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‘…How surprising.’

It was an unexpected move by Carlisle. Paveluc had prepared for this situation of course, but he never thought it was much of a probability. When he stayed at the Imperial Palace, he witnessed and heard rumors about Carlisle’s and Elena’s relationship. It was why he had not yet killed Elena; as a hostage, she was far more valuable. But Paveluc didn’t realize Carlisle’s attachment to her would be to this degree.

‘I thought politics would be mixed in their relationship…but perhaps he really does care about the Empress.’

It was already clear that the Ruford Empire and the state of Lunen would soon go to war. Carlisle moved quickly to save Elena before a full-scale battle broke out, which meant that she was an extraordinarily precious person to him. A smug, satisfied smile spread across Paveluc’s mouth.

‘Did I catch a bigger fish than I realized?’

In fact, when his assassination attempt on Carlisle failed, he was so furious that he intended to kill Elena. Once Paveluc saw her determined red eyes glaring at him, however, he became intrigued and eventually changed his mind. No one had shown such a commanding presence in front of him. Even the proudest, most arrogant noble would grovel for their lives, such as Ophelia and Redfield did. But Elena…she was different. It was providence that he decided to keep her alive.

Men tended to think highly of themselves. For Paveluc, women were merely tools to support stronger men, and he had believed that Carlisle thought the same as well. There were other men who were humiliated at the thought of being lesser than a woman. Paveluc wasn’t sure what category Carlisle fell in, but…

A funny idea flashed across his mind.

‘If Carlisle were to choose between the Ruford Empire or the woman Elena…what would he choose?’

Carlisle couldn’t be foolish enough to choose Elena, but Paveluc wondered how the emperor would react when the moment came. Paveluc spoke to a servant.

“Update on the Empress?”

“Yes. I sent the men as you ordered, and they will cut off one of the Empress’ arms and bring it back.”

“Good. I’m looking to see how Carlisle will respond.”

Carlisle had invaded his territory, and Paveluc intended to repay him generously. Paveluc ordered Elena to be moved to a secret place where she could not be found, and ordered his men to cut off one of her arms. Then he’ll send Carlisle a little present…

He smirked and stroked his bard as he imagined Carlisle’s reaction.

Beolkeog!

A soldier burst into the room with a harried look on his face.

“My Lord, we’re in trouble!”

“What’s going on?”

Paveluc’s brows furrowed at the soldier, who wheezed his report without even taking a moment to breathe.

“There’s another army coming from the border, led by Emperor Ruford.”

“Wh-what?”

Paveluc jumped up from his seat. He knew that the enemy’s soldiers had been gathering at the border as of late, but he didn’t expect Carlisle to launch a preemptive strike so quickly.

‘I can’t be…he must be launching an attack inside and outside at the same time to save the Empress.’

Paveluc had shown little interest in the soldiers at the border. No matter how many of Carlisle’s men infiltrated Lunen, it would be difficult for the Ruford Empire to mount an extended campaign, and Paveluc could take them at any moment.

If war was imminent, however, Paveluc’s troops would be spread too thin. At the moment, it was more urgent to stop the large army moving through the border, rather than the smaller one that had already infiltrated Lunen. Paveluc ground his teeth.

“…Carlisle.”

Paveluc could not let this go any further. Carlisle seemed so desperate to rescue Elena…but Paveluc would never surrender her. He took a few short strides and put on his armor.

“Hurry up and bring me the Empress’ arm. I will go directly to the border.”

“Yes, My Lord!”

The soldiers around him bowed in unison.