The Return of the Female Knight

CHAPTER 31

“We're here, sister! Here!"

Mirabelle shouted as she pointed to the entrance of the new jewelry store. Elena could not help but smile at her sister's excitement

"Be careful or you'll fall."

Elena rushed to where Mirabelle was in front of her. After Kuhn came to visit, Elena finished organizing the documents and then went to enjoy the fresh air with Mirabelle. He had a mountain of work to do, but he was unwilling to give up these hours with his family. All the reason for his suffering was to maintain this happiness.

Dharang–

The door of the jewelry store was opened with a clear and light bell sound. Mirabelle took a breath as she stepped inside the building. Whether it was a new piece of furniture or a new item, he always found the shop's scent pleasant.

Elena watched Mirabelle walk inside, then turned to the fifteen or so knights escorting them. Derek had posted more knights than usual after that day when Elena went missing. Elena did not resist this time, knowing that Helen's man might follow them.

"Please wait here."

"Yes, my lady."

On Elena's orders, the knights stood tall in front of the shop without a word. It was quite a sight with their weapons tightly held.

Elena follows Mirabelle to the jewelry store, thinking that Blaise's knights are no obstacle at all. It is mostly dark inside. However, the jewelry in the cabinet lit up brightly, causing them to shine. Elena looked around silently for a moment.

"What kind of a jewel is that?"

He turned to Mirabelle's voice, and saw the necklace displayed near the entrance of the store. The pendant was encrusted with a red gem the size of a small image, which attracted attention from afar. It looked like a pomegranate stone, but depending on the angle of light it gave off an unusual luster.

“You have good eyes. This is a necklace made of the finest diamonds. "

The officer spoke in a neat black uniform. Judging from her clothes, Elena could see just how much effort the owner put into this endeavor. Sooner or later, this place could become the most famous jewelry store in the south.

"This is a red diamond?"

"Yes. It is rare for it to be this red color. Colored diamonds are considered more valuable than white diamonds, but this one has the best quality. "

"Well…"

Looking at the admiring look of Mirabelle, Elena looked at the necklace with a fresh perspective. He knew that colored diamonds were more precious, but he had never seen one so clearly with his own eyes. Mirabelle spoke again with a curious expression on her face.

"How much is this necklace worth?"

"The amount is written here."

Elena took a breath when she saw the price tag the attendant had pointed at. That's equivalent to a year's living expenses for House Blaise. She knew that the price of jewelry varied greatly, but this was beyond her imagination. Mirabelle's eyes widened because of the price.

Elena rushed over to Mirabelle.

"What are you doing here? Let's go further inside and see other things. ”

"Oh, are you here, brother?"

Elena smiled warmly as she approached Mirabelle. The intelligent officer noticed Elena and greeted her.

"Welcome. I'll show you inside. Follow me this way. "

Elena and Mirabelle followed the clerk further to the jewelry store. Just before that, he tried to divert the conversation from the red diamond necklace, and the attendant seemed to pick it up. He did not know for sure, but it would be rare for even a noble to pay such a large price for a necklace.

Elena and Mirabelle were guided down a long corridor to a small, lavishly decorated room containing a table and a comfortable-looking sofa. It was common for nobles to relax and drink tea in private rooms while they were shopping. The size of the room depended on the position and wealth of the nobles as well, and when Elena looked around, she seemed to think the room they were given was abnormal.

"Is there something you're looking for?"

"Hmmm– I didn't really think of anything, so please show me everything."

"Good mistress. What kind of tea do you want? "

Elena turned to Mirabelle.

"Is there anything you want to drink?"

"I'll have tea with milk."

"Then I'll have the same."

"Yes. If you can wait here, please. "

The attendant went out for a while and then reappeared, carrying a large number of gemstones in his hands. With a familiar move, he began to explain the gems he had brought to the table.

“If you like the gems we have here, we can produce according to order in the items for you, or can buy the finished products. I'll explain both, so please tell me what you want. ”

The clerk will talk about the jewelry and accessories she just brought when–

Knock.

A man entered with a small knock on the door, and politely put milk and tea on the table and left. After a while, the officer continued his explanation.

“The most popular gem currently is topas. It's topaz here, and sapphire next to it, and it's ruby and diamonds. In the latest fashionable design … "

This Cleark is a good talker. Even Elena, who had never done much shopping, felt she was easy to understand. Prices are detailed below each item so there is no need to ask for fees for each item. He felt more satisfied when he could shop on a prepared budget. Elena silently listened to his explanation before speaking.

“Topas this yellow. How long does it take to make the hairpin you described earlier? "

"Oh, you mean the butterfly hairpin?"

"Yes." Yeah."

"It's gonna take about a week."

