Although there was little doubt that Madelyn and Leon had committed serious crimes, it was not yet determined what punishments would be imposed. Howard and Oliver would continue to keep an investigation open until then, although the Emperor’s rapidly deteriorating health was a cause for concern.
Kkiiig.
The Emperor’s chief butler walked into the room.
“Hail to the Crown Princess and Crown Princess. Eternal glory to the Keith Empire.”
“Welcome. Has anything happened to Father?”
The butler shook his head.
“No. He’s had a bad cough recently, but it has been quiet tonight. He’s in as good condition as he ever was. There is no need for worry.”
Amanda sighed with relief. This time, it was Oliver who spoke.
“Why is he looking for me?”
“Ah…Her Majesty the Empress came and pleaded to the Emperor on behalf of the Second Prince. I believe His Majesty would like to discuss the matter with you.”
He reported exactly what he had heard from Madelyn. Oliver gave a quick nod of acknowledgment.
“Very well. I’ll be there soon.”
“Yes, Your Highness. His Majesty requested that you meet him at the Northern Palace?”
“Northern Palace?”
Oliver looked momentarily puzzled, but then he gave another nod. The Northern Palace was a remote, quiet place, surrounded by beautiful scenery. He assumed that his father wanted to talk in private.
“I’ll take my leave.”
The head butler bowed deeply and then left the room. Oliver turned towards Amanda.
“What were you just saying?”
“Never mind. Go see His Majesty and I’ll tell you later.”
It would take a while for her to explain the full story of how she had returned from the past, so thought it better to set it aside for now. Oliver threw her an intrigued look, but Howard was waiting, and he was forced to stand up from his seat.
“Very well. I’ll listen to your words when I get back.”
He stepped towards the door. Amanda watched his retreating back, when a spontaneous thought crossed her mind.
“Oliver.”
Oliver stopped and turned at her call, his eyes lit by a mysterious blue glow.
“May I come with you to see Father as well? It has been a while since I’ve last spoken with him. There is something else I want to speak to him about.”
She wanted to talk with him more on the ancient curse on the Imperial Family. In the future, she didn’t just intend to keep the curse at bay—she was determined to break it. Howard, who considered the curse to be more of a blessing, would not be happy about it, but Amanda was determined to do so.
Oliver gave a satisfied nod. There was no reason for him to hesitate, as at the National Founding meeting, Howard had asked him to visit with Amanda.
“It’s better if you come with me.”
“Yes. Let’s go together.”
Amanda smiled as she rose from her seat and walked towards Oliver. He held out his arm towards her, and she accepted it.
***
The entire palatial compound was so large that the Northern Palace was not in comfortable walking distance from the Crown Prince’s palace. Oliver and Amanda took a carriage instead. Amanda peered out the window as the scenery passed them by.
“The grounds look exceptionally beautiful tonight.”
The view was breathtaking. Perhaps it was the work of Mother Nature. No matter the skill of the palace gardeners, they could not create a scene as stunning as this.
Despite her admiration, however, her mind was heavily occupied by the day’s events. If Oliver became the emperor soon, Amanda would be able to achieve everything she had been longing for.
“Is that so? In my eyes, you’re the one that’s most beautiful.”
Amanda turned her head towards him. He looked completely unbashed at giving such candid compliments. His blue eyes, which usually held the fierceness of a predator, were soft as they looked towards her. It was an expression reserved only for her, and she felt a gentle thrill.
“…Yes. I have a man in front of me who is more pleasing to look at than the scenery.”
Oliver blinked, as if he did not expect Amanda to challenge him in a game of compliments. He gave an amused chuckle at her competitiveness.
“Just from hearing that, I would do anything for you.”
Amanda suddenly remembered when Oliver pushed her against a pillar and kissed her hair. She flushed to her roots, and her reaction caused Oliver’s laughter to increase.
“It’s so obvious what you’re thinking, and it’s driving me crazy.”
“No, wait—”
Oliver grinned and leaned it towards her, when the carriage made a small jolt as it stopped. He frowned in disappointment, while Amanda found relief in calming her frantically beating heart. She had been tense ever since remembering that her and Oliver would share a bed after his coronation.
The carriage driver opened the door, but Amanda turned to Oliver first.
“Next time…I don’t think my heart would be able to stand it.”
With those words, she looked at him with a red cheeks before stepping out of the carriage. Oliver covered his face with his palm and mumbled to himself.
“…That only drives me crazier, my wife.”
Oliver exited the carriage after Amanda, and the pair made their way towards the Northern Palace. The cool night air brushed their cheeks, making their quiet stroll more comfortable.
But the peace didn’t last long. At that moment—
Swig! Swig! Swiig!
As soon as they entered the grounds, countless unidentifiable men emerged from all sides.
Seogeog!
The servant who was guiding them was cut down by a blade. Oliver quickly took grasp of the situation. It was not normal to be attacked in a place where the Emperor summoned him. His blue eyes hardened like steel.
“Who the hell are you?”