Swiiiigeu–
Kuhn recovered himself and quickly slipped out from Elena’s room. Time was running out, and he had to rush the message to Carlisle. He was only a few steps away from the window when–
“…!”
Kuhn paused and looked back. There was a faint presence, and he swiftly concealed his face with a mask he carried on him. Thanks to Kuhn’s quick instincts, his opponent wouldn’t be able to properly identify him. Kuhn was primarily an assassin, and he couldn’t risk being seen.
Tadot!
He took a step towards the direction he sensed the presence. Whoever it was that had watching Elena’s room in the middle of the night was now gone. Kuhn hurriedly checked the surroundings, but there was no sign of anyone.
“…Did I miss them?”
Kuhn’s customary blank facade began to crease. There were not many people throughout Ruford Empire who could make such a clean escape from him. Whoever it was was highly skilled, and he could not risk this person being near Elena.
“One more thing to report to the General as soon as possible.”
After a soft whisper, he disappeared from the scene like a shadow. He was moving at such a high speed, that if one didn’t know any better, it was as if he simply disappeared.
When Kuhn was gone, a shadow emerged from behind a tree. There was a crunching sound as the mysterious figure took a bite out of an apple. The shadowy man was Batori, who was employed at Blaise mansion under false pretenses.
“…Who is he?”
Batori smiled in amusement. Such a brilliant man had come into Elena’s room in the middle of the night. Batori had not foreseen this, and his interest couldn’t help but be piqued.
“Perhaps he has something to do with the Crown Prince?”
Some time ago, several people attacked and seriously injured Batori when he was tracking Elena’s bead ring. The other man must have something to do with his attackers and Carlisle’s men. Batori took another bite from his apple and muttered to himself wistfully.
“…I wish I could’ve seen your face.”
If he hadn’t restrained himself, he could have caught the other man. Paveluc only ordered him to watch on Elena from afar, not interfere, and so Batori hid himself before he could be discovered. He gave a low whistle, and the corners of his mouth lifted up.
“Hwiyueu— Things are going to be fun.”
*
*
*
The next evening.
Elena dressed herself elaborately for Redfield’s party. Mirabelle looked pleased with the gown she had chosen, and gave her sister a thumbs up.
“Mm-hmm. Perfect!”
“Thank you. You don’t have to do this every time.”
“Not at all, I’m just having fun. I’m becoming more and more interested in dresses lately.”
“Really?”
Elena looked delighted at her sister’s talent in design, while Mirabelle scratched her nose in embarrassment.
“Anyway, be back soon sister. You haven’t had proper rest because of all the wedding preparations.”
“Everything is fine thanks to your help. Most of what’s left are the finishing touches.”
“It’s not a problem. The wedding date is soon, so be careful not to get hurt.”
Elena smiled faintly at Mirabelle’s worried nagging and stroked her sister’s hair.
“Yes, I’ll be careful.”
The two walked together to the entrance of the mansion. Michael was waiting by the carriage and bowed respectfully.
“Please come back safely, My Lady.”
Michael’s grim expression told Elena that he knew about the truth about the blackmail, but she responded casually.
“Yes. I’ll see you when I get back.”
Mirabelle, oblivious to what was in store for Elena, looked on brightly as she waved her hand.
“Enjoy yourself, sister.”
“I won’t be too late.”
When Elena finished saying her farewell, she boarded the carriage emblazoned with the Blaise crest. It began to move forward, not towards the Imperial Palace, but to a remote villa some distance from the capital where the party was held.
Elena stared at the passing scenery. Suddenly, she remembered the night she rode on horseback through the forest with Carlisle. She couldn’t freely ride a horse like she used to, and a heavy regret settled inside of her.
The journey took some time until, finally, the carriage arrived at its destination. The coachman opened the carriage door, and Elena tentatively stepped outside.
“I’ll be waiting outside, so call me when you’re ready to leave, My Lady.”
“Yes.”
Elena gave a brief reply and walked forward, the mask sent by Redfield in hand. The masquerade ball was a unique event where everyone present concealed their faces. It wasn’t a large enough gathering to call it a ball, but the purpose of the event was the same.
Everyone at the entrance was wearing a mask, and Elena immediately put hers on before going inside and appearing in front of everyone.
Ttogag ttogageu–
The crowd’s eyes were riveted on Elena as passed them by with a rich, plumed mask adorning her face. It seemed that she always drew attention even if nobody knew who she was. Concealing her face could not suppress her beauty entirely.
And so, Elena entered the party hosted by Redfield.