"We're going to the capital soon, so can you send it there?"

"of course. It costs extra for transportation and may take a little longer. "

Mirabelle, who had been listening to the story, interrupted.

"You want to decorate your hair with butterflies?"

"No. I thought it would look good on you. ”

Mirabelle's face flushed in an instant.

"Oh no! We are here to choose something for you. Why did you suddenly buy me something? ”

“I'll buy something for me too. But while we're here, I'll get you something. ”

"You don't have to …"

"When I went to Glenn's wedding, I said I would return the gift, but I didn't keep my promise. I will take this opportunity to pick something this time. I'd like to buy it for you, so please accept. ”

He gave Mirabelle a loving expression and patted her on the head. Before coming to the jewelry store, Elena counted all the money she saved. She wanted to buy anything from Mirabelle before officially marrying Carlisle.

"But…"

Mirabelle would still refuse, but she covered her mouth at Elena's uncompromising gaze. When Mirabelle spoke again it was in a small voice.

"… Thank you, I'll appreciate it."

"Good."

Elena smiled and told the clerk to order a Mirabelle butterfly hairpin. Mirabelle then walked out from her side.

"Let's pick yours this time!"

*

*

*

Elena bought a pair of emerald earrings that Mirabelle had chosen for her. It was a finished item that did not need to be adjusted, so the attendant immediately packed it. After the purchase was completed, Elena left.

"I'm sorry, but .. you have a very unusual ring."

"This?"

Elena realized that she was talking about the blue bead ring she wore in all her previous life. He thought he had been staring at his hand ever since he entered, and it seemed like his suspicions were correct.

"If you don't mind, may I take a closer look?"

There was no particular reason to refuse, so Elena raised her ring hand forward. The attendant leaned over and looked at the ring with sharp eyes.

“I've never seen such a bead before. If you don't mind, I want– ”

"No, it's not for sale."

"Ah yes."

There was disappointment lurking under his smile. Elena already knew the bead was unusual. Without considering the clerks interest, he picked up the package with emerald earrings.

"Mirabelle, how about we stop by the bakery before we go back home?"

"Yes. Let's find something as good as the last tea party. ”

Elena and Mirabelle walked out of the jewelry store, held hands tightly and had a friendly chat.

Dharang–

The door closed with the same clanking sound as when they entered. However, there was a look on their backs that retreated. The officer stood quietly by the window, watching until Elena and Mirabelle disappeared. He was deep in thought as he stroked his chin with a severe expression on his face.

"… It's too similar."

His mind was still fixed on the ring, he walked into the deepest depths of the jewelry store. In contrast to the luxurious interior, the hallway became increasingly open. When he stopped at a point and turned to the clock on the wall, something amazing happened.

Kkiiig–

The walls open, revealing hidden areas. The attendant spoke in a low voice into the pitch-black room.

"Tell this to your master. I've found something similar to what you're looking for. "

Then came the answer coming from within the darkness.

"I will obey your orders."

The officer then turned his head, looking towards where Elena and Mirabelle were.

"… I better confirm something suspicious."

Days pass. Elena planned to go to the capital before the date of the dance. Carlisle urged her to come quickly, and it was natural for her to go to where she was. He was also afraid that something would happen to him when he was not around.

However, before he could leave, he had made the final preparations to make sure the household would run smoothly without him there. It took longer than expected to sort through the documents and coordinate the employees, and Elena had not been able to sleep until almost morning for the past few days.

"M." Mmm."

Elena rubbed her stiff eyes and pushed herself out of bed. He slept very late last night, or in other words, early enough that the sun had already risen outside the window. He had a busy day ahead of him, and he had no time to delay because he had to go to the capital with Mirabelle as soon as possible.

Amused feeling

Elena rang the bell on the table and Mary entered the room.

"Miss, are you awake?"

"Yes. I'll take a shower soon, so please prepare. ”

"Yes, my lady."

Mary gently bathed Elena with her hands. Mary paled in shock for a while after Sophie was fired, but fortunately she soon returned to normal. Maybe he blames himself for what happened. It was a very different reaction compared to Sophie's hatred towards Mary to the end.

After all, the rumors about Elena, which caused a stir within the household, had subsided in the past few days. The rumor did not gain much traction outside, and fortunately it did not spread to high society and instead ended quietly. Mary suddenly remembered something.

"Oh, Mistress. The count went to the capital last night. He said something urgent appeared. "

"…I saw."

As the head of the Fourth Knight Order, Alphord spent most of his time at the mansion residence in the capital. This time, however, their schedules had been aligned, and Elena and Mirabelle planned to travel with him to the capital. It seems something urgent has already taken their father. She felt sorry that she missed the opportunity to be with him, but in her work it couldn't help.

