The Return of the Female Knight

CHAPTER 84

Elena's expression darkened after returning to Blaise's house and receiving Redfield's letter.

[It's a shame you're too busy with wedding planning. I'd like to help you a little bit, so how about I give you some time? If you refuse again, I have a feeling that things will not go smoothly.

Please do not refuse at this time. – Redfield]

Elena squeezed the letter in her fist, and Michael looked on in shock. He ignored the reaction of the butler and threw the letter into the trash.

"Ah, Madam …"

"The Second Prince must have felt funny looking down on me like this. ”

All the stores suddenly said they would not be able to work, and the letter pointed to one thing – If he did not immediately accept the invitation, Redfield would sabotage the wedding. Elena was stunned because she dared to do this crazy stunt. It's not just about Elena. It was also the first marriage of Carlisle, the Crown Prince of Ruford Empire. The Second Prince could not publicly threaten them, but Redfield appeared to remain determined to stage a demonstration if he chose to ignore it. Most importantly, Elena was not happy to have to deal with this little game by the Second Prince.

'I can't even show this to the Emperor. No one testified that the Second Prince made them do this. '

Redfield had the support of Empress Ophelia and the Anita family, and even Emperor Sullivan could not even touch his son. Elena could not question a prince with evidence and witnesses.

"If I tell Caril, he won't sit still …"

He had been with Carlisle long enough to understand his personality. If he knew that Redfield was trying to ruin the marriage, he would resort to extreme means to punish his brother, but that was also not an interesting thought for Elena. Redfield only made a slight provocation to force her to attend the party. If Carlisle got involved, it would be an all-out war, and no one knew what Redfield would do. It won't stop at the children's game. If the wedding ceremony is sabotaged further, there will be less time to fix it and it will cause problems.

"By the way, why did he invite me?"

A feeling of foreboding loomed over him ever since he received the first invitation, but he did not understand his strange behavior. Was it just out of curiosity because he married Carlisle? Or is it something else?

Michael looked at Elena's troubled expression and spoke carefully.

"What are you going to do, ma'am?"

"If he really wants to see me ., then I have to accept it. ”

“You sure you want to attend? It felt strange when the message was sent again. ”

Elena's jewel-like eyes stared at her words.

"I have to go . I need to know who he is. ”

If Carlisle was to take over the throne, Redfield would eventually have to be cut off. The empress of Ophelia and House Anita's influence was great, but without the fact that the Second Prince inherited imperial blood, they were only slightly stronger than other families. However, while Carlisle was the crown prince, many nobles still believed that Redfield would depose him and become emperor. To eliminate the threat, they must defeat Anita's family, defeat Empress Ophelia, and eventually face Redfield.

Suddenly, Elena recalled the words Redfield said to her during the dance.

– Dancing with me next time. I am better than my brother.

His lips curled with a smile. To her, Carlisle had already surpassed Elena's expectations in every way. He was smart, brave and a skilled swordsman. Carlisle was his man of choice.

"What if I see this Second Prince?"

His red eyes fell on the ornate mask sent by Redfield. He would want her to wear it.

*

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*

Elena brought a red handkerchief to the window. He didn't mean to tell Carlisle about the wedding incident with Redfield, but he wouldn't keep it a secret.

It was midnight. As usual, Elena sat at her desk trying to cope with the new complications of wedding planning. He felt someone enter the room, and he looked up from his work and noticed Kuhn.

"You here?"

Kuhn's gray eyes gradually emerged from the dark.

“As I felt last time, you have a very good hearing. ”

"me too. ”

Elena turned. He could feel the subtle presence of Kuhn nearby, which was difficult for ordinary people to do. Since he had detected her in the past, it made no difference that she was caught now. Although somewhat curious, Kuhn did not unpack any further.

"Why did you call me?"

“I need to tell you something, and I think a letter will be arriving much longer. ”

"Please. ”

"The Second Prince sent me an invitation to his party. I thought about it, and I decided to accept it. ”

“... It looks suspicious. ”

Elena nodded in agreement and continued.

“I also don't believe the reason for the invitation, but seeing as the Second Prince invited me himself, there's no reason to refuse. ”

That wasn't entirely true, but it was Elena's approach for now. Simply put, Carlisle would not have allowed her to attend the party otherwise, and the enmity with Redfield could have escalated. Although Carlisle and Elena decided to consult each other on certain matters, she decided to take this on her own and found out what Redfield planned for herself.

"I can't always lean on Caril. '

She wouldn't be the crown princess sitting around obeying Carlisle's orders. He had to remember that Elena was his sharpest sword that would slash enemies in his path.

"Are you asking me to protect you at the party, Miss?"

“I appreciate it. The Second Prince officially invited me, so I didn't think he would hurt me. ”

Not many could directly harm Elena, but Carlisle would definitely refuse if she at least did not protect herself. She was Lady Elena now, not Len the guard, and hence she could not just run around with the sword.

