The Return of the Female Knight

CHAPTER 66

Fortunately, a generous lunch ended up in a pleasant atmosphere. Carlisle was the same as before, Alphord was polite, Mirabelle was calm, and no major consequences occurred. The worry that kept Elena awake the night before didn't seem to be based on anything.

"Your Majesty, are you going to care about the game of chess?"

Carlisle nodded in response to the proposal.

"Of course . ”

The two men moved into Alphord's study. As a rule, meetings of women and men are divided at parties. The men gathered to share conversations on topics such as politics and economics, and while the women gathered for news and family gossip. It is not unusual for both sexes to separate after eating. Carlisle followed Alphord, then turned to look at Elena.

“I'll be back in a minute. See you around. ”

It was a simple farewell, but laden with affection. Elena smiled awkwardly and nodded, while Mirabelle and her aides pretended to faint in the background. As soon as Carlisle came out of the room, Elena was immediately hunted with questions from Mirabelle and the servants.

"Sister, you've been calling him by the name of a pet all this time!"

“The prince is very handsome. ”

"The two of you look amazing together!"

Elena was completely confused by their enthusiastic reaction.

"Oh, it just happened—"

The servants continued to ramble that Elena did not have time to answer.

“Show the prince to your room later. We will bring you a delicious cup of tea. ”

"What are you talking about? We can't bother them! Try to save quality time for both. ”

"Oh! I'm so happy!"

Elena left the waiter to their gossip and slipped away. He had prepared an outline of the story when he met Carlisle, but this did not seem like a good time to tell it. He left the room, and Mirabelle quickly followed him.

"Brother!"

"Hm? Oh, Mirabelle. ”

Elena turned to find her sister approaching her. Elena planned to return to her room, but Mirabelle took her hand and dragged her in a different direction.

"What are you doing? Where are we going?"

"Shhh! Follow me calmly, brother. ”

Mirabelle looked around and gestured for her to remain silent. When Elena looked down with a questioning gaze, Mirabelle replied in a whisper.

"Aren't you wondering what Father and Crown Prince are talking about?"

Elena's eyes widened at the unexpected question. Of course he wondered. To say otherwise is a lie. She was worried about what her father would say, and she was worried about what Carlisle would do. Mirabelle smiled as if she understood Elena's feelings.

“I found a place where you can quietly listen to them. Let's go!"

"What's? Really true?"

With a puzzled expression, he allowed himself to be led by Mirabelle's hand into the study. Unlike the first time he had been dragged away, Elena moved cautiously. Alphord held a prominent position as the head of the knights, while Carlisle had many years of experience on the battlefield. A careless approach would easily reveal it.

Hwik–

“Wow, sister. You are amazing . ”

Even to Mirabelle's inexperienced eyes, Elena's nimble movements were something impressive.

The Alphord workspace is located on the first floor, and the windows are relatively low and easily accessible. However, with his large windows he had no place where he could easily eavesdrop without being noticed, and there was also no guarantee that they would talk to an open window as well. Yet…

There are small ventilation windows for books that always remain open, and are located in remote areas. As she moved through the path towards the window, Elena stopped and looked at Mirabelle.

"Mirabelle, you stand guard here. It may be too hard for you to see it. ”

While Mirabelle had brought him this far, it was likely that someone would notice her footsteps if she approached. The window was located higher than the others, and it was not easy for Mirabelle to reach with her short posture.

"Good . Tell me later. ”

"Yes I will . ”

She thanked Mirabelle for finding this place for her sake. If Elena wanted to eavesdrop, she could find a suitable place for herself, although not necessarily this one. But earlier he had no intention of doing so, and thanks to Mirabelle his curiosity ignited.

Sasak–

Elena approached the small window quietly and peered inside the study. Alphord and Carlisle sat facing each other as they played chess. Alphord is white, and Carlisle is black. The chaotic situation on the board seems to indicate a tight struggle.

“You're better at chess than I expected. ”

“I've worked on tactics, and I've never lost a game like this. ”

Their voices were clear enough that it was easy enough to hear them. If he was seen, he lowered his head and listened to them speak. However, no special conversation was coming.

'Is this really necessary? They're just going to play chess. '

Elena was debating whether she should return to Mirabelle when Alphord's loud voice cut through her mind.

“What do you think of my daughter? Please be honest with me. ”

"You said you'd give it to me. Do you intend to take back what you just said? "

"No, but she .. she is not fit to be a princess. ”

Elena's expression hardened and the question was about "Why?"

“Not for judgmental Lord Blaise. I decided if he could live up to that position. ”

Tak.

He put down the chess piece harder than before. Elena swallowed her breath unconsciously. Indeed, Carlisle fulfilled the contract superbly. This act can fool anyone.

"My daughter ... do you care about her?"

“Caring words are an understatement. I'm very angry at your daughter's wishes. ”

Elena's heart was pounding in her chest. As of now, he could not consider his words to be entirely true. But for now, even Elena seemed to almost believe it.

"She's not just your daughter, but the crown princess. If you make such an disparaging comment now, I will not tolerate it even if it comes from my father-in-law. Hope you don't forget that from now on. ”

Carlisle's voice was like the spring breeze in Elena's frozen heart. He clutched his hands to his chest. It's a strange feeling. It was something he had never felt in his past life or his current life. It was as if in his heart, which had dried up like a drought, small buds were growing.