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I read all the raws but that bear still surprises me

Hey everyone. Same thing! Please go to start from Part 1 if you we’re not following along ヾ(☆▽☆)

Spoilers below

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Len and Ciel VS The Grand Duke:

Bastache Mansion.

"I've heard he's strong, but I didn't know he was this strong.” James, the commander of the 2nd Infantry Division, still shook his hands at the vibration that had been reported at the moment he hit the sword. Len was a wild beast who was not tamed.

Regardless of the type and size of the sword, the sword was wielded with an animal feel. It was very tricky.

"Kuck." No, I'm glad it's tricky. The Duke knights were helpless against the unpredictable sword.
The knights were killed by Len's sword to the point where even his reputation as the best knight in the Empire was overshadowed.
It was the leader of the 2nd Infantry Division, James, who was in a difficult situation to overcome even a single Len.


The situation in the rear was not much different.
"The Imperial Guards were this strong?" Fellin, commander of the 1st Division, spoke out unexpectedly against strong enemy resistance.
Little has been known to the public about the strength of the newly established Imperial Guard.

"No, the sword work of the Imperial Guard isn't that great. The great thing is, the Crown Prince.” Fellin, commander of the 1st Division, calmly grasped the situation. Objectively speaking, the sword of the Imperial Guard is not very good. Nevertheless, the first knights of the Grand Park were losing ground. It was Ciel who made the difference.

If Len was being supported to play his best in the military, Ciel, on the contrary, focused on doubling the potential of the Royal Guard based on his sword skills.

He sought the emergency situation of the members of the Imperial Guard.
Ciel adopted his outstanding leadership and cared not to let the siege collapse.

"It's like maggots wriggling." Veronica twisted her lips with an unwell look. She was surprised by the performance of Ciel and Len against the Knights of the Grand Duke.

.
.

Then Len ran out at a tremendous speed, kicking the ground.
In an instant, the distance narrowed, and the blade of Len's sword, which flew like a flying hawk, was falling to the point of breaking Veronica in two.

It was a perfect surprise. There were two knights escorting Veronica, but they couldn't even respond.
Len grinned at Veronica, who was gripped by the fear of death. The tip of Len's sword touched her collar as if it had pierced Veronica’s heart like a skewer.

Veronica instinctively closed her eyes tightly.

The heavy tremor that came up on the edge of the sword rang heavily over Len's whole body. The tip of the sword, which should have blossomed into the heart, was struck by something unfamiliar and lost its direction.

Len's body, which had been floating in the air, also twitched out.
Near Veronica, there was a sword with a symbol of the great Dychy. This was the famous sword of the Empire, known as the Flanderge of the Duke of Franches.

"It was a decent surprise." Grand Duke Franches evaluated Len's sword as if to teach.

"What is this development? I thought you were an old man in the back room, but that's not it?" Len used the sword as a support and raised himself elastically.

So far, he had been engaged in numerous articles and battles, but he had never seen such a heavy sword.
Veronica reacted more furiously, perhaps ashamed of her intimidated appearance.

"You're crazy, aren't you? How dare you try to kill me?"

“Crazy b!tch is you.” Len retorted with a shrug. At the same time, his eyes did not fall from Grand Duke Franches.
The strength of the Grand Duke of Franche was real.
'I can't guarantee a win,' said Ren, who had the sword in his hands.

"You're such a bugger... ...daddy, please do something about him. I can't stand it anymore," said Veronica, who had been struggling, grumbled at the Duke of Frances.

"I was about to," said Grand Duke Franche, getting off the horse and stepping on the ground.
.
.
.
"Handle," said Xian, who led the Imperial Guard in the rear of the palace and was fighting fiercely, suddenly stood beside Len. “Can I?”

“I'm good enough by myself. Why are you coming in so suddenly? I want to vent my anger on my uncle."

"I agree with you."
Len and Ciel looked directly at the Grand Duke of Frances as if they had promised.

Pellin, the 1st Division commander, and James, the 2nd Division commander, stood on both sides of Grand Duke Frances, who previously faced Ciel and Len and recognized that they were formidable opponents.

“Stay away. Get away from me” the two knighthoods, swallowing their concerns, backed away with the irrevocable authority of the Grand Duke of Franches.

They began to move to exterminate the Imperial palace guard battalion and the Bastache family, whose balance had been broken with the absence of Len and Ciel.

"We need to get the Duke fast." Len growled as he was coming at the Grand Duke of Franches.
Grand Duke Frances provoked with his arms wide open.

"Your Highness, what are you standing still for? If you kill me, isn't that the game over? Come."

"If you want." Ciel rushed.

“'Let's go together.” Len kicked his teeth.

They narrowed the distance at once, followed by a series of collisions.
Despite being the first time to work together today, Len and Ciel pushed the Grand Duke of Franches like a long-time collaborator.

When Len used animal senses and instinct to drive the Sword Storm, Ciel's pursuit of the traditional Imperial swords mastering by aiming at loopholes with minimal movement.

But there was something else. It was a marvellous swordsmanship by the Duke of Franches, who responded in spite of a remarkable level of inspection.

"What, this monster?" Len and Ciel were amazed as the fight continued.

Strangely, the burden and overload felt by the body were greatly increased in Ciel’s and Len’s.


"I'll admit it. They're both pretty good," Grand Duke Franches calmly took the two men's onslaught without a change of expression.

"Where's the evaluation? You're about to die."

"Your swordsmanship relies on instinct."

"What should I do?"
As soon as Len's blow was blocked, Ciel pushed the sword into the side. It was a stabbing without any lumps to the point where it was believed to be a movement. However, Grand Duke Frances turned and attacked.

"The Prince's black standard," said Grand Duke Franche, spinning his body and kicking it with his weight. Surprised by the unexpected attack, Ciel reflexively blocked both arms.
Puck.
Ciel's body was pushed back with a dull sound.


After shaking off Ciel, Grand Duke Franche did not stop and struck the sword like a thunderbolt at Len.
"Uh," groans flowed out of Len's mouth.
The force caused the legs to wobble. If he hadn't laid down the blade with both hands, he might have been cut off by half.

The moment he thought he had managed to stop it, Grand Duke Franches kicked Ren in the abdomen, who was exposed. The internal pain almost made him dizzy.

In the meantime, they would have been killed if they didn't keep their distance instinctively. Len spat out the blood stuck in his mouth.
Grand Duke Frances looked down on Ciel and Len, who stared at them as if he was going to kill them.

"Prayer to the heavens. You met me before your talents blossomed."
Grand Duke Franches, which had so far focused on defense, has changed.
The unrefined flesh was as sharp as to cut off everything without leaving any shape.

Ciel and Len took a deep breath and posed. There was no place to retreat. It was a death-or-live struggle.

—————

Joining forces:

"Support Your Majesty! Kill the Great Duke that caused the Rebellion!" The Knights led by Count Lyndon joined in a timely manner.
Under his brilliant tactics, the Imperial Guard, which had been concentrated in inferiority, revived its momentum.

The 1st Knights faltered and casualties began to increase.
“Hurelbard?!” The knights of the Grand Duke opened their eyes when they found Hurrelbad running.
“That loser!”
“A traitor who doesn't even know the honor of the knight. You will be killed with my own hands,"

Hurrelbad ran forward without hesitation, as if he had not even felt the need for a reply.
With hostility, he rejected the knights who blocked him without hesitation.

It was in front of Ciel and Len who exchanged a battle with Grand Duke Frances where Hurelbad, who broke through the center with a marvelous technique, stopped



"I'm sorry. I've stopped splashing blood when I care."
"Don't say that. This is a battlefield."
A slender woman, on a saddle that was supposed to be empty, covered in a robe, hugged Hurelbad's back and hid herself.

When she reached out her white hand and leaned back her robe, she revealed her tight red feet and bare face.
"This is how I see you, Father, no, Grand Duke Franches."

"You." The eyes of Grand Duke Frances, who faced a great woman who once lived as her daughter on behalf of Veronica, became thin.

She was the one who shook the Grand Duchy. It was Elena, the hostess of Salon, who now enjoyed her reputation on the continent as well as the empire.
Elena's eyes curled like a crescent moon. Her heart shook uncontrollably. In the past life, the eyes of them looking at Elena came back to mind.
The cold touch that stole Ian, the contemptuous look of the bug.

“Would you believe me if I said I wanted you to be my biological father?”
Only then did she realize it. She was on the same page as him. She no longer struggled to look up at them.

Grand Duke Franches spread out his arms and acted like a caring father.
"So am I. Then, would you embrace your father?"

"I might stab you in the heart. Would that be okay?" Elena grinned as she pulled the dagger out of the leather sheath on her thigh.

Grand Duke Franches burst into a low laugh, and soon his face hardened.
"Is the Duke of Wheat dead?"

"It's the Imperial Law to rule against treason." Elena smiled and hardened his mind.

Leaving Grand Duke Franches behind, Veronica drove forward.
"Welcome. You've saved me the trouble of visiting."

"Veronica."

"You, the Crown Prince, Len. I'm not just gonna kill you. I'll make you feel how terrible it is to live." Veronica smiled gruesomely as she alternated with Elena, Ciel and Len with hateful eyes.
The mere imagination of pulling three people's fingernails, crushing bones, and cutting off the limbs made her spine ache.

“Amazing,” said Grand Duke Franches calmly. "The Crown Prince or Len was born with more than what was seen. Identity, lineage, person. They made me stand up to them."

But the two eyes of Grand Duke Frances were fixed to Elena.
"Unlike those two, you were empty-handed. a mere fringe of no connection Then you struck out Leabrick and drove me all the way here."

“Because you were desperate,” Elena retorted.
'Because you took Ian away.'

"Fear that you were born in the same era as me." Grand Duke Franches, who made eye contact with Elena, has changed. An intangible life resembling the storm of the blade swirled toward Elena.

Elena's face turned white. She was suffocated. Although she suffered from labor pains, her weak physical limitations were beyond his control.


"I think you'd better stand back.”

“Hey, this is cheating.”

“Are you all right, miss?”
Elena's breathing regained stability. In a moment,Ciel, Len, and Hurelbad stepped up and blocked her with their lives, regardless of who was first.

She didn't know exactly what had happened, but she could tell that the three men had protected her from the Grand Duke.

“Thank you,” said Elena, with a faint smile hanging around her mouth. "All three of you, thank you for trusting me and following me. You've made it this far."

“'What, that pessimistic sentiment? It's like we're going to have to die." Despite Len's slickness, Elena didn't lose her smile.

“There won't be such an end.”

“Of course,” said Xian firmly, as if he didn't need a grain of consideration.

With a serene glance, Hurelbad expressed his loyalty towards Elena. Elena gave her last words of encouragement to the three.

"It's the turning point of the times. Will it change or continue. It's in the hands of three people."

“I'll prove it.”

“She keeps putting pressure on me. I want to do my best.”

“Yes, miss.”

Ciel, Len and Hurelbad went forward, fixing the sword.

It was a final battle. Elena's palm, which had no choice but to watch from afar, was damp with sweat. Trust in the three was absolute, but she couldn't help but feel nervous about it.
.
.
.

First Division Commander Felin was having a hard time dealing with Count Lyndon.
In the meantime, Ciel and Len attacked and pressed Duke Franches. They weren't overwhelmed by the monster dance, but they weren't pushed back.

Grand Duke Franches' unorthodox, monstrous strength transcended Elena's common sense. It was also understandable why May's surprise assassination failed.

His power, which is equivalent to Len, the wilderness wolf, and Ciel, the crown prince. She didn't want to admit it, but Grand Duke Franches was clearly the superhuman born of heaven.


Back to Hurelbad, he pushed mercilessly, gaining the upper hand against James, the 2nd Division Commander. James, seemed embarrassed by the swordsmanship that overwhelmed him.

Elena's faith gradually became a reality. A sword stuck in James' chest, who was struggling to defend against Hurelbad's onslaught.

"I can't believe it." The eyes of the Duke of Frances were awakened. The commander of the 2nd Infantry Division was not just a title that can be attached. James was killed in vain.
By a knight of the common people.

"I'm tired of it. It's worth Leabrick." The gaze of Grand Duke Frances did not fall from Elena. It was amazing how Eleena, who recognized the potential of Hurelbad, who he had not even noticed, appointed him as a knight.

—————-

The turning point:

"I'll help you."
When Hurelbad, who overpowered James, joined the attack, the lead quickly changed.

With the addition of animal and instinctive Ren's swordsmanship, the complete swordsmanship of Ciel, and the practical swordsmanship of Hurelbad, who was aiming for the core, even the Great Duke Franches, who was close tosuperman, had no resources to endure.

In addition, the three men's cooperation was so perfect that it was doubtful whether they had been working together for decades.
"Your Highness!" Several knights jumped in to help the defensive Grand Duke of Frances, but they were not enough.

It was rather cumbersome and unhelpful to see the confrontation between those of different levels of strength.

"Father," Veronica bit her fingernails hard as Grand Duke Franches was pushed back. Her lips dried with extreme nervousness.
She was worried that the worst ending she had never thought about would come true.

The Grand Duke Franches’ face had lost its composure. It was a miscalculation. He did not expect that there would be an even a strong man, as Ciel and Len, who was hard to be born in one era.

The desperation to lose everything made Grand Duke Frances keep fretting. It would be all over when he died.
They concentrated on defense and waited for the Grand Duke to lose his strength, rather than onslaughting him.


"Ha, ha." Grand Duke Franches' breath ran out of breath.
As he lost my physical strength, the sword tips were piling up a little by little.

The evidence was that small wounds increased.


"Kirsten, Farrell! Help me, come on!" Urgent Grand Duke Franches summoned knights fighting.
Even if the difference in skills was not a big help, it might bought a moment of time.


But the three did not even allow it.

A final blow was made.
Ciel's sword pierced the left breast of Grand Duke Franches.
Len's sword cut his back diagonally, drawing a trajectory.
Hurrelbad, who was aiming for a crack, cut the blood vessels in his neck.


"Ah, Father!" A fountain of blood sprang from the body of Grand Duke Franches at the same time as Veronica's cry.

Grand Duke Franches staggered, grabbing himself by the nape. He struggled to stop the blood flow between his hands.

It was a lingering struggle.

The look of death.

Despite the pathetic gesture to live, the sobbing body collapsed and was thrown out.

Grand Duke Franches' fingers, stretched out on the ground, wriggled.
As if he could not die like this, his body, which was staring at Elena, was drained.

He died with his bloodshot eyes open.

"The Grand Duke," Elena did not take her eyes off him until the last breath of his life. "You're no different. That's what it's like to die,"
Elena, with a calm look, looked at him in the eyes.

Death was not a long story. Because everyone was the same.
Furthermore, Grand Duke Franches was the head of the Grand Duchy, which was called the heaven of the Empire.

The more you had to lose, the stronger your attachment to life.


It was only a few seconds before he lost his breath, but the despair he would have felt at that moment would have been too great to be expressed in words.

——————————-

Desperate Veronica:

"No. It can't be. Does this make sense? Wake up. What are you doing? Come on, get up and kill the ashes!" Veronica, who got off the horse, screamed as if to deny reality.

Even as she approached his father with slow steps, Grand Duke Franches did not budge.

"Grand, Grand Duke!"
Felin, the 1st Division Commander, belatedly recognized the death of the Lord, turned his back on Count Lyndon. The latter did not miss the gap and drew the sword diagonally from Felin's shoulder to his side.
Fellin, who was reeling from a ragged body, fell to his side and died.

The Knights of the Grand Duke were shaken as if they had lost their fighting will when the Fellin and James were all dead.


"Rebel, I will cut you if you resist."
When Ciel came forward and threatened them, the knights of the Grand Duchy, who had lost their will, surrendered, throwing away the sword.


Veronica shouted as she watched the scene.
"Are you crazy? What are you doing! Raise your sword again! I'm Veronica von Friedrich. I’m alive. Look. I'm the new Grand Duke. So grab the sword. Come on!"


"Hey, sister. That's enough, isn't it? You’re really ugly right now." Veronica trembled as Len giggled sarcastically.

"Can't you hear me!" Despite Veronica's orders, the knights kept their heads down and did not hold the sword again.
Veronica had never given them any trust. They didn't want to risk their lives just because she was the same blood at the Grand Duke.

"I'm sorry. Her Highness the Princess."

"There is no point in any more fighting."
The knights turned away.


Veronica was beset at the sight.
"Those bastards! You're putting the sword on the ground when the Lord is dead? You guys are still knights? Can you say the Knights of the Friedrich family?"

"Stop it, will you? Don't be so nasty."

"Shut up." Veronica glared at Len as if to kill him. There is nothing but evil left for her now.

Even the Grand Duke of Franches, who had been firmly guarding her, and the Knights, who had been her junior, turned around, and the solitude as she was being left alone in the vast sea was eating her.

"It's because of L. It's because of you." Veronica pulled out the Dagger from her waist and glared as if she were going to kill Elena.
It was a sword that was close to decoration, but it was threatening enough because the blade was standing.

"Veronica," Elena got off the horse, calling her low.
Hurrelbad, who had brushed the blood off the sword, was right behind her to prepare for Veronica's unexpected situation.

"I should have killed you. This wouldn't have happened if I'd killed you four years before!"

“You couldn't have." Elena's sarcastic voice was colder than the ice.


Things had changed.
The devil laughed at Elena, who died after being exploited, and even mentioned Ian's death.
This devil was now in front of Elena in the opposite situation.

“Don't talk as if you could have.”

“You!” Veronica's eyes were turned upside down by the insulting disregard.

She picked up a sword when she couldn’t even hold it properly, and then ran towards Elena.


Len, who was ahead of Hurelbad in the back, crept in and poked out his foot.
Veronica, who had been rushing forward, tripped on her feet and fell unseen.

She turned her head and stared at Len as if she were going to kill him.

"Yee, yee!"
As Len shrugged, the gruff Veronica picked up the sword again and went on.

Only hatred remained for Elena, the culprit behind all this. But it wasn't Len to watch it still. He turned quickly and walked off again before Veronica even noticed.


This time, she fell in front of the dead body and was soaked with blood.
"Would you mind? Why do you keep getting stuck in my feet?"

“Argh!” cried Veronica, who couldn't overcome her temper. Despite such contempt, she could not even respond to such a situation, which made her angry.

Elena approached such Veronica. Hurelbad tried to step forward as if she were in danger, but Elena smiled and said it was okay.

"It had been four years. I'll make you struggle in despair enough to feel like death is a luxury.” The deep sorrow in Elena's voice was colder than the frost in the middle of winter.
She did everything to see their destruction.


"Lord, kill... ...Hyuk!" A heavy shock came from behind Veronica's neck, which was coming at Elena.
In a moment's notice, Len knocked out her vital points, which were almost defenseless.

“She was so noisy.”

“Good job.” Elena had nothing more to do with Veronica.

———————

The Aftermath! (๑•ㅂ•)و✧: (Ciel, Sian, Xion, Xian are used interchangeably remember)

Ciel commanded the Imperial Guards and covered the Knights of the Grand Palace. Although the Grand Duchy lost its central point, he couldn't relax because he didn't know how the remnants of the Grand Duke would turn.

"I must go to the Imperial Palace." Ciel was thinking of reclaiming the palace that had been swept away by the Grand Duke before sunrise.

The Body of the Emperor Richard, who chose to make a noble sacrifice, was also there. He had to patch it up.

They should hold a meeting of the nobility to publicize the Duke activities and regain the initiative of the political situation.


“Your Grace, wait a moment!” Elena hurriedly called up Ciel

“What's wrong?”

“You got a stop to make before you go to the palace.”

“'Where..? Aah!”

Elena nodded as Xian responded as if something had come to mind.

"Go to the Duke of Wheat.” He didn't have to hesitate as long as he was sure of his treason.
Breaking the centuries-old balance between the Great Duchy and the four largest families.

"You're really....." Even in this situation, Ciel was speechless at Elena's vision of reading the Empire with a cool and rational judgment.


The thought flashed across his mind.
If she became a member of the imperial family and performed her capacity, wouldn't the empire enjoy a peaceful era?

Ciel, without hesitating, took command of the Imperial Guard and set off at the Duke of Wheat’s mansion.
Len grinned at Elena

“She's so smart.”
“Are you drunk?”
“That's what you call smart.”

