Emperor's Reckoning

Chapter 1196: Legends Has It

Lyon entered the living room to be met by Cecile’s expectant gaze. The weight of her question hung in the air, prompting Lyon to consider his response carefully.

"It’s not a wise move to attack him with your current cultivation level, master," Harvestasya chimed in, her tone carrying a note of concern. Lyon nodded in acknowledgment, recognizing the truth in her words.

"I have to agree," added Liu, his voice reflecting a similar sentiment. "If only you were at Zenith Realm, then we would have a greater chance."

Lyon pondered their words, his mind racing with possibilities. He knew that rushing into battle without proper preparation would only lead to disaster. Yet, the desire for revenge burned fiercely within him, urging him to take action.

Lyon’s smirk widened as he spoke, his gaze briefly flickering towards Yala before returning to Rakumtatak. "I believe that someone else has a common interest," he said cryptically, a note of confidence lacing his words.

Rakumtatak arched an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "Heh, you think that guy will raise his bow for you?" he retorted, his tone tinged with amusement.

Lyon chuckled softly. "I think so," he replied, his smirk never faltering. "Common interest. It’s not like it wouldn’t benefit his empire if the Lord of Purgatory turned headless."

Yala’s heart skipped a beat at Lyon’s words, her mind racing with apprehension. She knew all too well that Lyon was referring to her father, the Emperor of the Elven Empire, who was still recuperating from his injuries inside the protective embrace of Orion.

As Lyon and his companions discussed their strategy, Selena interjected with a thoughtful observation. "Perhaps Eleandril would do it," she suggested, her gaze thoughtful. "Noticing that he suffered from his own men colluding with Purgatory."

Lyon nodded in agreement, acknowledging Selena’s point. "Exactly," he affirmed, a determined glint in his eyes. "He has to ride this one with us."

Cecile chimed in, voicing her concerns about their level of preparation. "But we might need more preparation," she cautioned, her brow furrowed with worry.

Lyon’s response was unwavering. "He is my preparation," he stated firmly, his confidence unwavering. "After all, I gave Orion to him; it’s the least he could do."

Yala’s expression betrayed her surprise at Lyon’s casual mention of Orion. The sacred bow was a cherished symbol of the Elven Empire’s power and heritage, and Lyon’s assertion that he had bestowed it upon her father left her momentarily speechless, her mind reeling with the implications of his revelation.

Cecile noticed the gap between Yala’s parted lips and offered her a knowing smile before launching into a brief anecdote to fill the silence.

"Lyon was once invited to participate in an archery competition held by the previous emperor of the Elven Empire, Iris’s father," she began, her tone carrying a hint of nostalgia. "As the competition progressed, it became increasingly clear that Lyon and Eleandril were the two standout archers, with Lyon showcasing his exceptional skill despite not being of elven descent."

As Cecile spoke, Yala’s eyes widened with interest, her curiosity piqued by the tale of Lyon’s prowess.

"Y-Yes, I’ve heard and read the stories about that," Yala nodded in acknowledgment. "However, regarding Orion, I never knew."

Selena chimed in with a smile, "True, we only know of it because darling brazenly told that story to our camp then. Though, that red hair didn’t believe any of it."

Cecile nodded with a resigned smile. "I didn’t believe it then."

"T-Then... what makes you believe Uncle’s story?" Yala inquired, her curiosity evident.

"He used the damn thing to clutch a Great King Hydra, to save Eleandril and his empire," Cecile replied, her tone carrying a mix of awe and admiration.

Yala’s eyes widened in realization. "W-Wait, I think I’ve heard that story. However, it was a little different than what you told me."

"Of course it is," Cecile responded knowingly.

"It is said that my father managed to slay two Great King Hydra when it attacked the Elven Empire, but not any mention of Uncle Lyon," Yala recalled, her gaze shifting to Lyon, who stood by the door, wearing a smirk.

"At the time, nobody expected the second, not even me,"

As Eleandril and Iris entered the room, a hush fell over the gathered company. Yala’s eyes widened in disbelief, her breath catching in her throat. For a moment, she stood frozen, her mind struggling to comprehend the sight before her. Then, as realization dawned, tears welled up in her eyes, and she darted forward with the speed of a child, her heart overflowing with emotion.

With unbridled joy and relief, Yala threw herself into her father’s arms, her tears flowing freely as she hugged him tightly. Eleandril, taken aback for a moment, quickly recovered and wrapped his daughter in a warm embrace, holding her close as if to reassure her of his presence and love. Iris, standing beside them, smiled fondly at the heartwarming reunion, her eyes glistening with tears of her own.

"Father!" Yala cried out, her voice choked with emotion as she buried her face in her father’s chest. "I thought... I thought I might never see you again."

Eleandril held his daughter tightly, his own voice thick with emotion. "I’m here, Yala," he murmured, his words a soothing balm to her soul. "I’m here, my dear daughter. I’ll always be here for you."

Yala clung to her father, her tears mingling with his as she whispered, "I missed you so much, Father. I’m so glad you’re safe."

"We’re glad that you’re safe as well, Yala," said Iris with a smile. "En!" Yala nodded before wondering, "B-But, how did you know where we are?"

Eleandril smiled before looking at Lyon, "It’s not that hard with all that new landscape of Sixth Hell."

Eleandril chuckled softly, his gaze shifting to Lyon with a knowing glint in his eyes. "Indeed," he agreed. "And with Lyon’s reputation, it wasn’t difficult to guess where we might find you."

Lyon grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I do tend to make an impression," he quipped, earning a chuckle from the others in the room.

"Regarding the story, the people of the Elven Empire only saw the second activation of Orion as the arrow slew the great beast," said Eleandril, "Thus the people believed that I was the one that killed both of them, though, I was at the time was not strong enough to activate the technique two times in a row."

Yala listened intently, her eyes widening with realization. "So... Uncle Lyon’s role was hidden from the public eye," she mused, looking at Lyon with newfound respect. "That’s quite the tale."

Lyon nodded, a hint of pride evident in his expression. "Sometimes the greatest deeds are done in the shadows," he remarked cryptically.

Liu couldn’t help but interject, his tone tinged with amusement. "No, that’s not exactly what happened, master," he said, his eyes rolling in a playful manner. "You... went to the public square and announced yourself as the one who slew the second beast, but nobody believed you. That’s why you came to our camp, and older sister Selena was the only one who believed you at the time."

Eleandril’s expression shifted from one of reminiscence to mild embarrassment as he realized his past folly. Lyon chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Ah, yes, I suppose my theatrical display wasn’t quite as convincing as I hoped," he admitted, sharing a knowing glance with Selena, who grinned in response.

"It’s good to see you both," Cecile interjected, her expression warm. "We were just discussing our plans moving forward. Your presence here couldn’t have come at a better time."