Elqueeness [EN]: Chapter 352

Chapter 352

“Are you the daughter of Baron Schutel?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. My name is Annika de Schutel. I am overjoyed to see you in such good health.”

A tremor ran through her voice as she answered respectfully, betraying her nervousness. Annika was indeed quite taken aback.

The last image she had of the Emperor was of a frail boy. But now, he was undeniably a striking young man. He had changed so much that she almost didn’t recognize him. Even considering he was at the height of his growth, it was a remarkable transformation. As he began to take on the air of a grown man, he seemed to resemble the Grand Duke. It was only natural, given their uncle-nephew relationship, but she had never felt their blood relation so strongly as she did today.

“I understand you know the whereabouts of Sir Serik’s family.”

“Y-yes, that is correct. The Count’s family members are all safe.”

“Is that truly the case?”

At his urgent exclamation, Annika nodded.

“There is a small villa in the Lumen territory of Ventus Province, inherited from my late great-aunt. I have taken them there. I have been secretly checking on them through merchants who travel there periodically, and I heard that they are all doing well until recently. My father is unaware that my great-aunt gave me that villa, so I can assure you of its security.”

As her explanation continued, Kay’s expression softened. Seeing the relief and joy that flooded his face, Annika’s heart swelled with emotion as well.

Isana, too, couldn’t hide his relief.

“You protected Sir Serik’s family? How did you know and react to such a sudden event?”

“…I overheard my father saying that the atmosphere in the Imperial City was suspicious these days. He said that a civil war might break out soon. I woke up suddenly in the early morning and saw soldiers with torches coming down from the Imperial City. So…”

“You went straight to the Count’s residence and evacuated them?”

Annika nodded slowly. The explanation was simple, but the process was anything but easy.

The Count’s family members were fast asleep at that late hour and didn’t wake up easily, no matter how much Annika knocked. It wasn’t easy to explain the situation and make them understand, as they were displeased with the rude visit.

Since there wasn’t enough time to pack their belongings, she practically forced her own jewelry, which she had brought with her, upon them and had them leave in the carriage she had come in.

Conversely, she rode out into the streets in a carriage bearing the Count’s family crest. The soldiers, arriving just moments later, followed the carriage she was in, only looking at the crest.

They had to realize they had been tricked after a long, winding chase. Thanks to that, the circumstances of her aiding their escape were revealed, but she had never regretted her choice that day.

“You managed to survive.”

“I pretended I didn’t know anything. I said that I had accidentally encountered the Count’s carriage on the way and that they had asked to switch. But I know that it was an excuse that wouldn’t have worked if I hadn’t been a noble. Not everyone believed it.”

Isana gazed silently at Annika, who had a determined look on her face. It was hard to believe, but she didn’t seem to be lying.

He often ran into Annika at banquets in the Imperial City. He remembered her always being calm and composed. She wasn’t one to make frivolous remarks.

“I heard that Elle sent you. Can you explain how that happened?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I met a young lady named Ella Mikalan at a banquet. She told me how to see Your Majesty. She said you would know if I said Elle sent me.”

“Ella Mikalan?”

Isana frowned at the unfamiliar name he was hearing for the first time. Even if the name was a made-up alias, the location of the banquet was unexpected. After careful consideration, Isana asked.

“Did that woman happen to have blue hair?”

“No, she had blonde hair. She did have blue eyes, though.”

“Blonde? …What did she look like?”

“She was a very beautiful young lady. She attended the banquet with her siblings, and they all had appearances that seemed otherworldly.”

“…Then that must be her.”

“Pardon?”

“No, it’s nothing. Ah, I see. Did she happen to be wearing a circlet with a blue jewel embedded in her forehead? Or wearing thin, transparent blue gloves?”

“Ah, yes, that’s right. I remember it because it was an accessory that went very well with the young lady’s dress.”

“Dress…”

Isana’s expression became wistful as he roughly grasped the situation. It had already been several days since Elle had left for the capital. He had been wondering why there was no news of the Grand Duke’s death, but it seemed like she was going through a rather complicated situation. Even in the midst of that, he was warmed by the fact that she had looked into the situation here and sent good news. The timing of the news was so perfect that he couldn’t help but wonder if she had known this would happen in advance.

‘Elle, you always save us.’ With a feeling of warmth filling his heart, Isana closed his eyes for a moment.

“Your Majesty?”

“Ah, I understand what you’re saying. But I know that your father, Baron Schutel, has joined the Grand Duke’s army.”

“That is not my father’s will. It was unavoidable because it became known that I had helped the Count’s family escape. It was an expedition to save his daughter.”

“Hmm. Why did you go so far? I’ve never heard that you were that close to Sir Serik.”

“That is…”

Annika’s voice, which had been answering without hesitation, trailed off for the first time. ‘Ah, I see.’ Seeing her face flushed red, Isana guessed the situation once again.

