Chapter 359 Inner Frustration

Isaac stepped forward, his posture respectful yet firm, and spoke with steady resolve.

 “Your Grace, Lady Helen has been instrumental in resolving a personal matter of great importance to me. Her actions not only addressed a long-standing issue but also demonstrated her capability and resourcefulness. For that, I owe her a great debt. In light of her ambitious plans for her town and the potential they hold for our region, I would like to repay that debt by offering my assistance as a mediator between her and your kingdom.”

Isaac’s voice remained calm but carried a note of sincerity as he continued.

 “I believe my familiarity with her intentions and my understanding of your kingdom’s needs could help bridge any gaps, ensuring this partnership thrives. I would be honored to serve as a liaison, to help facilitate the communication and cooperation necessary to make this vision a reality. With your blessing, I am confident that this collaboration can achieve its full potential, benefiting not just her lands but yours as well.”

The ruler’s expression hardened for a moment, his gaze flickering between Isaac and Suzuka as the weight of Isaac’s words sank in. His fingers drummed lightly against the armrest of his throne, betraying his inner frustration despite the composed air he maintained.

He exhaled slowly, his tone measured but tinged with reluctance.

 “Isaac Van Blous, your family's loyalty and your skill have long been a boon to this kingdom. Your talents are unmatched, and your presence has been a great asset to our strength and stability. To hear of your intention to align yourself with Lady Helen… it is no small matter.”

The ruler paused, his eyes narrowing slightly as he weighed his words.

 “I cannot deny that losing a mage of your caliber would be a significant blow to our kingdom’s resources. Losing one of our great mages is a hard blow. However, I respect your decision to repay a debt and pursue this new path, as much as it may displease me.”

His tone shifted slightly, a grudging respect creeping into his words.

 “If this is where your convictions lead you, then I won't stand in your way. Your offer to mediate between our lands is noted, and I will hold you to that promise. Ensure that this partnership brings prosperity and stability, or I will consider this a grave loss indeed.”

The ruler leaned back in his throne, his gaze sharp and calculating. 

“Go, with my reluctant blessing. But know this, Isaac—our kingdom will remember the weight of your departure. Do not let your talents go to waste, and do not let her ambitions falter. For your sake, and for hers.”

His voice grew quieter, laced with a final note of resignation. 

“You are free to go, though it pains me to lose a mage of your stature. I can only hope this alliance proves as fruitful as you both claim it will be.”

Isaac took a deep breath, stepping forward with a solemn expression. He bowed deeply before the ruler, his voice steady but thick with emotion.

"Your Grace, I owe you more than I could ever express in words. When the world turned against me, when even my name was dragged through the mud with false accusations, you were the only one who saw the truth in me. You gave me freedom when others called for my head. You allowed me to fight for my innocence, and because of your belief in me, I finally have the chance to rebuild what I thought I’d lost forever."

He straightened, his eyes locking with the ruler's.

 "I know that my decision to join Lady Helen may seem like a betrayal of the trust and faith you've placed in me. I understand how it must feel, and for that, I am deeply sorry. But I promise you, this is not an abandonment. It’s a new path, one I believe can benefit not just Helen’s town, but yours as well."

Isaac glanced at Suzuka for a moment, then back to the ruler. 

"By helping her, I can ensure that her vision—a vision that aligns with prosperity and peace for all our people—becomes a reality. Her town, connected to yours, could bring unprecedented trade, safety, and opportunity. And through this, I hope to repay even a fraction of what I owe you."

His voice softened, sincere and full of gratitude.

 "Your Grace, everything I have done, and will do, is shaped by the belief you showed in me when no one else would. I will carry that with me wherever I go. Please trust me one more time, to make this decision for the greater good of all our people."

Isaac bowed once again, his tone humble but resolute. 

"Thank you, for everything. I will not let you down."

