Chapter 1298: It Wasn’t My Fault

A sudden wave of revelation seemed to wash over Vexpela. All those harsh years she endured—her father’s indifference, her siblings bullying antics, the pressure from the maternal families of her siblings, those black-hearted elders of the Golden Dragon Association who wanted to toss her out—it finally made sense why none of them ever crossed the line.

Despite his humble introduction, Dagraen’s name carried more than just a bit of weight in the Golden Dragon Association.

When he was active in the world of business, Dagraen had a name that made him feared by all competitors—the Impassable Golden Dragon. He was given that name because, when it came to business, even in the most seemingly dire of circumstances, Dagraen always emerged on top of his competitors. And, ruthlessly crushed those who went after him.

Dagraen’s reputation grew to a point that even the head of the Golden Dragon Association at that time, Vexpela’s grandfather, had to tread lightly around him. As for the current head, he did not dare to underestimate Dagraen, regardless of his deteriorating health.

"Now, it is time I keep the other promise I made with your mother that day." Dagraen said as the atmosphere turned heavy and somber.

Vexpela did not know much about her mother except that she was beautiful. And, of course, that she passed away when she was born. Yet, it was strange. Besides a single handheld portrait she secretly received as a gift from Dagraen on her 13th birthday, there was practically no trace of her mother anywhere in the Golden Dragon Association.

There was one time Vexpela asked her father about her mother; however, she was met with coldness. It was also the first time she was told that her mother passed away giving birth to her. As a young child, Vexpela felt an indiscernible amount of guilt and blamed herself for what happened despite having no control over it. Since that moment, she never brought up her mother to her father or anyone else again.

"...This is the first time I’ve ever heard about any promises that my mother made. After all these years, why now?" Vexpela questioned with a hardened gaze.

"Sir Balthaazar." Dagraen said in a meaningful tone.

"I, Balthaazar, swear to never disclose what is discussed here today to anyone. If I do, may the heavens judge me and strike me down." Balthaazar said without hesitation.

’To make a pledge to the heavens without pause—this person has a great deal of loyalty that cannot be brought with money alone.’

"I trust Sir Balthaazar with my life. However, I do not wish to bind him to this matter. Since Supreme Elder Sagarus and Formation Master Head Hyrell have chosen to side with you, it is only right that they also learn the truth." Dagraen stated.

"The truth?" Vexpela furrowed her brows.

"On the day that you show even the smallest chance of becoming the next Head of the Golden Dragon Association, I am to disclose to you the truth behind your mother’s death. That is, if you believe yourself ready to receive it." Dagraen said as he tightened the grip on his cane.

Vexpela felt a sense of coldness creeping up from the depths of her heart. Her mind was racing with numerous thoughts and speculations. Her heart beat against her chest so loudly that she could hear its echoes in her head. Even a fool could see where Dagraen’s words were leading.

"Before you answer, you should think it over carefully. Knowledge without power can become a burden unlike any other. If you believe-" Dagraen started; however, he was swiftly cut off by Vexpela.

"Tell me. I want-... No, I must know the truth." Vexpela said as she tried her best to restrain her trembling voice.

Dagraen deep a breath before he slowly exhaled.

"The truth is that your mother did not pass away giving birth to you. She was driven to her death by the families of the head’s first, second, fourth and fifth wives." Dagraen revealed.

Once those words were spoken, the room filled with an air of lingering silence. As for Vexpela, the first emotion she felt was an overwhelming sense of relief. After all this time of blaming herself for her mother’s death, it was never her fault. But, that relief only lasted for a split second. It was swiftly pushed out of the way by confusion. Why did her father lie to her? Why would anyone want her mother dead?

And, as the confusion passed, it was replaced by a different emotion—rage. Why did her father allow something like that to happen? Why didn’t Dagraen use his power and influence to step in to help her mother? Why did she have to go through her entire life believing that she was a cursed existence and the cause of her mother’s death? Why everyone pretend as if her mother never existed in the first place? Why?

"...Ah... It wasn’t my fault... I see... It wasn’t my fault, after all... It wasn’t..." Vexpela muttered to herself as her entire body trembled. She tried to fight back her tears, but before she knew it, they came pouring from her face as she lost all the strength in her legs and fell to her knees.

In the depths of her heart, Vexpela always believe herself to be a cursed existence. There were even times that she believed that perhaps the world would have been better off is she was never born. It was challenging for her not to think such thoughts when it was instilled into her since she was a young child.

To have that kind of weight lifted off her but replaced with a sickening truth—Vexpela felt a level of disgust she had never encountered in her life. But, what angered her even more was how right Dagraen was.

Even if she learned the truth earlier, it would have merely eaten away at her alive while she walked around with nothing with hatred in her heart. If that happened, her mind would have been clouded with nothing but thoughts of revenge. But, what good was thinking about revenge with no way to carry it out?

Izroth looked down at Vexpela, who was in a state of internal conflict. He narrowed his gaze before it landed on Dagraen.

’This old man... Did he set this up this situation on purpose?’

Izroth found it difficult to believe someone in Dagraen’s position, even in his old age, was ignorant of the important matters that went on in everything related to the Golden Dragon Association and its branches.

The moment something like the Transforming Rebirth’s Embrace was appraised and listed, it would have undoubtedly reached Dagraen’s ear. He must have also had eyes and ears in the Golden Treasure House and learned of Izroth becoming the Supreme Elder of the Fourth Pavilion not long after it occurred. It would also not be difficult for him to figure out that that same Supreme Elder was also the owner of the Transforming Rebirth’s Embrace.

Dagraen likely wanted to meet face to face to size up the new Supreme Elder to keep the promise he made with Vexpela’s mother. After all, he did not know whether or not Izroth had any good intentions toward her. Not to mention, "Sagarus" was someone whose name had never come up in Danaharpe before today.

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