The Stand-In Empress’S Wedding Night [EN]: Chapter 180

180. I Didn’t Betray You

2022.09.24.

The dignitaries gathered in the monastery’s dining hall exchanged glances, struggling to process Emperor Lapion’s announcement.

The dignitaries were also struck by Linelle’s appearance, noting how haggard she had become in just a few days.

“Are you certain that the Aclato Duchy and the pirates of Tanya Island are approaching?” Grand Duke Martins asked, seeking confirmation.

Linelle nodded. “Our observers in the spire have confirmed the flags of the Aclato Duchy and those of the Tanya Island pirates. They appear to be in an attack formation. Unfortunately, our current number of knights is insufficient to confront them.”

She calmly delivered the grim news, her gaze sweeping across the tense faces in the room.

“Surely we can’t simply sit here and be defeated!” Empress Katria exclaimed, adjusting her attire, seemingly frustrated by Linelle’s air of resignation.

“If we offer no resistance, we can minimize the damage,” Linelle stated with conviction.

“How can you be so sure? What makes you trust the barbarians of Tanya Island?” Prince Tessler challenged. Most of those present seemed to share his skepticism.

“If they intended an all-out war, they would have already launched a full-scale assault,” Linelle continued, addressing the dignitaries rather than Prince Tessler directly.

“Currently, we have knights stationed around the monastery spire, the entrance, and the main building.”

“What about a preemptive strike?” Prince Tessler suggested.

“Our forces are already stretched thin, as His Majesty pointed out. A reckless preemptive strike would be suicidal,” Prince Norton countered, supporting Linelle’s assessment.

“If they launch an indiscriminate attack, we will have no choice but to fight to the death. However, if they have specific demands… dialogue would be the best approach.”

Linelle knew exactly what they wanted but couldn’t reveal it to the dignitaries just yet.

They would find out soon enough.

“Ah, there’s something I haven’t yet informed you of,” Linelle’s deep voice added to the heavy atmosphere. “Empress Zelda’s condition worsened last night. This morning, I had to urgently dispatch her to the Tevelo Empire with the Master of the Magic Tower.”

Gasps of concern for Zelda’s well-being rippled through the room.

“How dire is Her Majesty’s condition that you would send her to the Tevelo Empire with Galacos potentially lurking anywhere? Did she have a proper escort?” Grand Duke Martins asked, his voice laced with worry.

“As you know, a large escort could attract the Galacos due to their sensitivity to sound. Therefore, I deferred to the Master of the Magic Tower’s judgment, as he has been closely monitoring the Empress’s condition, and sent her ahead. I hope you understand.”

Linelle addressed Grand Duke Martins and the other dignitaries in turn.

They seemed to respect her decision.

“How convenient for her. Slipping away in this dangerous situation…” Princess Resilia muttered. Melanie, seated in front of her, shot her a glare.

“Huh?” Princess Resilia bristled at Melanie’s expression, but Melanie simply closed her eyes and mouthed silent curses, as if taunting her.

After a moment, Rosie, sitting beside Melanie, nudged her arm, prompting her to open her eyes.

***

Linelle left the dining hall after the brief meeting. She was about to head to the spire with Raphael when Emperor Adrian called out from behind.

“Your Majesty, I need a word.”

“What is it, Emperor Adrian?”

“Had you informed me sooner, I would have provided an escort for Her Majesty to the Tevelo Empire.”

Linelle, who had turned to face Emperor Adrian with a neutral expression, was taken aback by his unexpected offer.

“Perhaps I could send a trusted aide after them even now?”

Emperor Adrian moved closer, speaking confidentially as he saw Linelle’s intrigued reaction.

“Who did you have in mind…?”

“I was considering sending Empress Elan. She is very capable.”

“Your Empress?” Linelle tilted her head.

Under normal circumstances, the suggestion wouldn’t have seemed odd. However, the Elangi Forest was currently teeming with Galacos, making it a perilous route.

Why would he send his own Empress to chase after Zelda’s party?

Then again, considering Emperor Adrian’s personality, such an act of kindness wasn’t entirely out of character.

Wasn’t he known for treating his Empresses like knights?

Linelle recalled the martial arts competition for the Empresses that Emperor Adrian had organized during the welcoming party at the Lapion Imperial Palace.

Empress Elan had also been in constant conversation with Zelda.

From Linelle’s perspective, there was no reason to decline Emperor Adrian’s offer. They needed all the help they could get to ensure Zelda’s safety. Empress Elan’s swordsmanship skills would be a valuable asset.

