is this what a hero's life entails? Sacrificing the heart for grand ambitions and a world that desperately seeks success? Where, then, is the freedom of a hero's soul within the suffocating grip of politics and arranged marriages? This reminds us of the hero stories woven throughout history, burdened by responsibilities and aspirations that clash with their personal desires."
"Not everything that glitters is gold, Sheena," Fitran replied, struggling to contain the anger that shattered his heart. "Like a rose, my beauty is adorned with thorns. I am caught between grasping freedom and following destiny."
"What I desire is the freedom to choose," Sheena replied, pausing for a moment, her eyes reflecting a repressed longing and unexpressed hope. "A rose will not bloom without genuine light and love. And I wonder, will that light ever illuminate our path?"
From that balcony, she could see the towering mountains capped with glistening snow under the afternoon sun. A cool breeze blew, carrying the fresh aroma of untouched nature. In the distance, birds flew across the blue sky, creating a scene that was profoundly calming.