“I know the owner of this handwriting. This was sent by Queen Rose Robepon.”

The surprised gazes of the aides turned toward Kasallin at once. Among them, Loren Logia, who knew Rose particularly well, expressed caution, saying there was no way she would send such a thing.

“Is it really the handwriting of the Queen of Khan?”

“I’m certain. It seems like they tried their best to make it look like someone else sent it, but I know the unique habits in her writing style well.”

“Then it’s even less trustworthy. She might have ulterior motives, trying to lure Your Majesty the Empress into that gorge. I think it’s best to ignore it.”

Loren’s opinion was quite reasonable. As she said, Rose was someone who could easily turn malicious if she set her mind to it.

However, Kasallin didn’t think Rose would orchestrate such a scheme just to put her in danger.

She was simple and foolish. Rather than devising a large-scale plot like this, she’d be more likely to choose a method that destroyed herself and pinned the blame on others.

Besides, by now, Rose’s due date must be approaching. Perhaps she had already given birth.

In a time like this, when one must act cautiously in all matters, it was unlikely that she would suddenly harbor a grudge and stir up trouble.

“You’re right that this letter can’t be trusted, but I don’t think we can completely ignore it either. There’s no guarantee it’s true, but there’s also no guarantee it’s false.”

Vincent, who had been silently observing the situation, spoke up cautiously. Kasallin felt a chill run down her spine as she nodded in agreement.

“You’re right. If this ambush plan is real, His Majesty and the knights could be in danger. We must find a way to inform them, even if it takes longer, to march through a different route.”

Why Rose sent me this letter, I don’t know. I can’t hastily confirm whether the contents of the letter are true or false.

But one thing is certain: this information must at least be conveyed to Parnes. Kasallin asked Vincent.

“Sir Vincent, where do you estimate His Majesty is right now?”

“I can’t be certain, but by now, he’s likely passing through the eastern granary region. His Majesty and the imperial knights are exceptionally mobile, so they’ll likely pass through the gorge in a day or two.”

“There’s so little time…”

Kasallin closed her eyes anxiously, clutching one side of her forehead. Loren approached with a worried expression, supporting her.

What should be done in a situation like this? She couldn’t just sit idly, hoping Shallen’s plan would fail or praying that Parnes would handle it well on his own.

The procession included not only Parnes but also countless young knights, squires, and servants. Every single one of their lives was precious.

While spreading out a large map on the desk, searching for a solution, a memory flashed through Kasallin’s mind—words Parnes had said before departing for the campaign.

“If things go wrong, rely on Nigel Ludwig. He’ll become a fine aide in the future.”

As if something had dawned on her, Kasallin fixed her gaze on Nigel’s face. His face, resembling his grandfather’s kindness and intelligence, was filled with resolve.

He straightened his posture, chest out, as if he knew the Empress was about to give him an important order, ready to receive her command.

“Sir Nigel, I’ve heard you’re well-versed in the kingdom’s geography and an exceptional rider. Can you meet His Majesty and deliver this information before his procession enters the gorge?”

“Of course. Just give me your orders, and I’ll do what needs to be done.”

Kasallin paused, looking at the map of the Rernel Empire. Her fingertip pointed to a mountain range spanning the western and northern parts of the empire.

“If you cross this mountain and take a shortcut here, you might just barely meet His Majesty. But don’t push yourself too hard. If it seems impossible, we can always find another way.”

“No, I know this area well. There’s likely no one in the imperial court who knows the paths better than I do. Entrust this task to me.”

“Are you sure you’ll be alright?”

“Of course.”

“Very well, then. I know it’s a burden, but I’m counting on you. Please take care.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure to deliver the message. Time is of the essence, so I’ll depart immediately.”

Even though crossing the mountain in two days might make one hesitate, Nigel strode out of the room as if he had been waiting for this moment.

He was the kind of person who, once determined, would see it through. Surely, he would reach Parnes.

Yet, Kasallin couldn’t fully relax. Unlike others, she knew exactly what kind of person Shallen was.