“I don't have the power to play with words. Go ahead and clean up the mess up. I'm going back to the saloon... ..."

At the moment Elena stumbled as if she had felt dizzy. When surprised Hurelbad was about to help, Len burst in and hugged Elena's waist.

No matter how shrewd and fast he was, Hurrelbad couldn't even afford to do anything.

“What's wrong? Are you sick?”

“I'm a little dizzy. I guess I'm relaxed."

She was smiling faintly, but Elena's face was pale.
It was a life that came only for revenge. She seemed rational and perfectly calm, but she had always lived narrowly through limits.

Therefore, it was natural that tension was relieved and mental exhaustion came.

"I'm sorry, but I'm going to sleep a little.”

It was not easy for a healthy person to maintain the war’s spirit, which was full of blood and flesh and was full of death.
It was a miracle that she’d endured so far.

"Where is she sleeping?" Unlike his words, Len was careful that Elena might wake up.

But Hurelbad didn't listen.
“I'll take her to the salon.”

But Len hugged Elena if he didn’t have any intention of handing her over. In the most amiable manner.
Len grinned at Elena, who was fast asleep. The empire's sky was turned upside down.

It was the first time that Grand Duke Franches attacked the palace and killed the emperor. Although she failed to stop the death of Emperor Richard, the response of Crown Prince Ciel and the Imperial Guard was dazzling.

.

.

.

'Ciel and the Imperial Guard, who returned to the capital in a hurry after receiving information that a rebellion was being plotted, occupied the grand palace and succeeded in killing Grand Duke Franches. In addition, he killed the Duke of Wheat and even overpowered the Wheat family. '

The nobles were astonished. The collapse of the Great Duchy since the founding of the Empire suggested a lot to the nobles.
The axis of the empire, which used to be centered on aristocrats, was transferred to the imperial power.
The shocking news continued.

Len Bastache, who was buried due to his disappearance, returned and took control of the family.

As rumors turned out to be true that Len helped to bring down the Grand Duchy in line with Ciel, his position as the next generation of emerging aristocrats had also been solidified.

Everything else went according to the rules. Ciel dispatched the Imperial Guard to seize the Great Duchy and the Wheat’s dukedom.
He also searched the mansion thoroughly and seized the assets by using his own method. Ciel wrapped up what was related to the treason and held the funeral of Emperor Richard.


In the meantime, the government had to tighten its belt due to the poor finances of the imperial family, but it was not unreasonable to return the assets of the families who committed treason to the State Coffers.

Veronica was imprisoned in a dungeon of the Imperial palace.
Her death after Franches’ treason became a foregone conclusion. However, it was only possible to assume that she would be executed after the Emperor Richard’s funeral.

And that concludes the novel. I will give more details on the academy arc where Ciel and Elena meet, plus Raphael!! (He is a male lead!) in part 5!

Hi everyone, it is me *again*. Giving more spoilers. Again, English isn’t my first language and I’m sorry for any grammar mistakes.
This spoiler will probably be very very long. It is going to be about the end of the novel, rebellion, and revenge. This will be very very long! Since it is so long I will have to do a part 4!

Again, my source is novel and novel spoilers thread
—————————-

Grand Duke’s financial problem’s and Veronica’s issues:

Veronica rushed at Her father’s office, pushed the maids, and opened the door
« What’s going on here?! »

Grand Duke Frances sighed low as he looked at Veronica
« I’m sure I told you to be careful »
« It’s my job! The torn-down b!tch dared to do a terrible thing with MY name and identity, but how could you keep quiet?! »
« Veronica. »
« Do you know my reputation in the social world now? L, she is a snob and shameless b!tch, why do I have to be humiliated by her??! » Veronica was so nervous that she couldn’t control herself. She, who had been clinging to pride in her bloodline and sense of authority, was criticized for what L had done (fake agreement with the 3 nobles), which made her feel bitter and angry.

« It’s not just you. Our situation is not good right now. »

With the handwritten certificate as evidence, 3 nobles had protested to not pay the Grand Duke while gathering public opinion of the aristocrats in each region. It even led to complains about the indiscriminate tax raise.

Veronica tried to justify that the certificate was a forgery, and there was no evidence of the astronomical amount of money.
However, it was already useless. Many aristocrates said that they couldn’t believe the words of the Grand Duke.

When the payment was cut of, the finance of the Grand Duke family became worse.

After the opium project collapsed due to the loss of the plantation, the Noblesse Street was considered as the last hope, but even that was not good, due to the blossoming L’s Basilica.

It was the first time that the Grand Duke family was pushed into such a wall.

« How long are you going to wait?!! If you can’t do it, I’ll do it! »
« Wait. »
« Until when?!!! » demanded the impatient Veronica
« Until we get hold of the Bastache family »
Veronica’s eyes grew wide at his father’s words.


What kind of family was the Bastache?
The Bastaches were an emerging aristocratic family led by Spencer Bastache, a former member of the Grand Duke’s.
Although the family’s history might be short, but its political position, finance and even armed forces were solid enough to be called the Head of the emerging aristocraty.

« It’s true that Len is dead? »
« According to the investigation, yes. No one has ever lived after being injured by Lord Stein(the assassin)’s arrow »
Veronica’s face lit up
« What about the Imperial side? »
« I’ve done a lot of thing. I don’t know if the Emperor will break his stubbornness » Attil responded

« I, The Grand Duke of Frances, don’t have to ask for anyone’s permission » the Grand Duke said arrogantly, as if he had the Emperor at his feet.

————————————————————

Attil and Leabrick (Attil is extremely loyal to the Grand Duke):

Attil was dressed neatly, while the woman trapped behind steel bars was smiling like a madman
« Are you alright? » Attil’s attitude towards Leabrick was still polite

« L was the b!tch. Why didn’t I know this before.... You were a moron... you were truck in her trap » Leabrick still talked to herself with a face that remained smiling. It was a habit developed after being alone in the dungeon for too long.

«You sent back the Bastache’s leader? »
« Yes. I’ve brainwashed him, and now Len’s death has become aN accomplished fact, and master thinks he doesn’t need to do anything else anymore »
Attil told Liv everything that had happened in order to ask for advice.

« Then, it’s over. »
« What? It’s over? »
« There’s nothing you can do »

Attil blinked since it was Leabrick who taught him that one should be prepared for 2 or 3 times, and now she was irresponsible enough to counter her own beliefs.
« There’s nothing you can do as long as the Grand Duke has moved »
« What do you mean? »
Leabrick smiled meaningfully at Attil, who couldn’t understand.
« There is not much time left. The day when the Empire’s sun will change. »

————————————————

Preparation for attack:

(Back to Elena’s POV/Side)
She asked Emilio and Hurelbad to hire mercenaries. Both of them were surprised, but soon agreed.
« Please check and select them yourself »
« So, how many would you like to pick? »
« About 50 »
It was twice as much as the regular number of knights

« May I ask what are you going to do with all those mercenaries? »
« I’m going to use them as bait »
Emilio was lost in thought
« What the hell are you trying to bait with? »

A significant smile rose around Elena’s mouth
« The Grand Duke of Franche »

« Huuuuh!!! »
Emilio was burst into consternation, while Hurelbad’s pupils shook

« The Grand Duke is already isolated. Their options are limited now. I’m going to put an end to this with a victory »

The big framework and foundation of the plan was provided by Emperor Richard. It was Elena’s job to respond to the changing situation and adapt it, but without the idea of the Emperor, it would have been a long way to devise such a scheme and act.

What was she going to do?
She was going to dress up those 50 mercenaries into bandits. Like, the most formidable bandits near the capital.
The rumor would be: The top merchants were attacked by bandits near the empire’s capital. The guard resisted fiercely, but eventually lost to the bandits who took away all the items.

With that, the Imperial family would be “forced” to set up a massive punitive force into the capital


Emilio was confused:
« Bandits are allies, and the Guards, headed by the crown Prince, are on our side.... oh my head hurts »

Elena asked Hurelbad to become....the bandits’ leader. She asked him to disguise himself to look like a real one: puffy hair, beard,...
There was a small twitch in Hurelbad’s lips, he who rarely changed facial expression. He was ready to handle anything, but he never thought about dressing up as a bandit boss but he immediately agreed anyway

Everything was to pull the enemy - the Grand Duke, out

———————————-

Len and his apology:

when Elena arrived. Compared to the last time, he had a better complexion, but he had no appetite and no activity, so his skin had dried up.
« Stop sleeping, why do you sleep for so long? Do you want to see me die while feeling guilty? » Her eyes at Len looked sad.

Len was still silent.
Elena even held the thin hand tightly
« Please, open your eyes. If you’re teasing me, you can take a break now »

Len’s hand were suddenly strained. Len was smiling weakly as he turned his head in surprise
« Nagging....can you do more? »
« LEN!! »
Elena, who couldn’t overcome the overwhelming feeling, rushed at Len. She hugged him tightly, as if she was still doubtful that this moment was a dream.


« Why do you only wake up now! Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for you to open your eyes?! » Elena’s eyes moistened
« Did you miss me? » It was a silly joke, but why did she miss that grinning smile so much?
« Who said that? »
« It’s written on your face »
« Don’t say anything weird. It was because of me.. »

« Why it was because of you? It’s because I want to protect you »
« Why would you? You should have just left me. Why did you steeping up? »
« No, that’s not possible. I can’t watch you get hurt. It’s better for me to get hurt even in the same situation »

Elena’s heart dropped with a thump as she looked at the smiling Len. The sincerity caused a stir in her heart.
‘That’s why I can’t hate you anymore even though I hated you so much in my past life’ It was the same for Ciel too.
« Don’t do that. » She cried
.
.
.
« Go to sleep, so you can get better soon. »
It was time for Elena to pull up the blanket and cover him up again.

Len, who gently closed his eyes, called her low.
« Elena »
« Don’t talk to me. Sleep »
« Sorry. »
Elena starred at Len’s sudden Apology.

« What are you sorry about? »
« I bullied you. »
The conversation didn’t last as Len soon went back to his sleep.

Elena starred down at such Len with a complex glance. The current apology came out as a big deal. It erased the remnants of bad memories that remained like crumbs and allowed Elena to see this current Len, just as she did with Ciel.
« Thank you for your for your apology. By the way, Len. »
Elena reached out and touched his bang
« I’ve forgiven you already. »

————————

The Basatche family:

When rumors about Len’s death began to spread, suddenly the head of the family and his father, Spencer, disappeared.
(Turned out he was kept by the Grand Duke). When news about Spencer who came back home spread to Elena’s ears, May asked to visit him secretly in order to see if it was a trap by the Grand Duke and reported later to Elena.
(May was in an intelligence operatives workings’ organization underground but also worked under Spencer too.)

Only after the 4th day that May succeeded in infiltrating Spencer’s bedroom
« Lord, this is May. I have some good news. Len is alive »
May reported in a rousing tone, straining her voice.

« Len..Len...Len »
Contrary to the expectation that he’d be pleased, Spencer murmured Len’s name repeatdly
« Len is dead. Len is not is this world »
« Lord? » Mel’s eyes shook violently. She had a hunch that something was wrong with his behaviour.
She turned his chair around and was stunned when she saw Spencer sitting like a doll in the chair.

He was alive, but was an indescribable skeleton.
« Len is dead...Len is dead.. » Spencer mumbled the same thing like a parrot with a hollow face.
May tried to wake him up, but it was useless.
« Len is dead. There is no successor. May Grand Duke Frances lead the family. The House of Bastache »
« Lord » May bit her lips hard.

Seeing her master brainwashed by the Grand Duke was a pain to him, and his eyes were filled with tears.
But Spencer’s physical condition was the worst. The body was thinly dried, and the red-blooded eyes made us assume that he had been awake for several days. In this conditions, he would die sonner or later.

Mel (May and Mel used interchangeably) reported everything to Len and Elena. Len decided to infiltrated secretly into his father bedroom. He was still weak, but was assisted by May.

Len faced Spencer himself
« Father. »
Despite the call, Spencer was silent as if he was not there. He just stared blankly at his son, who was known as dead.
« Len is dead. Len is dead. Leave the Bastache family to Grand Duke Franches. The House of Bastache... »
Len’s eyes were filled with tears when he saw Spencer as good as a dead man.

« What is this?.. Why did you end up like this? At least slap my cheek. That’s how I know you ».
« ... »
« What is this ? » Len bit his lips hard. He couldn’t bear the fact that his father had become such a weak creature.

« Len...Len »
The murmur of Spencer drew closer to Len. There was an indescribable warmth in his voice repeating Len’s name.
« Father? »
« Len...Len...Len » Hot tears flowed down his eyes
« Yes, it’s me, here it is » Len took his hand.

« Len....the....family..the grand duke... Urhhhhhhh » His loose pupil shook and his body trembled.
« Do you recognize me? »
The more Len spoke, the worse the symptoms became
« Len....the house... »
« Okay, I’ll protect the family. So.... »

Len’s Words didn’t last to the end. Spencer gasped for breath, and his head dropped.

Len denied the reality but May just shook her head
“He’s gone”
“This is cheating. Open your eyes. Open your eyes!”
The dead didn’t talk. There was no movements in Spencer’s hand.

Len swallowed his anger. He was not hasty enough to do something irrevocable under the emotion of the moment. He knew that Elena’s plan was the only way to appease his father’s death.

« Let’s go back ». He turned coldly, after looking at his father’s face for the last time.

————————————

Funeral and rumors:

The funeral of Spencer was held in great measure. His tomb was placed beside Len’s tomb (although no body was found, a tomb was made because everybody already convinced of his death)

The death of Spencer Bastache, head and centerpiece of the emerging aristocracy, was a fatal blow to the emerging aristocrats who had been forming power. With Len’s “death”, the one who supposed to lead the Bastache family’s revival, the family was in the verge of collapsing

Aristocrats were speaking about the inheritance’s matter
« In the near future, the Bastache family will be absorbed into the Grand Duke »
« Spencer himself left a will: to hand it over to the Grand Duke »

« Oh? Look at that carriage »
« I know. That’s L’s wagon. »
« Did L and Spencer know each other? »
« I didn’t hear any of that »

Since Len couldn’t come, it was Elena who went to the funeral in his stead. Soon, Ciel also arrived and stood beside Elena.

After the funeral, rumors began to spread between L and Ciel
« They’re in a relationship, right? »
« I think so. They whispered to each other earlier »
« L and the Crown Prince »
« It’s a great match ».

L and Ciel left the cemetery in their own carriages. While Elena’s one led her directly to the Salon, Ciel changed carriage while dressing up in plain clothes in other to hide his Salon’s visit.

With Len, they had a reunion inside the building.
Elena finally brought up the final plan to destroy the Grand Duke family.
The longer Elena spoke, the more the faces of the 2 changed from moment to moment: surprise, shock, astonishment.
Elena was able to see through the psychology of the Grand Duke but also moved one step ahead him.

Len clapped his hand:
« Wow, genius »
« I didn’t do it alone. It’s all thanks to him. »
« It couldn’t be then... » Ciel reacted reflexively when Elena mentioned Emperor Richard.

« Yes, his majesty didn’t give up. He had been holding it in »
Elena told Ciel and Len the revised plan and not the original one (the one with Richard as a sacrifice)

« The 3 of us have to work together to make the plan work. If not, we’ll be eaten. »

———————-

Ciel VS Len:

May interrupted their conversation as a royal family member in the Kalona Kingdom wanted to meet Elena in person. As the owner, she was obliged to accept this formal visit.
Elena left the drawing room, leaving Ciel and Len.

When the only 2 were left, an awkward silence followed. It had always been the case since the days of the academy, but they were on awkward and sharp terms, as the 2 men hearts were both taken by Elena.

Surprisingly, it was Ciel who broke the silence and opened his mouth first.
"You look fine. Shouldn't you start looking for a place to live?" Ciel gave a hint as if he didn't like Len's stay in the salon. He was childish when he thought about it, but he was true.
"Oh, I was going to, but she’s going to owe me more. Elena said so, too," replied Len with a grin. His mouth was smiling, but his eyes were not laughing.
« You're not very shy. »
« You're asking me to stay longer, aren't you? »

There was a spark between the two. Len collected his laughter and spoke meaningfully.
"You must have forgotten what I said to you. Don't like her. »
"You can't keep her."
"Even though the situation has changed a little, it seems to be still valid, Your Royal Highness."

Len purposely gave the Prince a boost. L en, who noticed Elena's secret when she was a student at the academy, warned Ciel.
The crown prince's position put responsibility before a woman's happiness. Even more so if he became an emperor who ruled vast territories.
The splendor and happiness enjoyed by the emperor is not even a tenth of the rain of life to be young.

"I was once shaken by your words. Because I couldn't refute it."
"How come it sounds like you want to refute it now?" Ren's eyebrows wriggled with the strange margins contained in Ciel's words.
"To me now, the words of that time no longer touch me," Ciel's eyes showed a deep affection for Elena. "To me, she is so precious that she transcends duty and responsibility."

The unthinkable confession of Ciel put strength into Ren's eyes. The Crown Prince is a position of duty and responsibility. There's no way Ciel didn't know that, and yet he valued Elena more than his duties and responsibilities.
The meaning of those words was never light...but Elena was so precious to Ciel that he really could put everything down.

« You've changed, » said Len, in Ciel’s determined gaze.

Len kept smiling. Why not? He didn't hate to hear that remark from Ciel, who was like a rival. Not only Ciek, but also Len.

Elena was a worthy Woman to the point where he could risk his life.
"Oh, my God, we're not good friends."
« It sounds like you're not giving up. »

There was a fiery war of nerves between Ciel and Ren.
"More than you, I'm not less. And wouldn't my life the proof for my determination?" Len grinned.
Protecting Elena at the risk of his life. Len had no more medal than this. If Elena had heard it, she would have gone wild.

What's clear is that he feels more ahead of Ciel.
"I can't believe you're trying to take on that. Me too......"

It was when he was about to hit back in an unsympathetic rage. The closed door opened and Elena, who had been away for a while, returned.

She looked very tired of the reception of unwanted visitors.
« I'm here, »

Ciel and Len, despite her coming, gazed at each other without giving her a glance.

Elena, who felt a different atmosphere than before, asked.
"What happened while I was gone?"

« Nothing happened."Ciel answered calmly.

But looking at the two men growling at each other, it was discredited.

« Did you two fight? »
« No fight, we are not children. » Len shrugged.
« Then what did you do? »

« Dialogue, gentlemanly. »

Elena's eyes narrowed. This was because they had a gentlemanly conversation, that the atmosphere between the two became that harsh?

"What did you say?"
« About you. » Len summoned Elena casually.

Surprised Elena opened her eyes wide and looked at Ciel.
Ciel was silent and not particularly negative.

« What did you say about me? »
« You'll be hurt if you hear me. »
Only then did Len, who turned his head, laugh playfully.

« Was it risky? »
« No. »
« What did you do then? I won't be angry, so tell me. »

Len turned a blind eye to Elena's questioning. When he looked at Ciel with a frown on his forehead, he also avoided looking into her eyes and gave no answer.

"What the hell did you talk about?" Elena asked again, but the two kept their mouths shut as if they had made a promise.

Neither Ciel nor Ren were too childish to bring up the subject.

"Are you really not going to tell me at the end? Neither Ren nor Your Highness?"
Elena shook her head as she saw the two men who had not opened their mouths.

——————————————

Plan in motion:

When Elena woke up, she was surprised to see Hurelbad in the mirror
« Is that really you? »
The cold, smooth skin became rough, and the unshaved rich beard looked wild. He also wore clothing worn mostly by hunters.

« I can’t recognize you at all »
Despite Elena’s admiration, Hurelbad couldn’t laugh, because he felt so awkward and unfamiliar in the mirror
« You look strangely naive »
« ...don’t tease me » Hurelbad blushed

After that, Elena was told that the Grand Duke had put up his properties for sale (2 mansions, 6 estates)
Some aristocrats were interested, but there was no buyers

Elena then asked Emilio to announce their intentions to buy his properties. They could later made a down payment in cash (so that the offer could not be turned down) and ultimately delayed the final payment as much as possible in order to prolong the financial difficulties of the Grand Duchy
.
.
.
Mount Kazbegi, which surrounded the northern part of the capital.
The place was unusually infested with bandits.
Bandits in the capital, which was a symbol of the empire. They raided the capital’s Center, which was well-known, and stole all the items.
Rumor said that the bandits were so strong that the knights were helplessly defeated, even though they fiercely resisted.

