Ines, Marcus, and Anthony, the three of them, reached the warehouse where the carriage was parked.

As Marcus, with a knife at Anthony’s throat, entered the carriage, Ines sat down on the coach seat without hesitation.

Without delay, Ines urged the horse and pushed open the half-open warehouse door, walking out.

Those who knew that Anthony was still under Marcus’s knife didn’t hastily follow the carriage.

However, it would only be for a moment. If enemies followed on horseback, the carriage would be captured soon.

Ines had to stay focused to not lose her way while running along unfamiliar streets. In the midst of the desperate situation, Carson naturally came to mind.

Just once, just one more time, she hoped to see him.

To gaze into his sparkling golden eyes and touch his soft hair.

To fall asleep while looking at his smile.

Ines strengthened her weakening heart and bit her lip.

Even if she were captured by the enemies and left the world in frustration, she vowed to take the threat to Carson with her on her path.

Any further thoughts were a luxury. Now was the time to run, focusing only on what lay ahead.

News arrived that the Marquisate moved before Carson led the Imperial Knights to Elinsan. They couldn’t afford to hesitate or observe the situation with their daughter in the hands of the Emperor.

Of course, admitting to planning a rebellion by raising an army himself was not a light step.

At that moment, Noah hurriedly entered Carson’s office.

“What’s the situation?”

“We sent a search party in the direction where the carriage disappeared, but we haven’t located the whereabouts of Her Majesty the Queen yet.”

Since Carson declared that he would wage war in Elinsan, the Marquisate must have thought Ines’s location was discovered. Then, there would be some kind of movement.

“How many enemies are there?”

“As of now, the number of soldiers gathered by the Imperial Knights and the Marquisate is almost the same.”

“Quite a large force they’ve assembled.”

“They seem to have prepared for a long time. Several influential families seem to be involved.”

“I expected as much.”

“And…”

“What is it?”

When Noah blurred the end of his words, Carson sharply asked,

“The Viscount and Viscountess of Landhill have arrived.”

Carson pressed his forehead. Originally, they were supposed to have arrived at the palace last week. However, for some reason, news came that the Viscount and Viscountess of Landhill would arrive just two days before the wedding.

But with Ines missing, Carson had completely forgotten about the Landhill couple, who should have arrived yesterday.

“Where are they heading?”

“They will be here shortly.”

For the first time in his life, Carson realized the meaning of having no face. Now that Ines was confirmed to be kidnapped, what kind of face should he show to her parents?

With a deep exhale, Carson hastily moved to meet the parents of the woman he loved.

Soon, the three of them sat facing each other in the reception room Ines used.

“We’ve heard the story on the way here.”

The Viscount, with proper manners, began speaking fearfully. Elena Swenden, sitting next to him, had a pale face and was trembling slightly.

“Is it true that my daughter is now in the hands of the Marquisate?”

Unable to speak out loud, Carson only nodded. He seemed to have already grasped what happened in the palace as he came to meet the Emperor.

“In the end, things have come to this.”

The Viscount’s words caused a slight crease in Carson’s brow.

“Did you know something?”

“Through the letters Ines often sent, we knew the gist of the story.”

“I’m sorry.”

The Marquis’s apology was met with a nod from Carson.

“No, rather than that…”
After deciding to trust and support Ines with his wife, Elena, Viscount Swenden firmly held onto his thoughts. He always remained vigilant, ready to face any storm without being the first pillar to crumble.

Although he knew the Emperor’s feelings when he apologized, it wasn’t the time to accept that apology yet. Now was the time to figure out how to safely retrieve his daughter.

“There’s something the Emperor must permit.”

“Permit?”

In response to the Emperor’s question, Viscount Swenden explained.

Around the time they finished preparing to come to the palace, they received an urgent letter from Ines.

Given the uncertain situation, Ines requested them to bring the military supplies and soldiers she had prepared to help her.

Despite hurrying for the soldiers’ training and military supply preparations, it took almost five days. Consequently, the day they arrived in the capital was equally delayed.

“Ines anticipated that something might happen either before or just after the wedding.”

“Does that mean… they came with soldiers from Landhill?”

“Yes.”

Carson could not respond and only furrowed his brows and clenched his teeth when he heard Noah’s explanation. As Andrew suffered in agony, Carson’s heart also tightened. But now was not the time to console each other.