Wendy had fallen into trouble after all.
Isabella sighed.
In her conversation with Olivier, she had only managed to obtain one clue — the “Dark Elf.”
Afterward, no matter how much she prodded, threatened, or enticed her, Olivier refused to say another word.
Having no other choice, she left with Arns, prepared to use her own authority to search for information related to “Dark Elves.”
However, as soon as she returned to the Moon Palace, she heard the news that Winnidith had fallen into the water.
In ê·¸ moment, her entire body went numb.
She felt even more paralyzed when she learned from Aaron that Winnidith had jumped in herself.
“But there is one strange thing. Even though the young lady clearly jumped into the Spring of Memory in the Central Plaza, when Princess Leah and I went to seek help from the Elven King, we were told she had already been sent back to the Silver Moon Palace.”
“When I returned, I heard from the cleaning maids that she had suddenly floated up from the flower pond. But when they pulled her out, they found that she was not wet at all. She has simply remained unconscious.”
“A priest also came to check on her. He said there are no ailments on her body. She is just sleeping from simple mental fatigue.”
‘If only it were really that simple.’
Isabella rubbed her temples, thinking that once they returned, she must persuade her uncle and aunt not to worry about Wendy’s sleep anymore.
It was better for her to sleep more.
At least when she was asleep, she wouldn’t actively go looking for trouble.
“I understand, Uncle Aaron. Block the information for now. Try your best not to let others know. I will go see what is happening with Wendy first.”
Although she did not know what had happened to Wendy, it was definitely right to suppress the news.
“I had people block the news as soon as I returned, but I have no control over the situation on the Elven King’s side.”
Isabella nodded and said it was fine.
If Alvain truly treated Wendy as a savior, he would not allow Wendy to stand out too much at this time.
After the instructions were given, Aaron began to seal off the news.
Fortunately, this was only the second day since the delegation had arrived at the City of Emerald Shadows.
The vast majority of the delegation’s personnel had gone into the city to enjoy the exotic scenery they had never seen before.
Only the maids and a few guards remained in the palace, making it very easy to give orders.
Isabella suppressed the anxiety in her heart and walked lightly into Winnidith’s room, for fear of waking the sleeping beauty inside.
“Princess…”
Mei was still the one responsible for taking care of Winnidith.
When Isabella pushed the door open, the loyal maid was wiping Winnidith’s body.
Upon seeing Isabella enter, she hurriedly bowed.
Isabella immediately stopped her.
“Thank you for your hard work. I will take over from here.”
Mei understood and left with the basin and towel, leaving the quiet space to the two highest-ranking ladies of the Empire.
***
Isabella sat by the bed and gently stroked her soft cheek.
This was not the first time she had seen Winnidith’s sleeping face, but it was the only time she had stared at it without various emotions surging in her heart.
‘The distance between us seems to be getting further and further away,’ Isabella murmured softly.
Previously, Winnidith was the most controlled young lady of the Trenton Family, the center of attention in the magic world, and a genius mage who would start a new era.
Isabella, on the other hand, was just a “vase princess” raised deep within the palace, completely isolated from the throne, whose future destiny was only a political marriage.
The gap was large, but it didn’t matter; she could catch up.
No prestige?
It didn’t matter.
She could tour the country, using money and smiles to plant an image of being kind and approachable in the hearts of the people.
No strength?
It didn’t matter.
She could go behind the backs of her eldest brother and second brother to obtain the qualification as the agent for the Natural Forest, making a deal with the Elven King to obtain a Sacred Fruit that could reverse her innate deficiencies.
No support from the nobles?
It didn’t matter.
She could personally go to win them over, using her own wisdom and courage to build a support group for herself.
The distance between her and Winnidith was getting closer and closer, to the point that she even fantasized.
When she ascended the throne, she could marry her into the palace and protect her for a lifetime.
But now, Winnidith had transformed into the savior of the world.
What she had to face was power that commoners could hardly understand, a terrifying existence that even the Elven King feared.
Even if she reached the Saint Realm and ascended the imperial throne, what use would it be?
‘If only you were a boy.’
Isabella had hoped for this more than once.
If Winnidith were male, she would not have to spend so much effort competing for the throne.
She would only need to speak to her father, and she could marry like her two older sisters to live a stable life.
She would even be luckier than her sisters because the person she would marry would be the one she truly loved.
Isabella poked the sleeping beauty’s cheek.
It was soft, smooth, and even more delicate than her own.
She felt these things carefully and suddenly smiled.
‘I am quite foolish to still be thinking about such things at a time like this.’
As fate would have it, they were both women.
A romance between women would not be recognized by the world, especially for noble daughters like them.
Therefore, so that she could one day marry Wendy with dignity, she had to ascend the throne.
Only at that position would she have enough power to protect Wendy.
“No matter what, I will protect you. I definitely will.”
Ever since that fleeting glimpse in the Emerald Palace, the fates of the two girls had been intertwined, with no possibility of separation.
“Leah?”
Vilda, who was cleaning the room, was a bit dazed when she saw the hesitant Leah at the door.
She had left in the morning and returned at noon.
What kind of trouble had she caused this time to be caught by the Elven King again?
But before she could ask, she realized there was a black-haired elf following behind Leah.
Panicking, she quickly lowered her head to admit her mistake.
“Don’t worry, Vilda. We know all about the little tricks between you and the King. I won’t punish you,” Elaril said with a smile.
Leah felt incredibly embarrassed upon hearing those words, but then she suddenly thought: ‘So everyone already knew. Does that mean I can take Vilda out with me next time?’
“Leah!”
Seeing her expression, Vilda knew she was thinking about something improper.
Frustrated, she aimed for the soft flesh at Leah’s waist and gave it a hard twist, making Leah almost jump in pain.
“Vilda, you shouldn’t be too strict with the Princess. The King will soon return to the Sacred Tree, and the pressure on the Princess is immense. That is why she wants to do some things to pass the time and forget her worries.”
‘That’s right, that’s right!’
Leah nodded in agreement while clutching her waist.
It was precisely because she was about to succeed as the Elven King that she wanted to have some fun, not because she was naturally playful!
“However, I am also a bit curious about what the Princess did this time to make the King personally bring you back,” Elaril said with a smile.
“I wonder if you could tell me? If the King is making a mountain out of a molehill, perhaps I can plead for mercy on your behalf.”
‘Ah, this…’
Leah felt a bit conflicted.
This was a plea from the second-in-command of the City of Emerald Shadows!
Maybe her father would actually release her early if he heard it.
But before leaving, her father had specifically emphasized that this matter must absolutely not be known by anyone else, not even Vilda.
Leah understood the gravity of it.
She wasn’t truly stupid.
If the eldest lady of the Trenton Family were truly murdered in the City of Emerald Shadows, the Empire would truly invade the Natural Forest at any cost.
It also happened that her father was about to return to the Sacred Tree.
Having just consumed the Sacred Fruit, she might not be able to control that power yet.
At that time, the Elven race would definitely suffer…
Then she would be a sinner for all eternity!!!
‘But if Aunt Elaril knows… it should… be fine, right?’
Elaril saw her hesitation and immediately guessed that Alvain had given special instructions.
The only person who could make him so cautious was Winnidith.
A guess gradually formed in her heart, and she bowed to apologize to Leah.
“If the King has given an order, then I will no longer ask.”
Hearing her say this, Leah breathed a sigh of relief.
She finally didn’t have to feel conflicted anymore.
“Princess, according to the King’s oral instructions, you are not allowed to leave your chambers even one step before the sacrifice to the Sacred Tree. I will act as your observer to monitor your actions.”
“Ah… fine.”
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