A few days later, the bandits confronted the Castol Chamber of Commerce.
People didn't think they would survive against the superior knights corps. The bandit's evil deeds were expected to end.

However, the captain of the Knights Corps, who was known in the northern part of the country, was defeated in vain by the captain of the bandit.
At first, no one believed it, but it turned out to be true when the sightings of the surviving knights were reported.

It has been said that the leader of the bandits was a strong man who exceeds most of the knights, and he had been recognized by the public as someone who couldn’t be reckoned with.

His notoriety vibrated in all the Empire’s the capital.

———————————

Plan in motion no.2:

In the Imperial Palace, Emperor Richard was coerced by the nobles
« Your majesty, how long are you going to leave the Bastache family behind? «
« It’s a great loss for the nation. We must proceed with the inheritance »
« I can’t understand why you keep putting this off »
« Grand Duke Franches is obviously the number 1 heir to the Bastache family »

Despite the aristocrats’ voices, Richard did not readily allow inheritance
« There still has something to investigate. Wait. »

The nobleman raised his voice as if to eat him up
« Didn’t you already set up an investigation team and now you want to check it again? What else do you want to investigate? »
« Spencer Bastache has been fince since he returned to his family. »
« Have you seen the doctor’s autopsy report clear? »
« What do you doubt, Your Majesty? »

The storm of resistance from the aristocrats turned Richard’s face upside down. And the Grand Duke did not show sign of disapproval

« I believe that everything should be done according to the law »

« Huh » Richard laughed as if he was dumb.
« Okay then, let’s follow the order of the Grand Duke »

« Your majesty! »
« Good Judgment! »
The aristocrats’ faces brightened up.

But soon the Emperor added:
« But, fin the body of Len Bastache first. Or bring the proof. Because that’s the law. »

Joy was briefly distorted by the stubbornness of Emperor Richard.

Just a few months ago, he had accepted most of the nobles’ wills unless it was an excessive demand. But after the reform of the Imperial Guards, he changed, and began to antagonize the nobility.
There were still aristocrats who defended the Imperial family. The representative example was Count Lyndon - a neutral aristocrat (the father of Cecilia)


« Are you really going to be stubborn? »
For the first time, Grand Duke Franches expressed his feelings about this. His low but chilly voice caused the nobles to gulp.

Emperor Richard retorted:
« Stubbornness. Don’t you think you’re the one being stubborn? »

« It can’t be delayed until you-know-when »
« It’s not delayed. It’s just a confirmation process. Or just wait half a year until Len’s life or death is confirmed. I wouldn’t be stubborn at that time. »

« Surely... »
Grand Duke Franches stared at the Emperor. Half a year. It was not that long, but it was not good enough to wait half a year.

The Bastache family would be a very profitable business for the Grand Duke.
Although not to be to the point of collapse overnight, the Grand Duke’s financial situation deteriorated rapidly over the course of the day. It could not only lead to fiscal austerity but also to downsizing the Knights.
As soon as he tightened his belt, the Grand Duchy would be over.
The nobles were like hyenas. The moment they smelled that he had weakened, they would turn their backs to him.
The 3 nobles (who lended ‘Veronica’ money) already showed their intention to do so. Soon, other powerful families would also make their moves.
If the collapse occured, it might take decides or even hundreds of years for the Grand Duchy to reach its peak again.

« Half a year is too long. Let’s make it 3 months » Grand Duke offered a compromise, but the Emperor refused
« Half a year ». He made it clear that compromise was impossible.

Several aristocrats were upset by his declaration, but no one stepped forward. It was because even the Grand Duke bowed his head and acted in accordance with his will.

Emperor Richard Skilfully changed the subject, as the Bastache’s family case was only a preface to him. Now it was time to get to the point:

« Recently, bandits are invading near the capital. »
« Yes, Your Majesty. Even the Castol Society is said to have suffered great damage »
« Huh. Even the top knights? »
« The Bandit boss’ skill is great. Most of the knights were no match for him. »

The nobles pushed back the earlier complaints and discussed about the pending issues. It was because they might be robbed of donations or taxes from local areas. As they were sensitive to losses, they showed solidarity as if they had never done this before.

« I can’t let let it go any further. Is there anyone who would lead the Bandit Conquest for the Empire? »
As the Emperor looked around the noble, the audience became as silent as death.
To them, the Knights were a kind of asset.
If a member was injured or killed while trying to destroy bandits, the damage would be severe. That’s why they didn’t take it easily.

« How come there are no answers? So how about this? Each family has a knighthood to build a punitive force. I think it’s very fair. »

A middle aged aristocrat then stood up and opened his mouth.
« Your Majesty. The capital of the Empire is a symbol of the Imperial family. With such bandit in the capital, it seems that the Imperial Guard should be sent to destroy them in order to build up the dignity of the Imperial family »

« The Imperial Guards? » The voice of the Emperor showed disapproval

« Your Majesty, his words make sense »
« Wasn’t the Imperial Guards in charge of the security of the Capital for generations? »
« Show us the dignity of the Imperial Guard and his Majesty the Crown Prince »
The nobles exchanged glances and agreed, so that they wouldn’t suffer any loss haha

« So I’ll let the Imperial Guards take charge of that matter. »

« You are a wise man » The nobles bowed their heads in unison.

——————————-

Plan in motion no. 3:

Back to the Grand duke mansion. Franches had decided to make a grave decision and called out for Veronica.

Veronica suffered from extreme stress. Her hatred for Elena grew uncontrollably. Her personality became more violent, and her bizarre and sadistic acts had increased.

« I heard about it. The Emperor again blocked the inheritance of the Bastache family? »
« Yes. »
« Ha! I’m telling you! Are you going to stay quiet? Say something. Noblesse Street is going to be ruined! » Veronica’s voice, which failed to overcome the frustration, was quenched.

The Noblesse Street had accumulated enormous damage. If Emperor Richard continued to delay the inheritance of the Bastache family, the finance of the Grand Duchy would be at their worst. »

« Veronica, stay down in the territory for a while. »

Veronica’s eyes shook. That’s because it sounded like the situation was bad.
« What’s the reason? Are we really going to collapse to the point where it’s impossible to revive? »

« No. »
« Then what’s the reason? I have to know why! »

The eyes of the Grand Duke were appalled.
« I must change the Emperor »

For a moment Veronica was surprised, and despite his remark that he was going to turn the sky upside down, an indelible smile spread over her face.

« Did you finally make up your mind? »

« Yes »

« You should have made up your mind sonner. You can’t let a dog bite its owner. Bad manners » Laughed Veronica, while covering her mouth with her hands.

For her, the center of the Empire was the Grand Duke and not the Imperial Family
It was the Grand Duke who appointed Richard as the Emperor. It was ridiculous to have forgotten such a situation and showed his teeth against them.

« I’m not going to the territory. »
« Veronica. » He called her name low. They were not considering failure, but he wanted to send Veronica to the land just in case.

But Veronica refused
« I’m going to the Imperial family, too »
« You... »
« I want to go and see with my own eyes the sight of such an Emperor with his knees boiling ».

Veronica expressed her firm determination. She didn’t want to miss the moment when she put the Emperor under her feet, and wanted to see the power of the Grand Duke, which trampled on the Imperial family and changed even the emperor.

« After the Emperor is the Crown Prince, right? »
« Because there’s no reason to keep him alive. We’ll execute them as soon as we return to the capital ».

Veronica nodded
« He insulted me. If you kill him, kill him in the most vicious way. Oh! It’ll be okay to tear his limbs and pull his neck out. »

« I will » Grand Duke Franches accepted the request without a hitch.

If the treason was successful, It would be enough to put a plausible charge on Ciel. It was not a difficult request.

« You’ll have to kill L too, right? »
« That’s the case. »

« If you’re going to kill her anyway, give her to me. »
« To you? »

There was a deep-seated hatred in Veronica’s eyes.
« It’s just plain to just kill, isn’t it? I’m thinking of destroying her until my anger is released »
«Okay. »

« Oh, and give me the Salon. It seemed useful »

Grand Duke Franches promised to do so. After killing L, he would seized her property with a good cause, and ordered a newly established emperor to offer him a tribute.
He could then form a monastery, starting from Noblesse Street, leading to Salon and Basilica.

« Then I’ll follow my father. »

Franches allowed Veronica to accompany him. Because there were no failure possible in his calculation.

———————————-

The final preparation:

Elena calmly explained the situation.

Rumors had spread widely that the newly reformed Imperial Guard, leaded by the Crown Prince, would launch a massive attack against the bandits, in order the revive the status of the Imperial Guards.

The remaining challenge was whether the Grand Duke Franches would take the bait.

« Will Grand Duke Franches move? I was wondering if he’d try to change the Emperor again this time »

« He’ll be moving. The Grand Duke knows better that if he doesn’t move now, he will dry up ».

Elena showed strong confidence. The financial situation of the Grand Duke was heading for the worst, and the inheritance of the Bastache family was blocked, due to Emperor Richard’s opposition.
Under these circumstances, there were not many options for him to choose from.

« Is there any news about Sir Hurelbad? » Elena asked Emilio
« Yes. Don’t worry. Sir Hurelbad has already been ready to meet the Imperial Guards near the living quarters. »

Elena’s faith in those 2 people was absolute.

She then asked Caliph and Emilio to leave the Salon.
« I want you to stay out of the capital until the work is done. The Salon will also be the target of the Grand Duke. In worst-case scenarios, I will need both of you, the main pillars of the salon, to live. You don’t have to take risks. »

« Wait, then are you coming? »
« I’ll stay in the Salon »
« You stay and we go? »

« I know it may sound sad. But if I stay away, Grand Duke Franches will doubt me ».
Elena must remain in the Salon at any cost. Salon was L, and L was Salon.
Her mere appearance in the Salon would only contribute to the decency of the Grand Duke

But Caliph and Emilio stubbornly refused to go. Elena felt sorry for those 2 people, and she felt so grateful that she thought she could never repay them.
« I know what you mean. I won’t bring this up anymore. Let’s all live together. »

The plan had to be successful.

Elena headed to Len's room.

"Good timing. I was actually going to see you," Len grinned as soon as he saw Elena.

But Elena's expression was somehow dark.
« Are you going? »
« I'm going. There's a lot to sort out. » Len said as if it wasn't a big deal, but it was.
It couldn't be easy to find and deal with traitors who were still in the Bastache family.
The possibility of armed conflict could not be ruled out because the order of the knights had to be done in a short time.

« Don’t get hurt again, take care of yourself. »

« Why, will you take care of me? »
« Are you crazy? »

« I thought I'd get hurt again and you’ll take care of me, but I’ll listen to you »
Elena looked at him hatefully, with her eyes glaring.

« That's exactly how you say you'll be careful. »

« I'm going. »

« Don't overdo it. If you think you can't do it, run away. Do you understand me? »

Len waved his hand instead of looking back and disappeared with Mel. Elena felt an unknown emptiness as she entered the empty room after the sound of his presence disappeared.

This is because the warmth that had been felt in the drawing room for nearly several months had cooled down.

« You must live, Len » said Elena, muttering with the wind. She shut the door.

"Let's Go work."
Everyone had works to do in their respective positions. It was useless to Worry. She was just doing her best for what she could do now.
Elena decided to concentrate on the present matters.

——————————————————

The royal guards ceremony and March to the mountain:

The Royal Guard, which stood in line with the heat and line, held theirs swords high up in the sky.
Emperor Richard stepped in front of the royal guards, checking their condition and equipment to boost morale.

Ciel, the leader of the Imperial Guards, advanced on his white. More than 50 guards also followed suit in line.

The gate was opened to the sound of a flute ringing from the castle wall, and the Imperial Guard left the palace.

The procession of the Imperial Guard across the streets of the capital caught the eyes of the people of the Empire.

"His Majesty has replaced the Guard. I guess it's true."
"I know. The real knights look good."
"The mood is different for those rascals. My teeth are divided when I think about the nearly death of a quarrel."
"Well, the Crown Prince is in charge so they are not going to be sloppy"

The eyes of the people in the country were filled with anticipation when they saw the march of the Royal Guard.

It was the common people who had become tired with the influence of the nobles.
The aristocrats unjustly deprived of their property and exploited them, and they were unable to speak a word properly.

They could only hope that Emperor Richard and Ciel, who had restored the imperial power, would make a world a little better place to live.

There was a carriage watching the procession of the Imperial Guard at the north gate.
"Don't get hurt."
Inside the carriage, Elena looked at the Imperial Guard and took a long view of Ciel leaving the northern gate.

This plan won't allow any mistakes. Only when they moved closely and clicked like cogwheels could they succeed.

Elena was the one who designed the grand plan, but was up to Ren, Xian (Ciel), and Hurelbad.
There was no middle. To die or to live. It was all about eating or being eaten.
"Let's go back to the salon," Elena said to the horseman, and the wheels of the stationary carriage began to roll.
As the three men had things to do, Elena had work to do. To keep a salon as usual.
That was the only thing Elena could do now.


At that time, the Imperial Guard, which left the north gate, set foot at the foot on the Mount Kazbegi, which surrounded the north side of the capital.

Ciel got off the horse. Except for the road, the mountain was so rugged that it was too much to ride on a horse.
"You have to go another half-day. Hurry up,"

Ciel took the lead through the forest path. It was embarrassing to even say it was a road because of the thick forest and the rugged mountain terrain.
Although the path was lost, Ciel stepped forward without hesitation.
« Here to the left. » In Ciel’s head, there was a map Which was acting as a compass.

The road leading to the forest was newly paved by Hurelbad. May drew a map of the mountain path and delivered it to Elena, who then handed the map back to Ciel.

The reason why they had to endure this hassle was to get rid of the watchmen of the Grand Duke.
Quite a hard and long march followed.
Some places were so precarious that they could fall if they tripped due to the rough mountain terrain.
However, no one was left behind, as Ciel was elected as the leader.

Meeting with bandit leader (Hurelbad):

« Here it is, » He saw a living house. Ciel walked alone toward the mountain quarters.

As if there had been a prior statement, the guards did not fret or feel uneasy about Xi'an's dangerous behavior.

It's about time that Ciel arrived alive.
"I see the Crown Prince."

A man with a beard walked out through the wooden fence and was courteous. Having a wild, plain-looking pupil unlike his wild, rugged appearance, he was the notorious bandit boss, or Hurelbad.

Ciel nodded and looked back. Whiggin, the captain of the neighborhood guard, who noticed his intentions just by looking at his eyes, led his subordinates and entered the room alive.

There were mercenaries waiting as if they knew the Guards would arrive.
« From now on, I pair up with bandits. » Then Ciel took off his uniform and changed into his daily clothes.

The Imperial guards exchanged clothes with the mercenaries. They became ordinary enough to believe that they were only passersby if people didn't pay attention.

However, Ciel, who has black eyes and black hair symbolizing the royal family, decided to use a robe because he could not hide his nobility and elegance.

"We're running out of time. Let's move on. » Hurelbad led the Royal Guard.
As they came down the middle of the mountain, they saw horses and carts tied to a tree.

These items were taken from nobles while posing as bandits, including Castol.
It was kept here to infiltrate the capital without being suspected.

Under Whiggin's leadership, the guards moved in perfect order. Someone rode a horse, someone pulled a cart, and other walked down the mountain with a time difference.

Ciel, who got on the horse, looked down at Hurelbad. A strong man recognized a strong man. Although they had never fight, he could see that his swordmanship was not much different from him.
Hurrelbad’s help was absolutely necessary to fight against the Grand Duke, given that the Imperial power was inferior to His.

"There's still work left that my master asked me. I'll join you later."

Ciel answered with a nod and drove down the horse.
There must be a good reason for what Elena ordered. He had no doubt that he would arrive on time.
.
.
.
Without time to waste, Hurrelbad also had a burning desire to go to the capital right away. However, he could not leave because he still had some work to deal with.

"I'm sure there's a watchman of the Grand Duke’s. It's not too late to move after deceiving them First," Elena had said so several times.


They should make the Grand Duke believe that mercenaries disguised as the Imperial Guards were staying in the mountains.

As soon as the Grand Duke Franches heard that the Crown Prince's Guards disappeared, all the plans would be ruined.

« She's perfect in everything. » When he thought of Elena, the corners of Hurelbad's mouth crept up.
Elena, who seemed infinitely soft, was wiser and stronger than anyone else.
« I want to follow you to the end of my life. That's my dream. »
Elena was a great person who would change the world.
If he could devote the rest of his life to such Elena, Hurelbad Couldn’t be more glorious and honorable as a knight.

The plan had to be successful.

———————————-

Leabrick monologue:

"Is it today?"
Inside the steel bar, Leabrick, leaning her back against the cool wall, murmured as she looked up at the ceiling.
When you were here without a speck of sunlight, the concept of day and night disappeared.

Just a few days ago, if Attil hadn't been there, she wouldn't have even been able to tell how much time had passed.

"L, no, Elena. I'll admit you're superior to me. I couldn't get past you. That's why I'm stuck here." She admitted defeat, her pride might be hurt, but she couldn't stop laughing.

"But the world is wide. You’ll die. This doesn't change," Liabrick quipped.
"Maybe you're expecting it all. You've always been above common sense," Leabrick put back her loose bangs like a madman.
She couldn't even eat properly, so she was all skin and bones, but her eyes didn't die.

"You know what? There's one thing you don't know."

There was meaning in Leabrick's voice as if Elena was next to her.
"You and I can never cross road with the Great Duke of Frances with only our brains. The man..." said Leabrick, whispering to an imagining Elena
« ....is a real monster » laughed Leabrick with a gruesome smile.


———————-

Falling into a trap;

"It's the beginning of a long night. » Grand Duke Franche spoke to himself.

He had nothing to fear, but today, ahead of the event, there was a subtle tension.

"This is a report. Owls have confirmed that they are camping in Mount Kazbegi."
Attil picked up the information coming up from time to time and delivered it to Grand Duke Franches.

"The remaining Imperial Guard in the palace is a total of four people. There are 30 other left around the palace"
"A big ball is organizing in Salon. The majority of the capital's aristocrats are believed to have participated."

Grand Duke Frances listened silently, with his hands on his back, and there was no response.
He stared out of the window with an indifferent glance.

"Oh my, the sky must be helping us. Isn't that right?" laughed Veronica, who was sitting arrogant on the sofa, twisting her lips.

Rather than only her usual mamade dress, even horseback riding car was all set to accompany her to the event.

« Don't let your guard down. »
« Is there anything to be careless about? If they knew about our plan, they wouldn't have moved so restlessly. They left half the guards in the palace, right? »

Grand Duke Franche remained silent and did not answer back. There was nothing wrong with Veronica's words.

If the Emperor had noticed the rebellion, he would not have left the palace empty to be close to being defenseless.

‘Am I overreacting? I feel like someone is encouraging me.' Emperor Richard and Ciel's handling of the situation was strange.
It was a very different move like when the Imperial Guard was reformed.

"Is there any other report related to the Royal Guard?"
Even Grand Duke Frances had to be cautious.
"No, there was no particular suspicion."

Veronica frowned at the Duke of Franches, who remained vigilant despite Attil's report.

« You're overreacting, aren't you? »

« I'm overreacting. Maybe. » Grand Duke Franche laughed off. Even if he thought about it a little rationally, there was no chance that the event would fail.
The Imperial Palace was empty, and the Imperial Guards were stationed on Mount Kazbegi, a half-day from the capital.

Even if they hear the news and rush to the palace, the rebellion would already be over.
‘I'm old, too.’
In his youth, Grand Duke Frances had nothing to go through. Actions preceded words. When he made a decision, he did not hesitate to change the emperor of the empire. As he got older, I saved himself in difficult situations.

Apart from being cautious, the spirit of youth has faded.

"Attil."
"Yes, Grand Duke."
"Gather the Knights."

When the Grand Duke Franches' words fell, the eyes of Attil were awakened.

He finally made a decision. Grand Duke Franches, who sent Attil out, walked to the closet.

"Flanderge."
This was the name of his favorite sword since he was young.

