The next day, as Amanda and Amelia chatted together, Amanda noticed that the mansion had an unusual lively energy.
“What day is it today? Why is everyone so excited?”
“Oh, you didn’t know? There will be a festival in the capital city today.”
“Festival?”
“Yes, you know the Flower Bridge, the one which had been under construction for a long time? It was completed recently and people are coming out of the palace to celebrate.”
Amelia’s voice dropped to a whisper.
“There is a rumor that the crown prince will be there. The maids said one could see his face before the ball.”
“…What?”
Amelia smiled, as if she had been expecting her sister’s startled reaction.
“What, were you curious too?”
Despite Amelia’s knowing expression, Amanda was surprised for a different reason.
The Flower Bridge.
It had collapsed in her last life due to poor construction. The large bridge that crossed the river represented a significant investment by the Imperial Family, but officials took the money unjustly and built an inferior construction. Many people ended up hurt. Fortunately Amanda and Amelia were not there, but Amanda didn’t forget the incident.
That dangerous place…
‘Oliver’s going to be there?’
A deep sense of anxiety swept over her as she imagined the worst that could happen.
“I just remembered there are some papers I have to deal with urgently. I’ll go back into my room and finish up.”
“Alright. Don’t work too hard, sister.”
Amanda hurried back to her room. There was no guarantee that Oliver would appear at the Flower Bridge’s opening ceremony according to Amelia’s story. The exact thing to do was to verify with Quinlen. At the possibility of a threat to Oliver’s safety, Amanda tied several red handkerchiefs on her window instead of the usual one.
As a precaution, she reminded herself of the location where she hid the black armor in case she needed it. She had put a great deal of effort in bringing it with her this far without being discovered. Fortunately, the armor was so heavy and solid that it was stored separately from the clothing luggage, otherwise Tilda might have found it when she destroyed her ball gown. Amanda was lucky to have avoided that situation. It would be bad news if the person who was behind Tilda heard that Amanda had strange metal armor.
Amanda paced nervously by the window, hoping for Quinlen’s swift arrival. She was sorely afraid that Oliver would be put in danger again. He was not supposed to be alive, and she wondered if the shadow of death would attempt to strike him again.
As well as her family.
‘…No.’
Mirabel, Aaron, and Father. She needed Oliver to prevent their deaths and protect her family. So far she had the contract marriage to deal with Luke, but if Oliver was gone she would be back at the starting point again. She couldn’t afford to go back when this was her best chance. She would defend Oliver by any means possible.
Even if destiny or God stood in her way, she would not let anything threaten Oliver’s life.
*
*
*
Fortunately it did not take long for Quinlen to arrive. Perhaps he realized her urgency from the multiple red handkerchiefs she had hung.
For the first time Amanda was glad to see this man’s expressionless face.
“Why have you–”
“Are there any plans for the prince to attend the Flower Bridge festival?”
Amanda quickly cut off Quinlen. He thought for a moment, then nodded.
“Yes, there is.”
“…Are you sure?”
“I’m sure. I remembering hearing it a some time ago. What is the problem?”
He could not help but noticed Amanda’s darkened expression.
Amanda desperately wished it to be untrue, but now there was the strong possibility that Oliver would be involved in the accident. There was only one way. He had to be prevented from attending somehow.
“Deliver this message to His Highness. Tell him to cancel hisplans.”
“…What?”
Quinlen questioned her uncharacteristically before he could stop himself. It was simply too surprising to hear.
“I was told that the Flower Bridge bridge was poorly constructed. Please tell him not to go. It would be too dangerous.”
Quinlen looked at Amanda with disbelief. Then he carefully spoke to her again.
“Are you serious?”
“Do you think I’ll say this as a joke?”
Quinlen still looked doubtful despite Amanda’s grim expression, but he simply nodded.
“If you say so, I will pass it on. But I can’t say what the General will do.”
“Just deliver the message to him as soon as possible. And let me know right away.”
“…I understand.”
Quinlen did not understand Amanda’s reasons, but he did not question anything more on what she claimed. Amanda was not mistreating him. She did not have to explain every single thing she said.
“I’ll take my leave.”
Quinlen dipped his head as usual, then moved to climb out of the window. She could not help but interrupt again out of nervousness.
“As soon as possible, please.”
“Yes, My Lady.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Quinlen disappeared out of the window. After several experiences with him, Amanda was confident in his abilities and he was sure to bring an answer soon. She fervently hoped that Oliver would miss the festival.
It was the safest way.
*
Time crept into late afternoon. There was already a red glow on the edge of the sky, signaling the sun’s descent. Amanda sat motionless in the room as she waited for Quinlen. It was then.
Tak!
Someone’s hand was on the open window, which she left slightly ajar to make access easier. In one swift motion, Quinlen landed lightly into the room. He had arrived in short time, as Amanda had asked, but even then time seemed to stretch out longly before her. However, she couldn’t complain as she didn’t know Oliver’s location.
As soon as she saw Quinlen’s face, Amanda could not bear to wait any longer and rushed to him.
“What did he say?”
“He says it is an event arranged by the imperial court and cannot be missed. But he will listen to your advice and come back safely, so don’t worry.”
“….”
“…My Lady?”
Amanda was silent for a moment, and Quinlen repeated her name again. After a moment’s thought, Amanda replied calmly.
“…I understand.”
“Are you sure?”
“If it’s unavoidable, then there’s nothing I can do about it.”
“No, I suppose not…”
Quinlen trailed off, not knowing what to say. Amanda looked up at him with questioning eyes.
“Is there something wrong with my face?”
“…You’ve changed a little. Like you’re going out to battle.”
Amanda smiled at Quinlen’s sharp observation.
“Of course not.”
She walked straight to her desk and wrote down some words on a white sheet of paper, then placed it in a envelope and sealed it with the Windsor crest. Amanda stood up and handed the envelope to Quinlen.
“I’m sorry for keeping you so busy, but please pass this on to the prince.”
“You want me to give him this?”
“Yes.”
“Alright.”
Quinlen carefully tucked away the envelope, curious about Amanda’s sudden change in attitude.
As Quinlen was about to leave for his new task, Amanda intercepted him again.
“What time will the prince attend the festival?”
“Nine o’clock this evening.”
“Thank you for telling me.”
“Yes.”
After watching Quinlen’s fleeting disappearance, Amanda turned back to her room.
The best way to keep Oliver safe was not to allow him near danger in the first place. It would be ideal to cut the problem at the bud, but barring that there was another alternative. That was what Amanda was doing now. She could never rest unless she kept Oliver safe herself.
She strode towards the place where she kept her armor hidden. Once again, it was time to go in disguise.