As the doctor predicted, the injured ankle gradually improved after a few days, allowing me to walk without any difficulty.
Thus, Ascan, the bodyguards, the Brellof family’s entourage, and I were diligently moving, crossing the border of the Kalua Empire and entering the capital.
The atmosphere of the Kalua Empire was very different from that of the Arwen Empire.
While the Arwen Empire had a warm feeling with flowers and trees planted everywhere like spring, the Kalua Empire was desolate, with hardly any plants visible, and all the buildings were monochrome, giving a bleak winter-like vibe.
It happened while I was observing the streets of the capital through the window of the carriage.
“Halt! Is the one riding this carriage Lady Brellof?”
Simultaneously with a thunderous voice, the procession came to a stop.
Curious, I extended my head and saw a group in knight attire blocking our procession.
For some unknown reason, judging by the mention of my name a while ago, it seemed they were here to find me.
As Ascan, not wearing a mask, rode forward, leading our group, he said, “What’s the matter?”
As Ascan glanced at the unexpected opponents blocking the way, his eyes sparkled in surprise.
The man in his prime, standing at the forefront of the group, had a large, rugged appearance that could be recognized even from a distance. Above all, his torn eyes looked extremely fierce.
“It’s an order from His Majesty. He wishes to meet Lady Brellof at the palace after bringing her to dissolve any suspicions himself.”
The man unilaterally spat out the words, passing Ascan and approaching my carriage.
With a sneer, he, personally opening the carriage door, faced me and said, “I am Carter, the commander of the Kalua Empire’s First Knights. From now on, please accompany me.”
I glanced back at Ascan’s face visible behind Carter.
Ascan’s face was expressionless, making it impossible to discern his thoughts. However, one thing was certain; he didn’t seem to have any intention of stopping me from following Carter.
‘Is this how you’ll come out?’
When I left the laboratory, I presented a condition to Ascan.
─ If we go to the Kalua Empire together, I have a condition.
─ …What is it?
─ If we go to the Kalua Empire, let me stay at your residence.
Originally, the biggest reason I came to the Kalua Empire was because of Ascan.
No matter how much VIP treatment they offer, I had no intention of going to the palace.
“Commander, I appreciate your suggestion, but I’ve decided to go to the mansion where the head of the guard stays. If you inform me of the meeting schedule with His Majesty, I’ll adjust my visit accordingly.”
Carter’s expression twisted at my words. I could feel his displeasure at a glance.
“Lady Brellof, I’m sorry if you didn’t hear my words earlier, but this is an order from His Majesty.”
“While I appreciate your kind offer, I’ll decide my residence.”
“I came under His Majesty’s order. For now, please accompany me, and later, you can meet His Majesty and discuss.”
“Is it meant for me to wait for days in the palace when I can’t meet His Majesty right away?”
“Of course, that’s… ”
“I thought I was invited to the Imperial Palace of the Kalua Empire. Was it an order for me to follow forcibly?”
I visited as a guest of the Kalua Empire. However, if Helsion handles me forcibly, the situation changes.
Whether Carter understood my intention or not, he momentarily closed his mouth. However, judging by his expression, he didn’t seem willing to back down easily.
It was during the silent confrontation between Carter and me.
Ascan, who had been observing the situation a step away, approached and said, “I will report to His Majesty. Lady Brellof will be brought to my mansion.”
Huh, at those words, a grinding sound was heard from Carter.
For some reason, Carter’s eyes, as he looked at Ascan, were filled with dissatisfaction.
“Count Arteas, do you think too lightly of His Majesty’s orders? Your behavior seems very arrogant for trying to persuade Lady Brellof, considering the circumstances.”
In agreement with Carter’s words, the atmosphere quickly turned ominous.
The members of the First Knights who came with Carter placed their hands on the sword handles, making threatening gestures as if they could draw their swords at any moment.
Simultaneously, the bodyguards here also became tense, their eyes filled with a readiness for immediate action as if a clash was about to occur.
Ascan, with his deep eyes, stared directly at Carter and said, “I will report to His Majesty using my eyes. Lady Brellof will be taken to my mansion.”
Grinding? Although Ascan turned his words, no one here failed to understand the implied meaning.
It meant killing everyone, including Carter and the First Knights, right here. It also meant reporting everything to Helsion, including this, to the end.
I was secretly surprised at Ascan’s unexpected remark.
I had no intention of yielding to Carter’s coercive demands, but Ascan’s response was much more violent than I had anticipated.
An Indifferent Woman is the One Men Desire the Most
One-line summary: The female lead is actually cold-hearted and extremely rational. She has stage-by-stage relationships and won’t two-time, but there will always be someone who secretly likes her.
This novel has the following triggers, so if you’re sensitive to these, please don’t read:
1. The female lead has had many relationships, but she treated each one seriously and broke up properly.
It’s just that the men unilaterally pestered her incessantly. For the female lead, when she doesn’t like someone anymore, she simply doesn’t like them.
(This applies to her relationships with Male Lead 1, 2, 3, and 4 as well, but she’s loyal in each 1-on-1 relationship!)
2. In this novel, Male Lead 2 and the female lead kiss in a car, and Male Lead 1 sees it and beats up Male Lead 2.
The female lead calls the police and sends both Male Lead 1 and 2 to the police station! Male Lead 1 begs the female lead not to break up with him.
3. Male Lead 1 has a gentle appearance but an obsessive personality.
Male Lead 2 has a delicate and soft appearance, slightly green tea-like (two-faced).
Male Lead 3 is a youthful college student and a smart person who has secretly liked the female lead for a long time.
Male Lead 4 is the female lead’s father’s special assistant, a business elite with deep, hidden thoughts.
4. At the beginning of this novel, the female lead has already broken up with Male Lead 1 (Chapter 4) and gotten back together with Male Lead 2 (ex-boyfriend).
5. Enter with caution if you have triggers!!!
