"Ted is right. Stop before it is too late," the mage guarding the underground interjected, moving to Find your next favorite novel on NovelHub today!
Soon, more family members joined Tealeaf Ted to oppose Eldarion. Enough was enough. They stood silent for decades. But the omerta on what he did to Elysia had to be broken before the man committed the irreparable.
Two minutes later, the majority jumped ships, their heads raised in defiance to protect the heiress they disregarded for so long.
"Retrieve your mana pressure now," their voice loudly echoed, causing their green hair to flutter as their mana billowed around them.
"Hahaha," Eldarion laughed in response, his right fingers tucked around his face. "Do you think she'll forgive you after turning a blind eye to her desperations? Yes, I enjoy with all my heart to see her suffer, but isn't it love, too?" He added, amused by their hypocrisy. If he was guilty, they were all his accomplices. Changing sides now wouldn't undo what had already been done.
Tealeaf Ted shook his head bitterly as he acknowledged his words were correct. Despite knowing the sadistic tendencies of their young family head, they turned their heads, looking in another direction. Worse, they came back later, offering Find your next favorite novel on NovelHub today!
However, since she left to teach at the college, Eldarion gradually changed. In his favourite toy's absence, his focus shifted to the other youths, making his flaws apparent to everyone. Their children would suffer next if they continued hiding their heads in the sand.
"By loyalty, we let you act as you please. But we won't endure your actions anymore!" Ted said, his eyes shining with determination. "We are indeed guilty, and the young miss will probably never forgive our silence," he added, his gaze softening as he looked at the miserable girl sprawled on the ground.
"Today, we'll raise to break our remorse!" He concluded, his righteous voice echoing in the throne room.
Simultaneously, everyone's mana assembled to counter Eldarion's pressure, gradually repelling it and causing loud hums to reverberate.
"Fools! I'm an adept. I can take you all on in a matter of minutes. Yet you'd rather be labelled traitors rather than continue acting blind?" Eldarion asked, failing to understand their logic. Everyone had flaws. His happened to be a little more problematic than most others.
But didn't he rule the family flawlessly for decades?
"I really love everyone I played with. We just have different ways to express it," he added, manipulating truths to give his words weight.
However, the time for discussion was gone. Only suspicious gazes met his declaration while their grand uncle kneeled before Elysia. "I'm sorry... we wanted to give him a chance and follow the succession line. We were wrong," he said, voicing ancient Elven words.
Green energy weaved itself, forming beautiful flowers beneath their little heiress. Then, following his actions, more ancient words echoed, reinforcing the spell until a magnificent flower bed replaced the wooden ground.
Next, Ted spoke in ancient elf, reaffirming everyone's resolve as they took their most ancient oath. "In the name of Sunfire and under nature's grace, I pledge my allegiance to Elysia, the rightful heir of the Sunfire lineage. With unwavering devotion, I vow to safeguard our realm, uphold our people's harmony, and honor the legacy of Selene.
May my every action serve the greater good, and may my loyalty endure through all trials and triumphs."
A tense silence engulfed the throne room as Elysia's failing organs began to recover under the nourishing natural spell fueled by three dozen mages.
Despite Eldarion's hateful glare, only relief filled their hearts. They chose the wrong leader decades ago, causing their descendants to suffer. But it wasn't too late to correct their mistakes.
"From now on, we no longer belong to the Lorienwyn family. Rule however you want with the few fence seaters who couldn't choose right from wrong," Ted said, preparing to leave the tree manor with his trusted siblings.
However, Eldarion begged to differ. "An interesting idea, indeed. But I think I'll charge you all of high treason," he said, his lips curling into a vicious smile. For how many years did he dream of torturing those old fogies, staying his hand to ensure their loyalty?
Upon hearing his words, Ted roared, "I want five of you to escort the lady out!" He knew a confrontation would be inevitable. But he would gladly sacrifice his life to hold the sadist back for their future.
Echoing his words, Eldarion immediately attacked, focusing his spell on his sister to show them how vain their actions were.
Thick thorns flew like spears in her direction, prompting the group to raise wooden barriers before her. Simultaneously, the grand uncle carried her, racing to escape with the four oldest.
Unfortunately, Eldarion's tier wasn't just a title. His projectiles pierced the layered constructs like paper, menacing to impale the fleeing figures until...
'I know you'll eventually reclaim our possession and honor. Stay strong, Elysia,' thought Tealeaf Ted, gazing at the departing silhouettes. Then, courage filling his heart, he selflessly jumped.
"Argh!" His painful scream echoed, and red blood spurted as he used his body to intercept the most threatening projectiles under everyone's stunned eyes.
"Heal him immediately!" Roared a mage, inspired by the most underestimated man of their group. His nickname was a way to degrade him and his mild personality. Yet, he proved the most courageous in times of need, igniting their old hearts with duty and courage.
"Don't let a tea lover show off! Protect her like he did if it must be. Today, we'll resurrect the Sunfire lineage," He added, causing everyone to roar in motivation.
"We won't serve a menace threatening our children! You are a disgrace to all elves, no better than humans!" Another screamed, casting offensive spells one after the other.
Annoyed to be compared to lowly humans, Eldarion's smile trembled as he spat, "Don't worry. You'll serve as my toys for centuries to come! I'll make sure to show you how large my love is by painting you all red!"