"Every time I took this sword out, the world changed. Today will be the same."
Grand Duke Franches, who had swept the sword with his fingertips, put the sword in the scabbard and put it in the waist.

"Let's go."
"Yes, Father."

He headed to the parade ground With Veronica.
The 1st and 2nd Knights, excluding the members of the Knights who are on overseas missions, were all standing in line. Including unofficial knights, the number was close to a hundred.

In line with the appearance of Grand Duke Franches, the entire Order of the Knights was courteous, drawing swords and putting them on their foreheads.

Grand Duke Franches on the podium spoke solemnly, looking down at them.
"Tonight, I will go with you to the Imperial Palace."

Despite the shocking remarks, no one in the Knighthood was agitated.
It was neither the emperor nor the state they swore allegiance to. It was only Grand Duke Franches.

"Occupy the imperial palace and Dispose of the incompetent emperor. We will retain a competent emperor for the position."

The knights were solemn. Lived under the command of the Lord; died under the command of the Lord. That was the honor, loyalty, and life of the knight.

"Let's go, knights of the Grand Duke. Let us write a new history of the Empire."

"The name of the Empire." The Knights raised their swords diagonally and held a ceremony of victory at the declaration of the Grand Duke of Franches.

Grand Duke Franche, who came down the platform, finished all preparations by inspecting the knights.
Soon after, under the cover of darkness, a group of knights left the palace quickly through the back gate.

The destination was the Imperial Palace, and the goal was Emperor Richard.

———-

Counterattack:

"Your Grace, look over there. The Grand Duke has moved," reported Whiggin, who was hiding at a nearby inn.

The Grand Duke of Frances and the Knights, sneaked out through the back gate, were moving swiftly toward the palace.

« Are you ready? »
« I can move at any time. » The Imperial Guards, disguised as commoners and came down Mount Kazubegi, were hiding themselves in inns and buildings near the mansion of the Grand Duke.

When as many as 50 healthy men gathered, they could be suspected, but they did not get caught.

Elena bought several inns and buildings near the Grand Duke mansion in advance, providing room for the Imperial Guards to hide themselves.

Ciel was amazed at Elena's foresight. He couldn't even follow how many steps ahead she was looking.

"Let's make a raid In the Grand Duke palace and use it as evidence of treason."

In the meantime, Richard, the emperor who was be left alone in the palace, could run away through a secret passage.

"We move, too." As soon as Ciel order fell,
Whiggin beckoned.

Then, the guards, who were waiting, came out of the building in unison.

Ciel, who came down from the rooftop and stood in front of the Imperial Guard, took off his robe.
The pitch-black hair and eyes went well with the night that seemed to devour the world.

"Tonight."

There was no need for a long talk. Ciel pulled a sword from his waist. The sword bore a symbol of the imperial family headed for the Grand Duke Palace.
"Delete the Grand Duke from the Empire."

———

Elena and the salon’s ball:

It was the grandest ball since the opening of the Salon.

« I hope it was not too late », said Elena, muttering to herself.

Hurelbad had to arrive on time to counteract the Knights of the Grand Duke, considered stronger than the Imperial Guard.

Len had to remove the traitors and taking control of his family.

Grand Duke of Franches was moving to the Imperial Palace. Assumed to be a hundred knights.

Prince Ciel was launching an attack on the Grand Duke.

Earl Lyndon, accompanied by a fleet of knights, was on the way to the Bastache family.


Elena, with a calm look, devoured the information collected by the Majesty’s informant. She analyzed every little detail. She watched the changing situation from moment to time and was keen to respond in time.

She was a control tower. It was a trick to stay in the salon and participate in the ball.
Every single one of these urgent events taking place in the capital was reported to her

"You can't miss a single thing. The moment I miss it, it's over."

Just in time a pigeon flew in through the wide open window.

This is Was a bird used by the Emperor. Elena reached out and checked the note that had been tied to both legs of the pigeon.

« Oh, why! » Elena's voice trembled as she read.

The swaying eyes gave her an idea of how agitated she was now.

"Why didn't you listen to me? You even made an appointment with me. Why?"

Her eyes moistened. She told him how to live and even got his promise to do so, but he didn't keep his promise.

Once, he was her father-in-law, who was more than sweet to her.

« Why did you do that? Your Majesty » Elena, who could not overcome the overflowing grief, grew up headlong.

As if she had lost her strength, the note Elena had let go of her hand said:
‘Emperor Richard, waiting for the Great Battle inside the Imperial Palace Refuses to flee.’

Facing the Emperor (this Part made me ball my eyes out):

Emperor Richard was sitting on the throne.
Knowing what was about to happen, he looked as if he had lost his life.

The door of the palace opened roughly.
Knights of the armed Grand Duke poured in.

Veronica, dressed in tight-fitting clothes, followed with a mocking smile.

"I see you," said Grand Duke Frances.
"Have you come?" The voice of Emperor Richard was serene despite the threatening situation.

"I think you've been waiting for me."
"Why not?" Emperor Richard smiled. "Thirty and three years. It's been a long time. Knowing you,"

The eyebrows of Grand Duke Frances wriggled.
"I know. If your Majesty had respected me, our company could have been longer."

"Isn't this because you don't like it?"

"You've gained your tongue, Your Majesty."

"How long do I have left to live? You have to say what you have to say. The times have changed, Grand Duke. Old people like you and I have to step down.m Is it the basis of what you said when you dragged the knights into the palace and persecuted the emperor?"


"To subjugate a new emperor who will take the throne of an old emperor and lead the holy life of the empire. That's my role as the loyalist of the Empire and the head of the nobility."

"Ha-ha. That's the best sophistry I've ever heard of this year. I didn't know you had a knack for making people laugh."

What could it be? Franches had a strong feeling that there was something hiding something from the words and deeds of Emperor Richard.

"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince and the Royal Guard are not coming."

"No."

"Even if the sun rises, the nobles will not stand by your side."

"I know that. Don't you see that I rose to the emperor for your treason?"

On that day 33 years ago, the great Duke of Frances, who caused the rebellion, forced the current emperor to overthrow the ex- emperor who was trying to regulate the nobles.
After that, the emperor, who was the only member of the royal family, took the throne.
He didn't want to be an emperor, but he had no veto.


"You must be quick to know. I had hoped you became a faithful dog until you are deposed." Grand Duke Franches openly expressed his ambition.

"We're going to take care of what we've put off here today."

"It must be the inheritance of the Bastasch family." Emperor Richard glared at him with a cold look. "That not the end. Wouldn't you force the Royal Guard to disband and bring the crown prince into custody, saying it was my Imperial Edict too? And before long, you will put him on death row."


Then Veronica, standing next to Grand Duke Frances, came in.

"You should kill L too. Why did you keep the b!tch who insulted the foundation of the Empire with her impure ideas alive? Also, Give me the salon and the basilica in appreciation of my father and my services."


If Veronica had been elected Crown Princess and had become the companion of Ciel, it would have led to an irreversible situation. Maybe that's why Elena kept on looking at Veronica, who was so low in class that the Emperor felt sorry for even comparing her.
'It would be a relief if she stayed by Ciel's side......'

He even gave her a brooch to make a connection with Elena. But that's all he could do.

" Veronica, is that you?"

"You remember me, Your Majesty." Veronica made a mockery of the Emperor, looking straight at him.
It was funny to see him still pretending to be the emperor when he was about to be deposed.

"You must want a salon. By the way, what can I do? You're not up to L, so even if you get a salon, it won't last long."

"What, what?" :blobdevil: Veronica's face blushed with shame at the unannounced comment of the emperor Richard.
The emperor's words were felt as unbearable humiliation for Veronica, who was already feeling a sense of inferiority toward L.

"What do you know about that?!"

"I just say what I feel. If L is a peacock, Veronica, you're nothing but a wild duck who doesn't know its subject."

"Da, you!" Veronica, whose eyes were turned upside down, breathed out as if she were going to commit a mutiny at once in a while.

"Calm down, Veronica." Grand Duke Franche stretched out his arm and controlled Veronica, unable to hold his powder.
Then he looked up at the emperor sitting on the throne.

"The nights aren't so long, Your Majesty. This is the size of a small talk."

"Can I warn you, Grand Duke?"

"Only the powerful can warn. Unfortunately, you are not."

"No matter what you want, nothing will go your way."

"You don't really touch me, Your Majesty."

"Oh, you're the emperor," said sarcastically Veronica, as soon as Grand Duke Franche's words came to an end. For Veronica, the sole heir to the Grand Duke who even replaced the emperor, Richard's warning sounded ridiculous.

"Take the emperor and bring him to a boil," said Grand Duke Franche


The plan was to capture Emperor Richard and force him to stamp his seal on the documents to seize both the cause and the practical benefits.
It was time for the knights to walk to the podium where the throne was placed.

Emperor Richard pulled up the sword had left next to him.

"Throw away the sword, Your Majesty. Now you know that resistance is meaningless, don't you? I'd like to be considerate of you so that your Majesty's prison system doesn't go bad."
The voice of Grand Duke Frances, who pretended to be polite, contained irresistible coercion.

"I saw it. What happened to the emperor who was deposed. It was a humiliating day when I couldn't die and had no choice but to live." Emperor Richard clasped the sword and brought it to his throat.

The knights, who were approaching his unexpected behavior, hesitated.

The eyes of Grand Duke Frances also shook. Although he showed his teeth recently, he did not expect Richard to do such a thing after decades of bated breath.

"Your Majesty, don't do anything useless."

"Do you really think so, Grand Duke? The stigma of entering the Imperial Palace at night and killing the Emperor won't be easy for you either. Because it would be treason, not a revolt."

"You should stop..." The Great Duke Frances tried to stop the seriousness of the situation, but the Emperor Richard's movements were faster.

"No!" a blood fountain spewed from the throat of Emperor Richard at the same time as the cry of Grand Duke Frances.

The emperor staggered and smiled at the victory with his collapsing body. "Gee, in hell…"
There was not a trace of regret or regret left in his slowly closing eyes. If it could help Ciel like this, that would be enough.
He was a ashamed and incompetent father and emperor, but at the end, he made a choice not to shame the lines and emperors painted on ceiling murals.

Grand Duke Franches gritted his teeth while watching the scene.
"Why do you care so much about? It was the one who had to be killed anyway."

Veronica acted as if it was nothing, but the expression of Grand Duke Frances was hardly unfolded.
The situation is more serious than expected.

"The emperor might be a scarecrow, but his symbolism isn't small."

"So? Now the dead emperor doesn't even come to life, does he?"

Veronica climbed the red-tinted podium of Richard's blood casually. Even the stinging blood scent seemed to be a nostalgia for her.
Veronica, standing on the podium and in front of the body of Emperor Richard, grumbled.

"Why are you making fun of my mouth?" Veronica raised her foot and beat the face of the dead Richard. It's payback for insulting her by comparing her with L earlier.
Veronica kicked the body so hard that it wouldn't release the lugo.

In the meantime, Grand Duke Franches had a serious look on his face and struggled to clean up the mess.

————

Unexpected situation:

As Veronica said, they couldn't revive the dead Richard. It would be better to move as planned.
"Bring the Emperor's seal,"

The knights who were ordered, moved in perfect order, searching through the Palace. But nowhere could a seal be found.
There was anger on the face of Grand Duke Frances. The fact that there is no seal where it is supposed to be meant that it was taken away in advance.

Grand Duke Franche hurriedly handled the document with a stamp on the death of Emperor Richard.

"There's no time to delay. We go straight to the Bastache family."

Now the most important task is to make a profit. If they could absorb the Bastasch family and show the health of the Great Dukedom, then people wouldn't be able to criticize him for the death of Emperor Richard.

When he was about to go out to war, a knight came running.
"Your Highness, we are in trouble!"

"Why are you here when you're supposed to be in the Grand Duke mansion?"

"Well, the Imperial Guard led by the Crown Prince has raided the Grand Duchy."

"What nonsense is that?! I heard that the Imperial Guard is now in Mount Kazbegi. What do you mean they're raiding the Grand Duchy? Do you think that makes sense!"

He was reported that the Royal Guard was camping at Mount Kazbegi until sunset.
It takes half a day to ride a horse from Mount Kazubegi to the Grand Duchy.

It was nonsense in common sense.

"I don't know what's going on. It was obvious that they were Crown Prince and the Royal Guard Commander, Sir Whiggin. I saw it with my own eyes."

"Haha." The low laughter of Grand Duke Franches spread through the palace.

"Father?"

"You're a good man, Your Majesty?" Grand Duke Franches looked up on the podium at the cold body of Emperor Richard. "I never dreamed you'd attack the Grand Duchy with the Crown Prince. I've had a proper blow to the king. By the way, Your Majesty. I guess heaven is not on your side."


Veronica's patience has reached its limit because of the incomprehensible story.
"Not on your side? I don't understand a word of what you're saying."

"The noble blood of the Grand Duchy is only you and me in the world."

"Ah!" Veronica, who had noticed the words of the Grand Duke of Franches, quipped.

If Veronica had remained in the Great Duchy without taking part in the treason, she would have been held hostage by Ciel and the Imperial Guard.
Because there's no worse situation than Veronica, the heir to the Great Duchy, being taken hostage. It was safe to say that luck followed.

"Maybe heaven is helping us."
The anxiety on Veronica's face melted away, and a smile spread around her mouth.

"The Emperor was the one who wanted to kill us first."

In the end, history is used in the hands of the victors. The Emperor and the Crown Prince drew their swords first, and Grand Duke Francves was forced to kill Richard in order to live.

"There's no further delay. Absorb the Bastache family as planned.Now that we have lost the great duchy, we need to take control of the Bastache family and make it a temporary home. Only the Crown Prince needs to be dealt with."

This revolution would be a success if the Crown Prince Ciel and the Royal Guard lost control of the Bastache family and the Palace.

——-

Plan in danger:

We have to make sure we don't miss anything."
Elena, who couldn't overcome her anxiety, sat down at her desk again. She constantly devoured the notes she received through the informants.

She reached out and checked the note that had been tied to the pigeon’s leg.

‘Ciel occupied the Grand Duchy.
Veronica absent. Went to the palace with Grand Duke Franches.’

A groan flowed through Elena's lips.
The plan to take Veronica hostage while overpowering the Great Depression went awry.

"Let's not be disappointed. You predicted this kind of variable, didn't you?"
Elena calmly checked the other note.

"There's nothing to think complicated. All we have to do is catch the Grand Duke as planned. Then it's over."
Although it was regrettable that Veronica could not be secured, Grand Duke Frances was also at risk as Emperor Richard died.
Win or lose.
It was safe to say that depends on whether or not to overpower the Great Frances.


A series of new infos arrived

'Grand Duke Frances, leading the Knights to the House of Bastache. '

'Len, completed the control of the House of Bastache. '

'Count Lyndon, moving with a fleet of knights to the Bastache family. '

'Hurrelbad, arriving near the capital's north gate. '


There were variables, but from the big picture, the plan was going smoothly.
"Fortunately, I won't be late to join you."


Elena was a little relieved. Elena wanted to concentrate her energies in one place, as the Bastache family was expected to have a final showdown.
Given the size of the Knights Corps, she judged that it was important to gather manpowers as she was inferior to the Grand Duke of Frances.

Another note flew in.
Elena's face turned white after checking the note. The pupil shook as if it had been an earthquake.

It was shocking enough to turn all the plans into nothing in a moment, to the point where they could not be compared to the previous news:
'Count Lyndon, in battle with the Knights led by Duke of Wheat. The overwhelming power gap. A potential annihilation.'


"No, the Duke of Wheat was in league with the Grand Duke?"
Elena put half of her head in an unexpected situation far beyond her expectations.


Not another family, but a Duke of the four major families of the Empire.
"Powerful to annihilate," quivered Elena's voice muttering the last sentence on the note.


The Knights, led by Count Lyndon, are Hidden Cards to Catch Duke Franches.

Len took control of his family.

The Imperial Guards and the Bastache's knight joined forces to subdue the Knights of the Grand Duchy.


However, the Duke of Wheat's involvement turned things upside down.
Count Lyndon has a strong knighthood. The opponent is the Knights of Wheat, one of the four largest families.

Even if the duke's skills were inferior, the Count would be inferior in numbers.

"It's my mistake. I haven't figured it out at all."
Elena bit her lips. On the desk, a rolled fist shook.

It was the first time she felt so lethargic while preparing for revenge step by step.

"If...... really if Count Lyndon gets hit..."
Elena closed her eyes to the worst situation she didn't want to imagine.


Len, Hurelbad and Ciel are known as the Three Swords of the Empire, but there was no way to avoid numerical inferiority.

As soon as the Knights led by Grand Duke Franches and the Knights of the Duke of Wheat join, the power would double or even triple.

"We need to save Count Lyndon and stop the power loss. But to do that, first of all... "


Elena, who regained her composure, hurriedly came up with a solution.
Because that was what Elena, who is in charge of the control tower, would do.

At this point, she might want to move Hurelbad to get Count Lyndon.
However, Len and Cied had to hold out


At this rate, the joining of Count Lyndon's Knights and Hurelbad would inevitably be delayed.
The slower the attack, the more likely Ciel and Len would be in danger.


Despite the conflict, Elena did not think long. For now, she had no choice but to believe in Len and Ciel.


Elena chose to move on her own. No matter how skilled an informant was, he would not be more accurate than Elena, who was drawing every picture in her head.
Every minute and second was urgent.

In the midst of this, the life and death of Count Lyndon and other knights are probably going back and forth.
After using an emergency exit to escape the spotlight, she drove her horse out of the salon and reached to Hurelbad

.
.
.

"Sir Hurelebard! It's me, sir!" exclaimed Elena, showing her face.

Hurrelbad, who was speeding, pulled the reins of the horse, slowed down, approached Elena and bowed his head.

"Why is Miss here?" Hurelbad sensed

Hi, everyone. It is me again. I felt very touched by the amount of people thanking me, and I did not expect that at all, so as thanks to you all I will offer more spoilers. ヾ(❀╹◡╹)ﾉ~ Again, English is not my first language. I am sorry for any grammar mistakes. This one will probably be very long as well. I hope it will satisfy you. And again my source is the novel and novel spoilers thread.

This is some more main story spoilers, and if you are seeing this now I suggest you scroll down to see my first comment. It will help you have a better understanding about what I am going to spoil now.

———————————————————————

This is just a little extra, but I wanted to include how Elena and Ciel met (this timeline):

Elena first met Ciel when she was in the Academy.
She accidentally fell down and was held in Ciel’s arms

Elena broke out crying while seeing him and Ciel didn’t understand why as he didn’t have any memories of the first timeline. (Mentioned in my previous spoiler post!)

———————————————————————


The Night Crow’s and the Grand Duke’s plans:

The Night Crows were an organization specialized in gathering information and assassination, with the members who fully pledged their lives to the Grand Duke. (Ugh... that evil bastard. I am so happy he got executed.)

The Grand Duke was not very happy. After the fall of Leabrick, everything was reported to him instead.
He hired the Night Crows to assassinate the Salon’s people, including Raphael, but mysteriously, every one of the assassins were killed and their bodies disappeared without a trace.
The finance of the Grand Duke family was deteriorating, and the soon-to-be-opened Noblesse Street suffered more financial damage than expected due to many difficulties.

He finally recalled what Leabrick had said: « Watch L. She’s a dangerous woman ». (L is Elena) The Grand Duke family began to falter when this woman appeared. He also knew about the thing happened between L and Veronica.

Believing his influence over the Emperor Richard, he intended to push the Emperor to regulate L’s Salon and even push it to closure. For him, the royal family didn’t have any power to reject his request, he who held the real power of the Empire
.
.
The Grand Duke rushed to the Imperial Palace and demanded a private meeting with the Emperor. But contrary to his expectation, the Emperor cut off his story about closing the salon firmly and even gave him a warning

With the funds gave by Elena, Ciel successfully reformed the Imperial Guards and got rid of the psy from the nobles.
The sickly Emperor Richard was proud of his son, but also felt sorry because he gave him great burden and great responsibility. He knew the relationship between L and Ciel, that’s why he firmly refused the Grand Duke’s request.
Moreover, Richard even asked Ciel to let him see Elena once. Ciel couldn’t turn a blind eyes to his request and promised him that he would introduce him to her in the future.

