CHAPTER 77 - HEINRICH’S PROMISEToday was the last day the two Hyacinth princes and their guards stayed in the Almandine. Miriam stood before the two of them who were kneeling on the floor.
Old Duke and Heath also witnessed that, furrowing their brows deeply.
"We can't apologize," Heinrich said calmly and flatly, "But we can promise to give you something to at least pay for what we've done."
Julian secretly glanced at his brother, who was kneeling next to him. The man looked very serious and since this morning, Julian felt his brother had a lot on his mind.
"We will make the West Continent safe for the Lycans and other creatures who have a conscience and are able to communicate. We will make the West Continent, like Euclase, a continent where every creature is free to live," said Heinrich.
Not only the Old Duke but Heath and Miriam were also shocked. Even Julian was surprised to hear that.
Changing the West Continent?
Heinrich Hyacinth?
"You may not believe me, but you have nothing to lose in believing. Moreover, it will take a long time before it can be realized," said Heinrich quietly. "But I will make sure Young Madam Miriam can return to her hometown in the West Continent without worrying about racism from the residents of the West Continent again."
Miriam blinked in confusion. She stared complicatedly at Heinrich and Julian, the two men who had masterminded her father's murder.
"Western Continent, no. The Petunia Continent must change."
Heinrich's words were unbelievable. It didn't make sense at all.
And seeing that no one believed him in the room, Heinrich explained.
"Henry Marigold I, and his esteemed teacher, Archmage Cynthia Delaroche have always said that magic can be learned by all intelligent beings. Humans, Elves, Vampires, Lycans, Beastfolk, Siren and many others, as long as they have mana affinity, they will be able to become powerful mages."
"After seeing my brother turn into a Lycan, I feel that there was no longer any point in separating humans from other creatures. Because I can still feel the same flow of mana in my brother's body even today," said Heinrich.
And it surprised everyone again, especially Julian.
"Huh?" Julian quickly raised his one remaining hand and made a simple magic circle. His eyes shone brightly as he realized he could still use the magic he had learned since childhood.
Small balls of light appeared around Julian. The orbs flickered beautifully like fireflies, slowly spreading throughout the room.
Julian turned to his brother and saw the man smiling gently with pride. Julian's heart was pounding with renewed vigor.
"And I'm not going to let people discriminate against my brother just because he has become a Lycan," Heinrich said firmly. He looked at the people in the room with a sincere smile that they couldn't help but think he meant his every word.
Apart from Heinrich, what the four people in the room witnessed was a familiar firmness. A determination and confidence they often saw in someone close to Heath, Miriam, and Old Duke–Harriet.
They knew Heinrich had a similar temperament to Harriet from the start. However, the longer they saw it, and after the change in the man's demeanour, the more the resemblance became clearer.
Someone who could always control the situation, someone who always knew what the highest priority was.
Harriet.
"I will protect my brother. And in order to protect him, I have to change the Petunia Continent."
Heinrich's last statement touched Miriam's heart deeply.
And when they came to their senses, they had seen Miriam sobbing. Heath was the first to react. He hugged Miriam's tiny body and closed his eyes. As Miriam's Mate, Heath could feel Miriam's deep sorrow from the bottom of her heart. Disappointment, relief and pent-up anger.
However, Miriam smiled and wiped her tears sincerely.
"You don't need to apologize. I… I have forgiven you both," Miriam said softly.
The two Hyacinth brothers raised their confused faces at Miriam.
The young woman sobbed softly and chuckled. She whispered, "My father was an honourable warrior among the said 'Mythical' Creatures. In the last two years of his life, his health declined drastically, although he was still very strong. He told me once, only once, that he didn't want to die from his disease…"
Everyone widened their eyes hearing that.
"That day, my father decided to die at your hands, Prince Julian. I just… kinda know," said Miriam later.
Julian blinked, and his hands trembled. So did the Old Duke, Heath and Heinrich.
"He went with a bang," Miriam said with a chuckle. "Which was very selfish, seeing how our pack ended up after he left us. That's why I'm so grateful to have met you, Heath," Miriam whispered and looked up at Heath. "Thank you..." she whispered.
Miriam was very lucky that Heath was there to save her. She and her entire family owed Heath their lives.
"That's why," Miriam looked down at Julian and Heinrich. "Keep your promise."
Heinrich saw a cold glint and a small hatred in Miriam's eyes. Something that only lasted a moment.
"Otherwise, I will bring my family back to the West Continent to fight," Miriam said in a cheerful voice.
Heath raised his eyebrows high in surprise. But then he smiled. He had always known Miriam had a similar temperament to him. That was why Miriam was his Mate.
"Almandine will also help when the time comes," the Old Duke added. "Get out of my land, and don't you dare come back until you fulfil your promise."
Heinrich couldn't help but chuckle.
The Northern Lords, huh? Monsters?
Actually, they were just a big family close to each other.
Heinrich raised his body and patted his knees and helped his little brother to clean his knees too. He then stood up straight and looked at the three members of the Northern Sovereign Family before him.
"Let's meet again," he said.
Heinrich's calm and confident words made Heath and the Old Duke furrow their brows again.
"Oh, I almost forgot. Young Lord Heath," Heinrich looked straight at Heath, the only man who must have the most desire to kill them right now.
"Is there something you want to tell me?" Heath asked dryly.
Heinrich smiled gently. "Yes. But just the two of us," he replied.
Heath nodded. He would hear whatever this bastard had to say for now.