“I just remembered there are some papers I have to deal with urgently. I’ll go back into my room and finish up.”
“Alright. Don’t work too hard, sister.”
Elena hurried back to her room. There was no guarantee that Carlisle would appear at the Flower Bridge’s opening ceremony according to Mirabelle’s story. The exact thing to do was to verify with Kuhn. At the possibility of a threat to Carlisle’s safety, Elena tied several red handkerchiefs on her window instead of the usual one.
As a precaution, she reminded herself of the location where she hid the black armor in case she needed it. She had put a great deal of effort in bringing it with her this far without being discovered. Fortunately, the armor was so heavy and solid that it was stored separately from the clothing luggage, otherwise Tilda might have found it when she destroyed her ball gown. Elena was lucky to have avoided that situation. It would be bad news if the person who was behind Tilda heard that Elena had strange metal armor.
Elena paced nervously by the window, hoping for Kuhn’s swift arrival. She was sorely afraid that Carlisle would be put in danger again. He was not supposed to be alive, and she wondered if the shadow of death would attempt to strike him again.
As well as her family.
‘…No.’
Mirabel, Derek, and Father. She needed Carlisle to prevent their deaths and protect her family. So far she had the contract marriage to deal with Paveluc, but if Carlisle was gone she would be back at the starting point again. She couldn’t afford to go back when this was her best chance. She would defend Carlisle by any means possible.
Even if destiny or God stood in her way, she would not let anything threaten Carlisle’s life.
*
*
*
Fortunately it did not take long for Kuhn to arrive. Perhaps he realized her urgency from the multiple red handkerchiefs she had hung.
For the first time Elena was glad to see this man’s expressionless face.
“Why have you–”
“Are there any plans for the prince to attend the Flower Bridge festival?”
Elena quickly cut off Kuhn. He thought for a moment, then nodded.
“Yes, there is.”
“…Are you sure?”
“I’m sure. I remembering hearing it a some time ago. What is the problem?”
He could not help but noticed Elena’s darkened expression.
Elena desperately wished it to be untrue, but now there was the strong possibility that Carlisle would be involved in the accident. There was only one way. He had to be prevented from attending somehow.
“Deliver this message to His Highness. Tell him to cancel hisplans.”
“…What?”
Kuhn questioned her uncharacteristically before he could stop himself. It was simply too surprising to hear.
“I was told that the Flower Bridge bridge was poorly constructed. Please tell him not to go. It would be too dangerous.”
Kuhn looked at Elena with disbelief. Then he carefully spoke to her again.
“Are you serious?”
“Do you think I’ll say this as a joke?”
Kuhn still looked doubtful despite Elena’s grim expression, but he simply nodded.
“If you say so, I will pass it on. But I can’t say what the General will do.”
“Just deliver the message to him as soon as possible. And let me know right away.”
“…I understand.”
Kuhn did not understand Elena’s reasons, but he did not question anything more on what she claimed. Elena was not mistreating him. She did not have to explain every single thing she said.
“I’ll take my leave.”
Kuhn dipped his head as usual, then moved to climb out of the window. She could not help but interrupt again out of nervousness.
“As soon as possible, please.”
“Yes, My Lady.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Kuhn disappeared out of the window. After several experiences with him, Elena was confident in his abilities and he was sure to bring an answer soon. She fervently hoped that Carlisle would miss the festival.
It was the safest way.
*
Time crept into late afternoon. There was already a red glow on the edge of the sky, signaling the sun’s descent. Elena sat motionless in the room as she waited for Kuhn. It was then.
Tak!
Someone’s hand was on the open window, which she left slightly ajar to make access easier. In one swift motion, Kuhn landed lightly into the room. He had arrived in short time, as Elena had asked, but even then time seemed to stretch out longly before her. However, she couldn’t complain as she didn’t know Carlisle’s location.
As soon as she saw Kuhn’s face, Elena could not bear to wait any longer and rushed to him.
“What did he say?”
“He says it is an event arranged by the imperial court and cannot be missed. But he will listen to your advice and come back safely, so don’t worry.”
“….”
“…My Lady?”
Elena was silent for a moment, and Kuhn repeated her name again. After a moment’s thought, Elena replied calmly.
“…I understand.”
“Are you sure?”
“If it’s unavoidable, then there’s nothing I can do about it.”
“No, I suppose not…”
Kuhn trailed off, not knowing what to say. Elena looked up at him with questioning eyes.
“Is there something wrong with my face?”
“…You’ve changed a little. Like you’re going out to battle.”
Elena smiled at Kuhn’s sharp observation.
“Of course not.”
She walked straight to her desk and wrote down some words on a white sheet of paper, then placed it in a envelope and sealed it with the Blaise crest. Elena stood up and handed the envelope to Kuhn.
“I’m sorry for keeping you so busy, but please pass this on to the prince.”
“You want me to give him this?”
“Yes.”
“Alright.”
Kuhn carefully tucked away the envelope, curious about Elena’s sudden change in attitude.
As Kuhn was about to leave for his new task, Elena intercepted him again.
“What time will the prince attend the festival?”
“Nine o’clock this evening.”
“Thank you for telling me.”
“Yes.”
After watching Kuhn’s fleeting disappearance, Elena turned back to her room.
The best way to keep Carlisle safe was not to allow him near danger in the first place. It would be ideal to cut the problem at the bud, but barring that there was another alternative. That was what Elena was doing now. She could never rest unless she kept Carlisle safe herself.
She strode towards the place where she kept her armor hidden. Once again, it was time to go in disguise.
Comments