He finally finished his morning preparations, then immediately sat down at his desk to pursue his work.

*

*

*

He immersed himself in the documents and picked up the food and drink in his office while time passed quickly. But it doesn't feel like it, when he's exercising every time he breaks. It was when the room was quiet, save for the scratch of the pen, when–

Tap knock.

There were a few brief knocks on the door. Elena raised her head and looked in that direction. There was no reason for anyone else to bother him, so he had an idea for who the visitor was. However, he spoke as if to a servant as a precaution.

"Please come in."

Then the door swung open with a slight frown, and the face of the man she expected appeared. He had dark blue hair and pale white skin. It's Kuhn.

"Welcome, Sir Kasha. Did you find out what I asked for? "

Elena no longer wanted to know how Kuhn had infiltrated the castle, as she had seen before.

"Yes. Please see. "

Kuhn walked over to Elena and extended her report. He did not ask why he wanted this information. Elena likes that about Kuhn. Of course, his ability to get the job done was what he liked the most.

"Thank you for your work."

Judging from the thickness of the pile, there was a lot of information contained within these papers and he quickly read the contents. He noted the overall state, but some important details jumped at him.

Kuhn's report said that the most powerful person in Ruford Empire was …

Empress Ophelia.

'Oh my God…'

To Elena, this was a completely unexpected revelation. In his last life he was not so interested in politics until his family died. He had no choice but to carefully read the parts he had not known before.

Empress Ophelia grew her powers while Emperor Sullivan was confined to her bed. It was he who allowed the Ruford Empire to maintain a strong imperial grip.

Anita's Family.

A proud noble family that had produced many successful generals for the Ruford Empire, and became strong due to the long war.

More interesting details are written below.

'What? Is Paveluc categorized under the power of the Queen?

He could not help but laugh in surprise. Paveluc killed Empress Ophelia in the future, but they were currently allies. However, he was aware of the important details here. Paveluc was not in power from the beginning. She was a parasite on Empress Ophelia and grabbed the throne when the opportunity was ripe.

His eyes began to add speed as he read further. There were more interesting details that he did not know about before. If you can measure Ruford's imperial power by the number ten, then the emperor is three, the empress is four, and Paveluc is one. And two others …

The Kraus family. The name was recognizable to anyone, as every soul in the empire had bought at least one item with the Kraus emblem. It was a very established business. Due to their commercial presence, the war-driven Ruford Empire continued to survive.

While the reign of Emperor Sullivan had made it easier for everyone to live their lives, the Kraus family allowed people to buy things for many years. Although their wealth could not be ignored, the Kraus people were merchants and had little interest in imperial political affairs.

Elena's head turned to the side as she read quickly. His goal was to make Crown Prince Carlisle emperor. At this point, the power of the current Emperor Sullivan had to be handed over to Carlisle, who was next. The easiest way to control Empress Ophelia and Paveluc is to gain the support of the Kraus family.

Elena raised her head in satisfaction after she saw the information that I brought along. He would never have come across this much detail if he were to investigate it himself. He already knew that Emperor Sullivan was in poor health, and this secret information, known only to a few top nobles, was included in the report as well, increasing Kuhn's credibility.

"It's done well. You carry so much information in such a short time. ”

"…"

Although Elena rarely praised, Kuhn showed no signs of emotion. He was familiar with his calm nature and continued.

"Did Prince Carlisle know all this?"

"Yes." Yeah."

Elena was happy. Carlisle was more complete than he expected. It is likely that the people were right in his past life when they claimed that if Carlisle had not been killed, Paveluc would never have become emperor. Once again he felt lucky to be the one to hold Carlisle's hand. Elena arranged the papers neatly on her desk and continued.

“I'll save this information and see the rest later. I'm sure you must have trouble collecting all this, but I'd like to ask you one more thing. ”

"Please."

"I want you to find out more about the Kraus family."

Kuhn paused for a moment before softly answering.

"I'll investigate them if you want, but it's hard to get information about the Kraus family."

"Is that so? Then please find out what you can. "

"I understand."

Elena smiled faintly at Kuhn's short answer. Another thought appeared in his mind.

“You may know this, but I'll be going to the capital soon. Will you be near him? "

"Yes. Protecting you is my most important task. "

"Then please bring information about Kraus even when we are traveling, as soon as possible."

"Yes, woman. Do you have any more instructions? "

He'll nod. There was a knock at the door. Elena and Kuhn turned to face the voice at the same time.

"Can I come in for a second, brother?"

Mirabelle's voice could be heard from outside. Elena and Kuhn automatically turned to the door, then turned to look at each other. He has to finish this, quickly.