“It hasn’t been three hours since the Empress’s party departed. If she hurries, she might catch up with them today.”

“Empress Elan is particularly skilled with horses, so there shouldn’t be any issues. I’ll take your silence as permission and instruct Empress Elan to prepare for departure.”

“Emperor Adrian, thank you,” Linelle said, conveying her sincere gratitude.

“You’re welcome. I, too, wish for Her Majesty’s swift recovery,” Emperor Adrian said with a gentle smile before turning away.

***

“Now?” Empress Elan was taken aback by Emperor Adrian’s sudden command.

“Empress Zelda mentioned having business in our Empire, so we must assist her. There are two tasks you must undertake,” Emperor Adrian said, sweeping back his short, silver hair and smiling sinisterly.

He gripped Empress Elan’s shoulders tightly with both hands, urging her forward.

“First, you must acquire the Avatar Sword from the Master of the Magic Tower. Second, confirm the existence of the Wyvern that is likely accompanying Zelda.”

Empress Elan’s brow twitched slightly.

“If you secure the Avatar Sword for me, I will welcome you as Empress upon our return to the Imperial Palace,” Emperor Adrian said, gazing intently at Empress Elan.

Before her surprise could fade, Emperor Adrian leaned in and kissed her lips for the first time.

“Yo-Your Majesty…!” Empress Elan’s face flushed crimson.

“There’s no time to waste catching up with the Empress’s party. Leave immediately!” At Emperor Adrian’s insistence, Empress Elan hastily packed her belongings and grabbed her sword for what felt like the last time.

“Then, I shall see you again in the Tevelo Empire, Your Majesty.”

“Elan, my future Empress! Wield your sword without hesitation!”

“That means…!”

“Eliminate anyone who stands in your way. And there’s no need to intervene if the Empress is in danger.”

“…Yes, Your Majesty,” Empress Elan replied dutifully as always and turned to leave.

***

“You can’t go back now, Your Majesty!” Bellos blocked my path.

“Get out of the way, Master of the Magic Tower.”

I wheeled my horse around, intending to ride back, but Bellos had already overtaken me on the hill leading down to the monastery.

I pointed to the sky and shouted, “Look! More Galacos are heading towards the monastery!”

“That’s precisely why you can’t go back,” Bellos said, his tone calm but firm.

Commander Markrom also blocked my way.

“The Master of the Magic Tower is right. We have been ordered to ensure Her Majesty’s safety. Even if something happens at the monastery… you cannot return.”

“Markrom, are you saying it doesn’t matter if His Majesty is in danger?”

“Our priority is escorting Her Majesty the Empress.”

What was going on?

Linelle must have given them strict orders.

It was as if they had anticipated this.

“There are people I need to protect at the monastery, not just His Majesty,” I said, steering my horse towards the monastery.

“Your Majesty, it’s too dangerous. This hillside offers no cover. You’ll be visible to anyone heading to the monastery,” Bellos said, once again blocking my path.

Our horses faced each other, snorting.

“His Majesty would never want you to return. I guarantee it.”

“But…”

Commander Markrom’s words, heavy with the weight of his long friendship with Linelle, gave me pause.

“The best way to honor His Majesty is to reach the Bellos Empire as quickly as possible and receive treatment for the evil energy. Besides… your fever seems to have subsided since yesterday. Did you take a magic potion?” Bellos asked, raising a hand to check my energy.

“Yes, I haven’t had much of a fever lately, but I took one this morning when the symptoms seemed to be returning,” I replied, touching my right cheek.

“Good. You only have one potion left, so you need to reach the Tevelo Empire and acquire ‘Yakante’ herbs before it runs out. There’s no time to turn back.”

“Let’s go, Your Majesty,” at their combined insistence, I reluctantly turned my horse around.

My eyes met Bonis’s, who was riding beside the Commander. She looked terrified.

I felt guilty for unsettling her with my stubbornness.

If I continued towards the monastery, we would likely encounter the group driving the Galacos towards it, as Bellos had warned.

My actions were inconsiderate of Bonis, who wasn’t skilled in combat.

“I’m sorry for scaring you, Bonis,” I apologized.

“No, Your Majesty. Don’t apologize…” Bonis forced a smile, despite her obvious fear.

“Ah, lemon tea. I’d love some right now,” I thought of Sharon, who was still at the monastery, and longed for a cup of her lemon tea.

Bonis reached for the water bottle hanging from her saddle.

