Grand Duke Rivas hesitated. He truly didn't want his daughter to face such a cruel choice. To kill someone so dear to her because there was no other option would undoubtedly leave a hole in her heart. She would carry that guilt for a long time—perhaps even for the rest of her life—if she couldn't overcome it or make peace with herself. As her father, that was the last thing he wanted.
However, as a cultivator, Irene would inevitably face such choices in the future. He wanted her to make her own decisions, believing his role was to support her and ensure she didn't regret them afterward.
"Are you sure, my dear? If you want, I can do it. You don't have to force yourself," Grand Duke Rivas said.
"No, Father. Let me do this," Irene replied firmly, without looking at him. "Can you all leave me and Cecile alone for a while?"
