Chapter 206 - Ch. 206 A Storm Will Come Soon (1) (2/2)

It hardly surprised Elena that there were spies in the Imperial Palace, and while a few nobles knew that she was injured in the first place, they did not have any detailed information about the type or severity.

The Krauss’ information network was truly impressive, and more impressive still was that Harry casually came to Elena knowing all this. He had already calculated this meeting knowing she had a serious injury.

‘…That’s not a normal bet, either.’

She shouldn’t underestimate Harry, as young as he was.

Sensing Elena’s wary gaze, Harry hurriedly clasped his hands and spoke in an apologetic voice.

“Please don’t misunderstand. The rumors are not so bad.”

“It’s fine. I tried to cover up my injury because I didn’t want to cause worry, but you already knew.”

“That’s as much as I know. If you don’t mind, however, would you allow me to make some guesses?”

“…Try it.”

Harry was starting to come around to the point. Elena had wondered why he brought up the topic of the ambush.

“Judging by the location of the wound, did you take the arrow for the Crown Prince?”

Typically, when one was shot by an archer, one was hit at the front or side. An arrow could strike the back when one was running away, of course, but considering the circumstances that Elena was injured and Carlisle unscathed, another assumption could be made.

It was pure conjecture, as Harry said, and the truth was only known to the involved parties.

‘Why is he curious about this?’

From her position, it was a completely unexpected question. She stared for a moment at the young man in front of her. She had no idea the intention of his question, and whether to tell the truth or lie…or perhaps yell at him for his impudence.

Of course, she wanted to keep as close relations with the Krauss family as possible, so she was reluctant to choose the third option.

‘Just because he knows about my arrow injury, doesn’t mean he knows about my sword fighting abilities.’

Even if she had no knowledge of fighting, almost anyone could run fast enough to save their husband.

After a brief internal debate, Elena made her decision. After all, she had been trying to display her close relationship with Carlisle, and she didn’t have to lie and hide about it. It didn’t matter if someone knew.

“Can you promise to keep it to yourself?”

Harry replied with no hesitation.

“I promise.”

“Very well. The truth is…yes, I took the arrow meant for His Highness.”

“Ah!”

Harry’s eyes glittered in satisfaction that he guessed right. Funnily enough, it made the youthful Harry look more his own age. Elena smiled.

“Why are you curious about this?”

“You have spoken to me honestly, and so I will answer you honestly. I have never seen such loyalty in the Imperial Family.”

“…?”

“Which Imperial couple would throw themselves into danger for their spouse?”

Harry did have a point. Despite Sullivan’s and Ophelia’s outward appearance of harmony, in truth their relationship was fractured.

Harry looked closely at Elena and then spoke in a low voice.

“Personally, I like you, Your Highness.”

Elena cast him an incredulous look, and he hurriedly corrected his words.

“Oh, not as a woman, but as a leader of the Ruford Empire. You inspire someone to believe in you.”

There was no reason for Harry to say this to Elena, so it was probably truthful.

“Then if you like me, why not support the Crown Prince for the throne?”

She decided to be direct. If Harry’s statement was true, the Krauss family didn’t have to remain neutral. At those words, however, Harry waved his hands hurriedly.

“If I was the head of Krauss family, I can make that decision, but you know I have no power yet.”

Elena gave a faint smile. Harry already knew how to use his youthfulness to extract himself from awkward conversations. His ability to redirect the flow was incomparably outstanding for his age.

‘I don’t know what else, but Krauss has groomed a capable successor.’