Chapter 261: 261
Chapter 261 – Time To Act (1)
Carlisle and Elena spent several more days in the cave to avoid their pursuers . It was humble living compared to life in the Imperial Palace, but their days were happy as long as they had each other . If it weren’t for the urgency of their situation, they might have even lingered there longer .
However, their duties called to them . Although they did not know the exact status at the Imperial Palace, they knew that all was not well .
“Are you ready to leave now?”
“Yes . I’ve cleared away all traces that we’ve been here, so no one will be able to track us easily . ”
Neither had fully recovered from their wounds just yet, but they were well enough to travel . Their shabby living circumstances could not dampen the couple’s inherit beauty and charisma either—when Elena and Carlisle stood side-by-side, they looked like a painting from a fairy tale story .
“Shall we?”
Carlisle gave a small nod . Elena gave the cave one last regretful look before turning away . It was where she had her first time with Carlisle . The memory would not be easily forgotten .
Carlisle, sensing Elena’s thoughts, spoke in a soft voice .
“Are you sad?”
“For some reason, a little . ”
“You don’t have to be . ”
Carlisle clasped Elena’s hand and took one step forward .
“I’ll preserve this cave and turn this place into a cottage . ”
“…Really?”
As she walked behind him, she blinked her eyes in surprise . Carlisle gave a simple smile in reply .
“Of course . Who do you think I am?”
“I…”
“There’s nothing that the emperor of the Ruford Empire cannot do . ”
The scene where Sullivan declared that Carlisle would be crowned emperor floated back to Elena’s mind . No matter what was happening at the Imperial Palace now, Sullivan had already named Carlisle as his successor .
“There is no need to worry . The throne is mine, unless I die . I won’t give it up to anyone . ”
At his confident tone, Elena gave a small smile . Somehow, her steps felt a little lighter than before .
‘I know . I won’t forget . ’
There was still a long path ahead of them . What remained unchanged, however, was that Elena would be his most powerful ally in this thorny path .
“I promised to make you emperor . ”
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It seemed that it was time for her to play .
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Elena’s and Carlisle’s first job was to find Elena’s contact for Astar, leader of the delegation of the Freegrand kingdom . They needed information on the current situation in the Imperial Palace, but going to a noble family may reveal their activities to the Empress, and the distance was too far in any case . Meanwhile, Astar had branches in several places . It was far more trustworthy than going to the nobles, and the pair set their destination .
Soon after, Elena and Carlisle found themselves in a small parlor waiting for Isaac . Carlisle glanced around with a look of surprise .
“I didn’t realize that you were in contact with Astar . ”
“I had decided I needed an independent power to move around . I had agreed to give him exclusive trading rights when I became empress . ”
“Exclusive trading rights?”
He lifted his eyebrows . He was unaware that Elena had forged a secret deal behind his back . Carlisle looked skeptical, but Elena tried to reassure him with a serious look .
“I wanted as few people to know about it as possible, and so I didn’t tell you . Although granting exclusive trading rights are not easy…but I knew I would have that kind of authority if I became empress . ”
Carlisle soon smiled and nodded .
“You’re right . I can even offer better terms if it’s necessary . ”
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“Do you understand what you’re saying?”
“I believe you made the decision for my sake . And, as you said, you get their help in return . ”
That was proof of how much Carlisle trusted in her . Elena was pleased to receive his recognition, as she was a knight before she was his wife . It was a powerful advantage to have a hidden ally unknown to anyone else, especially in a situation as dangerous as now . Elena offered Carlisle a light smile .
“First, let’s find out what has happened in the Imperial Palace, then discuss our moves afterwards . ”
“Very well . ”
As Elena and Carlisle were speaking, there was a knock on the door, and Isaac appeared, breathing hard . It was obvious that he rushed all the way here .
“I was surprised to hear from you all of a sudden, Your Highness . ”
Isaac glanced up at Elena first, then saw Carlisle sitting next to her . After a stunned moment, Isaac hurriedly bowed his head to the prince .
“Th-the Crown Prince of the Ruford Empire—”
Carlisle held up his hand to stop him .
“I’m trying to keep a low profile, so skip the greetings . ”
“Yes, Your Highness . ”
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Isaac abandoned pretense and sat opposite the two without wasting any more time . He fixed them with a serious stare .
“The two of you were missing . Can you explain how you came to see me?”
Elena nodded at Isaac’s caution . Before she and Carlisle could get the information they want, they had to explain what happened beforehand . The puzzle pieces would fall into place, and the story would be completed .
“You likely heard what happened at the meeting on the National Founding Day . ”
“Yes . His Majesty the Emperor had declared that Prince Carlisle would be coronated . ”
“That evening, Emperor Sullivan summoned Prince Carlisle, but we were ambushed at the Northern Palace . We barely escaped, and we went out to seek your leader Astar . ”
“…So that’s what happened . ”
Isaac nodded as if he understood what was going on . Elena couldn’t contain her curiousity .
“What I want to know the most is what happened to Emperor Sullivan, and what the state of affairs is like at the Imperial Palace . ”
“The situation is not very good…”
Carlisle was sitting as still as a statue, and Isaac continued .
“The day after the National Founding Day, it was formally announced that the Emperor had passed away . ”
“What?”
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