Zaro Aventine glanced around, trying to figure out where the voice came from. However, he didn't have to wait for long as the large number of soldiers standing behind Orius made way for Iria to ride her horse forward.
In no time, Iria was beside her brother with her gaze fixated on Zaro Aventine who was now opposite her.
Her presence wasn't what bothered Zaro Aventine the most but... her appearance.
She was wearing the armor which she used to wear when she was the Commander of the Alewine Army and... the infamous silver mask with the symbol of an Alewine Army was no exception. Right now, she looked just like the way she appeared whenever she was about to leave for war and Zaro Aventine knew that the best.
"It's been a while, Zaro Aventine," Iria said to her former best friend. "However, it's unfortunate that you're wrong again. Today, the Commander of the Alewine Army is me, the Masked Commander."
Her presence was already intimidating for the soldiers of the Royal Army and with her words adding more to the pressure, the soldiers started losing their confidence.
What's worse? Zaro Aventine could feel that.
Staring at the one whom he grew up with, the one whom he used to love; Zaro Aventine tightened his grip on the rein.
Once again, that day in the Serene Valley crossed his mind and along with it came his wish to turn everything back to normal.
If only he listened to her advice the day she begged him to stop!
They will never have to see this day!
However... what's the use of regretting? It's not like it will change anything.
"Are you that afraid of me aiding Aryan Tripas?" he finally said to Iria in a loud voice. "You even change your ways and you got me."
"I'm not afraid of anything," the Masked Commander stated in a firm voice. "However... knowing that you will be helping the one who poisoned your sister to death disgusts me. That why I'm here." She made a deliberate pause and said, "I also have to fulfill my promise to the officials of my kingdom. I said that I will kill you if you ever join Aryan Tripas and you did just that."
"I don't think the Queen of Qalagon should be bothered with my business," Zaro Aventine stated in a somewhat cold voice and Iria simply nodded once.
"You won't have to worry about that anymore because I will take your life today," she said to Zaro Aventine. "Do you still remember that day in the Serene Valley? If you don't come after me back then, everything was supposed to end that day. However, because of your greed and selfishness, the feud went on for another year.
"Today here in the Mane Valley, I will finally put an end to everything. You will pay for wronging my brother, tarnishing my family name and... for killing Rion."
Her words already caused unrest in the mind of Zaro Aventine's soldiers and General Trevor was feeling troubled too. Once again, what Orius said that night crossed his mind and realized how Iria said just now was quite similar.
Was the King really hiding the truth?!
"Are you that confident?" Zaro Aventine asked after what seemed to be forever. "I only plan to kill Orius but... I realize that I will have to kill you too."
"You can try. It will be a great chance to see it for myself if your skills have improved," Iria simply said. "But remember this." Her expression turned serious and her voice was more than firm when she declared, "I promise in the name of my late father that you won't live to see tomorrow's sunrise. So, make sure to cherish your little time left."
Her daring promise.
It brought Zaro back to the time when they were children.
One day, they talked about promises. When Iria said that she finds it very sincere to make a promise in the name of one's own life, he told her that there were many people who didn't value their lives and who never lived for themselves but others. At this, little Iria nodded and gave another thought.
It was Zaro who said that making a promise in the name of the one whom they respected the most will be the best and most sincere way. If one did that, they will do everything to keep the promise not to disgrace the name of the one they respected the most.
And now... after many years, she used that method to predict his death.
Everything went wrong and... it was all his fault.
If only he could go back to that day, the day she begged him to stop, saying that it was still not late... will they still be best friends who trust and valued each other more than anything or anyone else?
Maybe because he knew that in her life, there were times when she put him above Arin Helev and even herself. He used to be the most important person in her life until... he broke her completely.
If they were the only ones in the Mane Valley right now, he might be willing to get down on his knees and beg for her forgiveness one last time. However, he can't do that.
He also had his responsibilities.
The lives and morale of thousands of soldiers behind him; his kingdom and the people living inside; his throne; his family... so many things depended on him and he cannot back out now.
He knew Iria so well. If she dared to make that promise in the name of her late father, then... she had a plan ready to be executed anytime. He wasn't a fool to not know that the plan will not work in his favor.
It seemed like his end was near but... this time, he chose to not be a coward again.
Ever since she left his life, living or dying didn't have much difference to him. Not when he spent each day in torment!
Finally, he unsheathed his sword and said, "I will look forward to seeing how you execute that promise you just made." It was instantly followed by a command to start attacking......
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