The Crimson Throne

Unlike knights without a family name, Cecil was the last surviving member of a fallen noble family, the House of Ascania. The Croix knight captain saw the young man's potential and took him under his wings. Known for his perseverance and swordsmanship, the future Cecil became one of the empire's most celebrated and sought-after knights. 

Fiercely loyal, he never betrayed the house of Croix, even after he fell for the female protagonist or when his master committed abhorrent deeds. The failed coup, however, brought calamity to Geris. Following the crown prince's banishment, the emperor ordered the destruction of the Dukedom. Overwhelmed and surrounded, Cecil and his fellow knights fought till their last breath. 

Elaine remembered lamenting Cecil's tragic death while reading the book. Serving the wrong master became his ultimate downfall. If his employer was the house of Amboise, he could have blossomed into his full potential.

She drifted into a pensive silence while staring at the expressionless young man as an idea came to her. Elaine currently needed an ally and protector. And who else was more suitable for the position than the most loyal knight in the empire? Regrettably, Elaine cannot alter the story's original path for her purpose. She will ensure to dismiss Cecil before the fateful event. He will only be required to protect her until then.

Elaine deduced they had yet to knight Cecil by looking at his attire. Thus, she could still snatch the talented young man before the Duke noticed his potential.

"Lead the way, Yusef." Armed with a new goal and no time to waste, Elaine finally looked forward to meeting Estella's parents.

"As you wish, milady." Yusef gave her an obscured smile and continued inside. 

He guided Elaine up two flights of stairs and through several long-winded hallways. The manor was much larger than Elaine expected, and although possessing Estella's memories, she would get lost in mere minutes if left to her own devices. To match her pace, Yusef decreased his speed. Elaine struggled to keep up as the uncomfortable heels and stuffy outfit made walking a manual task.

"We are here, milady." He steered her toward a large bronze double door with an intricate carving of two golden dragons. Ornate white marble stonework enclosed its surroundings, and two knights guarded either side. Enchanted with a powerful protection spell, outsiders cannot enter without the owner's authorization.

Yusef stood in front of the door, announcing himself. "Your Grace, I have brought Lady Estella."

"You may enter." A solemn voice commanded.

The door slowly swung open, revealing its inhabitants. Stepping inside, Elaine witnessed an opulent room with four walls covered in bookshelves, diamond-filled chandeliers dangling from the high arched ceiling, finished by a colossal rose window overlay with elaborate designs, and overlooking the estate's garden. Her eyes traced from the window to a large oak desk and the intimidating man behind it. 

The man was in his mid-forties, with burgundy-colored hair mixed with a dash of grey folded behind his ears. His robust features, deep-set silver eyes, and furrowed dark brows further emphasize the unquestionable authoritative aura he exuded. The man was the Duke of Geris and Estella's father, Gérard Romaine de La Croix. Beside him stood her mother, Lady Liviane. Her upper lip curled into a scowl when Elaine walked in.

"What are you doing standing there? Hurry and greet your father." Liviane yelled as irritation permeated her voice.

"Greetings, honorable father and mother. What might be the reason for my summons today?" Elaine performed a customary curtsy.

"Do you honestly expect us to believe you do not know?" Liviane's gaze turned frosty.

"I do not know, mother." Of course, she understood Estella's parents would not be foolish enough to accept her meager excuses. However, Elaine wanted information. She needed to know how much detail they possessed about that night.

"Shall I tell you?" Gerard glowered. His tone was flat, yet those around him could feel the room temperature dropping and an intense pressure emanating from his body.

Elaine stood up straight, and her eyes steadied, careful not to exhibit the cowardice she felt inside.

"After the celebration adjourned, you were nowhere to be found. The guards and servants looked all over for you. The Third Prince finally brought you back, bloodied and almost at death's door. He claimed he discovered you in the royal garden. The summoned healer later concluded you were beyond help, yet you came back breathing again." He stopped for a moment. A tint of suspicion gleamed in his silver eyes.

"More importantly, why were you with the Third Prince?"

Here it is, the critical point.

Though her back overflowed with cold sweat, Elaine felt relieved. No one had yet informed Estella's parents about her ill-advised action from that night.

"Would you believe me if I said I slipped and fell while strolling in the royal garden? And I do not know why the Third Prince was also there." So, although it was not the entire truth, technically, she didn't lie.