Chapter 188 - The Choice Is Yours (2) (2/2)
Cheolkeodeong, cheolkeodeong!
The chains clanked noisily as Helen pulled against them even harder. Elena stared silently at Helen’s struggle and immediately turned away. Helen screamed at Elena’s retreating back.
“If I get out of here, I’ll destroy you somehow! Don’t you dare think you can do this to me and think you’ll be safe! I’ll make you crawl under my feet!”
Elena exited the dungeon without looking back. All she felt was pity.
*
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*
The same time in the Empress’ palace.
Oswald’s face was haggard. He knew the odds were against Helen so far, but the further he dug the more he realized how severe the situation was. No matter how much gold he offered, no one would dare to help him. They saw the situation was hopeless.
When Oswald spoke, it was with a grim look on his face.
“Isn’t it too harsh to accuse my daughter of attempted murder when she simply used an aphrodisiac?”
He was clearly agitated, but Ophelia lay comfortably on a long sofa with a pipe in her mouth as usual.
“She had done so without fear.”
Oswald clenched his teeth. He knew that Ophelia had plans to make his daughter Carlisle’s wife, but he couldn’t antagonize her now. At the moment, he needed Ophelia’s help more than anyone else’s.
“Your Majesty, set aside the punishment for later and save my daughter first. Is she not beautiful?”
“She is indeed, and I took her in as my lady-in-waiting, but how has she served me? Your daughter would make a fool of me.”
Oswald had already come to the palace earlier in the night, then returned again when he found no other way. In his desperation, he hurriedly pulled out a check.
“Please reconsider, Your Majesty. The Selby family will never forget this grace.”
Ophelia snorted as she looked at the amount written on the paper.
“Did you think you could persuade me with only that?”
“Y-Your Majesty…!”
Oswald’s offer was by no means small, and could support a family for several years.
“It’s not that I don’t wish to help you, but she doesn’t have a hope in hell. How can I save a tiger that is already caught in a trap?”
Oswald’s face darkened at the continued rejections. Ophelia gave him a glance and continued.
“There is only one way. Get rid of the root.”
“W-what…?”
A smile sprang up on the corner of Ophelia’s mouth.
“Bring me the Crown Prince’s head. When Redfield becomes emperor, you will be appointed as the first official.”
“B-but…!”
Oswald’s eyes widened at the shocking suggestion. Ophelia casually drew a breath from her pipe and blew white smoke into the air.
“Make your choice. Let her die.”
Ophelia’s eyes flashed like a snake’s.
“Or…give me the Crown Prince’s head.”