“Expeditionary force…?”

Someone shouted in a nervous voice. Expedition, that meant they were planning to go to war somewhere. So where…?

“We must hold Seor accountable for daring to invade the Grand Duke’s territory and harm the princess.”

The words left everyone speechless. Only Elliope shot a sharp glance at Theodor.

“You said you’d use me as a witness in the investigation, but before the results are in, you’re already gathering an expeditionary force?”

Instead of answering, Theodor curled his lips into a smile and turned to Kallian.

“I said I would take back the Nahir Plains.”

“…”

“Not just Nahir, but offer all of Seor to the Empire.”

As soon as these words were finished, Theodor turned and left the office. Charlotte followed Theodor out as well.

“….”

Fear filled the air among those left behind. No one dared to speak out loud. The only sound was the whispering of the ladies-in-waiting who had been with Charlotte, murmuring anxiously to their husbands, suggesting that it might be best to go home now.

It was at that moment, when the vassals and knights hesitated and couldn’t easily approach Kallian, that…

“Madam Viscountess.”

While Leanne remained in her seat, the Imperial Knights appeared behind her. Slowly they approached Elliope.

“Please come this way, Madam.”

“We will ensure your safety until the investigation is complete.”

No one spoke when they saw that it was the Imperial Knights and not the Grand Duke’s Knights who had intervened. Leanne continued to display her injury, almost as if to flaunt it. Even though she couldn’t look Kallian or Elliope directly in the eye, her actions emphasised that she was injured and made it clear that this incident was something the Imperial Court could not simply overlook.

“If you refuse, it will be considered treason.”

At these words, everyone averted their eyes once more. Treason against the Imperial Family was a serious offence. Elliope didn’t want to let go of Kallian, but at this point she was afraid that not only she but also Kallian would be accused of treason.

“Let’s go now.”

Reluctantly, Elliope pushed Kallian away, as if she had no choice.

Kallian stared at Elliope, seemingly unwilling to let go, but eventually he kissed the strands of her hair as they slipped away from him. Soon after, Leanne approached Kallian.

“Come with me, Viscount Elsen. His Majesty the Emperor has issued a statement regarding the expeditionary force.”

Several more Imperial Knights then approached and began to surround Leanne and Kallian, leading them away. Elliope also moved forward, following the Imperial Knights as they pushed her forward.

The knights concentrated on escorting Elliope quickly, ignoring her pace.

“Hurry up.”

They urged as Elliope tried her best to hide her anxiety as she walked briskly.

Just then, one of the knights approaching from a distance stepped between her and the Imperial Knights.

“I will also accompany you as part of the guard.”

“Ruben.”

It was Ruben, whom she hadn’t seen in a long time.

Elliope was inwardly surprised, but shot a sharp glare at the Imperial Knights who tried to stop him.

“I am under the protection of the Viscount’s Guard.”

“But, Madam…”

“I am not a criminal, but a witness. You wouldn’t deny me the right to be accompanied by the knights of my family, would you?”

At her words, the Imperial Knights took a step back. As they walked on, Ruben glanced at Elliope and motioned for her to follow.

Elliope immediately staggered and crouched down, almost as if she were about to fall to the ground.

“Madam Viscountess!”

“My leg… it hurts.”

“That won’t do. You must have at least some treatment before you leave.”

“But…”

“Madam Viscountess, you are also a princess of the Empire. I think those who come from the Imperial family should not forget that.”

When Ruben insisted, the Imperial Knights had no choice but to give in. He led Elliope to a nearby door and said, making sure the others could hear,

“There is a service room for the Knights here. If you go in and speak, the maids will come to help you.”

“The maids?”

“Neither I, as a man, nor the apprentice knights can touch you, Madam Viscountess.”

“Ah…”

“It will take some time, but it’s all right. Take your time and get yourself treated. Your welfare is my priority.”

Ruben stayed outside the infirmary with the Imperial Knights and handed something to Elliope. Everything happened in an instant.

Elliope, trying to appear unaffected, quietly entered the infirmary and read the note Ruben had given her.

[Once inside, open the door on the opposite side to find the corridor.]

Elliope continued reading the note.

[Go straight ahead and when you turn left you will find the strategy meeting room. The viscount will probably be nearby. This may be your last chance to see him before you’re taken to the border.]

Elliope took a deep breath for a moment. Her leg still hurt, but she had no choice but to move.

‘The border?’