"I saw . I will report it to the General and get an answer on what to do. ”

"Yes . Please do that as soon as possible. ”

"Is something wrong?"

Elena glanced at the mask sent by Redfield.

"Pest immediately. ”

"When?"

"It's tomorrow. ”

He had already rejected the invitation once, so there was little time left. Kuhn's expression quickly changed when she heard Elena's words.

Swiiiigeu–

Kuhn recovered and quickly slipped out of Elena's room. Time was running out, and he had to send a message to Carlisle immediately. He was only a few steps from the window when–

"…!"

Kuhn stopped and looked back. There was a vague presence, and he quickly hid his face with the mask he was carrying. Thanks to Kuhn's quick instinct, his opponent would not be able to identify him well. Kuhn is primarily an assassin, and he can't risk being seen.

Tadots!

He took a step towards her sensing presence. Whoever was watching Elena's room in the middle of the night is now gone. Kuhn hurriedly checked his surroundings, but there was no sign of anyone.

"… Do I miss them?"

Kuhn's traditional empty facade began to wrinkle. Not many people in the entire Ruford Empire could escape from it. Whoever it was, he was extremely expert, and he couldn't risk this fellow being anywhere near Elena.

“One more thing should be reported to the General as soon as possible. ”

After a gentle whisper, he disappeared from the place like a shadow. He was moving at high speed, so that if one didn't know anything, it was like he was disappearing just like that.

As Kuhn left, a shadow emerged from behind the tree. There was a crackling sound as the mysterious figure bit the apple. The shadowy man was Batori, who was employed at Blaise's house under false pretenses.

"…Who is he?"

Batori smiled amusedly. Such a brilliant man came to Elena's room in the middle of the night. Batori did not foresee this, and his interest could not help but be piqued.

"Maybe he has something to do with the Crown Prince?"

Some time ago, some people attacked and seriously injured Batori when she tracked down Elena's bead ring. Other men must have something to do with the assailant and Carlisle's men. Batori bit her apple again and muttered to herself.

"… I wish I could see your face. ”

If he did not hold back, he could catch another man. Paveluc simply ordered him to watch over Elena from afar, not to interfere, and therefore Batori hid herself before she was found. He whistled low, and the corner of his mouth lifted.

“Hwiyueu— Everything will be fun. ”

*

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*

Next night.

Elena dresses herself up elaborately for Redfield's party. Mirabelle seemed pleased with the dress she had chosen, and gave her sister a thumbs up.

“Mm-hmm. It's perfect!"

"Thank you . You don't have to do this every time. ”

“Not at all, I'm just having fun. I have become more interested in dresses lately. ”

"really?"

Elena looked pleased with her brother's talent in design, while Mirabelle scratched her nose in embarrassment.

“Anyway, immediately return brother. You haven't had a proper break due to all the wedding preparations. ”

“Everything is fine thanks to your help. Most of what remains is the finishing touch. ”

"This is not a problem . The wedding date will be soon, so be careful not to get hurt. ”

Elena smiled faintly at Mirabelle's worried scolding and stroked her brother's hair.

"Yes, I'll be careful. ”

The two walked together to the entrance of the mansion. Michael waited beside the carriage and bowed respectfully.

"Please return safely, ma'am. ”

Michael's gloomy expression told Elena that he knew the truth about the blackmail, but he responded casually.

"Yes . See you when I get back. ”

Mirabelle, unaware of what was about to happen to Elena, looked bright as she waved her hand.

"Enjoy yourself, brother. ”

“I won't be late. ”

When Elena finished saying goodbye, she boarded the carriage decorated with the emblem of Blaise. It began to move forward, not towards the Imperial Palace, but to a remote villa some distance away from the capital where the party was held.

Elena looked at the passing sight. Suddenly, he remembered the night when he was riding a horse across the forest with Carlisle. He could not freely ride a horse like he used to, and heavy regrets settled within him.

The journey takes time until, finally, the train arrives at its destination. The coachman opened the carriage door, and Elena hesitantly stepped out.

"I'll wait outside, so call me when you're ready to go, ma'am. ”

"Yes . ”

Elena gave a short answer and walked forward, the mask sent by Redfield in hand. The mask party was a unique event where everyone present hid their faces. It wasn't a big enough meeting to call it a ball, but the purpose of the event was the same.

Everyone at the entrance wore masks, and Elena immediately put on her mask before going inside and appearing in front of everyone.

Ttogag titogageu–

The eyes of the crowd were fixed on Elena as she passed by them with a hairy mask adorning her face. It seemed like he always attracted attention even if no one knew who he was. Hiding her face could not suppress her beauty completely.

And so, Elena entered the party hosted by Redfield.