The Crimson Throne

"Let's go," Elaine ordered.

"As you wish, milady." Cecil complied and led the carriage toward the main manor.

When they arrived, Gerard was already waiting outside. Elaine did not see Estella's mother, though she was neither surprised nor disappointed.

She stepped out of the carriage and bobbed a curtsy. "Greeting, honorable father."

"My precious daughter," Gerard came over and hugged her. "Did you know how worried I was?" His facade was of a caring father, but the pressure his hands exerted over her shoulders told a different story.

"I am sorry for making you worry, father. Unfortunately, I got attacked by the bandits on my way back." Elaine said vaguely.

"Whatever happened, I am just glad that you are safe." Gerard produced a kind smile, then leaned close to her ear, whispering, "We will talk about your disobedience later."

After the father-daughter 'affectionate' reunion, he glanced at Elias. "And who is this fine young man you brought back?"

"This is Mr. Ares. He is the Vice Commander of a returning expedition, and he saved me from the bandits." 

"It is my honor to meet the respectable Duke of Geris," Elias spoke courteously, but his body language deviated from his words. He did not incline his head or descend from his stallion.

Gerard's lips curled upward, amused by Elias' impertinent behavior. "I am truly grateful you saved my beloved daughter. Therefore, I will reward you accordingly. Tell me, Mr. Ares, what do you wish for?"

Elias stayed silent.

"Mr. Ares?"

"Your Grace, do you recall the battle of the Northern Plain three years ago?" He finally answered.

Gerard raised one of his brows, then replied. "I do. It is a pity for all those brave knights and soldiers who sacrificed themselves during that battle." He sighed. 

"Then were you informed that someone sabotaged their food supplies, leaving many of them poisoned while fighting the Northern monsters?" Elias continued his question. His voice was solemn. 

"How terrible. I am unaware of that information, though I remember the Emperor tasked us with the reinforcement effort. But, unfortunately, we arrived too late. The monsters already eradicated most of the troops." Gerard placed his hand on his forehead, shaking in regret. "But why are you suddenly inquiring about it?"

"I knew someone who died there." Though his face remained expressionless, Elaine could see Elias tightening his grip on the horse's reins.

"My condolences."

"Thank you, Your Grace." He nodded. "I heard about your achievement in that battle. Very admirable indeed. Thus, I wanted to meet the famous hero of the Northern Plain at least once to pay my respect." Elias's voice was steady, but Elaine could feel the sarcasm in his tone.

Gerard smiled but did not reply.

Elaine stood behind the Duke, stunned by the development. The enmity between the male protagonist and Estella's family seemed deeper than her knowledge, even before the official story began. Questions lingered in her mind. Who was this dead person Elias mentioned? And why did he suspect Gerard's involvement in the poisoning?

Elaine peeked at the relaxed face standing beside her. Knowing the Duke's character, she had little doubt about the male protagonist's suspicion.

Elias stared at Gerard. "Although I still do not know who the mastermind is, one day, when the truth comes to light, I will make him repay with blood." He then shifted to Elaine. "Lady Estella, thank you for allowing me to meet the honorable Duke of Geris. And please be careful from now on. Next time, you might not be so lucky." With those words, he steered his horse toward the estate's entrance and rode off. 

"Mr. Ares, give your father my regards." Gerard was still smiling, though it did not reach his eyes.

Elias did not respond.

He knows. He knows Elias' true identity. 

"Let us go in." The Duke watched the male protagonist's figure disappear, then glanced at his daughter.

"Yes, father."

Cecil stood up and tried following them, but Yusef stopped him.

"Take him to the dungeon. He deserves punishment for his failure to protect the Princess." Gerard ordered without looking back.

"Wait!"

"If you don't want your guard killed, do not test my patience."

"Yes, father." Elaine had no choice but to watch the soldiers escort Cecil away.

A loud sound rang across the large opulent room, contrasting its usual silence and startling even those standing outside. Elaine rose from the floor, holding onto her burning cheek and wiping the blood from her lips. Old injuries combined with new wounds made her body visibly shaken. Even though she expected the Duke's reaction based on Estella's memory, it was still the first time in Elaine's life she got slapped, and the sheer strength disturbed her.

"How dare you disobey my order? Do you know what would happen to the engagement if something happened to you? My tolerance of your antics has its limit." Gerard stood in front of the oak desk and slammed his fist on its surface, his voice booming. He never asked about Elaine's injuries or what had happened to her during the past few days. Only his gains and reputation mattered, not the daughter he almost lost.

"I am sorry, father. It will not happen again." Elaine glued her eyes to the ground, biting her lips, careful not to retort, not when Cecil still languished inside the dungeon. She was now Estella and had to acclimate to her new reality. Elaine finally understood the origin of Estella's shrewd and haughty nature. She had an exceptional role model. 

"And you even brought the enemy to our doorstep."

"The enemy?" Elaine knew who he was referring to, but decided best to act ignorant.

"No matter. You will find out soon enough." Gerard dismissed the subject and returned to sit behind his desk. "Now, let us discuss your meeting with the Third Prince."