Execution

She caressed the sword's blade with her fingers, her tone laced with a potent mix of threat and confidence. "Only a single strike from this sword, and all of you will be reduced to ashes. This blade is just a minuscule manifestation of my magic, akin to a single grain of rice. It serves as a testament to my unimaginable power. Yet, one of you attempted to bribe me, while another nearly succeeded in ending my life. Even though you may not have intended to kill me, the cold toxin you used almost proved fatal. Understand this: my strength doesn't make me immortal. I owe my survival to the Healing Tree. Had I not awakened, your fate would have been far bleaker."

She shifted her gaze to them, "Moreover, my power extends beyond that of common humans or other Chi members who have lived before or will live after me. Despite your efforts, your antidote fails to fully heal me. I spare you today, but don't mistake my mercy for weakness. Remember, the one responsible for this chaos is Elder Master Yang. It's his ignorance of my true identity that saves you from a grisly fate. Be warned, though – you all will have to come here again, since your execution will be inevitable."

She moved the sword gracefully through the air, and it vanished into thin air. In gratitude, they all expressed their thanks.

"Your Highness, your mercy defies the legends spoken of you," Young Lady Yang said in awe.

Mia smiled gently, "Legends are just stories, but sometimes, they hold hidden guidance that eludes our understanding. Rise, all of you."

They stood up, their expressions a mix of relief and curiosity. Elder Master bowed respectfully to Mia, his voice filled with sincerity, "Your Highness, you mentioned our return here for execution. May I respectfully inquire why?"

Mia waved her hand, conjuring a piece of paper in the Elder Master's hands. As he read it, shock etched across his face, causing him to collapse onto the ground. Family members rushed to his side, attempting to help him up, but he remained kneeling, his eyes filled with a mixture of despair and realization. Returning to her throne, Mia regarded him with a mix of sternness and sadness, her heart heavy with the weight of the decisions she had just made. The room fell into a heavy silence, the air thick with tension as everyone absorbed the gravity of the situation.

With a trembling body and tear-filled eyes, the Elder Master began to beg, "Your Highness, I beg you to forgive them."

Mia sighed deeply, her voice firm, "Please, rise. Or else I will consider it as misbehaving."

He slowly got up, his gaze fixed on the ground, "I dare not to disobey you."

Mia's tone grew somber as she recounted their shared history, "After your family's transgressions, my ancestors raised you, bestowing upon you the Chi surname. You became the White Wolf Leader at twenty, always upholding the law above all, even family. You delayed marriage until forty to fulfill your duties. When you finally found love, you wed, raising three sons and a daughter. Tragically, they succumbed to the dark beasts' influence, leading to their mutual destruction, leaving only your youngest son alive. Your wife, broken-hearted, passed away. By violating the pact between Magical Beasts and Humans, your family was slated for execution. Yet, for your son, you relinquished your leadership and the Chi name."

Mia sighed, her expressions filled with sadness and then continiued, "My grandfather, fond of you, granted you part of his business, now the Yang Corporation, and the Yang surname. But remember, your family was spared under the condition that any future misdeeds would lead to their execution. Your family's crimes are immense. How could someone as righteous as you fall so far for the sake of family? Now, your family teeters on the brink of execution. My siblings, too, are my only family, but if they commit crimes someday, I'll punish them without hesitation."

He fell silent for a moment before speaking up, "Your Highness, it was my wife's dying wish to protect my son. I am deeply indebted to your family."

Mia responded, "For now, you all should return. Even if I intervene this time, no one would dare to object. But isn't it unfair to others? One can rectify mistakes, making them no longer errors. I won't enumerate their crimes; they're well aware. If you correct your wrongs, you might receive a lighter punishment. This rule was established long ago. But for those who have taken lives, we can't bring the dead back. In such cases, execution is unavoidable. Return, correct your errors, and remember, I will be watching."

The Elder Master expressed his gratitude, nodding appreciatively, "Thank you so much, Your Highness."

Mia continued, addressing a misunderstanding, "One more thing, there's a misconception about me and your grandson. He's simply a senior in our field, someone who has guided me and served as my inspiration due to his achievements, reinforcing my belief in hard work. I learned a great deal from him. The time you noticed us together was because I sought his guidance for my work."

Young Master Yang chimed in, "Grandfather, Her Highness is right. I avoided other women because they pursued me for my wealth. They often sought help and ended up wanting to marry me. Her Highness, however, approached me with a genuine desire to learn and work seriously. Initially, I was skeptical, but her dedication shone through. Your Highness, I apologize for the trouble my grandfather caused because of me."

Mia acknowledged their apologies with a nod, her eyes reflecting a blend of understanding and compassion. The Elder Master, his voice laced with remorse, spoke again, "Your Highness, I am once again deeply sorry for the mistakes we have made."

Mia's smile, though tinged with sadness, conveyed her willingness to accept their remorse. She nodded once more, signifying her acknowledgment of his sincerity. 

Just as they were about to enter the magical portal that Mia had conjured to take them home, she held up her hand, signaling for them to wait. "Wait a second," she said, her tone carrying a hint of importance.