Rebirth Of The Duke's Daughter

Chapter 36

'Hm, I think it's because my lady has a more open heart than she realizes,' Vivian responded, her tone thoughtful. She had always known that Mila was unique, possessing a heart capable of understanding and connecting with others in a way that was rare. Yet, she was also aware that within Mila's heart lay a deep-seated vengeance, something that had taken root and remained there, unyielding.

"An open heart?" Mila repeated, her voice tinged with curiosity. The idea was both intriguing and puzzling to her.

'Yes,' Vivian continued, choosing her words carefully. 'There's a legend that speaks of someone known as the Messenger of Beasts. I think it might be helpful to mention it now.'

"Messenger of Beasts?" Mila's brow furrowed slightly in confusion. In all her life, she had never heard of such a myth or legend. It was something entirely new to her.

'The Messenger of Beasts is someone with the most open heart and mind toward beasts,' Vivian explained gently. 'They possess the ability to communicate with beasts without the need for a contract, unless the beast willingly agrees to form one. There have been very few Messengers throughout history, and their existence is rare, almost like a gift bestowed by fate. It's not passed down through bloodlines, nor can it be inherited. They are chosen purely by chance.'

As Mila listened, a sense of wonder began to build within her. The idea that such a person could exist, that she might even be one of them, was both astonishing and humbling. "Why was this never recorded in history?" she asked, her voice soft with awe.

'There was only ever one Messenger in the entire world,]" Vivian explained, her tone gentle yet firm. "[No one had the means to fully document or understand that single individual. Even I don't have much information about her.'

Mila's eyes widened in shock. The revelation that only one such person had ever existed left her speechless for a moment. "Only one?" she whispered, trying to grasp the enormity of it.

'Yes, but now you are the second one,' Vivian said softly. 'Only beasts can truly tell the tale of that first Messenger. She was a woman, and she was the strongest among them all. Beasts from far and wide were drawn to her, and many chose to follow her, forming bonds and contracts out of admiration and loyalty. They followed her to the ends of the earth, such was her strength and compassion.'

What Vivian had shared weighed heavily on Mila's heart. She couldn't help but think of the sadness the beasts must have felt when the first Messenger passed away. "What happened after she was gone?" Mila asked softly, her voice filled with quiet contemplation.

'She passed away as all beings do, human or beast,' Vivian replied gently. 'No one can escape the passage of time. I was young then, but I remember that beasts, unlike humans, can be reborn, though only in the same elemental form they were before.'

As they reached the bottom of the deep well, Mila could sense the presence of the beast nearby. Instinctively, she kept her sword close, ready to defend herself if necessary. "Who are you?!" she called out into the darkness. "I know you can hear me—I can understand you!"

The response came swiftly, the voice filled with anger and pain. 'You do not understand me!'

Mila's eyes widened as a massive vine root emerged from the shadows. She quickly jumped back, realizing the beast was a plant elemental, hidden deep within the twisting roots and shadows. 'Humans like you only seek to use us for your own greed!' The beast's voice was filled with bitterness. Another vine lashed out at Mila, but she dodged and struck it with her sword, cutting it clean in half.

'You are trying to kill me, just as they did to my family!' The beast's voice trembled with rage and sorrow. Vivian, caught in the thick vines, struggled to break free, but her plant form was no match for the beast's overwhelming power.