Was he really going to attack Seor? Was he thinking of sending Kallian to the border with Seor?

No matter how strong Kallian was, if Seor really sent its army to respond, the damage would be catastrophic.

‘And… the Grand Duke’s territory wouldn’t gain much from a war.’

From her past life, where she had witnessed the devastation of lands through countless battles, she knew this well.

‘And if Kallian is injured, then…’

Needless to say, the Grand Duchy would lose its power. In the end, only the Imperial Family would benefit. And…

‘If war breaks out, only the Crown Prince of Seor will benefit…’

Unclear connections rattled in Elliope’s mind. If Theodor had any reason to interfere, there was only one plausible explanation. But could Theodor really be doing this, risking everything just to win her, putting the Grand Duchy in danger and benefiting only the Imperial Family and Seor? Even as she thought this, her mind became more and more confused.

[This may be your last chance to see him before you’re taken to the border.]

The words Ruben had written played over and over in her mind. The word ‘last’ kept piercing her heart.

‘Kallian.’

She didn’t really believe it would be the last time. Maybe Ruben had used that word because once she had been taken to the border, it might be a long time before she could return.

Still, her chest hurt. She wanted to see Kallian right away. She longed to feel the warmth he had given her earlier, to have that warmth engraved on her body again, even if only for a moment.

“…!”

As she opened the door and hurried down the corridor, making sure her steps were quiet, Kallian appeared in the distance. Facing him was Leanne. The Imperial Knights who had surrounded her earlier were nowhere in sight. 

Elliope quickly hid behind a pillar in the corridor. She longed to run to Kallion immediately, but if Leanne saw her, it could mean trouble. Elliope focused all her attention on the two of them, straining her ears to listen. 

‘Perhaps…’

The Emperor may have given Leanne specific orders. If she could find out, she might be able to find a way out of this crisis.

With that thought, Elliope tried to calm her breathing.

“You just have to give up Elliope.”

“…”

“It’s not that difficult, is it, Viscount Elsen?”

Leanne spoke with a flushed face. Elliope felt the coldness in the tips of her fingers and slowly opened and closed her eyes.

“If you give up Elliope, you won’t lose your title of viscount. In fact, with my recommendation, you could go to the capital and marry a much wealthier unmarried woman and gain a higher title in the process.”

“……”

“The only princess of the prestigious Belfir family, known for their military prowess, is a newly debuted unmarried lady. If she doesn’t suit you, the daughter of the Marquis Teysel may also be considered…”

“……”

“The only princess from the distinguished Belfir family, known for its military achievements, is a newly debuted unmarried lady. If she doesn’t suit you, the daughter of Marquis Teysel might also be considered…”

“And also you, the princess, Your Highness?”

Surprisingly, Leanne remained silent at this question. Instead of getting angry at being included as a candidate, she seemed to swallow something and then slowly began to speak.

“…I will get married elsewhere, but you really are a remarkable person.”

Regardless of her feelings for Elliope, Leanne really did think that Kallian was a waste. Leanne had come here and made an effort to study Kallian.

He was far too skilled to simply disappear, and he was also quite attractive as a man. If he were to join the Imperial Family now, he could easily rise to an even higher position. 

“All right, let me be direct. What His Majesty wants is to weaken the Grand Duchy. He wants to get rid of you and make the Grand Duchy powerless.

“I see.” 

“But there’s no need for that. If I can persuade His Majesty to let you leave the Grand Duchy and join the capital… and become part of the Imperial Family’s retinue, it would benefit both of us.” 

Each of Leanne’s words hit Elliope like a hammer. Of course, if this were to happen, Kallion could rise to greater heights in an instant. The Imperial Family would be a far better patron for him than Theodor of Ilmos. 

‘But for that to happen…’ 

Noticing Elliope’s thoughts, Leanne continued. 

“All you have to do is one thing. Give up your wife. Then Duke Ilmos will no longer interfere in your affairs and the Imperial Family will agree to send you to the capital.” 

“Is that so?”

Kallian simply replied, without drawing any conclusions.

It was the moment when Elliope unconsciously held her breath. Leanne let out a voice that sounded pinched, as if frustrated.

“Really. I didn’t want to say this, but…”

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t dislike Elliope, but… she has a fatal flaw that makes her unsuitable as a spouse for someone from a noble family.”

Kallian slowly shifted his gaze to Leanne. Leanne took a breath before speaking again.

“She cannot bear an heir, Viscount Elsen.”