Chapter 405: Until the End of Time

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After Isolde left, she ran straight to the edge of the reservoir, collapsing onto the ground as tears poured from her eyes. A broad hand gently patted her back, and a cloak was draped over her shoulders. Isolde turned her tear-streaked face to see Garrett’s eyes filled with sorrow and pain. She wiped her tears roughly, her voice thick with emotion. “I’m fine, really, I’m fine.”

Garrett sighed heavily. “I know about your father. I never thought he would go this far for you. I misjudged him.” He sat beside her, stretching his long legs out, but winced slightly as if in pain. He bent them again, adjusting his position. Isolde noticed the small, subtle gesture, and it made her heart ache even more.

Natasha was slipping away, and now Garrett, too, was growing frail. Patricia had mentioned before that Garrett had many old injuries. In his youth, he could endure them, but now, with age, it was constant pain in his legs and back. After the last battle, he had fallen from his horse, injuring his head and legs. His eyesight had worsened since then.

Isolde crouched down, pressing her hands on his legs, massaging gently. Garrett grasped her hand. “It’s nothing.” But Isolde pulled away and continued, her voice cracking, “Please, I beg you—stay healthy. Stay with me a little longer.”

Garrett spoke softly, “Life and death are fated. Wealth and honor are granted by the heavens. Some things, we cannot control. If we can’t defy fate, my girl, you need to accept it.”

Isolde shook her head. “I can’t accept this. This is the one thing I can’t accept.”

Garrett’s voice softened, tinged with regret. “When I was young, I was full of anger, pride, and arrogance. I thought I could change everything on my own, even defy death. But after your mother passed, I realized how powerless I am. I couldn’t protect even my own daughter. And now… watching you, I feel the same helplessness.”

Isolde lowered her head, her hands kneading his legs and knees. Her tears fell like raindrops, and her heart felt heavy, a soft, aching pain that she couldn’t escape. The most sorrowful thing was hearing the powerless sighs of a once-great hero. Garrett had once been a towering figure in the Eryndral Empire, but now, that great mountain was slowly crumbling.

“Don’t cry,” Garrett said, pulling her hand gently. “Come sit with me. Let’s talk.”

Isolde moved closer, taking off the large cloak and wrapping it around both of them. She rested her head on Garrett’s shoulder, the two of them huddled together like two birds in the cold wind.

Isolde listened closely, her attention fixed on Garrett. She already knew of the ambitions of Thabvinar and the Northern Desert, but no one was taking them seriously now. Currently, Thalvinar was paying tribute, and the Northern Desert had signed a ceasefire, recovering from internal turmoil. Small border skirmishes were happening, but they didn’t seem like a major threat. Garrett, however, was far more perceptive. He knew that these were just illusions. Both Thalvinar and the Northern Desert harbored aggressive ambitions, and their desires to invade seeped into the bloodlines of their rulers. The Eryndral Empire wasn’t as solid as the officials thought. The Empire’s great generals were aging.

Garrett said, “I’ve noticed it in you—you have the talent to lead. Your grandmother always said not to let you go to war. Of course, if the country is peaceful, there’s no need for you to fight. But when the nation is in danger, everyone has a responsibility—not just the men. As a citizen of the Eryndral Empire, you also have a duty to protect the land. Your grandfather has dedicated his whole life to protecting this land, every inch of it. Many have asked me if I fear death. Yes, I do. Who doesn’t? But there are things worse than death—when everything you hold dear is taken away. If the country falls, there’s no home left. Living then is like a stray dog, with no meaning.”

Isolde’s heart stirred. Her blood boiled with emotion, hearing Garrett’s words. When she had first been reborn, her only thought had been revenge—revenge for the loss of her life and her child. She had even considered staying out of the situation when Lord Theodric had fallen. But luckily, she had come this far without letting hatred cloud her heart. Her true nature remained.

On the pavilion, Natasha leaned against the railing, her frail form watching the two below. Garrett’s words were loud enough to be carried by the mountain wind, clear and distinct. Tears welled up in Natasha’s eyes as she listened. She couldn’t help but remember the young man on horseback, the one who had once scorned her with such anger. “You rich, arrogant girl, thinking a few coins make you so important. Today, I’ll ruin your business.” From that moment, their rivalry had bound them together for life. As they grew closer, she found herself sitting on the ground, looking up at him, listening to his passionate words. “One day, I’ll drive those wild dogs from the Northern Desert back to where they belong.”

Garrett had also said, “I will marry you, but my heart will not be fully yours. If you don’t want to marry, tell me now. But if you agree, I will take you as my only wife.”

She only knew that the angry young man was strangely endearing. She loved him, purely, from beginning to end. They had walked through year after year, side by side, and reached old age together. She should have no regrets. But why, then, did she feel so unwilling to let go?

Heaven, please give me a little more time.

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