Return of the Female Knight

Elena was meticulously tying Carlisle’s cravat as usual. The situation so far didn’t seem favorable to him, but she never asked him a single question about it. That was the extent of how much she trusted in Carlisle’s judgment. He had said he would blow the doors open at the National Founding Day, and she could only guess what would happen.

Upon seeing Elena’s serious expression, Carlisle gave a soft smile in attempt to lighten the mood.

“What are you thinking so hard about with such a cute face? Are you worried about what will happen today?”

“…”

“Well, many things may change depending on today’s outcome.”

She glanced upwards at his face, and he continued on in a softer voice.

“What will you do if something terrible happens to me?”

Despite his question, his gaze was confident. After ruminating on it for a moment, Elena replied in a casual voice.

“I don’t know. Perhaps I shall cut off the neck of the Second Prince? Then he wouldn’t be able to take the throne.”

Carlisle gave a low chuckle at Elena’s words. He lowered his eyes and stared at her with a penetrating gaze.

“That’s just like you. But if you do that, the Empress will place many charges against us and have us both executed.”

Killing the Second Prince, who had not even been formally convicted, would be a great risk to Carlisle, and an all-out war against Ophelia may force him to step down. Overthrowing the Imperial family by military force meant scorched earth tactics—he would not only have to remove Redfield, but Emperor Sullivan as well. If Carlisle tried to have Redfield killed in a half-hearted manner, he would only be further from the throne. Elena was aware of that as well.

“That doesn’t mean I can’t do anything for you.”

Carlisle’s blue eyes trembled slightly at her unexpected show of support. He smiled faintly and brushed his fingers against her pale cheek.

“Don’t worry. There won’t be trouble. If this goes to plan, then soon you’ll hold your side of the contract you made a long time ago.”

“The contract…”

The memory suddenly came to her head.

— When you become empress as you desire, live only as my wife.

It was one of their agreements when they made their contract marriage. They wouldn’t sleep together until Elena became empress, which meant that the moment Carlisle took the throne, the pair would truly be coupled.

Elena’s heart pounded in her chest. She didn’t know why, but there was always a lingering heat in his eyes whenever he backed away from kissing her. She didn’t understand why he only came into their bedroom only when he was exhausted—it was all because he was doing his best to keep his word with her.

“On my coronation day, I’m thinking of burning the couch first.”

Elena’s cheeks turned pink. Since the wedding, Elena slept on the bed, while Carlisle took the couch. She understood his implication.

“Do what you want. At that time…you won’t need a couch anyway.”

Elena suddenly felt embarrassed at the words that left her mouth, and her ears burned. Carlisle wasn’t the only one hoping for such a moment. More than anyone else, Elena hoped for the days when Carlisle would become emperor and she could keep her family safe. She hadn’t given the contract details much consideration…but when everything was finished, she would live just as Carlisle’s woman.

“Don’t forget what you just said.”

Carlisle stared at Elena with bright eyes, and carefully kissed her forehead as if to seal a vow. Despite the softness of his lips, his mouth felt as hot as when they fiercely kissed.

Elena looked up at him, and Carlisle cupped her cheek, her body feeling warmer than before.

“Hold on. I’ll be there for you soon.”