Return of the Female Knight

The time of the battle was soon upon them. It had been decided to execute the plan as soon as possible to mitigate any unexpected variables, and as a result, Elena and Carlisle crammed weeks worth of planning into only a few days.

Now, the time was nigh. They would know who would take the throne after the battle tonight.

Elena was dressed for stealth, garbing herself completely in black and covering her face with a mask. She looked up at the new moon in the night sky and murmured in a low voice.

“Soon, even the moon will be at its darkest point. I will infiltrate the palace, then leave the rest to you.”

In contrast to Elena’s light gear, Carlisle was dressed in heavy metal armor and a red cloak, all the dignified trappings of a general in command of the battlefield.

“…I’m not happy sending you out there.”

“Well, it’s been decided upon already.”

The soldiers in the Crown Prince’s palace were needed to end the fighting as quickly as possible and minimize loss of life. To do so, the palace had to be breached, and Elena was well-suited for the task when Carlisle could not move himself. No one was more resourceful or had better combat skills that Elena. Carlisle had been forced to accept the plan, but he couldn’t stop himself from worrying about the risk.

He looked up at Elena with a heavy expression, his chest aching with regret.

“…Ever since I saw you fight, I was afraid that this day might come.”

He had always feared that Elena would be put up to a dangerous mission. He tried to stop her from lifting a sword in any situation possible, but even he was forced to accept her ability. That did nothing to ease his worries, however.

“Don’t forget your promise to me. You pledged to stay by my side for a long time.”

Elena lifted her head and tried to look confident, understanding how worried her husband was for her.

“Don’t worry. I will release the soldiers from the palace and then join you.”

“Don’t get hurt. Don’t try to do something you think you won’t be able to do. Can you promise me that?”

“Yes. Take care of yourself too.”

Caril gave an apprehensive nod, but there was no more time for hesitation.The faint, thin crescent moon was gradually fading away, shadowing the land in darkness. Elena could not miss this moment of opportunity.

Carlisle steadily pulled himself up to his horse, then looked down at Elena.

“The battle will take place as soon as I arrive at the entrance of the Imperial Palace.”

“Yes. I’ll keep track of the time and make my move.”

Carlisle gave one last forlorn glance at Elena’s face and her bright, determined eyes. Then, with trembling lips, he gave his parting farewell.

“…I’ll see you soon.”

Hwiig—

Carlisle turned his horse and headed straight for the Imperial Palace gates. Already waiting for him there were soldiers from the allied nobles, the Krauss family, as well as additional mercenaries from Elena.

Elena stared at Carlisle’s retreating back before turning away. There was no time for sentimental feelings now. The outcome of the battle rested heavily in her hands now.

Ttubeog ttubeog—

She strode towards the other elite soldiers chosen for the task, and a dozen pairs of eyes hidden by the dark forest turned towards her. Elena was their team leader today. She looked up into the night sky and spoke in a quiet voice.

“In ten minutes, we break into the palace.”

“Yes, leader.”

“Remember, if anyone blocks our way…”

Elena’s red eyes slowly turned back at the soldiers.

“…cut them down.”