The Hidden King

Chapter 29

Milia, upon learning the truth, left prison in unbearable agony, her disappointment in her father sinking her spirits. Only now did she deeply understand why Annia hated her so much, to the bone. These years, how desperate and pained Annia must have been, unable to find any reason for her father's abandonment, unable to comprehend his disappearance.

All because of Milia's lie, her unconscious admission that her father, Odessa, committed suicide, turned Annia's father from dead to missing. Only in the end did Annia discover the truth: the person who killed her father, using his body to vanish without a trace, how intense must her hatred be.

The atmosphere in the council chamber today was unusually solemn. The elders and representatives of the city's senior families were all present. Although the gods were not involved, the temple priests were also in attendance.

Liam presided over the approval meeting, with Osha, the chief priest, sitting behind him as the representative of the divine race. The venue across from them was filled with long benches, and most of the tribe's people had come, crowding in or standing at the door to watch.

Annia and Milia sat separately in the front row, far apart. Kenny sat in the back row, his expression wooden, determined to be a witness today.

Liam first read out the background of the matter, his voice loud and commanding, the audience silent. Liam was about to announce Morrison's crime when Milia raised her hand. Liam nodded, and she stood up, facing the audience.

"Before our leader pronounces judgment, I want to sincerely confess a long-hidden fact to everyone. Today, the true identity of the person who killed the ancient god Newkass is revealed."

All eyes were on Milia, especially Annia's, whose expression was particularly subtle, as if she could barely contain her restlessness, almost standing up. Burke quietly grabbed her arm.

Milia cleared her throat and continued, "The ancient god Newkass was indeed killed by this person, who poisoned him with sweet soup. His name is Odessa, my father. Ten years ago, my father did not fall to his death from a cliff. The one who died then was another elf, named Morrison, who is Annia's father."

A murmur arose, and the audience was in an uproar. Milia went on, "Ten years ago, when Morrison and my father Odessa were struggling on the cliff, Odessa rushed to the bottom of the cliff. Morrison was not yet dead at that time; he had the opportunity to save him, but he did not. Instead, he placed his family crest on Morrison, leading to this miscarriage of justice. And I, I lied to the old leader, Dadesa. I told him that my father had fallen to his death from the cliff. I have also committed the crime of concealment and shelter."

Kenny blinked several times in succession to conceal his shock. This was Milia's premature confession, nailing herself and her father to the pillar of shame.

Annia's lips trembled, the muscles on her face twitching uncontrollably. She staggered to her feet from her seat, Burke could no longer hold her back, and she glared in Milia's direction, her eyes almost spewing fire.

Milia turned toward Annia, her eyes meeting hers with sincerity. "Odessa didn't just kill Annia's father, Morrison, but also, driven by bribery, personally murdered the ancient god Newkass. He's guilty of two murders, and I provided false testimony for his faked death. Both of us are culpable and ready to accept the judgment of our leaders and priests, submitting to any punishment. On behalf of my father, Odessa, and myself, I sincerely apologize to the victim, Ms. Annia."

As she finished, Milia bowed deeply to Annia.

Annia's tears flowed silently, a smile on her lips. Unable to contain herself, she screamed at Milia, her voice sharp and cutting. "You! What right do you have to repent! You think this is enough? I will never accept your apology!"