But instead of handing it to me, she clutched it tightly, then replaced it and offered me another water bottle from the opposite side.

“Le-lemon tea… maybe you should drink it later, after we’ve eaten. It’s better to replenish your fluids with water now…”

“Okay,” I said. It didn’t really matter what I drank. I took the water bottle Bonis offered and took a long sip.

Bonis watched me drink, then sighed softly.

I smiled at her, and she smiled back.

Suddenly, Bellos shouted, “Watch out behind you!”

Kieeeek-!

The Galaco’s screech echoed nearby. Startled, I turned around.

A Galaco lurking in the forest had spotted us and was charging towards us, drooling.

The hungry Galaco’s two snake heads lunged towards me.

I quickly drew my sword.

“This body will take care of you, Moiya~,” Moiya poked his head out of my uniform pocket.

“Stay put. Be a good squirrel.”

“But Moiya is bored. I want to fight Galaco… Yes, Master,” Moiya dejectedly retreated into my pocket when I narrowed my eyes.

I waited for the Galaco to approach, then sliced off both heads in one swift motion.

However, the Galaco emitted its unique death cry, summoning others.

“Damn it,” I muttered as two Galacos circling in the distance turned and flew towards us.

“Everyone, ride into the forest!” Commander Markrom shouted. We spurred our horses back into the dense woods.

***

“What’s that?” Falto, Hector’s right-hand man, noticed a Galaco heading in a particular direction. Intrigued, he raised his binoculars.

The Galaco was chasing people on horseback.

“Great King! Look at that hill!” Falto handed Hector the binoculars, pointing towards the hill.

“Are those the ones who escaped from the monastery?” Hector muttered after looking through the binoculars.

“What’s going on?” Jo, the knight commander of the Aclato Duchy, asked. Hector handed him the binoculars without a word.

Jo peered through the binoculars and exclaimed, “Master of the Magic Tower?! Why is the Master of the Magic Tower here…?”

“Who? Master of the Magic Tower?” Hector asked.

“Yes, Great King. One of the people who entered the forest was definitely the Master of the Magic Tower. Why is he in the Elangi Forest with the Avatar Sword?”

When Knight Commander Paul mentioned ‘Avatar Sword’, Hector’s indifferent expression changed.

“Are you certain it’s the Avatar Sword?”

“Absolutely. Any knight of the Aclato Duchy can recognize the Avatar Sword from afar.”

“Falto! Go and capture them immediately. Kill them if they resist, but retrieve the Avatar Sword.”

“Yes, Great King!” Falto led his men in pursuit of Zelda’s group.

***

Tung-!

Arrows began to thud into the trees around us.

Galacos in the sky and archers on the ground were blocking our path.

“Who are those people following us?!”

“Judging by their attire, they appear to be pirates from Tanya Island,” Bellos replied after glancing back.

“Why are they on the continent…?” Before I could ponder the question, arrows rained down.

As we plunged deeper into the forest, the Galacos hesitated, circling overhead, but the pirates were relentless.

‘If we keep running, more enemies might join the chase.’

I couldn’t avoid a confrontation any longer.

We had to deal with them first, then face the Galacos.

“Markrom, protect Bonis,” I said to the Commander, drawing my bow and arrows.

Commander Markrom didn’t reply, but I saw his horse move to stand behind Bonis.

Bellos deflected the incoming arrows with the Avatar Sword, while Commander Markrom and I picked off the pirates one by one with our bows.

Fortunately, our arrows found their marks each time.

But we were running out of arrows. The same was true for the pirates, so we would eventually have to resort to swords.

Suddenly, a horse screamed, and Commander Markrom tumbled from his saddle.

The Commander, who had been aiming his bow, lost his balance when his horse was struck by an arrow.

“Markrom!”

“Commander!” Bonis and I cried out simultaneously.

But I couldn’t reach Commander Markrom.

Instead, I shot arrows into the hearts of the pirates who were targeting him.

“Commander, get on my horse,” Bonis quickly dismounted and helped the injured Commander Markrom.

He was limping, having apparently hurt his leg in the fall.

Bellos and I exchanged worried glances.

“I’m alright,” Commander Markrom said, bending down to retrieve his dropped bow.

As soon as he finished speaking, Bonis’s scream pierced the forest.

“Commander! Look out! An arrow… is coming…!” Bonis threw her arms around Commander Markrom’s waist, pulling him to the ground.

Two arrows were embedded in her back.

“…Bonis!!” I dismounted and ran to her.