L’s assassination (a poor attempt by the Night Crows, and Ciel being cool as hell.)

As the Noblesse Street and the Basilica’s opening day approached, the more unhappy Veronica was.
L’s Salon was still extremely successful, and the Noblesse Street’s opening would surely become a failure if things still continued in L’s ways.

Veronica ordered then Ashelas to burn down the Salon, as well as L inside. Ashela prepared thoroughly the plan to minimize The risk of failure as much as possible.
Back to the Grand Duke side, hearing that his daughter wanted to burn down the salon, he decided to plant down an archer on the roof of a nearby building in case L escaped.
« In the worst case, we’re going to shoot L when she goes out of the fire. L’s death will set a good example. When a dog barks without recognizing its owner (her is talking about Ciel and the Emperor) »
.
.
.
The day finally came.
Elena just finished her work at the Salon, and thanked all the employees for their hard works.
She prepared to go to her bedroom to get some rest.
The salon was almost empty, there were only a people left, in charge of housekeeping and chores, but they lived in the Annex. In other words, Elena was almost alone.

That night, one of the employee came to the Salon and set fire to the mansion. The Grand Duke threatened the poor man to kill his children and his wife if he didn’t do what he ordered.
The fire soon grew out of control.

Far away, May, Len and Ciel saw the fire in the direction of the Salon and rushed to Elena side.

Elena was sleeping when Hurelbad woke her up, asking Elena to leave immediately.
But Elena didn’t want to give up her salon that soon and try to not lose her composure:
« I’ll put out the fire »
« Lady! »
« There is a way »
« It’s too late! »
« There is a secret sprayer in the Salon »
Elena went to the bathroom, covered herself with water and forced her way to go despite Hurelbad attempt to stop her.
Hurelbad decided then to open the Sprayer in her place and force her to escape.
« You must be safe. Swear that you will »
« I will swear ». Only then that Elena nodded and escaped the Salon with May and Emilio.

At Hurelbad’s side, he succeed into opening the sprayer’s valves. Water poured from the ceiling and stopped the fire

—

Now Elena was vulnerable as didn’t have Hurelbad to protect her anymore.

Suddenly a man fell sharply from the opposite building. May and Emilio went in front in order to protect her from the unknown man.
But when he raised his head, Elena recognized him: It was Len!

Len, unable to overcome the relief, hugged Elena
« I was worried »
« Len »
« ‘cause I can’t handle myself right now. So let’s just stay like this for a little while »
Elena was dumbfounded, her heart beat fast. But she still tried to calm herself as ‘It’s not the time for this. Get a hold of yourself, Elena!’

The fire finally dropped, the worst situation was avoided, and Elena finally breathed a sign of relief when she saw Hurelbad opening the window and looked at her way.
Moreover, the area around the salon was crowded with people, bystanders watching the fire, or people who tried to extinguish it.
.
.
.
As Len needed to investigate about the matter, he asked Elena to go first.
But when she left, he saw something really: a silhouette of a man pulling a bow at Elena’s direction.

Len immediately cried out for Elena and threw himself reflexively in front of her. The arrow which was intended to Elena’s heart was dug into Len’s back.
Elena grabbed the fallen Len and cried out in tear
« Len!! Get a hold of yourself! Don’t die!! »
Another arrow flew into his back
Ultimately, Len lost his consciousness, and the assassin was still here.


It was pure luck that Ciel found the assassin pointing a bow at Elena while rushing at her side. When he arrived near the Salon, he could see Elena leaving and was relieved.
He turned away. Ciel really wanted to see Elena’s face and asked her if she was okay, but he held it in, since he didn’t wear a mask, and his indiscretion would harm her.

He noticed the assassin.
The first arrow was fired, Ciel pulled out the sword and rushed to stop the arrow, but it was faster than him. Ciel was desperate when he heard the arrow hitting a target.
But Len managed to protect Elena and collapsed.

Ciel saw the assassin putting the next arrow on the bow. He clenched his teeth and flew away, but he was still too far away to stop it. The arrow once again lodged in Len’s back.
If it weren’t for Len, it would have already penetrated Elena’s heart.

The furious Ciel pulled out a dagger from his waist and threw it as hard as he could at the assassin’s direction, as if he was throwing a spear. The dagger flew stronger and fiercer than the arrow.
The dagger touched the assassin deathly between his armpits and shoulders. The bones and muscles were torn to shreds.
He couldn’t shoot anymore. The mission failed. He tried to stop his bleeding and ran away.

But Ciel caught up to him.
« I didn’t expect this kind of death
« No, you’ll live. I’ll make you think it’s better to die than living »
Ciel laid down his voice and growled low.

It was the first time in his life that he was willing to kill for personal reasons. However, he managed to hold his will to kill with superhuman patience. He thought of torturing the assassin To admit that he was a knight from the Grand Duke family.
‘The felony of killing noble families. Even the Grand Duke can’t avoid it »

But the assassin wasn’t willing to let himself captured. He had no will to live. He jumped from the roof and was killed instantly.
Ciel bit his lips hard at the unexpected choice. Now that he died, it would not be easy to pressure the Grand Duke.

——————————

Afterwards:

in a reception bedroom of the Salon annex.
She was in a great state of anxiety. She owed her life to Len
Elena constantly talked to Len about what to do if he died.
« That’s not how I’m gonna pay you back. I’m not going to let you get away with it if you really die »
« I have a lot to argue about. I didn’t get a proper apology from you from being indecent »...

A doctor finally came and performed surgeries in order to remove the arrowheads. He was not in danger anymore but was still sleeping.

Hurelbad soon came to Elena’s side. He looked at Len while feeling guilty.
‘It’s because of me. I should have stood beside you’.. The situation was inevitable, but if it wasn’t for Len, Hurelbad could never forgive himself if Elena died.
.
.
.
Elena investigate about the fire, and the analysis showed that the fire was started inside the mansion by one of her employee who was threatened by the Grand Duke. He tried to atone for his crime by burning himself to death. Elena despised the Grand Duke for his cowardice.
Nonetheless, she asked to burry the man in the Church and sent money for his wife and his daughter.

Ciel later came to the Salon, through the window frame
He comforted Elena and informed her that the one who tried to shoot her was a knight from the Grand Duke house. He was also sorry for coming late and for failing to capture him alive.
But Elena was relieved and thanked him. If Ciel didn’t stop him in time, many people, as well as Len, might have been killed.

She continued to nurse Len for 4 days straight. And finally after the 4th day, Len’s fingers began to move, but he was still unconcious.
.
.
.
Meanwhile, the Grand Duke was eating when he heard about the failed assassination and the failed fire because of a water system. The assassin also died.
He was surprised when Len’s name popped up, and was even more shocked when he heard that he threw himself to protect L.
« The woman, L. The more you know about her, the greater she is. She insulted Veronica and she got the ability to subdue Len. Ah! Should I say that Leabrick’s mistakes were also her work? »
The Grand Duke finally recognized L as a great woman, and considered his people as incompetent compared to her lol.
He ordered Veronica to not act independently anymore.

Back to Veronica. Not only she was frustrated because of her father’s order, but moreover she received an invitation from L for the opening of the Basilica. Veronica took it as an insult since It “coincidentally” overlapped with her Noblesse Street opening day.
« L, I’m gonna crush her bones and flesh out to kill her, she will take off her mask on the last day, won’t she? »
« yes. » nodded Ashela
« Then I’ll have to go even more. I think L’s rotten face will make me feel better »
As she was Veronica, she didn’t listen to her father and still decided to act alone again.

————————————————

Elena’s next plan:

As Len was still unconscious, Elena determinedly spread a rumor saying that he was dead in order to see how the Grand Duke would react.
As the Grand Duke was planning to swallow the Bastache (Len’s family), the rumor would put the family into chaos and delayed his plan. Her objective was to ultimately protect the Bastache family.

———————————————————

In the underground prison Lea was in:

Underground prison in the safe house.
There was not a speck of sunlight, so Leabrick laid curled up like a gumbel.
Her eyes were half relaxed about what she was thinking.

"Where did it start? What I missed was......" Leabrick's fingers drew a line along the floor. As the lines that looked like graffiti overlapped, LiaBrick's eyes gradually became clear.

"Maybe?" Liv sprang to her feet for something to point at. The deposited eyes were lively and the thought was quickly reversed.
"Yes, that makes sense. Then from the beginning......." Leabrick swallowed dry saliva and blurted the back of the story. Then muttered in an incredible tone.

"That fake was L."
Her voice was full of conviction. It was a conclusion that came out after agonizing over it hundreds or thousands of times.
"But when the hell did you create that identity? You didn't even have any connection to the empire?"

The conviction of a moment ago was overshadowed by a logical wall. Nevertheless, Leabrick did not stop from thinking
« The Academic! »

That was the only time. The time when Leabrick can take her eyes off Elena.

"That means... ...you've been preparing to bring down the Grand Park since the moment you came to it?" "Even your parents too."
"It wasn't because of his face that she appointed Hurelbad. He's strong. Much stronger than Lord Lorentz. You knew that," She got goose bumps on her forearm and her hair stood up.

"She wasn't a woman I could handle from the beginning."

She knew Elena was superior to him, but could not admit it. It was her last pride to dominate the country. However, Elena was a creepy scary woman. Her smile, her tears, her stupidity, her vanity... Everything Leabrick had seen was fake. She deceived her from head to toe.

Leabrick bit her lips hard. The fishy taste of blood hovered in my mouth.

"It's not too late yet. I can use my hands now. I must kill her. Otherwise... » Liabrick swallowed dry saliva. "The great Duke going to be eaten. »

Even if you believed that the Empire was going to collapse, you coudn't easily believe that the Grand Duke, which is called the Empire Sky, was going down. But that was all the reality.

It was time to worry about the safety of the Grand Park. The last bastion could not be trusted to be Elena's opponent, even the Grand Duke of Frances.

"Security! Get Attil right now. The life and death of the Grand Duke is at stake!" Leabrick grabbed the iron bars and screamed at the entrance to the underground prison.
She wanted to prove her worth by taking Elena's breath away and surviving, not by petty loyalty.
« Shut up »
« Before I rip that mouth off. »
« Are you crazy? You must have forgotten your situation, but you're done. You think the Grand Duke will pardon you?"

The prisoners sarcastically insulted Leabrick. But Leabrick ignored them.

The guard in charge of the underground prison is the one that Attil (Attil was someone who was always on the Grand Duke side) planted.
Attil, who still followed Leabrick, was self-evident to put everything aside at her call.
« You have to come quickly. If it's too late, there might be no turning back. »
Leabrick, who Didn’t know what was going on outside, became anxious. The nervousness was added to her anxiety because if the Grand Duke were to fall, she would lose even her last chance to make a comeback.

——————————————————————-

The showdown (ANOTHER FAVORITE MOMENT OF MINE!!):

Noblesse Street and Basilica’s opening day.
Len was still unconscious and Elena kept on visiting him whenever she could.

Ciel intensely monitored Elena in Len’s stead and watched over the Salon and Grand Duke family movements.
Two days ago, suspicious movements were detected on such surveillance networks.
He witnessed the entrance of the Grand Duke’s people to the champagne storage warehouse, which was supposed to be supplied to L’ salons for the closing banquet.

The draft was prudent. Rather than making a hasty move, he focused on figuring out their ulterior motives.
Then He took the champagne and examined it, and found that they had put a thin injection in the cap and put in the poison that was close to lethal dose.

Ciel was astounded. This was a mass murder. It was a one-sided massacre that killed not only Elena but also visitors indiscriminately.
In the seriousness of the situation, Ciel put everything aside and contacted Elena.
When Elena, who had heard about it, looked serious and said that she would change the supplier's location, but Ciel just shook his head.
"You said. You need to know how to turn crisis into opportunity. This can work, can you follow my plan?"
Ciel was no longer intimidated. He asked the imperial family to keep the champagne secret until just before the closing banquet, under the pretext of a cultural commendation.
It was to buy time for investigation.

Eventually, with Elena's cooperation, Ciel succeeded in securing evidence that the Grand Park was behind the poisoning.
.
.
.

At the opening day, the Noblesse Street greeted quite many people, but the number soon dropped down, as people preferred L’s Basilica.
Even Veronica admitted that her street was a failure.
She kept on ruminating L’s names and insulted her.
.
.
In the Imperial Palace, Emperor Richard was discussing with Ciel about giving L a medal
« A cultural medal? Is it an excuse in order to meet her? »
« As expected, I cannot hide from my son »
.
.
Finally, the last day of the opening ceremony. Veronica came to the Basilica, as happy as she knew she had put poison in the champagne


« Hello, ladies and gentlemen. It's L."
Elena smiled seductively and with a dignified smile, which people could not help but be fascinated at once, regardless of age or sex.
Her gaze was on the only unmasked visitor in the crowd of hundreds. Veronica von Friedrich, a woman who was heavily exposed to the eye. She had a deep make-up and looked vulgar
« Excuse me, Princess Veronica. »
« Oh, my God. »
« You're coming back after all that fuss. What are you thinking? »
« I know. Why is she here again? I hope you don't pour cold water on me like last time. »

The eyes of visitors conscious of Veronica's presence were not good.
The act of ignoring Salon's rule that masks must be worn and being arbitrary with her status made everyone frown.

Elena walked out of the stairs with a haughty but graceful gait.
"Thank you so much for coming to see us on the occasion of the opening of Basilica. Recently, a small accident at the main building caused me to be nervous, but thanks to you, I was relieved."

Elena's cold gaze was not far from Veronica while leading the atmosphere with a soft voice and a smile.
‘I know you're the one who started the fire. So be careful. I'm after you.‘

But Veronica laughed at her whether she was brazen or innocent. Like what could she do to her.

The smile on Elena's face deepened.
"There's another person who made me feel happier today, as happy as I can count it as in my life's hand. The most noble and beautiful person in the Empire visited the salon to celebrate the opening of the Basilica. Please give her a round of applause, Princess Veronica."

Visitors applauded Elena's introduction. The occasional clapping of applause and lukewarm responses made her less welcome.
Elena's introduction of Veronica, even though she knew it clearly, was to indirectly criticize her disregard for the Salon’s rules and use it as a means to raise Salon's status.

Veronica, standing at the landing without even asking Elena's permission, laughed.
"You must be nervous?"
Elena laughed at Veronica's provocation. "No way. I'm rather looking forward to it."

'Excited? What kind of accident would your princess have? Will they be able to smile even if they see what I prepared?’

Elena and Veronica, who were facing each other on the stairs, smiled at each other. It was a malicious smile, concealing the knives that would stab each other in the back.
"I've been invited, so I'll give you a toast for courtesy." Elena backed away as if she wanted to.

Veronica looked down at the crowd and lifted her plump lips.
"I'll let you know in advance in case everyone gets it wrong. I came here with the invitation of L. L sent me a gesture of reconciliation, and I responded. There is no old feeling left in our history."

Visitors were excited by Veronica's shocking declaration. It was the worst relationship between the two women in the capital.
Considering the rivalry between Noblesse Street, Salon and Basilica, it should have been seen as a feud that could not be closer.

"I hope L and Salon will have endless glory."
After finishing the extremely normal congratulatory speech, Veronica turned and went down the stairs. As Veronica went down the stairs, she turned her head and looked up at Elena standing on the steps, giving her a meaningful smile.
It was a smile that made people chew.
Elena went ahead with her next schedule, as Veronica is the only one who could care about her.

"Thank you, Your Highness Veronica, for making such a difficult step. Ladies and gentlemen, why don't we all celebrate today?"

The maids, who were assigned to help the banquet, went around with champagne to fill the visitors' Flute glasses. Elena was also handed a glass. The colour of the champagne, which had a wonderful aroma, was as brilliant as ever.

"For the infinite glory of the VIPs and salons who have made this occasion shine."
"For the sake of!"

The VIPs sang along with Elena's lead, taking champagne to their mouths simultaneously and wet their throats.


"Ah!" There was an uncontrollable glee over Veronica's whole body, watching Elena savor champagne. It was thrilling enough to penetrate the spine. "Oh, I'm nervous,"

It's about time. The poison, obtained from a shortage of grasslands, would reveal its toxicity as soon as it is absorbed into the body. Even in a small amount, the stomach fluid is inverted to the pain of burning the five organs, and the head would spin. Then they struggled in pain and die slowly.

"I have a hunch that it will be the best day of my life."

Veronica's eyes did not fall from L. Just a little while. Just imagining L struggling with her eyes turned upside down was insanely fantastic.

The visitors were a bonus.
« Dog and pig. It's killing them all. » It will be up to Elena and Salon, who organized the banquet anyway.

Of course, it's the premise of survival. Time had passed. Perhaps due to expectations, she felt as slow as a second.
Veronica's heartbeat slowly subsided. The excited expression also hardened.
'The poison must have spread all over your body already.' Should it be filled with cries of pain for help?

It was time for Veronica to be embarrassed because there was no expected response.

"The crystal champagne I just received from you was given by the imperial family."
"What?" Veronica's eyes shook.

Obviously, the champagne for today's banquet was supposed to be supplied by an outside company. Champagne from the imperial family all of a sudden. She had never heard of it.

"I received a commendation for my contribution to cultural development because of the overlapping events."
There was a lot of applause here and there. Elena returned a light bow.

"Thank you, Crystal Champagne, a precious wine that you can't get with money. I wanted to share it with you. It's all thanks to you that I can be who I am now."

Veronica's expression has turned as scary as the devil. There was no one coming close, but I was reluctant to even get close.

"You......You!” Veronica, whose eyes were turned upside down, was on the verge of an accident at any moment. When the perfectly prepared plan went up in smoke, She could not controlled herself.

Anger captured the whole body and expressed hatred toward Elena.

But there was something more unbearable. It was that L's face. As if she knew everything, the lines of her eyes looking down at her with ease scratched her nerves to the point where she wanted to dig her eyes.

"You took it too far," a man said. Veronica's head turned, knowing exactly that it was meant for her.

The classy elegance that can't be hidden even though it is covered with pure white tailcoat, dark black hair, and golden eagle mask.
Veronica recognized at a glance the identity of a man with a quick, eye-catching figure.
"You... ...Ciel?"
"I remember never allowing you to call me by my name."
There was a blatant displeasure in Ciel’s voice. "You did it,"
Veronica glared venomously. Her fierce and cold eyes were as vicious as to bite off even the neck of Ciel, the crown prince of the empire.


« I want to ask you one thing. Did Grand Duke Franche agree to this reckless and absurd plan? »
« Oh, I don't know why You’re curious about that. You've lost your dignity and you're blind to L. »
« Answer the question. » Veronica flinched at the low-lying Ciel voice. « You'd better say it. »

Like a rope, the tie-up was stifling to live, and its shoulders crouched.
'Is this the Crown Prince?'
Veronica was confused with this man in front of her. There was no image of a gentleman who was polite, if not friendly.
The youthful glances and violence in the words were harsh enough to make even Veronica flinch and intimidate.
"I'm holding back what I want to kill right now."

—

"You did it?"
Veronica glared at Ciel vilely.
"I ask, is it your fault?" Ciel’s eyes sank. "I'll ask again"

Beyond the mask of the golden eagle, Ciel’s eyes flashed.
The eyes of the predator made her tremble enough to wonder how she had been holding his breath. Veronica swallowed a dry saliva.

She kept shaking and her upper and lower teeth collided. Her hair stood on end and she couldn't breathe. Fear eroded from tiptoe to toe.
"You think this will scare me? Kill me if you're confident. Kill me." Despite her pale face, Veronica threw him into evil. No, as time went by, her eyes became more intense like a poisoned snake. "We've seen each other since we were kids. I'm confident I know enough about you. You can never kill me."

"You don't sound That confident ."
Ciel asked back and took a threatening step forward.

Veronica grabbed hold of her shaky arm and stretched her waist.

Ciel was not so emotional as to kill her in such an open place.

« It's me, Veronica von Friedrich. The only heir to the great duchy. »Veronica dismissed Ciel as bluffing.

It was because it was obvious that he couldn’t scratch her, if not, he would turn the Grand duke into an enemy.
But why? She had an inexplicable sense of anxiety and fear.

