Return of the Female Knight

‘I must think calmly.’

Ophelia came to Sullivan, intending to beg him to reinstate Redfield’s birthright, even if she had to give up her life. There was no guarantee he would allow it.

But now, Sullivan was dead. And only Ophelia knew. A thrill of exhilaration ran down her spine.

‘…This is a chance granted by the heavens.’

She quickly recovered, then approached Sullivan’s desk. On a sheet of paper she wrote “Restore Redfield’s right to succession”, then marked it with the Emperor’s seal. It had to appear as if the letter was written before he died.

She knew that would not be enough. Carlisle nor the Emperor’s allies would not stand for it. There were still several charges against her and Redfield, and punishment was not easily avoidable. Carlisle’s evidence was too compelling, and the throne couldn’t remain empty for long. There was only one way.

‘Tonight, I will kill Carlisle.’

A cold glow glimmered in Ophelia’s eyes when she made her decision. When Carlisle died, the next successor to the throne would be Redfield, once the document was revealed. Once her son became emperor, he would be forever immune to any accusation of crime, and his and Ophelia’s sins would be forever buried.

‘…I must move quickly.’

A large number of troops were stationed around the Crown Prince’s palace; Carlisle was untouchable there. For her plan to succeed, she had to draw him out from his walls. Ophelia did not have the power to summon him…but Sullivan did.

She glanced back at the entrance where the Emperor’s head butler was on watch. She deliberately shouted loud enough so he could hear her words through the door.

“Your Majesty! Please, forgive me just one time. I’m sure Redfield is also reflecting on his actions.”

She moved around the chairs and created noises to make it sound like Sullivan was alive.

“If you wish to punish me, then I humbly accept it. Just save Redfield’s life.”

Ophelia sharply pinched her thigh. As it turned black and blue, painful tears streamed down their eyes and she let out a sob.

Some time later, Ophelia opened the door. The butler looked surprised to see her tear-stained face.

“…Butler.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“His Majesty requests that you call the Crown Prince. I believe His Majesty wants to discuss the matter regarding Redfield.”

“Ah, really?”

He thought it strange that Ophelia, not Sullivan, would deliver the order, but he found it difficult to speak against the crying woman.

Ophelia turned her glare towards him.

“What are you doing just standing there?”

“A-ah, yes.”

“His Majesty says he’ll go to the Northern Palace where it’s quiet, so tell the Crown Prince to meet him there.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

It was not until the butler left that Ophelia breathed a sigh. Behind the Northern Palace was a high cliff. It was a relatively secluded area with spectacular scenery, but the reason she chose it was to prevent Carlisle from slipping through her grasp easily.

‘I won’t miss this time.’

Ophelia spoke to another servant standing at the entrance.

“I am feeling dizzy, so call Cesare and tell him to come here. If I stay in this state, I may faint.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“As quick as possible.”

At Ophelia’s command, the servant hurried away. While Ophelia could leave by herself, someone else might go inside the room and realize that Sullivan was dead. He had to be hidden until everything was over, and so Ophelia decided to have Cesare brought to her.

She looked towards the Emperor’s guards in front of the door and spoke to them.

“I must speak further with His Majesty, so do not enter.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

All those standing at the entrance bowed to Ophelia’s orders.

***

The atmosphere at the Crown Prince’s palace was as vibrant as a festival. Sullivan had announced that Carlisle would soon be coronated emperor, and all the servants and knights drank a toast in celebration.

As did Carlisle and Elena in their room.

Clink!

Their wine glasses touched each other in the air. Elena had a broad smile on her face as she sipped her drink, which tasted exceptionally sweet on her tongue.

“The Emperor has only announced your coronation today, but many gifts have already arrived from the nobility.”

“They’re pleading for their life. Many who wrote their names in the Anita family’s petition not be sleeping easily.”

Now that Carlisle’s victory had been assured, it is only natural that many of Ophelia’s followers would switch alliances. Carlisle and Elena looked at each other and smiled at the same time.

Elena, who was savoring her wine, suddenly turned more serious.

“I have something to tell you, Caril.”

“What do you mean?”

He looked at her curiously. Elena inhaled a deep breath. She had yet to tell him that she once lived another life before returning to the past. After first, she concealed it from him because she thought he would find it unbelievable. After learning about the Dragon’s Orb, however, she was certain that he would understand her more than anyone else. Nevertheless, it was still a secret for a reason…

Elena did not know how events would change if Carlisle knew about the future. It may make things even more complicated. Some events had repeated themselves, but there were many other twisting detours with drastic outcomes—such as the fact that Carlisle was now alive. That alone had massively changed the course of history. Elena believed that her warning about Paveluc was enough. She would confess to him once Empress Ophelia was dealt with and Carlisle inherited the throne.

All things considered, this seemed to be the right time now.

“The truth is—”

Elena was about to speak, when she was interrupted by a sudden knock on the door. Carlisle frowned at the disturbance, but Elena spoke up to see what was going on.

“Come in.”

With Elena’s permission given, the door opened and a maid entered.

“Your Highness, the head butler from the Emperor’s palace is here to see you. He says His Majesty is looking for the Crown Prince.”

Elena’s and Carlisle’s eyes met in midair at the unexpected summons. Elena nodded first.

“Have the butler enter.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Carlisle threw a suspicious look towards the maid and murmured towards Elena in a low voice.

“Why at this time of night?”

“I don’t know. But it must be important if it’s a late call.”