The ruler’s voice wavered as he brushed a tear from his eye, his usually composed demeanor breaking as he stood and approached Isaac. His steps were slow, his face a mix of sorrow and pride.

"Isaac, my boy! Your father… he was like a brother to me. My best friend. And you… you’ve always been like a son to me. Of course, I believed in you! How could I not? Only a fool could think you capable of such a heinous act."

He placed a firm but gentle hand on Isaac’s shoulder, his gaze softening as he looked into the young mage’s eyes. 

"But now, here you stand, stronger than ever, and you’ve proven your innocence for all the world to see. You’ve cast off those disgusting false accusations, and you’ve shown them all who you truly are. It brings me such relief to see you free from that dark shadow at last."

The ruler’s expression darkened for a moment, a flicker of pain crossing his face.

 "It still cuts me deeply that your father’s last will was stolen, that it was lost… preventing you from inheriting what is rightfully yours. It was a travesty, and it angers me to this day. But at least now you are a free man."

He sighed, his voice growing heavy with regret but tinged with satisfaction.

 "Your Uncle Gideon… the one who held onto those stolen rights, the one who tried to destroy you—he will not evade justice. His crimes have caught up with him. And though I take no pleasure in another’s suffering, the prison he now faces will make him answer for what he did to you and your family."

The ruler tightened his grip on Isaac’s shoulder, his tone firm yet filled with affection. 

"Isaac, I am proud of you. Proud of the man you’ve become, and proud of the strength you’ve shown. You’ve honored your father’s memory in ways that no inheritance or title could ever match."

His voice softened as he added, "No matter where this road takes you, remember this—you will always have a home here. And though it pains me to see you go, I know you’ll do great things for this kingdom and beyond."

The ruler stepped back, his eyes misty but his smile resolute.

 "Go, Isaac. Forge your path and know that my faith in you will never waver."

With ruler's blessing they stepped out of the grand throne room. Suzuka glanced at Isaac as they walked, her curiosity piqued by the heartfelt exchange she had witnessed. Unable to hold back any longer, she tilted her head toward him with a casual, teasing smile.

"So, hey, don’t want to pry or anything, but what’s the deal with this inheritance and the whole ‘last will’ thing? Sounds like there’s a juicy story there. Riches, betrayal, stolen rights—it’s got all the drama of a bard’s tale."

Isaac glanced at her, for a moment, the weight of his past seemed to press down on his shoulders, but then he chuckled softly, appreciating her straightforwardness.

"It’s… complicated. My family, the Van Blous line, was one of the wealthiest and most influential in this region. My father worked his whole life to ensure that legacy endured—not for power, but to give us security and help those who relied on us. He wanted his wealth to go to me after his passing, to keep the estate in the family and continue his work."

He paused, his gaze distant as memories flooded back.

 "But when my parents were… killed, things went wrong. Their deaths were ruled a murder, and the finger was pointed at me. People said I orchestrated it, that I wanted the inheritance for myself. The will naming me as the rightful heir conveniently ‘disappeared,’ and the estate defaulted to my uncle, Gideon Vayner. He made sure the accusations stuck, turning allies against me while he claimed what wasn’t his."

Isaac’s expression darkened, a bitter edge creeping into his voice.

 "For years, I fought to clear my name, living under a cloud of suspicion while Gideon lived in luxury on what should have been mine. It wasn’t until recently, with your help, that I found the proof I needed to expose him. The ruler supported me when no one else would, and now Gideon’s finally paying for what he did."

He glanced at Suzuka, his smile faint but sincere. 

"As for the inheritance… it’s still up in the air. Without the will, reclaiming the estate is a long, messy process. Honestly, I’m not even sure I care about the money anymore. After all this, I just want to move on, maybe use what I’ve learned to help others."

 "That’s a noble answer and all, but come on, Isaac. You’re telling me you don’t care even a little bit about getting all that gold and land back? No secret dreams of lounging in a mansion surrounded by servants and fine wine?"