
Elena slept uneasily until dawn. Countless thoughts swirled in his mind, mostly about Carlisle.
"When did it start?"
He opened his eyes to see the sunlight filtering gently through the curtains. He turns his mind back to the time when the Blaise family was destroyed, when he escaped from Mirabelle and Derek, and the grief he felt when he saw his father's corpse. The memory used to be rotated in front of him every time he closed his eyelids at night. Not a single day passed in his last life where he was not reminded of that hell.
'But since when …'
When did he start having days when he wasn't chained with those horrible memories? Returning to the past seems to have a greater effect on her then she thinks, as the bitter memories begin to fade into a nightmare she doesn't want to visit again. He used to be overcome with poison every time he remembered it.
'When I move. '
In her last life, Elena spent years learning to fight and sharpen her sword in order to take revenge against Paveluc. No matter how long time passed, his mind was always wrapped up in the death of his family …
But now, Elena's heart was flowing with time like a river, and Carlisle suddenly held onto her mind.
"Is it okay to let this happen?"
Just because he started seeing Carlisle as a man, it didn't mean he didn't care about the safety of his family. Nothing has changed from the current situation. In the end, making emperor Carlisle was his mission, and even if he could not do that, he could not leave it to the mercy of Empress Ophelia or the Anita family.
"Will this heart get in the way?"
Maybe he should wait until Carlisle is crowned emperor and he achieves his goal at least …
A long shadow fell on Elena's face, and she tilted her head to see Carlisle looking at her.
"Why are you still lying down when you wake up?"
"Oh, I just thought—"
Hwyigh!
Carlisle did not even hear Elena's reply as she pulled the blanket to reveal her ankle.
Elena looked at him in wonder.
"What are you doing, Caril?"
“I've been waiting for you to wake up. ”
Carlisle's eyes fell on her bruised and swollen ankles. He frowned as he lightly rubbed his feet with his hands.
"Did you lie to me last night about not getting hurt?"
"I'm fine . I'll be better soon. ”
"I won't believe you when you say you're okay from now on. ”
Carlisle called the waiter waiting outside and ordered him to bring the doctor immediately. Although his voice was calm, the servant hurried away. The atmosphere coming from the prince was terrifying.
Elena watched the scene from behind in surprise. A small injury like this did not require this level of commotion, he would not even consider going to the doctor for such an injury in his last life.
Some time passed before the doctor came to check his ankle.
"Ah, Your Grace. Fortunately, it is not as serious as a fracture or dislocation. Do not move too much and apply ice. If the pain is not severe, you do not even need a bandage— ”
Carlisle, who was standing close, cut.
“What do you mean the injury is not severe? You have to do something to keep his ankle in place. ”
"He has bruises, but to have that level of care—"
The doctor fell silent under Carlisle's sharp gaze and swallowed.
"Did you say that after seeing the injury with both of your eyes that it wasn't serious?"
"Oh no . Your honor . My lowly self is preparing for such treatment in case of an unexpected emergency. ”
The palace doctor quickly took out a few bandages from her bag, and Elena could not help but feel ashamed. He didn't think the injury wasn't serious enough for the bandage, but he couldn't help but agree with Carlisle in front of him. They had to project an image of love, and Elena had no intention of questioning Carlisle's honor, no matter how trivial. He watched the doctor carefully bandage his legs, then gazed back at Carlisle's face.
"Thank you, Caril. You care about me even the smallest thing. ”
Carlisle raised his eyebrows at the unexpected answer, but he soon realized that he was aware of the doctor nearby. He smiled and raised his hand to touch Elena's cheek.
"Don't get hurt, my wife. ”
Even though it was all just acting, his heart trembled at her words. He began to realize that he was losing control.
'No one doubted me when I said I was okay …'
Everyone believed when he said he was fine, even when he was suffering. No one tried to uncover his hidden wounds like Carlisle did. Carlisle stared at the bandage that wrapped around Elena's ankle, then turned to the maid.
"Is the medicine ready?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. This will help with pain in the ankle. Should I arrange it now? "
Carlisle glanced at Elena then shook his head.
“Not yet, the remedy is not good on an empty stomach. Tell the chef to serve foods that will promote healing. ”
"Yes, Your Majesty. ”
The maid retreated and rushed out of the room as Elena looked at her overprotective husband. Whether as the eldest daughter of the Blaise family or as a knight, she never worried. Carlisle's concern for her seemed to warm her body.
'It tastes good…'
She did not know how to express those feelings in words, but she was touched by Carlisle's care.
A thought flashed through his mind. To be able to stop his heart go to Carlisle …
Is it too late?
Elena was resting in the room when there was a knock on the door, and her nanny walked in.
"What's that?"
