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Chapter 35: The Mother-Daughter Dispute

There’s no denying that Valorand’s rebellion has brought massive losses to the Verdant Council.

Half of the council members died in the massacre, and the rangers took heavy hits as well. Since the end of the Fourth Era and the calming of the Third Magic Tide, the elven lineage faced such bloody atrocities for the first time, inevitably causing unrest.

But in a way, that’s good news.

Now, regardless of previous factions, no one dares oppose the fight against All Things Wither. Valorand’s rebellion has instead united the previously scattered members of the council.

The imminent awakening of the Wilted Mother Tree means that the elven bloodline is once again at a critical juncture since the First Era. No matter how much they love peace, they have no choice but to take up arms.

“According to Valorand, All Things Wither is about to awaken the Wilted Mother Tree. It has been our destiny as elven descendants since ancient times to seal this evil god. Now, it’s not just a mission given by our ancestors, but a matter of our survival. We must stop the evil god’s revival without delay.”

The council members had never been this united; no one raised any objections to Janthea’s words.

“The stronghold of All Things Wither is located in the Shadowdark Forest, consistent with the intelligence we gathered earlier, now verified by Valorand’s word. We must march towards the Shadowdark Forest without delay—”

“As much as I want to say that, the Shadowdark Forest is too dangerous. Recently, the adventurers we commissioned have established a base there. Yet, intel gathering has been slow. Before our main forces set out, we need to send a small elite group for further reconnaissance.”

A reasonable judgment.

Sending a large army to a highly dangerous area is quite unwise. Without adequate investigation, they might run into fierce monsters before even finding the cult’s base, leading to unnecessary losses.

Roy remembered that Reid mentioned that a considerable number of adventurers were gathered on the Verdant Council’s side, and there were many rumors about the Shadowdark Forest in the guild.

However, since numerous adventurers had made no progress, even if the rangers went personally, things wouldn’t be much better.

In any case, the decision to send a few elite members was settled.

Just as everyone was discussing the candidates for the advance reconnaissance team, Nia suddenly raised her hand.

“Let me join this reconnaissance!”

Before any other council member could speak up, Janthea frowned and replied, “What kind of nonsense is that?”

“Did you forget how All Things Wither has been dreaming of your death?”

“That’s true, but they’re afraid of me too, right?” Nia grinned, though her gaze was not as carefree as usual, meeting Janthea’s reprimanding stare head-on: “Didn’t Valorand’s old guy say it? I’m the only one who might stop the evil god’s revival.”

The council members began to fidget.

Roy agreed with Nia’s words, but was somewhat surprised by her awareness.

Don’t be fooled by her carefree demeanor; when it matters, she really steps up.

To stop the evil god’s revival, you either need overwhelming power or means to suppress its attributes.

That kind of evil god like The Fallen Mother Tree ranks up there with demigods like Bahamut. With a lot of cultists supporting it in the shadows, honestly, Roy didn’t think he could forcefully interrupt its revival.

Only the Forest Elf, which counters All Things Wither, has the potential to thoroughly disrupt the evil god’s revival. The murderous intent from All Things Wither towards Nia proves this point.

A leader shouldn’t be blind to such facts.

But before being a leader, Janthea is a mother.

The council chief froze her expression, coldly stating, “Valorand said the threat of the evil god’s revival only exists at high rank. You’re not there yet.”

Upon hearing this, Nia lost her smile, her expression growing anxious.

“If you run into danger and die, losing the hope to stop the evil god entirely would be a greater loss. You must at least wait until you reach high rank before going…”

“How long will that take? What if those cultists awaken the evil god before that? Now is not the time to dawdle!”

“If you can’t even guarantee your own safety, what’s the use of you going now?!”

“There’s no such thing as perfect safety, let alone I can’t reach high rank just by staying here in the council! Mom, you’ve always been like this! You call it being cautious, but really, you’re just overly timid. Sometimes you just have to take risks and try…”

“It’s because of your previous recklessness that your father died!”

The explosive roar shattered Nia’s defense, violently echoing throughout the temporary meeting hall, making the flowers and windows tremble.

Watching her mother, whose injuries hadn’t healed, turn pale from the argument, Nia was momentarily at a loss for words.

The council members seemed accustomed to such mother-daughter quarrels, falling into silence and not daring to interject.

Nia’s father had sacrificed himself while accompanying Roland on an adventure. As Roland’s descendant, Roy felt a bit awkward in this situation.

But someone was even more awkward.

“Damn, I’m starting to get a stomachache! I’m guilty; I should die! I’m the one at the root of all this!” The involved Roland mumbled, sounding quite uncomfortable.

“Roy, your mother has never asked for anything from you, but this time…”

Roy replied, “I know, and even if you don’t say anything, I would do it.”

Just as the mother and daughter fell silent and the meeting stagnated, Roy stood up and faced Janthea.

“Lady Janthea, Nia is right; the evil god’s revival is imminent. There’s no time for her to leisurely attain high rank.”

Nia turned her head, casting a delighted smile.

Janthea’s expression, however, darkened further.

“You also understand that during critical times, we sometimes need to take risks and fight back. But fate often isn’t that kind. Even if we keep her in the council for temporary safety, everything will be irreversible once the evil god awakens.”

“Of course, I understand your concern for Nia’s safety.”

Roy smiled slightly, filled with confidence: “So, I have a proposal. I’ll accompany Nia to investigate on behalf of the council.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, the council members secretly stirred with excitement, yet they didn’t dare show it too openly for fear of displeasing Roy.

In fact, during this meeting, they were considering how to persuade Roy to join them, but now that he proposed it himself, they were all in agreement.

Janthea suspected this might happen, but like some mothers who still think their children will be cold wrapped in cotton, she remained unconvinced.

Roy continued, “We’re going for an adventure, not for suicide. With a high-ranked fighter, we can minimize the risks.”

“Remember? I said I would settle things with the cultists one day, and now is the time to fulfill that promise.”

The Verdant Council’s chief needs cool-headed rationale, but a mother needs assurance beyond reason. An absolute sense of security, even if it’s just a temporary comfort, is enough to give her courage.

“Roy, promise me, no matter what happens, protect Nia’s safety.”

At this moment, the usually rowdy Nia didn’t speak, just lowered her hands, calmly waiting for his response.

 

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