(AN - Before we start, I wish y'all merry Christmas and lots of happiness! P.S. - I might post a bonus chapter today if y'all comment and vote power stones.)
Albaer, fortunately—realized that he was losing it in the heat of the moment. He took a deep breath and calmed down as only Anicia was capable to perform the ritual at the current moment and he had no choice but to convince the count with words.
"So let me get this straight... I have come flying from thousands of miles away in a storm without rest to ask for your help. And despite having the ability to save my son—you refuse?" Albaer asked calmly, his tone had no signs of anger but somehow that seemed even more frightening.
"Your Grace, I beg your pardon; but we cannot reveal that Anicia has the blessings of light—if I accept your request then this fact will surely be unveiled," Yunugiv replied firmly with an apologetic tone.
"But why hide it? It's a wonderful thing that your daughter is blessed by the Allfather. It's an honor for the house of Stout. And surely The Church will—" Albaer said with bafflement, but at the end of the sentence; he finally realized something and looked at Yunugiv peculiarly.
"Could it be... That reason?" He muttered knitting his brows.
Yunugiv sighed in resignation and nodded regretfully.
Albaer became silent as he finally understood why Yunugiv was firmly rejecting. It was somewhat complicated as some would argue that it would be a great thing for Anicia to be noticed by the church but as a father of a daughter, he understood the kind of dilemma Yunugiv was in.
At the same time, he was also angry. He had promised Aisha to bring help no matter what and he would rather use more forceful tactics than let his son die. Albaer knew well that Aisha would not be able to endure it.
He was in a moral conundrum for the first time in his entire life. On one side his son needed immediate help to ensure his life but on the other hand, there was a small innocent girl whose life would be changed completely if she helped—Albaer did not want to use force but it seemed there was no other choice.
Yunugiv knew that Albaer's only weakness was his family however it was also his strength. He knew that Albaer was trading the thin line of honor and ethics—and he knew very well what the results would be, but he would not back down.
The tension was building up, even Lady Stout who was usually very brave and strong was starting to get afraid from the unnerving silence. She clenched her fists tightly.
Just as Albaer was about to make the hard choice, a cute, tiny, and soothing voice rang out in the hall.
"Papa, I will go and help," Anicia said as she looked at Yunugiv with her kind and caring eyes.
"My Dear... This is not so simple. You cannot go." Yunugiv said with a firm tone staring into Anicia's eyes. He knew that she was kind but she also enjoyed living a free life without constraints.
"But papa... Someone's hurt and I can help...!" Anicia also stared back stubbornly as she raised her voice.
"Oh, My Dear...." Yunugiv was on the verge of a breakdown as he looked at his stubborn daughter as he thought of a particular legend.
'Only those born with firm hearts may have the blessings of the Gods! Only those born with wretched hearts may have the blessings of the Asuras! But only those born with selfless and utmost pure hearts may have the blessings of the Allfather! Those who are the blessed Ones, those who are Holy Saints and Maidens, Those who are his children—May Fill The World With Kindness and Love.'
Albaer also remembered this certain saying and his heart shook with hesitation. He was deeply touched by the selfless little girl in front of him who was simply willing to help because someone was hurt.
Suddenly his eyes shone with a bright light as he finally found a solution to this problem.
"Count Yunugiv Stout. I will not leave here without bringing her with me today. But I also do not wish to sully my honor—so thus I have a proposal that may be beneficial to both of us." Albaer said with a smile as he broke the ice and ended the intense silence.
Yunugiv averted his gaze from Anicia and looked at Albaer with a surprised face, "Oh? Do tell..." He said with a bit of caution in his voice.
"So the proposal is...." Albaer spoke with a subtle smile.
Everyone's eyes widened as they listened to Albaer's proposal. It really could solve all their issues. Lady Stout's face had a complicated expression while Yunugiv had a complex one that was a mix of guilt, happiness, relief, and surprise.
"Now it's your call to make. I stand firm on what I said earlier. It's either this or I will have to use force, forgive me—I have no choice." Albaer said with a helpless sigh and waited patiently.
Yunugiv looked as if he didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He didn't know what to say or rather he couldn't find the proper words. He understood what Albaer was going through but he just couldn't bring himself to make such an important decision so abruptly.
At this moment, Little Anicia who had been listening and observing everything spoke up with resolve.
"Papa! It's fine... If this will make papa not sad anymore then it's really fine. All of our people will also not be in fear anymore. I can also save someone who needs help." She said closing her small hand in a fist and puffing her cheeks.
It took all Yunugiv's willpower to not break into sobs right there. He smiled as a lot of built-up pressure and stress which had been accumulating over the past two years melted like ice in blazing sunshine.
Yunugiv looked at Albaer with a bitter smile and nodded in agreement.
Albaer finally smiled openly with relief. His demeanor suddenly flashed with undoubted confidence, strength, dignity, and prestige as he placed his fist on the left side of his chest. The atmosphere suddenly became pristine as chilly winds blew, and Silver-White particles radiated around Albaer's body.
"I, Albaer of House White—Hereby Vow On My Name, The Gods Above and Beyond be My Witness! Anyone Who Dares to encroach on This Territory and The Well-being of House Stout Shall Face The Wrath of My House!"
Albaer vowed as his voice rang in the entire hall, his gallant tall figure in armor glowed and his long white hair fluttered in the wind. For a moment, Everything turned Icy-White creating a serene and surreal sight to witness.
This day would be etched in the annals of the history of Akarxia in Golden Words as one of the most important chapters in the entirety of Akarxia's existence.
It would be dubbed, "The Advent of The Destined Prophecy".