"There's one thing you didn't know either," said Ciel’s low voice, which was colder than frost. « There was someone who could heat my heart, which I thought was cold, hotter than lava. And you tried to touch her. »


As Ciel approached one more step threateningly, Veronica backed away unknowingly.
His expressionless face and a ferocious spirit from beyond the mask made her suddenly terrified.

For Veronica, Ciel was just a pedigree husband. A good-spoken husband, it was an accessory that would make her look better.
But now she saw it wasn't. This man was dangerous.
Veronica, who was backing down, bumped into someone.
Someone caught her off balance and reeling from the high heel.

"Are you all right, Your Highness?" the assisted Looked at Veronica reflectively.
« L. »
« You don't look well, » raised L's lips, which were not covered by a mask. It was an obvious sneer. "You must be very annoyed. The woman who should have died by now is alive."

"You!" Veronica glared as if to kill L.
"Did you think I'd fall for such a sloppy plan? It's not a threat. To compare with Liv."

When the unexpected name popped out, Veronica's eyes were tightened.
« Liv? » Liv is a nickname for Leabrick. Veronica's recollection was that she was the only one in the Grand Duchy that Leabrick allowed to nickname.

"Oups, without me knowing. Habits are scary. I've been calling her that for years, and you come out like this."

« Who are you? » asked Veronica in a cold voice.

« Do you want to know? »
« Don't play games. Before I rip that mouth off, »

Elena smiled silently, despite the threat.
"Don't get too excited. I was going to show you now. Look who I am."

Elena reached out and grabbed the knot that had the mask fixed. How long had she been waiting for today? It was time to be rewarded for the days when she died after being used miserably.

When she untied the knot, Elena's face, which was hidden behind the mask, was revealed.

"You, you!" stammered Veronica, facing Elena in the face of the earth.

Elena's face, which resembled her as if looking in a mirror, seems to have been hit on the head with a hammer.
"Okay? Who I am, what I was to you. "What I am looking at you in my own way."
Elena's full-blown smile filled with resentment over the years.

The visitors were also astonished.
« Oh, my God. »
« There’s not something wrong with my eyes? »
« L and the Princess seem so alike. »
« Do you think twins? »
« I've never heard of that. How can 2 person be so alike? »

The visitors around Elena and Veronica looked alternately at the faces of the two, shrieking.

Many people visited Salon because they were curious about L's beauty. Expectations were high.
But Elena's face, which was revealed, was surprisingly similar to Veronica. As they stood facing each other, their similar appearances drew attention.

« But you know, the atmosphere is strangely different. »
« L seems more modern and elegant. »
« Can I say this? L looks like a real princess. It looks like they've changed. Oh, you didn't hear me, did you? »
« How do you feel? Even if you pretend you don't know, it's true. The air is different. »

Each of them purged in a small voice, but some of the words were clearly heard in Veronica's ears.

"You, you!" Veronica's hand trembled like an aspen tree.
There was no more severe insult than being compared to Elena, a vulgar and baseless woman to her noble birth.
Veronica's eyes went up in mere appearance, giving a more fierce impression.

On the other hand, Elena's slightly drooping eyes.
That alone was not enough to judge who was superior.

However, the image that has been instilled in the public had determined superiority.

Veronica had lived an authoritative life based on her title as a princess and her great-great-grandfather.

In particular, the recent visit to the salon and the obstruction was an act of disrespect.

And as Elena, who played the fake Veronica, did not participate in the final competition for the Crown Princess, Veronica had to bear the damage.
They pointed out, "No matter how great it is, it is a reckless move to ignore the imperial family."

The social reputation for Veronica was not good because of the overlap of such deeds.

Conversely, the public assessment of L was different from Veronica. Her intellectual, quiet and refined dignity was so noble that it was hard to find her when they looked back on the history of the empire. She was well-received by society, and was even honored by Prince Ciel- the Crown Prince.

Considering that women have received less than five titles in the history of the Empire, they could guess how much L's public confidence and reputation were.

Furthermore, it has been revealed that she has a close relationship with Prince Ciel by saying,
"Today, the royal family will offer champagne for congratulations and even offer a cultural commendation."

Aside from the background of the Grand Duke, there was no lack of Elena compared to Veronica.

The heat loss compared to twin-like looks made Veronica even more crazy and jumpy. It was a humiliation for her to be treated like this.

"As of today, people will remember this." Elena smiled as the winner. Then she said in a triumphant voice. « I don't look like you, you look like me. »
« What? » Veronica's eyes were turned upside down.

Elena's words, which are provocative enough to provoke an accident, broke the pride of a strand that kept Veronica afloat.
"How dare you insult me you fake?" Veronica's lips trembled. « You’re just a double dummy! A rootless b!tch! »

This moment was unbearably humiliating.

"Fake? Where in the world is the real thing and where is the fake thing? It's not your Highness who judges it."
Elena responded politely, but only picking out words that scratched Veronica’s stomach.

Unaware of the unknown circumstances and old feelings of the two, visitors thought that Veronica was arguing because she didn’t like L's face, which resembled her for no reason.

« That mask, you should have been wearing it to the death. You must have taken it off for no reason, right? »
Veronica gnawed her teeth.

If she could, she would have to pour the champagne she was holding onto Elena's face, break the glass, and smash her face with shrapnel to relieve her anger. She couldn't even imagine what kind of accident she would have caused if a strand of reason hadn't caught her. `

Veronica thought it was better. Elena was a b!tch whom she should have killed. Months has passed since Leabrick failed to handle her work properly, but she should not let her live any longer.

« 'll see until when you can still make that face,'»turned Veronica, biting her lips.
‘I'll rip that bitch to death and then crush the body with my feet. ‘

The fact that she was the one who laughed last never changes.

In spite of the shivering threat, Elena burst into laughter.
« Ah. »
Elena felt as if her heart had been pierced. As the emotional goal that had been kept silent was resolved at once, the excitement penetrated the whole body.
« I don't know if I can afford to care, » said Elena, with a meaningful smile. There would be nothing in Veronica's eyes now.

She thought she could wring Elena's neck right now with the Grand Duke on her back. Soon, however, she would find it difficult. It is regrettable that Veronica’s distorted face could not be seen.

Ashlea’s punishment (the one that was always loyal to Veronica.):

After the Grand Duke knew about the failed poisoning attempt, he was furious and decided put Ashelas in a corporal punishment:

They were put in a leather bag and was hit repeatedly by a knight with a metal bat.
Blood stained all over the bag as the knight continued to swing his bat. Ashelas struggled Without screaming. The hitting sound only stopped when he couldn’t move anymore.

————————————

The Grande Duke’s anger:

The Grand Duke was mad at Veronica, not because she attempted to mass murder all the people in the Salon, but because she wasn’t careful enough.
He was still confident enough about his influence. For him, even if they committed felonies, they would always be exonerated because they were of noble descent. Nobody would even dare to hold them accountable anyways, he thought.

Veronica, humiliated by L, was hostile and pledged her father to get rid of her, but the Grand Duke refused, saying that « It’s not the time. She’s still too big to touch », as L’s reputation in society was very good and she was supported by the Imperial family.


The news of the Imperial Guards reforms added to his shook:
Only last night, Ciel seized the control of the Guard’s headquarters and stripped them of all their titles. New guards were selected by the Emperor himself, and the Crown Prince was appointed to be their new Captain.

The Imperial Guards stood for the power of the Imperial family. That’s why they were the first thing that the Duke had touched to neutralize Ciel and the Emperor. He took in every incompetent aristocratic children into the position to weaken their power and loyalty.

However, now that the old Imperial Guard was disbanded and the new one was established, it was clear that it was a Will to strengthen the Royal family’s power, and implicitly a declaration of war against the Grand Duke
« I must have misread him », said the Duke.
Indeed, Richard was a weak emperor. Not very wise, no determination and had a genetic chronic disease which weaken his body. For decades, he was obedient enough to follow the Grand Duke’s decisions. But recently, he gradually began to show signs of disobedience and eventually revealed his hidden fangs.

Emperor Richard’s declaration of war had awakened the Grand Duke’s real nature, as the worst man of the Empire, which had been languishing for decades.

——————————————————

The “Fake” Veronica’s sabotage:

Elena at her « Fake » Veronica days, had been making a deal with 2 Barons and a Count about the Noblesse Street. She asked for their investment, and promised that she would share the profits of the Noblesse Street to them.

So one day, the 3 nobles came for Veronica (the Real one) and asked for the shares.
Veronica was exclaimed about how she never did that and she wouldn’t give any shares (Her profit was close to none)
The nobles knew she would say that so they gave her a writing certificate, written by « her » (Elena). Veronica even doubted her own eyes: L/the fake one was able to imitate so well her handwriting that even she was confused if she had really wrote it.

Veronica asked them to stop and warned them.
However, the nobles was furious as they had invested an astronomical amount of money. They interrogated Veronica about where she had put their money into and asked her to take responsibility

( Elena had given all their money to Ciel in order to reform the Imperial Guards )

Veronica refused of course. The 3 nobles warned that she would regret, in which Veronica just laughed.

When the 3 of them left, Veronica was unable to overcome her temper: she threw away all the things on her desk and suddenly grabbed the scissors and stabbed the sofa frantically (crazy bitch.)
« L! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE »
She checked out the investment bill, and discovered that most of the investment disappeared without a trace right after it came.

Back to the poor 3 nobles. They were robbed of their money, and were trying to find out a way to get revenge.
First, they would stopped every transaction with the Grand Duke family
Then, they would gather public opinion about this matter to other local nobles. They were sure they were not the only one who was used by the Grand Duke.
Finally, they would deduct the amount that the other nobles had to pay in order to gain their support in their actions.
⇒ The Grand Duke would then suffer from severe financial difficulties. It was the most effective way to diminish the Grand Duke’s influence in such a short time.
« Soon, the funds of the Grand Park will dry out. »
« The thirsty man will have no choice but to reach out to us for their well being »

—————————————

Len’s rumors:

A terrible rumor was going around the capital: Len, the heir of the influential Bastache family was killed by a blind arrow.
It brought the Bastache family into shock.
Elena profited from this situation to aim at all the people and employees in the family that were bought-off by the Grand Duke.
Len was still unconscious. The doctor warned Elena that it would be dangerous if the coma continued.

———————————————-

L (Elena) meets the Emperor:

« Look, it’s L ! » The aristocrats who were visiting the Basilica found Elena standing in front of the Imperial Wagon chatted
« I don’t know why she had been covering her face with that beauty »
« I heard it was because she was afraid of her ressemblance with Princess Veronica »
« It’s impossible. She is too elegant. I don’t think you can buy that with money »
« People say you’re born with it, but I guess it’s true »

« But why did the Imperial family send her a carriage? »
« Did you not know? Today, the Emperor, his majesty praised L for her contribution to the development of the Empire’s culture and offered her a cultural’s medal »

Elena climbed on the carriage and went to the Imperial Palace.
As the carriage’s door opened, Ciel came personally and escorted her. Elena was embarrassed.

Entering the main palace, she bowed down to greet the Emperor. Ciel stepped aside and introduced Elena to his father.
Richard couldn’t take his eyes of Elena’s manners. It was more arduous and excellent than anyone he had ever seen in his life. When he looked at her face, it reminded him of the Grand Duke of Frances.
‘I can’t believe it. You look alike, but also so different ’
Contrary to the Grand Duke, the brillance in Elena’s eyes was enough to illuminate even the darkness with light. It was also warm and soft. But like the duke, they both had the dignity of a giant.

« Our Prince ows you a lot »
« What do you mean? It’s not true. I’ve always been help by his Highness the Crown Prince »
« Huh, you’re even modest ». The Emperor’s eyes warmed up.

The emperor asked Elena if she wanted something, in which she refused, saying that the title and the medal were already enough.


Richard then asked Ciel to go out to bring some object, leaving Elena alone with him.
At that moment, the atmosphere became serious.
«The Grand Duke is a dangerous man »
« I know »
« He’s aiming for the Bastache family »
Elena showed signs of surprise at the unexpected topic.

« Len, I’ve heard from Ciel. He is unconscious, isn’t he? »
« Yes, the wounds are completely healed, and I believe he will soon wake up »
Elena believed that Len would soon wake up and laughed at her as if nothing had happened.

« He would need to wake up in a hurry »
« What do you mean? »
It seems that The Grand Duke was planning to kill off one important person from the Bastache family.

« I have a trick to catch the Grand Duke, will you listen? »
Elena was surprised as she did never thought about the Emperor who brought up a proposal to bring down the Grand Duke first.

« I’ll listen. Please allow me to have a word before that. »
« ? »
« I’m just the owner of a salon, and I’m only a baroness. I don’t have any knight to take control of the Grand Duke. I wonder what are your intentions to say that to me. Even without his Royal highness the Crown Prince »
The emperor had intentionally ruled out Ciel from the discussion, as if he had nothing to say to him.

« I’ll tell you the plan » the Emperor opened his mouth as if he had opened his mind.

Elena’s eyes grew as big as full moon at the plan of the Emperor. It was such a bold and unconventional schema, and only with Elena’s absolute consent could it be realized.

« This is it. »
« Now do you understand? »

« But your Majesty,... »
This scheme inevitably forced the sacrifice of the Emperor Richard. And it would be none other than Ciel who would grieve the most at his sacrifice. Elena didn’t want to see him grieving.

Looking at Elena hesitating, the Emperor called for an answer
« As a father, I have done nothing for my son. I’d like to act as a father. Will you help me? »

Elena suddenly had an idea. There was a way to avoid sacrifice!
« I’ll obey your will. Instead, please make a pact with me »
« A promise? »
Emperor Richard was later surprised by Elena’s plan. It was because Elena knew the secret of the palace that only a member of the Imperial family should know.


——————————

Ciel’s gift to Elena:

Ciel soon came back with a box.

« Give it to L »
Elena took the box and Ciel opened it.

It was a brooch, used as a gift only to the members of the royal family. Elena knew it well. She had seen it several times on the Empress Cecilia.

« It’s a brooch that’s been handed down to the imperial family for generations. I hope you will continue to be the light of the Royal Family » said Richard, who secretly expressed his innermost thoughts.

« It’s not something I deserve » She would have accepted it with a happy heart before, but not anymore. Elena no longer had any lingering attachment to the brooch. Rather it became a burden to know the long meaning and weight of the jewel

« Thank you, Your Majesty, but the brooch need to be with someone else. It’s too precious for me to dare to accept »
« How can it be that precious compared to my heart that values you? Take it »

Elena was in a great hesitation when Emperor Richard recommended it again. She hesitated because it seemed to cold to turn away from the Emperor

« I’m grateful that your Majesty thinks I’m precious. I’ll keep it safe »

« Huh. » The emperor laughed in vain. When she said that she would keep it without wearing, it meant that she still didn’t accept to become a member of the imperial family
It might be vulgar but it was the best answer that Elena could give in.

She glanced at Ciel who gave her a gentle smile.
‘Ah. Was he always such a warm-hearted person?’
Elena’s deep seated feeling of pressure and sorry melted away

« That’s enough. I’m glad to have a meaningful moment after a long time. I’d also like to have a cup of tea, but I’ll put it off next time, » the Emperor coughed and his complexion turned bad.

Elena prayed for him before leaving. Ciel also stayed away so that his father could rest.
.
.
.
« It's your first time in the palace, would you like a cup of tea? »
« First time? » Elena opened her eyes round and blinked at Ciel's suggestion.
She had visited the palace several times as Veronica to participate in the selection ceremony for the Crown Princess.

« This is your first official visit to the palace as L. »
« Oh. »
« So I'd like you to allow me to have the first tea time with you in the palace. »

Elena burst into laughter.
"I didn’t knew you had this kind of eloquence."
"Because I'm in front of you and I'm afraid you'll refuse."
"It can't be rejected"

Elena's favorable answer softened Ciel’s expression.

« His majesty didn’t even think of me. If you feel burdened, I apologize on his behalf » said Xian, looking at Elena, who took a sip of tea and laid down her glass.

"Please don’t Apologize, It was His Majesty's sincerity » Elena touched the teacup with a tearful glance. « I'm just careful because it might not be me. »

« Sure. » Ciel brooded and spared her words. It wasn't because he wasn't curious. He just didn't want to put it on her head. All along as he has so far chosen was to wait.

"Was it uncomfortable?"
"No. he was not difficult. He’s a good man,"

Ciel took the teacup to his mouth without a word. There was a faint smile hanging around his mouth, hidden in the teacup.
His father was the emperor who leads the empire. Ciel couldn't help but liking a woman who told him that such an emperor was not difficult and that he was a good person.

« That's enough. »
« Your Grace. »
« I won't ask you anything. I don't want you to be in trouble. If it's something I need, I'll tell you first. »

Elena was still unadjusted. She had seen that look in Ciel all along, but it was still awkward.

"Elena."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"It's not because of that I asked you for tea time. I wanted to put aside complicated stories and let you rest here for a while."

As she always felt, Ciel thought of Elena before himself. The sincerity was enough to convey a small vibration to Elena's mind, which was rigid with tension.

Hi, everyone. I am a novel reader and I am going to provide spoilers for those of you who want them, so read this with discretion! (Also some from the novel spoilers thread because they can explain far better than me.) Also, English is not my first language so I’m very sorry for any spelling or grammar mistakes. This is going to be VERYYYYY long with A LOT of juicy spoilers!!!

Also, the main focus of this is not romance at all. The romance is kinda sorta near the end, not end end. It’s hard to explain but I will just say that this is mainly revenge focused.

First, the male lead:

The male lead is the crown prince. I initially had thought it would be the knight, but that knight is just a cute little addition who stays by her side! When they go to a masquerade ball, she reveals that she is not the real Veronica to him while they are in a carriage after he says that it is a “Knights duty to follow their master and it’s an honor that Elena chose him/me.”

This is the “relationship redemption” type. To be honest, the crown prince is one of my absolute favorite male leads. He is in the top 5. That is how much I adore him. And I do think you guys will adore him as much as I did while reading. Hopefully, these spoilers will satiate you!

The male lead, the crown prince. His name is Sian, or I guess “Claudius de Cyan” as they said in the manwha, In the first timeline, he had realized that Veronica was the fake and fell deeply in love with her. He wanted to protect her so he could not confess his feelings for her because if the nobles has noticed that he has any sort of affection for her, the grand Duke would use that opportunity for himself to gain support. The only reason why he said that their child, Ian, was a mistake is because Ian is male and could become an heir. He could not protect her, and not confessing his feelings to her became a useless thing. The Grand Duke had gained support.

Once the fake Veronica died (killed), he was so overcome with rage that he killed the real one and protected their baby. However, Sian still ended up being killed by the Grand Duke. The Grand Duke wanted to take revenge because Sian killed his daughter.

One of my favorite quotes from him, “ “Ian, your mother was the most beautiful and well-bred woman in the world. So let's remember her. Even though she lived as a shadow, she was a better queen than any other. Only you and I should not forget, Ian. Do you understand?"”

He died in vain. A horrible death. He tried to protect his beloved but he failed, and he tried to protect his child but he ended up being murdered.

Sian is a swordsmaster but he lived his life hiding his abilities due to the grand duke’s family, however in this timeline he changed his mind after listening to our FL and became an emperor/king dedicated to protecting his people.



Why they need a fake Veronica:

They needed a fake Veronica because the real one was poisoned and placed into a coma. The only way that it was going to be cured was to continue to let the coma run its course on her. Veronica was losing recognition in the social world so they quickly needed someone to take her place. That is why the cousin, Ren is very suspicious of her.

At first they needed to hide Veronica’s poisoning by having a substitute.
But Elena was a really good ‘fake Veronica’, even better than the original one, so they just decided to force her to work hard and build a good reputation for Veronica before her return.
Since Elena was simply a substitute, every of her achievements would be imputed to the Real Veronica. When Elena wasn’t ‘useful’ anymore, they would just have to eliminate her and Veronica would take her achievements without lifting a finger.


