125: Lutea's Plight

Lutea's Plight

"Well, it's a rather tragic story. Most likely this kind of event is commonplace in the human territories, but this does not really happen much in within the dragon tribe. Despite the current circumstances, the dragons are historically recognized as a close-knit group. This is because there undeniably are not many of us. Yes, if you count the Beastmen and the weaker dragon-like magic beasts, the numbers are still reasonably high. However, actual pure-blood dragons are extremely hard to reproduce. Each century, for every element, there might be one birth. Every so often, we go without one new birth for a millennium. We all have our classic personality flaws that I'm sure Rosalie has mentioned. These flaws tend to cause minor conflicts all the time and the occasional life-and-death battle. Regardless, those are rare because we cannot afford dragons dying on a regular basis. I don't know what it was about Irumen, I guess some things are just born not right. If pride and arrogance were indeed his sole issues than that would be fine. That is merely par for the course with the Light Dragons. It's his other obvious character issues that cause so many problems to revolve around this one dragon. He has been a part of a record-breaking five life-and-death battles. Not including all the small skirmishes that he has engaged in on the side." Elder Brevre spoke up at this time.0

"Well, what is wrong with him?"

"What is NOT wrong with Irumen? He is greedy, arrogant, despotic, violent and lustful to the point he cannot control himself anytime he sees an attractive female. Pick any negative trait and for sure he displays it as a part of his personality." Sneering in disgust, Rosalie crossed her arms angrily as she spat insult after insult out. "The only problem is he is also intelligent and manages to get away with almost everything. There is this line that he follows and never goes across so the other dragons cannot say much about severe punishment."

"A real ray of sunshine it seems." Greyson replied sarcastically.

"Lutea was Elder Ambrose's second daughter. Historically, dragons suffer just giving birth to one child, let alone two. Ambrose pampered her like no other, and she grew up to be a lovely and gentle soul. Sincerely innocent and happy unlike her father. If I were to credit Ambrose with anything, it would be that he raises his children right. Almonis and Lutea were such kind and courageous children. Many suitors wished to mate with Lutea, however, she had her mind made up rather early on her mate. She wanted to marry another Snow Dragon named Ermes. Such an outstanding woman, how could Irumen NOT have his eyes on her? Time and again, he would order his servants to pressure her into meeting up with him. Adamantly refusing him each time, Lutea was growing stressed with each denial. Threats growing more substantial each time, she did not know what to do. Ermes, of course, noticed Lutea's distress. In his anger, he rushed up to Irumen and urged him to back off. Little did he think that Irumen would threaten him into a life-and-death battle using family. Reluctantly, Ermes ended up signing the agreement and the battle was thus approved. You can already start to see what happened, right?" Freizon paused to look over at Greyson.

"He died, didn't he?" Drooping his shoulders a little, Greyson could definitely guess the subsequent events.

"Yes, he did. Irumen was older and more powerful, and he used his bloodline suppression ability. Ermes did not stand a chance."

"Lutea tried stopping the battle and claimed she would marry Irumen if he would just let Ermes go. But this did not assuage Irumen, instead it made him more upset by forcing him to witness their deep love. Without hesitation, Irumen cut down Ermes. After watching the light leave his eyes in her arms, Lutea was never the same. Locking herself away in Ambrose's cave, she has not come out to see anyone in centuries. Rumors say she has gone insane and barely feeds herself properly. The guilt and regret combined with crazed anger just broke her, especially because Ambrose would never allow her to take revenge. Almonis also changed after this event. Ermes was his best friend, and his dear sister lost her mind. Training everywhere, he grew in power exponentially. This increase in power came at the cost of his past kindness. All that remained was cold apathy." Brevre let out a long sigh feeling the situation was too depressing.

"Yes, that unfortunate boy. They were such pleasant and happy children. If something like that ever happened to Elbianth, I don't know what I would do. I guess Ambrose was correct in his words earlier. It is possible we have been too unsympathetic..." Reminiscent and wistful, Freizon's face softened out.

"No! You know that ever since he was young Ambrose harboured lofty ambitions. As much as I can maybe believe he truly cared for his children, they do not come before his goals. If he genuinely cared about his son, why did he not stop Almonis before all these changes occurred. There was nonetheless another child who could be saved. Plus, he only went through the motions seeking a cure for Lutea. Many things could have helped her mental condition, but have you seen him go out looking for them? Look at Ermes' parents, they are not treated any better by Ambrose and actually do not agree with his actions. Their son died, yet they do not support Ambrose?" Elder Brevre did not agree with his wife at all. The children were to be pitied but not Ambrose. It was not only one to two things that did not add up with Ambrose.

"Grandma, Grandpa, how powerful is Almonis?" Greyson suddenly cut in with a question.

"Almonis? Why do you ask?"

"I mean compared to Irumen."

"Oh, well, this is another issue your grandfather and I worry about. He is powerful, undoubtedly. However, powerful enough to defeat Irumen and severely injure him? We are not completely convinced."

"But he also confessed. Even a witness came forward who put Almonis at the scene of the assassination. Which makes our doubts moot and no use."

"Witness?"

"From the Light Dragon tribe."

"A guard or servant of Irumen?"

"No, Irumen was alone. It was the Second Young Master's servant."

"Second Young Master? Irumen's younger brother? He has one?" Greyson was a little surprised by the sudden news. In all of his time in the tribe, not one person mentioned this younger brother.

"Yes, a real stand-up young dragon compared to his older brother. He is very low-key and not much is known about him. According to the servants, he is gentle and calm."

"What is his name?"

"Elophis."

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