“Mr Zenard is here. Should I let him in? "
"Oh, yeah, soon. ”
The nurse smiled and stepped out. A while later, Zenard walked in and bowed respectfully.
“Welcome, Mr. Zenard. Have you completed the research I requested? ”
"Yes, Your Majesty. Before I explain to you, please read the report first. ”
He received a report from Zenard and quickly skimmed through the traffic, then stopped in one place.
[There is another plant called Vanera, which is the twin sister of Manera.
It is said that they look identical, and only scholars who study Sibenian plants can distinguish their differences.
The Vanera plant produces the same pink flowers, but unlike the Manera, which is harmful to the female body, inhaling its scent is harmless.
Conversely, the sweet aroma of Vanera flowers improves health for the mind and body of a woman ..]
Elena's forehead is wrinkled. Was the gift sent by Empress Ophelia the Manera plant that caused infertility? Or a completely harmless Vanera plant? It seems that only a scholar from Sibena knows.
"Why did the empress send me one of these twin plants?"
It was not clear if it was a coincidence or if there were more sinister intentions. Elena carried her hand to her chin as she thought about the information, then looked back at Zenard.
“I have to confirm the contents of this report first. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. ”
"Yes . As you can see, no ordinary person could tell the two flowers apart. ”
“Then we will need a botanist who knows the plants of Sibena. ”
“I brought a scholar last night to identify the person who was given to you. ”
Elena was impressed by Zenard's quick initiative. He had met several Carlisle men several times, including Kuhn, but he had no idea that Zenard had extraordinary abilities.
“It is reassuring that the Crown Prince has a man like you by his side. ”
"You're too kind, Your Majesty. ”
Zenard lowered his head because of the compliment.
Elena meant. The crown prince could not act on his own, and it was a blessing that Carlisle had competent subordinates.
“We can save a lot of time thanks to your fast work. What do scholars say about the plant? "
“... It is a Manera flower. ”
Manera is the one who causes infertility. It was no different from her original suspicions, but the fact that there were twin plants weighed on Elena's mind. Is the Queen going to lie or say that she is wrong? It would have been easier if Ophelia was the awkward type, but Carlisle had warned her that she would not be that easy.
"Then what's going on?"
Even though he felt uncomfortable, there was no way for him to know about it now. Zenard interrupted Elena's thoughts.
"How do you intend to handle this?"
"I think you're reporting this to Prince Carlisle. Did you tell him what you told me? "
"…!"
Eyes widened. It was true that he had already gone to Carlisle before going to Elena, because the last time he was scolded for dropping off his report was too late. Zenard was surprised, but he was also impressed that Elena was casually paying attention to this information.
'She really is a crown princess. '
Every time he saw her made sure that she was a suitable match for Carlisle. Zenard looked at Elena with envious eyes and lowered her head.
"As you said, it is true that I reported to Prince Carlisle first. He then ordered me to do whatever you asked. ”
"… Caril?"
Elena was so shocked that she accidentally called Carlisle by the name of her pet. He is usually careful to refer to him by his official title in order to establish his authority.
"Is it because of what he said earlier?"
Elena had told Carlisle to trust her, and this seemed to be the answer. It wasn't an overreaction, but it was supportive.
– Sorry, but I won't let you down.
Despite being worried about his safety, he seemed to have trust and confidence in his abilities. For her to hand the case over to Elena despite how worried she was .. A thin smile spread across Elena's lips.
"Your highness?"
Zenard noticed the sudden change in Elena, who broke away from her daydream and looked at Zenard in front of her.
“Oh, I was thinking about something for a moment. ”
Elena did not explain, but Zenard guessed that Carlisle was on her mind. After a while, Elena continued to speak with her bright glowing red eyes.
"As long as we have the Queen's weakness, we can't let her go. ”
"That word…"
"I had to set up a trap, which was so tight that the Empress could not get out of it. ”
It was important to make the whole world know that Ophelia intended to hurt Elena, and not let her easily make excuses.
"Among the ambassadors here to celebrate the wedding are from the Kingdom of Sibena, right?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. ”
"Please check if any of them have ever studied plants. “
"W…!"
Zenard seemed to be putting together what Elena was planning. He gave her a meaningful look.
"And tell the ambassadors of all the kingdoms that I will host a party as a thank you for the wedding. Do it as soon as possible before they go home. In the meantime, we will send an invitation to the Empress as well. ”
The smile on Elena's lips deepened.
“Let's start by opening Manera factory in front of everyone. ”
If it was revealed that Empress Ophelia sent flowers to Elena, it would cause a commotion. Even the Empress could not stop the mouths of people from other kingdoms. This is the trap that Elena woven. Zenard looked amazed and bowed.
"As far as you are, Your Majesty. ”