Oliver and Amanda spent several more days in the cave to avoid their pursuers. It was humble living compared to life in the Imperial Palace, but their days were happy as long as they had each other. If it weren’t for the urgency of their situation, they might have even lingered there longer.
However, their duties called to them. Although they did not know the exact status at the Imperial Palace, they knew that all was not well.
“Are you ready to leave now?”
“Yes. I’ve cleared away all traces that we’ve been here, so no one will be able to track us easily.”
Neither had fully recovered from their wounds just yet, but they were well enough to travel. Their shabby living circumstances could not dampen the couple’s inherit beauty and charisma either—when Amanda and Oliver stood side-by-side, they looked like a painting from a fairy tale story.
“Shall we?”
Oliver gave a small nod. Amanda gave the cave one last regretful look before turning away. It was where she had her first time with Oliver. The memory would not be easily forgotten.
Oliver, sensing Amanda’s thoughts, spoke in a soft voice.
“Are you sad?”
“For some reason, a little.”
“You don’t have to be.”
Oliver clasped Amanda’s hand and took one step forward.
“I’ll preserve this cave and turn this place into a cottage.”
“…Really?”
As she walked behind him, she blinked her eyes in surprise. Oliver gave a simple smile in reply.
“Of course. Who do you think I am?”
“I…”
“There’s nothing that the emperor of the Keith Empire cannot do.”
The scene where Howard declared that Oliver would be crowned emperor floated back to Amanda’s mind. No matter what was happening at the Imperial Palace now, Howard had already named Oliver as his successor.
“There is no need to worry. The throne is mine, unless I die. I won’t give it up to anyone.”
At his confident tone, Amanda gave a small smile. Somehow, her steps felt a little lighter than before.
‘I know. I won’t forget.’
There was still a long path ahead of them. What remained unchanged, however, was that Amanda would be his most powerful ally in this thorny path.
“I promised to make you emperor.”
It seemed that it was time for her to play.
***
Amanda’s and Oliver’s first job was to find Amanda’s contact for Astar, leader of the delegation of the Freegrand kingdom. They needed information on the current situation in the Imperial Palace, but going to a noble family may reveal their activities to the Empress, and the distance was too far in any case. Meanwhile, Astar had branches in several places. It was far more trustworthy than going to the nobles, and the pair set their destination.
Soon after, Amanda and Oliver found themselves in a small parlor waiting for Isaac. Oliver glanced around with a look of surprise.
“I didn’t realize that you were in contact with Astar.”
“I had decided I needed an independent power to move around. I had agreed to give him exclusive trading rights when I became empress.”
“Exclusive trading rights?”
He lifted his eyebrows. He was unaware that Amanda had forged a secret deal behind his back. Oliver looked skeptical, but Amanda tried to reassure him with a serious look.
“I wanted as few people to know about it as possible, and so I didn’t tell you. Although granting exclusive trading rights are not easy…but I knew I would have that kind of authority if I became empress.”
Oliver soon smiled and nodded.
“You’re right. I can even offer better terms if it’s necessary.”
“Do you understand what you’re saying?”
“I believe you made the decision for my sake. And, as you said, you get their help in return.”
That was proof of how much Oliver trusted in her. Amanda was pleased to receive his recognition, as she was a knight before she was his wife. It was a powerful advantage to have a hidden ally unknown to anyone else, especially in a situation as dangerous as now. Amanda offered Oliver a light smile.
“First, let’s find out what has happened in the Imperial Palace, then discuss our moves afterwards.”
“Very well.”
As Amanda and Oliver were speaking, there was a knock on the door, and Isaac appeared, breathing hard. It was obvious that he rushed all the way here.
“I was surprised to hear from you all of a sudden, Your Highness.”
Isaac glanced up at Amanda first, then saw Oliver sitting next to her. After a stunned moment, Isaac hurriedly bowed his head to the prince.
“Th-the Crown Prince of the Keith Empire—”
Oliver held up his hand to stop him.
“I’m trying to keep a low profile, so skip the greetings.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Isaac abandoned pretense and sat opposite the two without wasting any more time. He fixed them with a serious stare.
“The two of you were missing. Can you explain how you came to see me?”
Amanda nodded at Isaac’s caution. Before she and Oliver could get the information they want, they had to explain what happened beforehand. The puzzle pieces would fall into place, and the story would be completed.
“You likely heard what happened at the meeting on the National Founding Day.”
“Yes. His Majesty the Emperor had declared that Prince Oliver would be coronated.”
“That evening, Emperor Howard summoned Prince Oliver, but we were ambushed at the Northern Palace. We barely escaped, and we went out to seek your leader Astar.”
“…So that’s what happened.”
Isaac nodded as if he understood what was going on. Amanda couldn’t contain her curiousity.
“What I want to know the most is what happened to Emperor Howard, and what the state of affairs is like at the Imperial Palace.”
“The situation is not very good…”
Oliver was sitting as still as a statue, and Isaac continued.
“The day after the National Founding Day, it was formally announced that the Emperor had passed away.”
“What?”