We
When Elena reveals that she is the a fake to the knight Hurebald in the carriage:

At first Hurelbad couldn't believe Elena's words, but then Elena confirmed that the real Veronica was alive and she was just a substitute. She also told him that the real Veronica might appear in any day and after that Elena would be like a puppet who had lost its value after the puppet show. Hurelbad was angry at Elena and told her that it doesn't matter if she is fake or not, she is his master and that wouldn’t change. Elena was touched by his loyalty and revealed that she is L and the owner of the famous saloon (Elena had anonymously owned a Saloon. And then the next scene proceeds with more of our beloved crown prince, Sian. Sian/Sion/Ciel/Cyan/Xion (you may see that as a translation for his name) and count Lyndon. Raid the opium dealers place. Sian reflects on how meeting Elena changed his life (Elena was the one that trapped the opium dealers and inform Sian). Yes, even more badass she is.

Sian’s relationship with Veronica (not Elena.) , how he reacted when he first meets her and how he falls in love with the fake Elena. all of this applies to the first timeline:

He despised Veronica. Each time he got close to her, he could only think of her cruelty in his memory. During childhood, she was not a kind person either. In his eyes, she was only a hypocrite, cruel and vicious woman.

During their official mariage, he didn't even bother to make eye contact with her since it was not worth it. The only thing they did was to do the first formal dance at the after-party dinner.
Veronica tried to call him, but Sian just ignored her.

After the party, Sian had to spend the night with Veronica. Veronica, in her nightwear, took courage to speak and to propose him some wine, but Sian still treated her as if she was invisible. He sat on a chair facing away from Veronica and stared at the window across the street.
He sat in this position until sunrise then left the room codly without any greetings.
It was one of the biggest humiliations that Veronica had faced.


How he falls in love with her (Elena) in the first timeline:

One day, Sian heard from Cecilia that Elena was learning tea etiquette. He found it quite unexpected coming from her but it was still not something he would care for.

When he walked through the East Palace, he heard that 'Veronica' was there. It made him feel like a precious place had been defiled by something ugly.
"Go back." He tried to chase her away, but when he saw 'Veronica's lonesome glance and her wistful smile , he was deeply confused whether she was really Veronica.
Nevertheless, he turned away, ignoring such annoyance. It's just a passing question. To Ciel, she was nothing but an object of contempt.

Every 2 days, 'Veronica' came to see Ciel to make him some tea, but it always resulted in him sending her back. This time, she began to disturbe Ciel, since the real Veronica never acted like this.
It became a daily routine for Ciel to send her back each time she came to see him

One day, she didn't came. Ciel found it unusual and asked his subordinates to find her whereabouts. Turned out she was having a tea time with Emperor Richard.
He then rushed to the garden and heard his father laughing. He doubted his ears since the emperor Richard had lost his laughter as his health deteriorated and as the atrocities of the nobles went too far. But now, he was showing a faint smile.
Well, Ciel decided to cut in

. Veronica was so embarassed that she ran away, whereas Ciel finally tasted her tea for the first time and found it surprinsingly delicious


When Richard died and his funeral took place, Ciel couldn't take his eyes off "Veronica" in a moment. Everything in "Veronica's mourning the death of Emperor Richard was reverent. Her moist eyes were filled with sincerity to dismiss it as acting.

After that, he overheard Len and Elena and discovered that she was a fake all along

When 'Veronica' saw him, she was terrified, Ciel was struck by a strong impulse. He wanted to comfort her. But he knew he shouldn't, so Ciel overcame the urge and turned a blind eye to her. He ignored her more harshly because she would shake his mind if he made eye contact.

Ciel became more and more confused about his feeling when he learned that "Veronica" was learning Painting from Raphael. He interrogated the latter, who responded to him that Veronica was not a cruel woman and she was suffering from a terrible solitude. Ciel didn't understand why since Veronica was the heir of the Grand Duke's house, with almost the world below her feet.

Sometimes later, Cecilia died by poisoning. Veronica's house was the prime suspect. 'Fake Veronica' too was a strong suspect since Cecilia drank tea with her the day before she died. But when Ciel saw "Veronica"'s moist eyes, looking at the dead Cecilia, which seemed to be heartbroken. Although she didn't shed tears, she seemed to swallow her sorrow. It was appalling to think that she was the one who poisoned Cecilia.

Cecilia's vacancy didn't feel much. Veronica, who participated in the Empress's events, played her role without fail.
The time between Ciel and "Veronica" naturally increased as they worked on the official schedule. When their eyes happened to meet, she shook her head, not knowing what to do.

Ciel looked at the fake Veronica. As the suspicion of being a fake grew stronger, there was admiration for the fake Veronica and her striking resemblance. They ressembled each other like twins.
However the fake Veronica was a good example of how to socialize with the envoys. Her elegant hand gestures, her smile and a frivolous way of speaking were incredibly dignified.
Perhaps conscious of Ciel's gaze, "Veronica" turned her head, and showed signs of embarrassment. She smiled awkwardly.
At that moment Ciel's face also turned with embarrassment. As he faced that smile, an indescribable strange feeling shook his chest to the point of displeasure. Ciel turned his head to turn away from the unknown emotion (love.)


After that day, Ciel deliberately kept the fake Veronica away. However, there were many common events between them. He tried not to make eye contact as much as he could, but she smiled awkwardly when he tried not to.
Thump. Yeah, that smile. It rushed in without permission and left its mark deep in Ciel's heart. It was a smile that made him think of something even when he closed his eyes and did other things.
.
.
It was the National Day, when Ciel got sick from overworking. Laying in his bed, he heard a voice calling him. It was the 'Fake Veronica'
The fake Veronica was looking anxiously down at him.
He asked:
"Who are you?"
"Yes?" The fake Veronica's eyes shook violently.
"I asked who you were."
It was something he wanted to ask more than a thousand times. Who was she?

To the unexpected question, the fake Veronica was silent. Soon, she smiled. A very painful and sad smile.
"It's me. The Empress Cecilia."
It couldn't be Cecilia. Because she was dead.
Still, Ciel understood why the fake Veronica said that: she was worried that Ciel might kick her out when he knew she was Veronica, but she wanted to be with him and she couldn't leave him because she was worried.
Ciel couldn't say anything. He was anxious to see her sincerity coming to him.
And Ciel's heart, which had been kept deep in his heart, was no different from hers, it was heartbroken.


Ciel felt that he wanted to put down his duties and responsibilities that he had on his shoulders for the first time while he was in a daze.
Ciel pulled her hand.
"Your Majesty?" The fake Veronica's upper body bent down like a fall.
Her surprised face was for a moment, and she gently closed her eyes, and soon after, their lips covered. They gave each other sad kisses that would only hurt each other.

Ciel/Sian’s memory’s in the second timeline:

Ciel didn’t reincarnate or got his memories of the 1st timeline back, he didn’t understand why Elena pushed him away like a person who was hurt by him.

Moreover, it was actually Elena who saw his flashbacks of the past in the form of dreams and not Ciel himself. So it was safe to say that this current Ciel didn’t have any idea about what he had done to her. (Basically Elena gets flashbacks of Ciel and learns why he treated her coldly.)

In the second timeline (current) he quickly becomes infatuated by her! He also finds out very quickly that she is a substitute!

——————————————————————

Elena and Ren team up to take down the duchy, the saloon a mentioned earlier (in Korean, l and r are commonly mixed up so Len and Ren will be used interchangeably)

Under the name of L, Elena organized a Secret Mask Salon. She used Lucia's appearance (wig, glasses,...)

That day, Elena met up with Len and asked him if he was her enemy in which he answered that they were on the same side now and he would help her to destroy the Grand Duchy.

Hurelbad and Elena's people were quite worried about this collaboration since Len was a double edge sword: His potential was sure to be a great help but there was also a risk that he might go out of control, but Elena still decided to trust him.

—————————————-

The delay of Veronica’s return:

Veronica was now awoken and was ready to return at anytime.

With that in mind, Elena and Ciel had a secret met-up. Ciel was dead-worried and asked Elena to leave as soon as possible since the Grand Duke would come to take her life very soon.
However, Elena knew that even if they had inflicted a financial damage to the Grand Duchy (the destruction of the opium plantation), it still lacked a decisive blow.

In order to buy herself sometimes, Elena asked Ciel to organize a selection to elect the Crown Princes, with the final ceremony in four month. Reluctant but Ciel utimately accepted her request.
Since Veronica hadn't been in society in over 3 years, Liv and the Grand Duchy would have no choice but to embrace Elena who was equipped with the necessary qualities to fight against other nobles.
During that time, Elena would use her status as Princess Veronica to turn the nobility around.
Before leaving, Ciel asked Elena to not get hurt and if she felt dangerous, just throw everything away and get out of there.

At Liabrick (Liv)'s side, she was surprised with the news of the Crown Princess' ceremony, and just as Elena predicted, she and the Grand Duke decided to use Elena for the competition.
Liv came to inform the Real Veronica about her delayed return and promised her that when she came back, the Crown Princess' would already be ready for her to sit.
Veronica warned Liv that she would not accept any blemishes when she came back but accepted the decision. For Veronica, the seat was obviously for her since in the only Empire, there was only Ciel who was fit for her (she did not like him romantically but she thought that only him would be at her level of nobility gosh, shows how she’s a hold digging bitch.)

Liv came to see Elena and give her a letter from her parents (obviously a fake since they didn't know their whereabouts and they didn't know that the mastermind was Elena haha), threatened her to do well in the Crown Princess' competition if not they would take back the money from them.
Elena just laughed inside and played with Liv's abominable prank.

——————————————-

The preparation: (further spoilers ahead are the academy and more of Elena being the white lotus she is )

Liv increased Elena's lessons but her teacher (Madam the Pangloz) knew that Elena was already perfect so instead they just leisurely having tea time or she just let Elena alone and the latter continued to prepared her plan


The servent brought out fortune cookies and Elena understood that inside those biscuits there were secret messages from Len to not make the Grand Duchy suspicious

Later, Liv dragged Elena into a nobles' meeting to try to find faults in her but Elena just succeded in everything (her gaze, hand gestures, speech were all perfect)
Elena just thought "Veronica won't get her reputation either way"

Inside Liabrick's mind, doubts became more and more intense "maybe, really if..she lied to me?!" As in the past she would have dismissed as nonsense but not anymore (ya know when she failed as appointing Lorentz as Elena's watchdog and many other stuffs).
She secretly asked for Anne the maid to report to her everything, but Anne just lied by fear. Liv noticed there was a ruby ring in Anne's finger.
She understood that Elena had pretented to trust Anne, gave her a precious jewelry and ultimately succeded in buying her


Elena attented some other meetings and she noticed that Liabrick became more and more wary of her.
This time, she danced with Len and during the dance they talked about political stuffs.

She also talked with some other nobles. I skipped those parts too but she managed to manipulate some of them, secretly came to their mansion disguised as May (with Hurelbad as her side) and proposed to them some investissment.

Back to Ciel, he met up with a Jacqueline who was introduced to him by Elena as "L". They talked about the preparation of the downfall of the Grand Duchy and Jacqueline said that she thought Ciel and L were lovers and Ciel had a faint smile haha

—————————————————

First contest:

First contest was tea time. There were 34 candidates.

Of course, Elena was perfect. Other nobles including Abella (she came from other grand families) tried to mock 'Fake Veronica' but Elena just smiled and talked to them about the illegal transaction during the late-night ball recently and those girls freaked out

In the meantime, Leabrick tried to find the 'suspicious' people who came to the late-night ball and ultimately destroyed their financial income (the ball was financed by the Grand Duke). Her doubt came to Ciel (yep they also monitored the Crown Prince) and understood that him too was up to something.
Since there were too many stuffs going on, Liabrick overworked and became more and more skinny.

Anyway, she came to Elena's room and announced her result: 'fake Veronica' came 1st with an overwhelming score.
Elena played the fake white lotus and acted as if she was really surprised and happy while Liv pretended to be a "good sister", holding Elena's hands, and questioned her about Len, about why she met up with him. She kept pressuring Elena in order to find some faults and mistakes.
Well, Elena just cried and made some excuse that she met up with him because Len knew she was a substitute . Liv patted Elena shoulders, saying that Elena wouldn't need to worry because she would take care of it blabla

Lorentz reported everything to the Real Veronica. The latter didn't seem so uninterested anymore. This time, she asked Lorentz to tell Liabrick to keep the doll (= Elena) alive. Lorentz didn't understand why and Veronica explained that it would be more fun to see the despair in her substitute "You take what's most precious, you trample on it, you throw it away. Just as fair as you enjoyed it...I'll give it to you, to that mean bitch who looks like me"

—————————————


Second contest:

The second contest was a face-to-face with the elders.
Elena came down the stair, the grand duke waited for her, hugged her and prayed for her good fortune.

During the competition, Elena gave different answers compared to other candidates and the jury seemed to really like her.

The contest ended, Elena had a secret talk with Ciel (he was so cuute, I mean he said something like "It's a shame that you're doing so well. There's no room for me to come forward" or "meeting you is the greatest blessing of my life") and talked about the plan in her head. Ciel was really amazed!

—————————-

Liv/ Liabrick leaving:

Liabrick was now in a difficult position: she made a mistake (opium plantation and stuffs) but was given another chance to made up because she was trusted by the Grand Duke, but things kept slipping out of her hands. If she couln't succeed this time, she would likely lost her position. Panicked, she went to the Grand Duke, tried to persuade him and asked him to give her 10 more days to split up the organized aristocracy.
But there was no place for her in the heart of the Grand Duke.
He was disappointed in Liv and she couldn't not do anything as she pleased anymore.

Still Liv confided to the Grand Duke than the 'Fake Veronica' was really suscious and said goodbye to the Grand Duke who didn't even bother to look at her.

When Elena heard from Anne that Liabrick was leaving the palace, she was so happy that she wanted to laughed at her with a sad performance. But it was too early to be intoxicated with a small victory. The duke and Veronica were still alive and there was still a long way to go.

Just in time, Elena saw Liv leaving the mansion. Their gazes collided, Elena didn't avoid the eye. There were no need to deceive Leabrick anymore, and she had a faint but clear smile around her mouth

After Liv left, Lorentz came to see Elena as the Grand Duke's command and promised to serve Elena with all his heart. Elena just laughed as his hypocrisy and acted as if she was really happy to have him. Nevertheless, Elena felt safe because she knew she had Hurelbad by her side.

Lorentz's appointment to control Elena was not a coincidence, it was issued by the grand duke, which was caused by Liabrick suspicion.

———————————————

Third contest day:

The third contest was to see the Empress (Empress Florence was crowned Empress after Empress Seon (Ciel mother) died, in the first timeline she caught little Ciel like a mouse and vented her anger by persistently harassing Elena)

Before the actual contest, the following events contained in the spoilers below took place. And of course, because of that, Elena was unable to attend the 3rd competition

Liv’s attack and FAILURE!!:

Even with Lorentz by Elena's side, Liv still wanted to have revenge and decided to launch an attack to kill Elena. She deployed the 2nd infantry division around the Grand Duke palace with some of the 1st infantry division.
Now she couldn't look down on Elena anymore. She recognized her as an equal or greater than herself.
She waited for Elena to come out to kill her.

However, Elena was a few steps ahead and escaped. They couldn't even find Lorentz either. Panicked, Liv ordered the army to dispatch and find Elena.

————————————————————


The end of Lorentz:

Elena asked Hurelbad and Lorentz stay outside of her room.
A while later, Hurelbad knocked the door. No answers. He called several times but there was still no answer.

Feeling something strange, Lorentz turned the doorknob roughly and ran into the room. His expression hardened as he witnessed the empty drawing room. He searched everywhere as if being possessed but couldn't find any trace of Elena.

Click.

When Lorentz turned around, he saw Hurelbad locked the door.
"What is this about?"

Hurelbad, whose expression did not change even though Elena had vanished
"The lady told me to deliver the message"
He pulled out the sword
"I'll give Lord Lorentz, the knight of Betrayal, a sabbatical. That's the punishment for you"

Lorentz's face was beautifully distorted. It sound ridiculous and insulting to say that a little junior was going to punish him


"The knight of betrayal? I've accepted you as a knight without foundation, and you're not even have the qualifications for, it's a sight. Listen to me Hurelbad! The knight of betrayal is not me but you! You don't even know that your owner is a fake princess. Putting a sword at me is an act of betraying the great house itself!

Hurelbad's expression did not change a bit. He raised his sword and showed firm determination
"This is my chivalry" (Hurelbas being the perfect knight he is!)
"What?"

"My lady is only her. Betraying her is the most disgraful thing to me"

"You son of a.....you know everything from the beginning!"
Now Lorentz understood the situation. It was premeditated to keep him and Hurelbad away from the drawing room under the pretext of being sensitive ahead of the 3rd contest.
Lorentz grated his teeth

"That's why I don't accept the rootless. You or that b!tch".
He pulled out the sword he was wearing. A creepy energy flowed from the blade.
"If I torture you, I'll be able to track down the face princess. Do you knowthe fake princess made a mistake? Leaving you here. You'll never win me'

Lorentz kicked the ground, blew himself away and rushed at Hurelbad but the latter slanted his body and splat his attack.
Lorentz kept on attacking and Hurelbad kept on avoiding. In anyone's eyes, Lorentz was in charge of the game. He went wild
"You're good at dodging...can you do that if I cut out off your leg?"


However, such a judgment has led to an irreversible situation.
"Oh, my God," Lorentz looked down at his abdomen with uncontrollably trembling eyes. The cold blade pierced the abdomen and seemed to protrude behind the waist.
He didn't even see the movement "Imagination? Hey, that's ridiculous. To that baseless... ...from the meadow tribe. "
Lorentz grew up thinking he was a genius since he was young. So far, his record for the youngest knight that he received at the age of 18 has not been broken.

He could not get a blow from Hurelbad. It was not a little gap, but the overwhelming gap.
Hurrelbad looked at Lorentz like that with an indifferent glance.
Hurrelbad's image of taking victory for granted made Lorentz even more miserable:

"You, you son of a b!tch..." Blood flowed back when the blade that felt cold dug into the flesh and abdomen.
He was unable to stand the bitter blood flowing back to his mouth.
"Oop."
Hurelbad stuffed his handkerchief into Lorentz's mouth. The backflowed blood colored the handkerchief red.
Lorentz had no power to resist. Looking at him like that, Hurelbad said without a hitch.
"The punishment you give is rest. Death. Don't think this is the end. I'll make you pay for insulting the meadow tribe you ignored,"
Hurrelbad looked scary.


"Come on, come on, my master..." Lorentz thought he should go to Leabrick while his consciousness was blurry. But the dying body drooped, betraying his will.

After confirming that he was out of breath, Hurelbad supported his falling body with one hand. Then, he took out an extra handkerchief and put it on top of the sword-stained blood.
It was a measure to prevent blood from leaking out as much as possible.

Elena ordered not to leave any trace as much as possible. That's why Hurelbad aimed for a loophole in the process of defeating Lorentz.
It was almost impossible for him to pull out if the guards came after hearing the sound of the sword striking.
"There's still a long way to go." It was good to deliberately avoid a close game, induce Lorenz's carelessness, and then take a blow. It was not that difficult as the difference in skills was so great.

The problem was in his hands. Angried at Lorentz insults, he reacted violently without realizing it. Emotionally, he killed Lorentz with more blood than expected.
"I don't care if you insult me and spit on my face. But I can't forgive you for swearing at my lady."

Lorentz's body, which had become a cold body, was dragged to the fireplace. Blood gushed out of the sword-stained area in Lorentz's uniform.

Hurelbad grabbed the candlestick and manipulated it as Elena told him.

Click!

There was a perfect fit, and the wall inside the fireplace opened, revealing the secret passage. Hurelbad moved the body of the sword-tipped Lorentz into a secret passage. Then, he looked inside the drawing room, looked for any traces he might have left behind, and disappeared into the secret passageway.

The stone wall closed behind the fireplace and returned to its original form.

————————————

Liabrick’s downfall:

Eventually, Lucas (= the best knight of the Grand Duke family) and a few people were able to found Elena, Hurelbad and May

They lauched an attack, but soon there were Len and Ciel who rejoined and helped Hurelbad defeating the knight.

Actually, Ciel was using the excuse of going "hunting" and "coincidentaly " witnessed the accident and launched a direct investigation.
Ciel revealed the existence of Leabrick and many political not-so-funny-stuffs going on. Consequently, many nobles openly expressed their distrust to the Grand Duchy.

