Chapter 102 - She Wanted To Protect Him (2) (1/2)
“I’ll take care of Kuhn’s business myself, so you can go back to your room.”
“But–“
Elena was having a brief argument with Carlisle over disguising herself as Len.
The sound of someone pounding on the door interrupted the two. Elena and Carlisle glanced at each other, then Elena quickly walked behind the drapery of the bed to hide herself. If they were forced to create an alibi that Elena was spending the night here, it would surely spread widely throughout the Crown Prince’s palace by tomorrow.
Carlisle glanced at the bedside where Elena concealed herself, then turned back to the door and responded.
“Come in.”
It was Zenard who hurriedly entered the room.
“I apologize, Your Highness. There’s an urgent report and I had no choice but to–”
Knowing that he was with Elena, Zenard’s lengthened his excuses, but Carlisle cut him off coldly.
“Get to the point.”
“The Empress sent a search party to our area. They entered without permission. They said they were after a man that broke into the Empress’ palace, and it seems like they were looking for Kuhn.”
“So he must have escaped from the Empress’ palace. Where’s the search party now?”
“We’ve expelled them, but they are still searching around for him.”
“…Those insolent soldiers.”
Carlisle’s eyes were like ice.
“Tell the spies you planted in the Empress’ palace to keep watch for Kuhn, and bring all the other men at the outskirts of the palace and organize a party. I’ll be there soon.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Zenard bowed and left the room, and Elena stepped from behind the curtain of the bed.
“Are you still going to leave me out of this?”
“…I’d like to, if possible.”
“Well, if you can’t lend me armor, I’ll get it myself. I’ll do it my way.”
Carlisle hesitated at her words, and then continued with great reluctance.
“I see. Then I’ll give you some armor to wear. Just don’t leave my side this time.”
“Don’t forget our contract, Caril. If you object to me being part of your guard, I’ll find another way to do it. And that may not be what you like.”
Carlisle opposed her every time she raised a sword, making her job more difficult each time. They had already agreed on the contract, and she had already explained herself on Flower Bridge. Elena had no more patience to persuade him.
“I know you are capable. That’s what worries me.”
“…?”
“I am afraid you will end up taking on a job that’s as dangerous as your abilities.”
“I am ready for it.”
“…I know. I understood the last time you said it. But please remember what I say now.”
Carlisle’s blue eyes stared straight into Elena’s red ones. She listened to him in spite of the darkness in the air.
“Don’t get hurt. If you are in danger, don’t look back and make sure you are safe.”
“Then–”
She was about to ask what the purpose of being his guard was, but Carlisle continued in an even softer voice.
“I told you. If you get hurt…I might go crazy.”
He really didn’t know what would happen if she got hurt. It was highly probable it would be like the time he had cut off a nobleman’s head and brought it to a party.