Chapter 229 - Ch. 229 How Are You Two Together? (2) (2/2)

Power had a dark side to it, like the flip side of a coin. It was politics that could motivate someone to deceive, tear down, and even kill others, and Elena stood in the center of the Imperial Palace’s secret wars. Derek would not hesitate to do evil for Elena’s sake, but he had arrogantly been distracted by defeating Wickley and increasing the reputation of the Blaise family.

If something had gone wrong, Elena would be left alone. Their father, Alphord, was a man more loyal to the Imperial family than the Blaise family, and Mirabelle was too young to depend on. Only Derek could give his strength to Elena right now. He criticized himself for forgetting the fact even for a moment.

“You made a questionable decision before the match.”

“Brother…”

Elena’s red eyes trembled, but a faint smile tugged at the corners of Derek’s mouth.

“I did not win the championship on my own, but if this is your wish, I will be happy to follow you.”

Elena’s throat tightened with emotion, and her eyes grew moist.

“I will live and protect you until the very end. You can lean on me in your journey through this thorny road.”

It must have been difficult for an honorable man like Derek to accept this, but he looked at Elena in understanding. Tears slipped down her face, and she smiled gratefully.

“…Thank you, brother.”

*

*

*

After Derek regained his energy, he returned to the stadium where Alphord was still waiting for him. Elena watched from a distance as Alphord proudly congratulated his son, then she turned and walked back to her carriage. Derek could have come out of this tournament injured or dead, but luckily she was able to prevent it.

“…Eugh.”

She stopped walking. The pain in her back was even more aggravated because of the battles. She had hid it from both Derek and Carlisle, fearing that they would worry over her.

‘I’ll call the doctor to check the wound when I get back.’

Carlisle would fuss if he found out the wound worsened, so she would get it treated in advance as much as possible. Elena braced herself with a sharp inhale and walked quickly again.

“Your Highness.”

Elena turned around, then saw Kuhn approaching. She had been informed that he recently transferred back to the Imperial Palace, and she had already met him earlier when she was disguised as Derek. Kuhn bowed his head towards her.

“You were informed about my return, but it’s the first time we’ve met in person again.”

“Yes. How was your time at Blaise mansion?”

Kuhn paused at Elena’s question, then responded with a composed look.

“…It was well.”

“Ah, where is His Highness? He said he would return to the palace first.”

“I came to talk to you about that. The General is currently…”

They were walking and talking together when—

Kkiiig.

Elena heard the sound of the carriage door open. She sensed that someone else was sitting in the carriage behind her, and when she turned around, she saw Mirabelle staring at her and Kuhn.

For some reason, Mirabelle wore an expression of shock. Maybe Mirabelle had been waiting for her. Elena put on a welcoming smile.

“Mirabelle!”

Mirabelle’s spring green eyes, however, were intertwined with betrayal and devastation that Elena had never seen before.

“How…how are you two together?”