If, as Rose said, he truly intended to eliminate Parnes in this battle, he surely had other schemes up his sleeve.

Shallen didn’t believe in his own abilities. He was a man consumed by deep-seated inferiority and insecurity.

Thus, instead of facing Parnes head-on with skill, he would likely resort to underhanded tactics to harm him.

But it seemed Rose hadn’t heard anything about Shallen’s other plans.

“Then…”

Kasallin’s deliberation grew longer. She wavered between staying put, trusting Parnes would be fine, or heading toward the Great Plains.

To keep her promise to him, she should stay here.

But the thought of spending days in agonizing worry, wondering if he’d fall into a trap or return safely, felt mentally unbearable.

Even if she didn’t go all the way to the Great Plains for safety, staying at a nearby northern palace and receiving updates on the situation would be ideal.

“Your Majesty the Empress.”

Perhaps sensing the subtle shift in Kasallin’s expression, Vincent looked at her with a stern face.

“I fully understand Your Majesty’s feelings. But it’s too reckless. Didn’t His Majesty the Emperor say he would never allow such a thing?”

“I’m not saying I’ll go to the Great Plains. I just want to stay at the northwestern palace for a while. It’s safe there, isn’t it?”

“That’s true, but…”

Vincent’s gaze, almost impertinently, dropped to Kasallin’s slightly rounded abdomen. He quickly averted his eyes, but he couldn’t hide his troubled expression.

In truth, he was conflicted too. Between his personal desire to protect the Emperor from a cunning trap and his knightly duty to keep the Empress from leaving.

“If I may humbly offer my opinion… I think Your Majesty should follow your heart.”

In the heavy silence between them, Loren cautiously interjected. Both Kasallin and Vincent turned their gazes toward her.

“I believe it’s better to do what you want and regret it than to regret not doing it.”

Standing in the corridor, Rose followed with her eyes a flock of birds flying into the sunset-tinted sky.

By now, the messenger pigeon should have arrived. She wasn’t sure if Kasallin would believe it, but if Emperor Parnes learned of it, he would be furious.

Rose stared blankly into the air, imagining the Emperor’s sword piercing Shallen’s shoulder.

Guilt and pity, born from lingering affection she hadn’t fully shaken off, clouded her mind like a storm.

To still feel pity for Shallen after all the harsh words and treatment she’d endured was almost laughable.

“Your expression is dark.”

Aster’s voice came from behind. Without turning, she knew he’d be wearing his characteristic amused smile.

“Are you perhaps worried that His Majesty the King will defeat the Emperor of Rernel and solidify his throne? What a pointless concern.”

Aster stepped beside her, looking out at the garden in the same direction. A chilly breeze passed between them.

“It’s a strange thing to witness. Who would’ve thought the day would come when Her Majesty the Queen wanted to escape the royal court? Unimaginable in the past.”

“Don’t speak as if you can see through people’s thoughts. I’m merely waiting quietly for the fate that’s coming.”

Aster gazed at Rose’s face through half-closed eyelids, a faint glint of malice in his eyes.

One of his hands, clasped behind his back, brushed against the dagger tucked at his waist. But as if deciding there was no need to draw it, he released his hands.

“If you thought the love and honor you stole from others would last forever, you were gravely mistaken. They say everything comes back to you in equal measure, don’t they?”

“…”

“So don’t feel wronged or lament your situation. Instead, be grateful to the gods of fate. You might have faced an even harsher punishment.”

“And what about you, Aster?”

Aster, who had turned to leave, stopped on the flat stone path.

“Are you so pure that you can give me such advice?”

“No. I’ve done plenty of bad things to get to where I am, so I’ll probably end up in hell before long. But I won’t be lonely—I’ll have a friend.”

“…A friend?”

Rose narrowed her eyes. Aster grinned mischievously, showing his white teeth.

“His Majesty the King. He’ll either die this time or, if he’s lucky, return to the palace missing an arm or a leg.”

“How can you be so sure?”

He shrugged lightly.

“If I were Emperor Parnes, I wouldn’t let him walk away unscathed.”