“We couldn’t bring the soldiers across the imperial castle. So, currently, Landhill’s soldiers are waiting outside the palace.”

Carson was well aware that Ines had been steadily collecting military supplies and training soldiers. As a result, Landhill possessed the largest military strength in the southern region.

He had also heard recently that Ines introduced a newly modified musket to Landhill. If there was news in the newspapers, it all went through Landhill.

When Carson heard that story from Ines, he thought that she was sincerely devoted to gathering guns.

Unable to endure it any longer, Carson covered his face with his large hand. He was afraid that if he let go, tears of longing for her would flow.

What could be more gruesome than a man who had become an abducted groom the day before his bride, who would become his wife, was kidnapped? He rose from his seat, self-pity washing over him.

“Ines is in their hands, so we can’t attack recklessly.”

“I understand.”

“Noah, bring the map.”

Carson unfolded the map, pointing to Elinsan, the route to Leuven, and the opposite side where he would establish his base.

“Place Landhill’s army here as reinforcement.”

Viscount Swenden nodded resolutely as befitting a lord with the obligation of military service.

“As soon as we secure Ines’s fresh recruits, we’ll march.”

“Understood.”

“Do not attack until we send a signal from our side.”

Carson’s military power surpassed the opponent as a backup. And the opponent had not yet realized that fact. The tide of war had significantly turned in Carson’s favor.

Nevertheless, the Emperor’s face remained unwavering. Even if he won the war, protected his position, and defeated the biggest hostile force in the imperial family, what meaning did it have without Ines?

Ines probably didn’t anticipate such a situation. That the two of them would part so miserably…

Perhaps, that’s why, on that spring night, she walked alone through the cold corridor to find him.

“Viscountess Swenden.”

When Carson called Elena in a low voice, her trembling eyes turned towards him.

“I have no face to show you.”

Elena eventually burst into tears. It was the tearful look of a mother who wished her daughter to live an ordinary and warm life like herself.

But Elena soon calmed her emotions. The light that had exploded in her eyes and the tearful voice that had burst out were quickly suppressed.

Elena slowly stood up.
“Your Majesty.”

Carson’s throat tightened at the voice reminiscent of Ines.

“When I first heard the news of Ines being kidnapped, strangely, I blamed Your Majesty.”

“Hey.”

Andrew dissuaded her with sad eyes. However, Carson shook his head, preventing Andrew from stepping forward. Only when he heard that Elena blamed him did he finally feel a bit relieved.

“Your Majesty, this is just the ordinary sentiment of a mother wishing for her child’s safety.”

Elena gazed at the Emperor, who bowed his head in front of her, as if he were just a young man like her child, despite appearing as imposing as a massive mountain. She approached slowly and held Carson’s hand. His body trembled at the warmth.

When their eyes met, Elena managed to lift the corners of her mouth into a faint smile.

“While the Emperor and my husband go out to fight for justice, I will ensure that my daughter’s wedding preparations proceed well.”

Upon hearing the unbelievable words, Carson raised his head and locked eyes with Elena. As their eyes met without reservation, Elena pulled his hand, embracing him.

In her embrace, Carson finally realized that he had been trembling faintly since yesterday. Elena couldn’t be unaware of the tremors he felt. She gently comforted him by patting his back.

“This is the sentiment of the future Empress’s mother, who believes in the Emperor of the Keynes Empire and the Lord of Landhill.”

Eventually, Carson buried his face in Elena’s shoulder. If he didn’t, he felt he might burst into tears of longing for her at any moment.

This was comforting. A sensation he had never felt in his entire memory seemed to attack him like an assault, as Elena’s hand scraped strongly against his back.

“It will be fine. So, don’t worry. Ines, my daughter, is not weak.”

While Carson remained silent, Elena’s words continued gently.

“So don’t be afraid anymore. Now is the time to go and bring her back.”

“I will bring her back safely.”

He nodded and replied with formality, as if making a vow to his mother. Although he should refrain from doing so, Elena silently continued to caress his back. A truly large man had never felt so fragile.

In his uplifted eyes, there was no longer any trembling. The mind that couldn’t grasp onto fear chilled like ice. His body no longer trembled.

“Noah.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“We will depart.”

“I will heed your command.”