Chapter 315 - Warm Spring Days (2) (1/2)
***
As soon as Elena heard that Alphord had returned, she hurriedly prepared to leave for Blaise Mansion after having not visited for a long time. The procession that followed her was quite massive, and she had a large number of guards and attendants that cared for her while she was pregnant.
She finally arrived at Blaise Mansion. Derek, who had already heard the news, was waiting for her at the entrance. She stepped off the carriage and greeted her brother.
“Brother.”
“Greetings, Your Majesty.”
“You should have told me in advance that you were arriving at the capital with Father.”
“Well…Father was reluctant to tell you the news, because he didn’t want to worry you while you were pregnant. Still, please understand that we contacted you after arriving at the mansion.”
Elena was familiar with Alphord’s stubbornness, and had a rough idea of what Derek went through. She replied with a nod.
“I understand what you mean. Where’s Father?”
“I’ll take you to him.”
Derek took the lead and guided her to Alphord’s room. Because she was now at Blaise Mansion, there was nothing that could endanger her, and the escorts remained at the door.
Finally, it was only Elena and Derek alone inside. The latter slowed his footsteps and spoke in a careful voice.
“I had misrepresented the news about your death, and it could have caused a major accident with the Emperor. Once again…I’m sorry.”
“No, it was an honest mistake then. The Emperor understands everything, so don’t worry about it anymore.”
She was rather concerned that Derek was still hung up on it. In her eyes, it wasn’t his fault at all. If Elena had been in his position, she would have thought the same thing.
“The important thing is that you and Father are safe and sound. And as a result, the war resulted in a great victory.”
“That’s true, but…”
“Don’t judge yourself based on one incident alone. Because of the strategic movement of your troops, Father and I had been able to avoid Paveluc’s pursuit for a long time.”
“…”
“This is late, but you risked your life for me… So thank you very much. Brother.”
At Elena’s words, Derek’s footsteps slowed to a halt, and she stopped and looked at her brother. For a moment, they stared at each other in silence. Elena’s gaze conveyed exactly what she thought of her brother, and conversely, how much Derek cared about her. She offered him a soft smile.
“You probably don’t realize how much I rely on you.”
At that, Derek immediately fell to one knee like a perfect example of a knight.
“If you are ever in any danger in the future, Your Majesty, I will run to you. And then…I will certainly save you.”
Derek had pledged this countless times to her. Even if he didn’t say anything else, the true emotions of his heart were passed on to Elena, and she nodded and gave a radiant smile.
“Thank you again, Brother.”
***
Kiiiig—
After Derek took her to Alphord’s door, Elena went into the room alone. There she saw her father laying in the dim light. It was a miracle that he was alive, but it broke her heart to see the bandages wrapped around him because he couldn’t be completely healed.
She stood in place for a moment as she stared at her father’s figure lying on the bed.
“Who’s there? Please bring me some water.”