Chapter 700: 118. Fall out with someone
Chapter 700: 118. Fall out with someone
“Wait, Heidlin, where on earth are you taking me?”
Enshrouded by a blinding white light, Heidlin pushed Valentina, seated in her wheelchair, relentlessly forward through the streets of Mia City. Only when Heidlin could run no more did she veer Valentina into a small alleyway off the road.
The “Land of Purity” High Ring Magic employed by the Mia Army had already enveloped the entire district, and though the situation at the hotel remained unknown, at least the earth-shattering sounds of battle had ceased.
At times, Valentina was truly curious about whether Fisher was, in fact, a normal human. His profound knowledge of magic was one thing, but to possess such exaggerated magic power and physical prowess was another. She had learned from Heidlin about Fisher engraving dozens of magic engravings in just five days, which left Valentina, who had a certain understanding of magic, utterly speechless.
In Valentina’s eyes, had it not been for the intervention of this scholar from Nali, they would probably have lost their lives in that mysterious attack.
Yet here lay the problem, with the identities and methods of the attackers still unclear, with the Seal of the Snow Fox Species yet unclaimed, and the safety of Fisher and the other partners still uncertain. Heidlin uncharacteristically attacked a member of her own family and kept moving them away from the scene, leaving Valentina utterly perplexed.
Having served as mistress and servant for many years, Valentina certainly did not suspect that Heidlin meant to harm her. Even now, brought to a deserted alley by one person, she merely sought an explanation from Heidlin.
“Heidlin, you’re taking me away from the scene and attacked a family member—what’s the reason for that? Do you have some difficulties that need to be resolved? Why can’t you tell me?”
Heidlin glanced back warily at the entrance of the alley. Only after confirming that no one was there did she turn her head back towards Valentina with a slight smile, the innocent Valentina before her.
“Young Miss, you really are… to still trust me so much even though your own life won’t last past twenty years of age, to still trust me even though you were born with this disability into such a family. It’s really overwhelming…”
“Heidlin, what on earth…”
Heidlin clenched her teeth, then firmly grasped Valentina’s shoulders, her somewhat pale face showing a hint of resolve. Even gasping for breath, she tried her best to keep her words calm so as not to frighten the naive young miss.
“Young Miss, the truth is, ever since you left Snowflake Fortress, I have been secretly thwarting your attempts to reach the Frost Snow Phoenix Tree. From recruiting Philis and Balzac to scheming to make that Fisher leave our team and lose your trust—these are all the things I’ve done behind your back…”
Valentina, seated in the wheelchair, opened her mouth, but she did not interrupt Heidlin. She simply felt Heidlin’s grip on her shoulders tightening.
“Perhaps it’s because the Turand Family hasn’t left Snowflake Castle for so long that the curse from Sema Snow Mountain didn’t immediately detect you when you set forth. However, this wasn’t a significant issue. The family believed that you would certainly encounter the curse on your search for the Frost Snow Phoenix Tree. At that time, their goal would be achieved.”
“Young Miss, the family members never leave Snowflake Castle, not because of the twisted genetic disease they carry, but because the Turand Family stole the noble bloodline of the Phoenix through despicable means. Now, they are tasting the bitter consequences and are thinking of compensation. But their method of compensation is to sacrifice you, Young Miss.”
Valentina stared blankly at the teary-eyed Heidlin before her. It seemed like she struggled and choked up, hesitant for a long time to reveal this matter to the still-unprepared Valentina. Since birth, her parents and family—even the trusted teacher—were all deceiving her. This was something a fragile, disabled girl could not bear.
“I… nobody told me this… before my mother died, she asked me to leave the castle to find the Wutong Tree… it was to save the family from the genetic disease, I…”
“I’m sorry, Young Miss. Although I really hate to say this, your parents, including Helldor, were aware of this…”
Valentina’s pupils contracted slightly. This time, she did not fondle the ring on her hand bearing the Turand Family emblem. Instead, she just clutched the hem of her dress. Heidlin’s voice continued, leaving Valentina’s expression somewhat vacant.
“Of course, I’m not saying that your parents or Helldor did anything wrong. On the contrary, they have done their best… If it were not for the great contributions your mother, a mage, made to the family, you would have been sacrificed to the curse within the Wutong Tree to return the stolen bloodline as soon as they realized you could wield the Moon Princess’ Sword.”
“Your parents and Helldor were prepared. They thought you would not live past twenty years of age, which is why they wanted you to seek the Wutong Tree at the end of your life—there might be a slim hope for your survival. But before, I thought that hope was too slight. Rather than betting on that minuscule chance, I thought it was better to take advantage of this time for you to experience the things you never knew as a human.”
“Fisher’s words reminded me, I overstepped. I should not have made decisions for your life; I owe you an apology. But Fisher, his capabilities, as we all witnessed today, make me willing to believe he can lead you into the Wutong Tree. That’s why I’m laying everything out to you now, Young Miss, hoping you can make your own decision.”