“Hold on!” I shook her shoulders, calling her name.

“Zelda, Sister…” Bonis looked up at me, using my name instead of my title.

Tears streamed down my face, landing on Bonis’s pale cheeks.

“I’m sorry… sob, I’m so sorry… ha, but…”

“What are you talking about? It’s okay, everything’s okay. Don’t talk, please don’t say anything!” I pleaded, stroking her face with trembling hands.

The more she spoke, the weaker her breath became.

“I’m glad… I didn’t, didn’t betray…”

“No. No, Bonis… Bonis? Bonis!!” Bonis closed her eyes in my arms, leaving behind an unfinished sentence.

She was gone.

It felt like flames were erupting from my body.

I pulled the arrows from Bonis’s back and entrusted her to Commander Markrom. Then I stood up.

I didn’t want to plunge the arrowheads stained with Bonis’s blood into the enemy’s hearts without cleansing them first. I covered the arrowheads with my hands and wiped them clean.

Then, flames erupted in my palm and spread to the arrowheads.

Ignoring the Master of the Magic Tower’s surprised expression, I drew my bow without hesitation.

The flaming arrow pierced the first enemy’s heart, then continued through the heart of the man behind him, the fire still burning fiercely.

I quickly retrieved the arrows from the trees, placed them in my quiver, and covered the arrowheads with my hands again to ignite them. I shot them relentlessly.

The pirates were panicked by the flaming arrows.

After I had fired all the remaining arrows, they dismounted and approached me.

About twenty of them. If Commander Markrom’s injury wasn’t serious, the Master of the Magic Tower and I could have handled them.

I sensed Commander Markrom struggling to his feet.

He must have laid Bonis down gently.

I tried not to cry, tried not to look back at Bonis.

Crying was something I could do after I had killed them all.

I steeled my heart.

“Take it,” the Master of the Magic Tower said, handing me the Avatar Sword.

I took it as if it were my own.

As I grasped the hilt, the red jewel embedded in the center sparkled. Heat surged through my palm, flowing through the entire sword.

For a moment, it was so hot that I almost dropped it, but I gripped the hilt even tighter.

I quickly scanned the faces of the men who had killed Bonis and struck down the one on the far left.

The man next to him raised his sword, but that was his last act. He, too, fell at my feet.

I slashed at them mercilessly.

The more their screams echoed, the more clearly I seemed to hear Bonis’s last breath, and it was agonizing.

From some point on, I wasn’t in my right mind.

It felt like it was all my fault that Bonis had died.

I should have been more careful.

I shouldn’t have been infected with evil energy in the first place.

No, I shouldn’t have been heading to the Tevelo Empire to get the ‘Yakante’ herb.

Guilt chased its tail.

The clothes and flesh of the enemies I struck burned.

The Avatar Sword seemed to absorb my fire and amplify it.

Another group was rushing towards us from the distance.

“They’re knights of the Aclato Duchy,” Bellos said, recognizing their attire.

“Then I have to kill them all, too,” I said. There were more knights than I had anticipated, but it was too late to avoid them.

I wasn’t scared.

What I feared most was Bonis’s death.

The knights of the Aclato Duchy surrounded us on horseback, cutting off our escape.

The Master of the Magic Tower, Commander Markrom, and I gathered in the center, back to back.

We prepared to fight, knowing we might not survive.

As the battle raged, I saw the Master of the Magic Tower’s sword fly from his hand and stick into the ground.

He was already surrounded by the knights of the Aclato Duchy.

I ran towards him.

I threw the Avatar Sword to him, then rolled to the side to grab another sword that had been abandoned nearby.

But as the Master of the Magic Tower reached for the Avatar Sword, a Galaco swooped down from the sky, aiming for his back with its sharp claws.

“Duck!” I shouted. The Master of the Magic Tower turned his head and fell backward.

Just before the Galaco could snatch him, he plunged the Avatar Sword into its chest.

The Galaco flew away, the Avatar Sword embedded in its body.

“…Damn it!” I slammed my fist against the ground.

At that moment, a strong wind blew from behind me.

I turned around….

Kieeeek-!

Another Galaco was carrying Bonis, who was lying as if asleep, into the sky.

My heart shattered.

I threw the sword I had picked up towards the Galaco with all my might.

It fell short.

“Bonis… No!!!” At my cry, Moiya, who had been hiding in my pocket, transformed and soared into the sky.

“Master, I’ll bring her back!”

“…Moiya!”