Elenaâs ragged breaths filtered through her helmet. There were more men than she expected, and it was more difficult to capture a few rather than indiscriminately killing them all. It would have been impossible if this was her first time in combat in this life, but because of her training, she fought better than before. She was gradually getting closer to her old skills, but it was still a long way to go until she reached her full potential.
She tied up the unconscious culprits with some rope, then quickly headed over to the bridge. The captives would be interrogated, but first she had to removed the explosives from each pier before they could be tampered with.
Ttubug, ttubug.
Elenaâs went back on deck and her eyes swept to the festival site, where she caught eye of Carlisle coming down after exchanging some pleasantries on the podium.
Fortunately, it didnât seem too late. Carlisleâs eyes where fixed on her as she hurried towards him, and when their eyes met in midair he walked even faster.
âWhat have you been doingâŠ?â
Carlisle halted. His brow suddenly creased.
âWhy do I smell blood?â
She couldnât help but be surprised at his acute senses. She had washed as much blood from herself as possible at the river.
âYour Highness, Iââ
The moment Elena started talking.
Hwiig.
Carlisleâs hand seized her wrist as he looked her up and down. His eyes were frightfully sharp, like beast watching his prey. She didnât know what he was doing at first, but then she realized that he was searching for any injuries.
âItâs not my blood.â
It was only after that did Carlisleâs fearsome energy abated some. His tone turned dangerously low.
âThen whose blood? I lost you somewhere. Where the hell did you come back from?â
âWellââ
Elena attempted to explain, but Carlisle interrupted her again.
âAre you sure youâre not hurt?â
Although she could tell he was trying to suppress the irritation in his voice, the emotion behind it seemed genuine. Maybe he really was worried about Elena. What she did or why she was bloodied did not seem to matter to him before her safety. He wouldâve taken off Elenaâs helmet and check her himself if he could.
Elena was silent for a moment at his behavior, then quickly came to herself senses.
âIâm not hurt, so donât worry. I have something more important to say first.â
ââŠWhat is it?â
In the face of his disapproving gaze, Elena urgently whispered to him.
âThere were some strange men attempting to bring down the Flower Bridge. There are explosives under it, so we need to get rid of it right away. I also captured some of the men and tied them up, so if you could question themâŠâ
Carlisle pulled away from Elena after listening closely to her. Then, Zenard arrived at just the right time, and Carlisle gave him some orders.
âIf you go under the bridge, you will find some captives. Remove the explosives thatâs been placed on the bridge, and interrogate the men and find out who sent them.â
âWhat? Yes, Your Highness!â
Zenard was caught by surprise, but like an obedient servant his eyes flashed as he quickly changed his demeanor and carried out the orders. Elena watched him exit the festival venue.
Hwiigâ
Carlisle began to drag Elena by the wrist somewhere. She couldnât feel his grip for the armor, but she could his knuckles were white. A nobleman ran up to Carlisle as he was walking away.
âYour Highness! Where are you going? You should enjoy the night of the festival. There are people Iâd like to introduce you toââ
âGet the hell out of my way.â
ââŠWhat?â
The manâs face whitened. There was a terrible aura coming from the prince.
Carlisle continued towing Elena towards a secluded area of the festival where no lights were visible, leaving the nobleman behind. The man was not the only one taken aback. Even Elena was surprised under her metal helmet.
âYour Highness, what are you doing? If you treat other nobles that wayââ
âWhy not?â
âThey will say terrible things about you.â
âDo I need to care about that?â
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âButââ
Carlisle whirled back towards Elena, his blue eyes hard as ice.
âYou must have forgotten who I am.â
Elena tilted her head, unable to understand his meaning. He turned his face again and continued in husky voice.
âThereâs nothing I canât do in this empire.â
It was the height of arrogance. However, Elena knew Carlisle. He was not wrong. He was next in line to become emperor, and not meeting eye-to-eye with a single noble was not important. However, she hoped that he would build outside political support. If they didnât like himâŠ
They soon arrived outside of Flower Bridge beyond the view of everyone else. It was already a familiar area to Elena as she had investigated the area already. Carlisle stopped and slowly turned to Elena. She could see his eyes glowing in anger in the dark.