As Lady Haruka's sword hovered above Akuma's head, Zela felt a surge of desperation. She knew that she had to act fast, or risk losing the woman she loved.

With a fierce cry, Zela launched herself at Lady Haruka, grabbing her arm and trying to pull her away from Akuma.

"Mother, stop!" Zela cried, her voice shaking with emotion. "Please, don't hurt her. She's innocent."

Lady Haruka's face twisted with rage, and she shook Zela off. "You fool," she spat. "You're just like your father, always weak and sentimental. But I'll never be weak. I'll never let anyone stand in my way."

As Lady Haruka raised her sword again, Zela felt a sense of despair wash over her. She knew that she had to think fast, or risk losing everything.

And then, in a flash of inspiration, Zela remembered something. She remembered a secret that her mother had kept hidden for years, a secret that could change everything.

"Mother, wait!" Zela cried, her voice ringing out across the battlefield. "I know something. Something that could change everything."

Lady Haruka's eyes narrowed, and she lowered her sword. "What is it?" she spat. "What could you possibly know that would make me spare this... this... commoner?"

Zela took a deep breath, and then spoke the words that would change everything. "I know about Father's will," she said. "I know that he left the estate to me, not to you. And I know that you've been keeping it a secret all these years."

The battlefield fell silent, as everyone stared at Zela in shock. Lady Haruka's face turned white with rage, and she took a step back, her eyes blazing with fury.

"You'll pay for this, Zela," she spat. "You'll pay dearly."