Kay also seemed quite embarrassed, so he didn’t seem to be clueless. Isana suppressed a smile and nodded.

“We’ll have to send someone to the Lumen territory. Can you explain the location in detail?”

“Of course, Your Majesty.”

“Very well. All my knights, listen.”

“At your command, Your Majesty!”

At that moment, the atmosphere changed completely, and the personal knights surrounding them snapped to attention and saluted. While Annika froze at the disciplined sight, Isana continued.

“From this moment on, treat Lady Annika of the Schutel family as the Emperor’s benefactor. She may have a private audience with me at any time and may request the protection of the army. All must protect her safety and pay special attention to her.”

“Yes, Your Majesty! We obey your command!”

A thunderous voice echoed, as if piercing the sky. Isana then looked back at Annika.

“Lady Annika, tell me what you desire.”

“Yes, pardon?”

“You risked your life to help my knight. I cannot lightly pass over the contribution of helping the Emperor’s knight. Your courage will be praised forever, and you will be rewarded with anything. Is there anything you wish from me?”

Annika, who had been gaping, overwhelmed by the surrounding atmosphere, regained her senses at those words and took a deep breath. This was not a situation to feign humility by saying she wanted nothing. Perhaps this opportunity would never come again. Annika’s eyes became resolute.

“Forgiveness for my father and brother… I seek the pardon of the Schutel family.”

“A pardon for the family.”

“They dared to side with a ruthless group that opposed the Emperor, but that was merely an unwanted choice to save their daughter. Please consider his unfortunate paternal love.”

With a heartfelt plea, Annika bowed. Seeing her almost prostrate figure, Isana lightly stroked his chin.

“Baron Schutel sided with the Grand Duke, but with the contribution of his daughter, the Schutel family will continue to exist even after this war ends. But that doesn’t seem to be what the Lady desires.”

“I-I am humbled.”

“I will ask you just one thing. How much do you trust your father?”

“Of course… I trust him completely.”

“Hmm, Sir Serik.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Kay, who had been watching the conversation with a nervous face, quickly bowed his head. Isana’s eyes, which had seemed lost in thought for a moment, soon shone with a clear light.

“The plan will be slightly disrupted, but it can’t be helped. Let’s move the Red Falcon.”

“The Red Falcon, you say?”

“Have them make contact with Baron Schutel. Inform him that his daughter is on this side and encourage him to defect. If he agrees, have him join the Red Falcon.”

“…!”

Kay’s expression stiffened slightly. In war, information is like a key that determines victory or defeat. The more one knows about the enemy, the more advantageous the war situation becomes, so spies are always a byproduct. Just as important as rooting them out is how many spies one places on the other side. The Red Falcon was a spy network planted in the Grand Duke’s camp by our side. Their mission was to remain completely hidden until the time was right and then strike at the opportune moment. It would be ideal if things went smoothly by attempting to contact Baron Schutel, but conversely, if he did not respond to the defection, it could result in revealing our hand. What Isana had just said was tantamount to accepting the failure of the operation.

“I obey your command.”

Kay’s eyes turned red as he answered. The fact that he was bearing a great burden meant that Isana valued this matter highly. He had only helped the family of his subordinate, but he regarded her as his benefactor and was willing to bear enormous losses. Never before had it been so clearly revealed how he valued the lives of his people. Kay clenched his fist tightly at the fact that this was his lord. The other personal guards who were watching could not hide their moved expressions. The desire to run out and shout filled them, fueling their morale.

In the midst of all this, Annika was completely frozen. Through the conversation, she had also understood the situation. However, the shock she received was of a slightly different nature. She did not know what the Red Falcon was, but it must be an army belonging to the Emperor. To be incorporated into it meant that the Schutel family would be placed under the Emperor’s army. It was not just about receiving a pardon, but about belonging to a position of glory as one of the families that had helped the Emperor. Annika, who had thought it would be enough to save the lives of her father and brother, was in a position of honor that she had never dared to imagine.

“Y-Your Majesty.”

She didn’t know if she was standing on the ground or in the sky. She felt like she had even forgotten how to breathe. Isana smiled at Annika, who was flustered and didn’t know what to do.

“I will believe the Lady’s words that the Baron did not set out on his own accord. I will give him a chance. If he is the father that the Lady knows, he will return home with me as a protagonist of victory. But if he refuses, he will inevitably become a prisoner. Since I have promised the Lady, I will not take his life.”

“Thank you, thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you!”

The tears that she had barely been holding back finally burst out. Annika sobbed almost hysterically. Her face was swollen with tears, but no one found her appearance ugly.

“Raise your head. You have received a deserved reward as the Emperor’s benefactor. If possible, I would be happier if you had a smiling face rather than a crying one.”

It was Isana who calmed her down. Annika, who had stopped crying at his gentle words, barely raised her head, and he smiled with satisfaction.