Chapter 294 – That’s Not What It’s For (1)
Elena wasn’t the only one that noticed the fire and activity around the Blood Assassins headquarters. Paveluc was the first person to receive the report that Carlisle’s army had managed to sneak into Lunen and launch an attack in the middle of the night, and the Grand Duke was able to reasonably infer that their goal was to save Elena. There would be no reason to attack the Blood Assassin headquarters otherwise. If anyone wanted to inflict damage on Paveluc before the war, it would be most effective to attack the castle or a military location, not the Blood Assassins.
‘…How surprising.’
It was an unexpected move by Carlisle. Paveluc had prepared for this situation of course, but he never thought it was much of a probability. When he stayed at the Imperial Palace, he witnessed and heard rumors about Carlisle’s and Elena’s relationship. It was why he had not yet killed Elena; as a hostage, she was far more valuable. But Paveluc didn’t realize Carlisle’s attachnt to her would be to this degree.
‘I thought politics would be mixed in their relationship…but perhaps he really does care about the Empress.’
It was already clear that the Ruford Empire and the state of Lunen would soon go to war. Carlisle moved quickly to save Elena before a full-scale battle broke out, which ant that she was an extraordinarily precious person to him. A smug, satisfied smile spread across Paveluc’s mouth.
‘Did I catch a bigger fish than I realized?’
In fact, when his assassination attempt on Carlisle failed, he was so furious that he intended to kill Elena. Once Paveluc saw her determined red eyes glaring at him, however, he beca intrigued and eventually changed his mind. No one had shown such a commanding presence in front of him. Even the proudest, most arrogant noble would grovel for their lives, such as Ophelia and Redfield did. But Elena…she was different. It was providence that he decided to keep her alive.
n tended to think highly of themselves. For Paveluc, won were rely tools to support stronger n, and he had believed that Carlisle thought the sa as well. There were other n who were humiliated at the thought of being lesser than a woman. Paveluc wasn’t sure what category Carlisle fell in, but…
A funny idea flashed across his mind.
‘If Carlisle were to choose between the Ruford Empire or the woman Elena…what would he choose?’
Carlisle couldn’t be foolish enough to choose Elena, but Paveluc wondered how the emperor would react when the mont ca. Paveluc spoke to a servant.
“Update on the Empress?”
“Yes. I sent the n as you ordered, and they will cut off one of the Empress’ arms and bring it back.”
“Good. I’m looking to see how Carlisle will respond.”
Carlisle had invaded his territory, and Paveluc intended to repay him generously. Paveluc ordered Elena to be moved to a secret place where she could not be found, and ordered his n to cut off one of her arms. Then he’ll send Carlisle a little present…
He smirked and stroked his bard as he imagined Carlisle’s reaction.
Beolkeog!
A soldier burst into the room with a harried look on his face.
“My Lord, we’re in trouble!”
“What’s going on?”
Paveluc’s brows furrowed at the soldier, who wheezed his report without even taking a mont to breathe.
“There’s another army coming from the border, led by Emperor Ruford.”
“Wh-what?”
Paveluc jumped up from his seat. He knew that the enemy’s soldiers had been gathering at the border as of late, but he didn’t expect Carlisle to launch a preemptive strike so quickly.
‘I can’t be…he must be launching an attack inside and outside at the sa ti to save the Empress.’
Paveluc had shown little interest in the soldiers at the border. No matter how many of Carlisle’s n infiltrated Lunen, it would be difficult for the Ruford Empire to mount an extended campaign, and Paveluc could take them at any mont.
If war was imminent, however, Paveluc’s troops would be spread too thin. At the mont, it was more urgent to stop the large army moving through the border, rather than the smaller one that had already infiltrated Lunen. Paveluc ground his teeth.
“…Carlisle.”
Paveluc could not let this go any further. Carlisle seed so desperate to rescue Elena…but Paveluc would never surrender her. He took a few short strides and put on his armor.
“Hurry up and bring the Empress’ arm. I will go directly to the border.”
“Yes, My Lord!”
The soldiers around him bowed in unison.
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