Chapter 103 - I Am Sleeping Now (1) (1/2)
The Crown Prince’s palace was quite large. It wasn’t as vast as the Emperor’s or Empress’ palace, but it was still the third largest on the grounds and boasted an impressive size.
Aside from the largest central building on the Crown Prince’s compound, there were also various small and large buildings next to it, such as training camps, stables, and the servants’ quarters. The same was true of the accommodation that Elena and Mirabelle had been placed in. It was a quiet building far away from the central area to provide the most comfort and relaxation.
“Are some of the Empress’ men still on the grounds?”
Zenard, who was walking a step behind, answered immediately.
“Yes, they are.”
“Put more watchmen over there. They seem to be hiding, but if you find them, take them away.”
“Then armed conflict is inevitable, Your Grace. The Empress won’t let this stand. What are you going to say?”
“Do I have to explain myself?”
“…What?”
Zenard didn’t understand at all. Carlisle then replied quietly.
“Kill them all. If we don’t leave any evidence, they won’t be able to prove that we’ve taken Kuhn in our custody.”
“But even without proof, she’ll know that you’re the one. Is that acceptable?”
“It doesn’t matter. They’ve already gotten away with it too many times.”
Despite the violence in his words, Carlisle was relaxed as if he were merely taking a stroll.
“…They’ll pay the price for recklessly intruding into my palace.”
“Yes, sir.”
Carlisle’s was more hard-willed than expected, but Elena didn’t speak out against Carlisle’s judgment. From Elena’s perspective, as someone who had been on the battlefield numerous times, Carlisle’s mindset was that of an excellent general. Society was concerned that this side of him was too cruel, but when he moved into situations of danger like now, he excelled brilliantly. One should never underestimate the enemy, especially on the battlefield.
“I will go watch for the Empress’ men–”
Elena spoke before he could finish.
“I will go.”
Not only was Elena confident that she would leave no evidence, but she knew she could get Kuhn out safely even if the other soldiers found her first. The more important the task was, the more she wanted to deal with it herself. Carlisle furrowed his brow, however.
“Zenard, you go.”
“Me?”
Zenard couldn’t hide his surprise when it was Elena who volunteered to go.
“Don’t make me say it again.”
“My apologies. I’ll go right away.”
With a questioning look on his face, Zenard quickly lowered his head, then fell away from Carlisle’s company and disappeared. When he was completely out of sight, Carlisle turned towards Elena, his icy eyes flashing in the dark.
“…Len, you’re already trying to break your promise.”
Elena gazed at him, and she imagined he looked like a black jaguar on the prowl, a bloodthirsty predator that kept its prey on edge. The other soldiers following behind Carlisle momentarily lost their breath at the pressure he was exuding.
Elena didn’t forget the promise she made.
“You can’t ignore me.”
“…?”
“I won’t get hurt by this kind of mission. I am your sharpest weapon.”
She had told Carlisle that she wouldn’t get hurt, and that she would be as careful as possible. However, she was not so weak as to get injured by such a mission.
The soldiers’ were astonished at Elena’s words. They had never heard someone speak so confidently. It was not easy to praise oneself even if you were overflowing with skill. Those who talked like this could be divided into two main categories–Either you were really confident in your skills, or you were a big talker…
A small smile spread across Carlisle’s as if he were in agreement with Elena.
“Still, stay with me tonight. I don’t want you to leave yet.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
The two were completely casual in their conversation, but the soldiers behind them were not easily convinced. In this situation, was it true that Elena was the best of Carlisle’s men?
Everyone stared back Elena and Carlisle with inquisitive looks. Morgan, who was walking silently behind them, clapped his hands together and murmured in a soft voice that did not fit his big size.
“…Fantastic.”
*
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The started to find small clues as they arrived in the northwest direction of the Crown Prince’s palace. It was when Carlisle and his group were following a trail of bloodstains on some branches that someone came towards Carlisle, panting.