In the end, even The grand duke had to come foward and comforted the angry aristocrats, saying that Leabrick had acted arbitrarily and had nothing to do with him.

In such a chaotic situation, Elena disappeared (actually she was hiding in her Secret Salon) and the Real Veronica officially returned

The Grand Duke locked Leabrick in the prison.

"It's funny," said Leah Brick, who had become half-mole by confinement. The hair was disheveled and the neat dress was dirty. There was not even a trace of the woman who shook the empire with hers brain.
"I can't believe I'm being humiliated by a little girl who doesn't even know the very foundation of the country."

"I think the reputation of Liabrick has been bubbling over. You've become arrogant after you've tasted some small success." Leabrick's eyes trembled thinly at Grand Duke Frances' insulting remarks.

She could bear it as much as she could. It was the fact that she was trampled on by Elena to the point where she could not deny a word of his miserable words.
"Kill me."
"Kill you?" sneered Grand Duke. "This is difficult."
"You've been so merciful to me."
"They're asking me to pay a huge fine for running a knight without permission in the imperial court. That's all? The nobles talk a lot about your command of the Knights."

Liabrick became a honeyed mute. It was a mistake and a failure. There was nothing to say.

Frances laughed sarcastically, looking at her avoiding the gaze.
"Have you looked in here? Half of those trapped in here are fom you."
"Well, Your Highness."
"Keep rotting in here. Every day, look back at yourself in the same situation as them and despair, Leabrick."

When he mentioned her name, Leabrick's lips, which had already turned blue, trembled. Grand Duke Frances giggled as if to enjoy her reaction.
"And you don't know, do you? Will I change my mind over time? Then I can think of your precious talent and bring it out."
"Please..."

Grand Duke Frances turned away with a faint laugh. Soon the silence that lay over the shaking candle was broken by the cry of the prisoners.
"You, you were LIABRICK?"
"You locked me up here. I am innocent!"
"I will kill you! I'm going to kill you"
"You're going to die! Ugh!"
The prisoners trapped in the iron bars were crazed with all kinds of abuse.

As Grand Duke Frances said, half of them were in Leabrick's conspiracy, or were taken away from hostility and trapped here.
"Stop it," said Leabrick, pulling her leg and turning herself into a gumbel.

Being trapped alone was to suffer from terrible fear and despair, and as the abuse, insults, demeaning and contempt of the prisoners with grudges poured out, there was no resource to endure mentally.
"Please, stop it!"
Leabrick closed hes ears with both hands and screamed.
But her cry only further stimulated the prisoners with no avail.
Rather, it became more intense. For a very long time.

—————————————

Anna, that wretched maid:
Anna, with May, followed Elena in her escaping. She was so scared of the Grand Duke coming for her life and begged Elena to save her.
So Elena and Emilio (another character) decided to banish Anna from the Empire and coaxed her to board the ship to Mariana Islands with good words.
In the oral fairy tale, it was referred as the heaven on earth, but in reality, the land was abandonned. It was invaded by pirates, and it was even hard to catch fish due to strong waves.

————————————

Elena’s parents:

Elena heard new of her parents from Emilio.
They successfuly settled in the northern part of the country and were said to be engaged in the Wine business, as recommended by Elena in her letter, and now they lived in a well-to-do life thanks to the booming commerces.
Elena was very proud of the 2 of them who was forced to settle in an exotic island without connection.

Elena’s plans: (saloon):

As she had been working as "L" for a while, she thought to strengthen the inner workings of the salon and setting a financial trap to the Grand Duke family.
So far, Elena had been constrained as she always needed to devise a scheme to avoid Leabrick's surveillance. But not anymore. She was now able to the the initiative in drawing up the game.

Elena had bought all the surroungding lands and buildings around the Salon at a low price, and now the price was soaring high. Therefore, now there were more than a 100 lands, forests, and building purchased in the capital in the name of L. She could now even be called as the "Empire's greater financier" in name and in reality.

Seems like Elena was collaborating with Caliph, an art broker, and since she already knew what art and fashions trends would be like in the future, she thought of taking advantage of that by opening her own Street.
The Noblesse Street, belonged to the Grand Duke family, was under construction, with the objective to attract the aristocrats. Astronomical founds had been invested.
Consequently, with Elena's street, the Noblesse one would lose its place and instead, fashion-concious and artistic-minded aristocrates would visit the special street that had been created around the Salon.

————————————————————————

Ren/Len and “male-lead syndrome”:

Elena scheduled a meeting with Len after a long time.
Len previously had asked Elena to grant a wish in exchange of him helping her to escape.
Elena then asked Len to wish for something and she'd try to grand it in her capacity.

The only thing that Len asked for was that....to stay with him for about 6 hours (before Ciel came)
Elena stared at Len since it was a little bit embarrasing for her but accepted it anyway because it was not a difficult request.
Len asked to have a meal with her, then a cup of tea.
While Elena was preparing the tea, Len just kept looking at her for a long time.

"What shall we do now?"
"Nothing" said Len while leaning on the sofa as if he were serious.

"Why do you keep looking like that?"
The longer Len looked at her, the more and burdensome Elena was"

"Can you stop looking?"
"Why?"
"I'm burneded"
"No." Len laughed. "You do your job. I did what I had to do" His attitute was cleary different than from the past.
"Don't regret it later"
Elena picked up a philosophy book and sat down.
.
.
"Oh" When Elena briefly closed the book and stretched her shoulders and that the burden had disappeared.
Len was sleeping like a crib.
'who would know this man would be the greatest rascal of the Empire?'
Elena carefully recovered him with a blanket and looked at him closely.
She thought he was handsome.

"Hey"
"You didn't sleep?"
"It's too close" A hoarse voice came through Len's lips. Only then did Elena realize they were so close to each other that they could hear each other's breath.
She backpedaled and sprained her ankle. When Elena was about to fall, Len stretched out his arm and pull Elena on his lap.

———————————————————————

Len was red from the face to the neck

"You're too close"
"Would you mind? You saved me again"
Len grinned and looked at Elena with a silent smile.

Truth behind Veronica’s poisoning:

"I have something to say" Len was still smiling, but his eyes not anymore.

"What if I was at the start?"
The words of Len caused Elena a stir

"Don't you wonder why Veronica disappeared? Suddenly the healthy kid?"
"Why?"
"Because she was poisoned"

Considering she had not showed up for nearly 3 years, Elena thought it was a disease but it was actually poison.
"No way"
"That's right. I poisoned her"

Len told the whole truth without hiding it and asked Elena if she was angry and if she wanted to hit him?

Elena was really angry ben she knew that Len was hurt. Without him, she wouldn't be dragged in all this mess in the past as well in the present.
But when she thought about Ian, her unparalleled joy in the world, and her identity as "L", the hostess of the secret salon and the leading woman, she knew that she could only be here today thanks to Veronica's poisoning.

Then Len asked for her real name. After hesitating, Elena admitted:
"Elena"
Len muttered her name repeatedly like a parrot and seemed very excited "Elena, Elena, Elena"
"Stop calling me"

Then they talked about the Grand Duke family who could get rid of Raphael, Cristina and Gentonio since they couldn't hire them, that's why Elena and her teams needed to devise a plan to protect those 3.
It was then that they ran out of time.
"Time's almost up"
"You don't regret it? I think you wrote your wish in vain"
"Well, don't worry. Anything's more meaningful when it's left" Len grinned
"You're a real weirdo"

—————————————-

Back to our man, Ciel:

Soon Ciel arrived and joined Len and Elena
Ciel and Len just kept glaring at each other so Elena had to mediate between the 2.

They talked a about the Grand Duke family
At the end, Elena asked Len to let her and Ciel alone, in which Len left while pouting his lips haha

When they were finally alone, Elena gave Ciel an enveloppe with an astronomical amount of money. In the past, she knew he failed as an emperor because of the nobles' resistance but also financial problem
Ciel had a bitter smile. She knew everything, but he still felt miserable. The situation was so unsympathetic, even more because he couldn't refuse.

Ciel told Elena that it would be better to bestow her a title. Elena refused as she was good for now and the big problem was that she was a woman, and throughout history, only a few of them had been granted a title alone.
However, Ciel was stubborn, he wanted to protect Elena and he knew that giving her a title would stabilize her position. And using the law, even the Grand Duke could not persecute Elena.

"I'm more worried about you than you are concerned about me. I won't allow you to refuse"
With Ciel's heartfelt words, Elena was moved.
"....I'll accept it, Your Highness"
"The title is Baroness Jun. We'll take care of the award ceremony as a informal ceremony outside. I'll send someone to the salon"
"I'll greet the Empire gladly".
Now, L had become an imperial aristocrat in name and reality. It was her recompense, and her reputation would grow more and more, to be standing at the same line as the real Veronica.

"It's late" Ciel sneaked out the Imperial palace out of the eyes of the watchmen implanted by the nobles. Now he had to go back because he couldn't leave the palace empty for too long"
"Yes, it was unintentionally long, your Highness"
"Ciel"
"...."
"So call me"
Elena waved her hands in dismay "No, I don''t dare say in your presence...."
"I'd like it"
"It can't happen. Please.."
Elena was once a queen, she was sensitive to those manners. The only woman who could call Ciel by his name would be his companion for the rest of his life.
"Will you?"
"Yes?" Elena opened her eyes like a deer and blinked (yes she fell into the trap :blobrofl:)

"However, there is a condition. No, I would say it's a request."
"A favor?"
"Can you allow me to know your real name?"
Elena, dumbfounded by the sudden turn of conversation, stared blankly at Ciel

'You don't wan to know my real name, do you? No, I don't think so'.
But seeing Ciel with an awkward look on his face, deepened her conviction.

"I'm sorry. Is it difficult? It's late now"

Elena's eyes softened. Ciel had never been urged. He never knew her name properly, and silently believed and waited for her to tell him first. It was time to repay the wait.

"It's Elena."

"Elena". His expression, looking at Elena became strange. It was also new for her to tell him her real name for the first time and to hear her real name through his voice.
A feverish smile came around his mouth.
"Let's keep that name for a long time, Elena."

———————————————————————-

I am tired of typing so I will just skip to spoilers about the end, and romance between Elena and Ciel! ٩(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)۶

The ending (revenge): - the Archduke Ranche was executed

- Veronica was decapitated a while after him (the last chapter concentrated on her execution): she was charged with conspiracy, attempt murder, damage the Emperor,... with a total of 11 crimes. Before dying, she cursed everyone, especially Elena : « Don’t think this is the end, even after I die, I’ll visit you every night and drag you to hell »

- Before going to the Arc of Triumph (where the execution took place), Elena met up with Len (Ren) and asked him why he decided not to go, in which he answered : « I’m not interested in the death of a crazy bitch »

- Elena was escorted by Hurelbad to Ciel’s side (Ciel actually had prepared the most visible seat just for her). Wearing an expressionless face, she didn’t take her eyes off the decapitation even for a moment. It was the magic of revenge.
Veronica’s neck rolled under the execution table. The revenge was done, Elena could live properly now. She decided to live on with a smile until she couldn’t take any more steps further in life.

———————————————————

The confession (KYAAAA!!! UNDOUBTEDLY ONE OF MY MOST FAVORITE MOMENTS IN THE NOVEL!! HERE IS AN EXCERPT! FROM CHAPTER 230! This is after the execution of Veronica, hehe, Revenge complete.)

Not long after she entered the carriage, the vibration that was coming from the ground stopped.
"Have we already arrived?"
Den nodded, took out his watch, checked the time, and was relieved.
"That's a relief. I can't wait until today is over. Will you get off?"
Elena, who got off the carriage following Den, was startled by the place.
"Here?"
The unidentified thing located near the salon was in front of the livestock.


"Ah," spread out like moving stars in the night sky was a galaxy of fireflies. The brilliance caught her eyes, and the sour night breeze blew softly.
The mellow scent of flowers consoled her mind and body. A very familiar sound of water relaxed Elena's ears.
She thought about her childhood’s place, where people used to play with their feet in the water flowing deep in the mountains.

It was an incredible garden in the center of the capital. It was artificial, but beautiful.
She felt like she was being healed.


"Elena,"
Elena turned her head and saw a man stood with his back against the Laurel tree
"Your Majesty."
Accentuated by the fireflies, there was a clearer smile on Ciel's face than ever before.
“Happy birthday.” he said,
“Oh,” Her heart was moved by his most affectionate congratulations. Including previous and present life.

Ciel smiled. Elena couldn't take her eyes off him.
His smile was natural enough to think that he was a cheerful person

"You know, you pushed me out as soon as I approached."
"Did I do that?"
"You pushed me out like a person who was hurt by me. It wasn't a day or two that I spent the nights with my eyes open, thinking I might have given you new wounds I didn't know."

Elena's eyes shook at Ciel's frank confession.
Elena, who was trying not to repeat past mistakes, did not expect to make Ciel heartbroken.

“So I hesitated.”
“Your Majesty.”
“But I don't want to hesitate any more.”
Ciel approached while looking at Elena.

He stood within reach. The distance that Elena had never been able to reach in the past, but now had been narrowed down.

He held out his hand.
”Will you be my lover?”
Elena's heart dropped. It was pounding so fast that she couldn't control it.
"I promise won't burden you. I'll keep our meeting secret until you allow it."
“Your Majesty.”
“Would you like to meet me like this?”

The barrier she had put gradually fell apart after Ciel's sincere confession.

She felt that very little by little, there was a clear crack going on, though insignificant to the point of being invisible. Ciel stood silent, reaching out his hand.
The fireflies stayed at his fingertips, reminding him of the distance between the two.


Elena hesitated. She was happy but scared at the same time, everything had changed so much compared to the past. She was afraid she would repeat the same mistake.
The newly launched relationship between the two could also face tragedies and she could lose what she'd accumulated.

Elena needed a lot of courage. 'I want to hold that hand.'
The feelings she had suppressed so far were choked up. She felt pathetic when she tried not to look back by forcibly turning away, avoiding, and pushing.
She wanted to change it. She wanted to get out of the past. And she wanted to be honest.


Elena put her white and long fingers on Ciel's hands. The fireflies flew in unison as if they had promised.
She wanted to know about this person. Even if she could regret it, she could keep it as a good memory.

“Ha ha ha,” Ciel laughed with the brightest smile. "You won't know how happy I am. I'm happy enough to want to hug you right now and run around the capital like a crazy man."
“Please respect yourself,” Elena laughed shyly. She did not hate him, who was delighted to forget even the status of the emperor. "Will you take a walk with me?"
"Yes," said Ciel amiably while leading her hand to his side.


The shoulders of the two people standing side by side showed a different picture from the past.
"In the future, I'll tell you my story."
"It's okay now. "
"No, I'll do it when the time accumulates a little longer. When those memories become dull enough to fade”.

By then, everything would have changed, to the point where she would feel pathetic if she kept on clinging on the past.
While pledging to him, Elena walked with Ciel through the garden and felt the warmth of both hands held tightly together for a long time.

——————————————————————-

Some more Ciel and Elena moments! :

In chapter 234, during their sleep-over, Lucia asked Elena if she and Ciel had kissed or doing anything more, in which Elena was very embarassed since they had only hold hands (hold hands, see each other in the moonlight, and walk together..). The surprised Lucia exclaimed that even middle schoolers nowadays kissed

Elena thought about her past memories and baby Ian. They still left a scar in her heart, but she knew how considerate was Ciel so she thought it was time to move on.

In chapter 235, Elena organized a musical play and invited Ciel to watch it with her. When Ciel arrived he was quite worried because of her pale complexion (she worked very hard to prepare the play) but Elena reassured him that it was okay.
Elena sat next to Ciel with their shoulders almost touching
During the play, she couldn't concentrate at all and kept admiring Ciel. She felt confort next to him and eventually fell asleep
When she woke up, the play was over and everybody was gone except Elena and Ciel haha.
Ciel opened his mouth when he noticed she opened her eyes
''would you like to rest a little more?'' and wrapped her head, pulled it gently and leaned it on his shoulder.
Elena was embarassed since it was the first time she showed this disorganized appearance to someone else, especially Ciel.
But contrary to her expectation, Ciel turned his head, looked at Elena with a deep look as if she was being sucked in and wrapped her check in the soft touch of his hand and asked her if she believed him if he said that she was adorable?

——————————————

A kiss!!! One of my favorite scenes as well:

“So would you believe me if I said you were more lovely?"

"Your Majesty, it's..” Elena didn’t know what to say.

She couldn't think of anything as if her usual brilliant mind had hardened.
No matter how tired you are, it's against etiquette to show some loose humility

Then she fell asleep. She was afraid that she had drooled, and her saliva might have caused some kind of scandal


But she guessed that was not the plan.

“I still can't believe it”

The affection dropped sharply in Ciel's mellow eyes.

"The fact that you and I are lovers. It’s like living in a dream-like world every day”

Elena felt like she was going to be sucked into Ciel's eyes and voice which directed at her.
The warmth of his hands sweeping down her cheeks, as if his heart had already been conveyed, made her heart raced so fast that even his heart could not be unaffected.

“There's no place that's not pretty…”

“That's why I keep getting greedy. I know I shouldn't do this, but I want to have all of you."

Ciel grabbed her chin softly with the hand that was covering her cheek and lifted it carefully. The eyes of Ciel and Elena crossed diagonally.
Ciel slowly put his lips on Elena's lips, as if time had stopped.

“Ah.”

Elena felt breathless from the soft touch of Ciel's mouth.

She thought this moment was like a lie.
Lovely kisses were like this. It made her forget all the pain of the wounds, and it made her feel that she was living now, and not in the past anymore.


Maybe that was why. Even the bitterness that was conveyed after the kiss was heartrending to her.

Not because she was a shadow, but because Ciel chose a woman named Elena. Elena unwittingly reached behind Ciel and wrapped her hands around his neck. She was so active as if she wanted this kiss more than anything else. As if no one could understand or know.

Ciel was surprised at the moment, but soon followed her and kissed her violently. He gave Elena a crushing hug. Hard enough to feel that his will would never let go.

When such Ciel's heart was conveyed, Elena’s eyes became watery.
Her one-sided affection no longer existed. She was so glad that they wanted each other.

So, they didn't let each other go. As if time had stopped, the two people exchanged deep kisses.

Ciel took off his lips first.

"Why are you crying?" Sian's eyes shook when he saw the water dropped around Elena's eyes.
It was because he was worried that he did something wrong when he conveyed his feelings.

“I'm glad” Elena smiled more brightly than ever, looking at Ciel wiping away the tears around her eyes.


Ciel felt an unknown lump in her tearful smile.

"Do you remember? You cried in front of me when we first met."

Ciel felt a strangely prickly pain in his heart when he saw her tears. Where there was a story he didn't remember, that someone forcibly made him forget
"It seems like I've seen this even before meeting you...”
"...As I said before, you…”
The eyes of Ciel, who was about to say that she had never been ugly for a moment, were wide open.


That was because Elena kissed him as if she was blocking him. As if she asked him to not to say anything.
Ciel shut his eyes again, as if he read her mind.


'Maybe..'
Kissing him was not just a confirmation of Ciel's affection.
It was a sentiment that could not be conveyed in a hundred words.


They could not reach each other through the past. The day Ian was born, Ciel had treated her more dearly than anyone else.
So far, she had only thought that the memory of that fateful day was a mistake by Ciel, who had mistaken her for Cecilia. Because he couldn't treat Veronica like that.


'Miracle is a product of desperation. Not only with love, but with the earnestness of someone.'
Cardinal Benedict’s words lingered in Elena's head and did not leave.

Looking back, she couldn't forget Ciel's words, asking who she was.

On the day where she was hurt by his harsh words, that he had turned away from Ian, Elena gave up her heart toward Ciel.

The expression of Ciel that day, was false.

It was ringing before her eyes. So Elena couldn't stop this long kiss. Sometimes in life, one's intuition is swept away by vague and unstable emotions. Her intuition kept whispering to Elena, who looked through the broken fragment of memories.

A miracle that broke down the wall of time and brought her back to life. Maybe it was this guy, Ciel.

It was impossible to check, but Elena keeps going that way.

That's why the kiss was, for her, a means to rest and to heal.


That is it for the spoilers I’ll provide. Maybe I will crate an account to spoil some more! I hope you enjoyed, everyone! And I hope you no longer think Ciel is an asshole.