Ch. 56 It Could Be Dangerous (2)
The sun finally died beneath the horizon. The heavy, dark night found Elena armored in black, much like the day she stole away to save Carlisle. No one could identify her with her helmet, and it was difficult to tell whether she was a man or a woman with her armor.
In her previous life, she would sometimes conceal her golden blonde hair by wearing a helmet to avoid being noticed by her enemies. It was fortunate her past experience did not make her present situation uncomfortable at all. Fighting with heavy armor was extremely difficult and uncomfortable for the untrained.
Elena had already disguised herself once to rescue Carlisle. And fortunately this time, this was not Blaise Castle in the south, but a small mansion in the capital, where there were fewer knights in comparison.
Taas!
Elena pressed her hand against the window frame and jumped, just like Kuhn did. Although the armor was a little uncomfortable, she was flexible enough that she could creeped out of the mansion as sleek as a cat. Elena carefully padded around to where there was no one in sight.
’I’ve already calculated the route to the stables just in case.’
Elena stole a horse from the stable, then carefully pulled the horse some ways away from the mansion. As soon as she determined she was at a safe distance, she mounted the saddle and kicked the horse with all her strength.
“Hyaaa!”
The horse then let out a short whiney and lurched forward.
Tadadadag, tadadadag.
The galloping hooves sounded at a rapid pace. The breeze didn’t feel as cool as the time she rode with Carlisle because of her heavy armor, but that didn’t matter at all right now.
*
*
*
The Flower Bridge.
True to it’s name, the large bridge, which crossed a river, was decorated with rose vines. Small lanterns dotted the area, making the view a magnificent spectacle even at night.
On a hill overlooking the sea of people enjoying the festival, Elena stood alone in her armor. She was not as dazzled by the scenery around her as everyone else. She quietly looked up at the night sky, calculating how much time had passed.
It was then.
She saw a cloud of dust kicked up by horses approaching her from some distance. There was the rumble of dozens of hooves striking the ground. A man was at the head of the group, and his hair flying in the wind was recognizable at a glance.
It was Carlisle. Blue fire burned hotly in his eyes, and his lips were tightly pressed. He was heading straight for Elena, releasing some terrible energy.
He must have read her letter if he was here on time. Carlisle ordered his royal guard to stop a little distance away, then approached Elena alone. He had seen her wearing armor once before, and recognized her immediately.
As soon as he reached Elena, he quickly opened his mouth to speak.
“What’s the meaning of this?”
Carlisle fixed her with an icy gaze. Elena stared unflinchingly at Carlisle before her.
“This?”
Elena deepened her voice to hide her identity. Carlisle held out the letter she sent to him with his long fingers.
I’ll come to protect you. You won’t forget our contract, will you?
Below that were brief instructions on where to meet and what they had to do when attending the festival.
She glanced at the letter then back at Carlisle, unmoved.
“Exactly what it says.”
It was clearly one of their terms of their contract, on the condition she would have to do one thing, anything, for Carlisle in the future.
“It’s number five on our contract. I disguise myself every night and act as a knight.”
“That’s–”
Elena interrupted him.
“I will also keep the condition that I will stay by your side as much as possible, Your Highness.”
Carlisle’s face twitched at the mention of his title. She noticed it, then attempted to explain again.
“I can hide my identity with the helmet, so please understand.”
“…Alright.”
Carlisle yielded in a low voice, but his expression was still reluctant.
“But this is too early. There are more people who are after me than you think, and my presence may put you in danger. “
Although Carlisle could not see it, the corners of Elena’s mouth lifted underneath the helmet.
“Well then, it’s time for me to play.”
It was that moment.
As if in response to Elena’s words, fireworks announcing the festival exploded into the sky.
Bang! Bang!
The explosions sent an array of colors scattering on Elena’s black armor. She spoke in a deep voice, her blood-red eyes shining in the light.
“Even if the sky falls, I will protect you.”