Kristin was waiting for Selena Scarlet.

The temporary residence provided by Duke Raphael Rodney was one of his private villas, a secluded location unknown to outsiders.

The villa was a personal retreat designed by the dukes, who had always avoided entanglements with other nobles.

Since only the duke and his aide knew of its existence, Kristin had been able to stay there quietly for the past few days.

After rumors about her and Duke Raphael began to spread, Kristin had written to Selena Scarlet seeking her assistance, asking her to visit the villa today.

She had asked the aide who had brought her to the villa about Duke Raphael Rodney’s condition, but the aide, having avoided any contact with others, had no news of the duke’s safety.

Though anxious, Kristin held onto hope that he was alive and tried to steady her nerves.

Her role now was infiltrating the imperial palace and closely watching Princess Rebella.

If she could glean any details about Princess Rebella’s words or plans, she believed she could send a letter to Duke Raphael Rodney to inform him of the situation.

However, that wasn’t the only issue.

The aide protecting her didn’t even know whether Duke Raphael was alive or dead. Even if Kristin uncovered Princess Rebella’s schemes, she had no clear plan to deliver the message safely.

While deep in thought at the villa, Kristin spoke to her aide.

“How should I send a letter to Duke Raphael Rodney? If the letter is discovered, it could also become a problem.”

The aide shook his head and replied,

“We can only wait for Duke Raphael Rodney to contact us. If the situation has been resolved, his retainer will come. I’ve heard, he mentioned meeting some brothers in the Eriha region. Is that correct?”

Kristin recalled the Jamie brothers from Eriha.

If they had indeed come to Duke Raphael Rodney’s estate that day, they likely had infiltrated by pretending to be part of the duke’s private forces.

If that were the case, Duke Raphael would likely send the Jamie brothers—who were relatively unknown within the empire—here, and all they could do now was wait for them to arrive.

But would they really come?

If they had betrayed them or informed the authorities, the situation would become far more complicated.

While waiting for news from Duke Raphael, Kristin prepared to meet Selena Scarlet.

Soon, one of the aides informed her that someone had arrived at the villa.

“Lady Selena Scarlet has arrived. And there is one other person with her.”

“What?”

Kristin hurried to prepare to receive Selena Scarlet but hesitated momentarily upon hearing that she wasn’t alone.

The thought that the emperor’s relative might betray her crossed her mind, but she decided to trust Selena.

“Go on and meet them. I’ll carefully check the surroundings. No one seems to have followed the carriage so you can rest assured.”

“All right.”

With a deep breath, Kristin left the villa and headed toward the carriage.

—

“The Marquis Winston plans to enter the palace as well?”

Kristin was surprised to learn that the person accompanying Selena Scarlet was Marquis Winston Zenon.

She had sincerely hoped that he wouldn’t become involved in this matter.

Even if he had offered his help, she had intended to decline. But Selena Scarlet spoke to Kristin with a worried expression.

“It seems you’re unaware of what has happened to Marquis Winston Zenon.”

Since Kristin had been almost entirely cut off from the outside world in the villa, she hadn’t even seen a newspaper.

Thus, she had no idea that Winston Zenon had been falsely accused of assassinating Duke Raphael and was now a fugitive.

“What happened?”

Kristin turned to Winston Zenon with concern, and though he put on a calm expression, his response was grave.

“I’ve been framed for the murder of Duke Raphael. It was a situation that could easily be manipulated against me.”

“I don’t understand. You have nothing to do with this.”

“It seems His Majesty the Emperor exploited the fact that I harbor feelings for you.”

“Ah…”

Kristin could say no more.

A wave of anger toward Emperor Lucas Aedon surged within her.

“It’s all right. My life was at risk even without Lady Kristin. I’ve heard about Princess Rebella.”

“Yes, you have.”

The Marquis Winston Zenon, gazing thoughtfully at Kristin, spoke to her steadily.

“I will enter the palace as well. It would be far too risky if you were to face any danger while inside. Furthermore, if Duke Raphael is alive…”

“…To be honest, I’m not sure. I’m worried because there hasn’t been a single letter from him.”

“What are you saying? Duke Raphael must still be alive. He’s not someone who would succumb so easily, is he?”

The marquis, too, had witnessed Duke Raphael take an arrow. However, he wanted to believe the duke had survived.

Though he hadn’t been able to confirm the duke’s condition himself, having spent all his energy protecting Kristin and Selena Scarlet, Winston couldn’t accept that Raphael Rodney was gone.

Then, suddenly—

“A letter—there’s a letter!”

“What?”

Kristin’s aide came rushing in, reporting that a pair of teenage brothers had arrived and delivered a letter.

Kristin immediately realized it must be from the Jamie brothers.

“Please read it, my lady.”

Taking the letter from the aide, Kristin slowly began to read.

—

[Kristin, it’s me.

I’m safe, so don’t worry.

The Jamie brothers have been exceptionally helpful. They’re clever young men.

Once you enter the palace, make your observations and leave promptly. I don’t want you to stay there too long—it’s dangerous.

I’ll await your report and ensure I’m ready in time.

The Jamie brothers have informed me that the emperor will be abducted five days from now.

I’ll prepare the soldiers to respond accordingly.

I’m alive, so there’s no need to worry further.]

—

Upon receiving the letter, Kristin finally felt a sense of relief.

Knowing that Duke Raphael was safe brought a smile to her face.

She hadn’t realized how much anxiety and fear had gripped her since their separation. She had spent sleepless nights tossing and turning, consumed by worry.

With his letter in hand, all that was left was to enter the palace.

“Duke Raphael is safe. Lady Selena Scarlet, please help me gain entry to the palace. As for Marquis Winston, I must insist that you avoid unnecessary risks—”

“No. I’ll enter as well, disguised in knight’s armor. No one will notice me.”

“But—”

“Lady Kristin, I believe Marquis Winston is right. I would be too worried otherwise.”

Faced with Selena Scarlet’s reasoning, Kristin hesitated before nodding.

“Very well. Shall we make our way to the palace?”

Selena Scarlet began distributing their disguises.

“I’ll introduce you to Princess Rebella as a maid I trust dearly. I’ll explain that I’ve brought additional maids to serve temporarily and let the others rest for a few days.

As for Marquis Winston, I’ve prepared this armor and helmet for you. The helmet covers everything except your eyes, so you should remain unnoticed as long as no one examines you too closely.”

“Thank you, Lady Selena.”

“No need to thank me. You’re working to stop those who threaten the empire. This much is the least I can do.”

Selena Scarlet smiled reassuringly as she spoke to them, but she couldn’t help letting out a sigh. A sudden worry struck her.

When someone started to suspect them, their lives could be in grave danger. Hesitating for a moment, Selena finally managed to speak.

“Change your clothes and get back in the carriage. We’ll head to the palace.”

Kristin and Marquis Winston finished preparing and met Jamie’s brothers before heading to the palace.

They were accompanied by Duke Raphael’s aides, who spoke to Kristin.

“My lady, you must reward us. That’s all we ask for.”

“Of course. Once I return to this estate from the palace, I’ll ensure you’re all properly compensated.”

After saying this to them, Kristin turned to Marquis Winston and Selena Scarlet and said:

“Now then, let’s go to the palace. We must save the empire.”