Return Of The Female Knight - Chapter 301 - Only After One Life
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Chapter 301 - Only After One Life

Chapter 301 Only After One Life

For days, Alphords troops travelled nonstop, and Elena had not gotten off the horse even once. Alphord turned to his daughter in a concerned voice.

Arent you tired?

Im fine. You cant slow down just because of me.

She hadnt been able to sleep well, and any simple meal she took was on horseback. She already suffered through difficult prison life, and moreover, she was pregnant. Alphord learned that his daughter was with child before the mission, but he did not press Elena on the subject, knowing it was better to not waste time and get caught by their enemies.

Just endure it a little longer. Its not that far now.

Yes, thI see.

She was about to thank him for his concern, but she hastily changed her words. She didnt think her father would welcome this kind of affection. As of late, Alphord had been paying her more attention than usual, but she knew his personality did not change overnight, and she didnt want to undo this arrangement. She was satisfied enough with what she had.

A moment later, a man approached from behind and addressed Alphord.

My Lord, I have something to tell you.

The man was Martin, a faithful servant of Alphords. Alphord glanced at Elena, then turned back to Martin and spoke in a quiet voice.

Lets talk in private.

Understood.

The two slowed their horses and fell behind the procession. Elena narrowed her eyes in curiosity, but she let them go without saying a word. Alphord was the leader of this unit, and it was his prerogative to exchange private information she didnt know about.

After Alphord distanced himself from Elena, he turned to Martin with a serious expression.

What is it?

Grand Duke Lunens forces are drawing near.

Is that so

What should we do, My Lord? They will reach us soon.

The creases on Alphords face deepened. Shortly after his unit rescued Elena, he heard that Paveluc dispatched a large number of troops to track her down. Alphord did not tell Elena this for fear of causing stress on her already exhausted body, but he had heard no word from the other two units. Frequent, consistent contact was not easy, and he worried if something happened to them. Perhaps even without communication, Kuhns and Dereks troop were doing their best to save Elena until the very end.

Alphords face set in determination.

Were not far from the border anyway. If we can buy some time, we will be able to successfully deliver Her Majesty.

Then well select the other soldiers wholl risk their lives.

No.

Alphord shook his head firmly. Such a trick would not be enough to fool Paveluc. It was certain that the Grand Duke knew Elena was here.

I will remain.

M-My Lord!

Martins eyes widened in astonishment at Alphords declaration. However, the man already seemed to have made up his mind.

If I move, Paveluc will be under the illusion that Her Majesty is with me. And if we want to hold the enemy off a little longer, it should be with someone good with a sword No matter who else I consider, Im the only one that can do it.

Her Majesty wont allow it.

So dont tell her.

My Lord

Alphord looked at Elena, who was faintly visible in the distance. When he spoke, his voice was stronger than before.

I am going to save Her Majesty, the Empress of the Ruford Empire. I will also save my daughters lifeso dont say a word.

I understand

Martin gave a reluctant nod, as he was already familiar with Count Blaises stubbornness.

But I still need men to move with me, so well split the troops in half. Everything must be carried out without Her Majestys knowledge.

Yes, My Lord.

And I ask one more thing of you.

Alphord pulled out an elegant black envelope. The moment Martin saw it, he immediately knew what it was. Each year, the knights of the Fourth Order wrote a will. It was a unique tradition unknown to anyone else. If one were to partake in a high dangerous mission and then died, it was customary to deliver the letter to the family. Alphord had written a letter this year.

Martin shook his head and refused.

No. I will follow you.

What do you mean? You must stay here to protect the Empress.

My Lord, I

Are you going to disobey my order?

No.

He lowered his head submissively, and accepted the letter with trembling hands. Meanwhile, Alphords face was as calm as a ponds surface.

After I leave, pa.s.s it on to Her Majesty later.

YesI swear on my life.

Then lets do it tonight. There is no need to drag this out.

At the same time, Alphords dark green eyes shone with a determined light.

Start the preparations right away.

Understood.

Martin bowed his head, then turned his horse away to begin the coordination of the troop transfer. The unit would be divided into twothose who would escort Elena to the border, and those who would remain behind with Alphord and face Paveluc.

No matter how experienced or strong a knight was, each one was afraid of death. However, because they were the elite men of the Ruford Empire, they all accepted their orders with no hesitation. They had given their vow to the Emperor that they would not return unless Elena was safe.

***

Soon, night had fallen.

Tadag tadag.

Elena dozed in her seat, her fathers coat wrapped around her like a blanket. She had to find every small way she could to rest during their unceasing march. After a time, however, she dimly realized that she hadnt seen her father in a while, and she deliberately roused herself awake.

Wheres Count Blaise now?

Martin, who was riding next to her, avoided her gaze and answered quietly.

Hes patrolling the area.

I havent seen him in a while. What if something happened?

Dont worry, Your Majesty. He will probably be back soon.

Is that so?

She looked at him dubiously, but she didnt press further. As Martin said, her father may have gone ahead to scout, and the aide didnt look particularly worried.

They rode on in silence. Martin seemed conflicted, and he spoke to Elena in a cautious voice.

Your Majesty

Speak.

I think I should go check on the scout team. Will you read this letter after you cross the border?

Letter?

Martin pulled out a black envelope, and Elena looked curiously at it. An ominous feeling stirred at the back of her mind.

Whose letter is that?

Its from the leader. He asked you to read it later, not now.

Its from my father.

Why? Elena remembered the day when her father died in her last life, and she discovered he had left a letter for her. She wasnt able to obtain it, butAlphord must have a message for her. Just like now. Elena had written to her father several times about Mirabelles study abroad, but he had never written a reply. It was troubling for Elena to suddenly receive a letter from Alphord at this moment.

Elena took the letter and tore it open. She never intended to read it later. Martin looked at her in surprise and tried to stop her.

Y-Your Majesty, you have to read it later

Ill read it now.

She threw him a stubborn glare, and he withdrew submissively. Elenas eyes flew over the page.

[If youre reading this, then I have come to my end.

But do not be sad.

I labored for the Ruford Empire all my life, believing that it is the way for our family, and more importantly, you.

I live without shame, and I have no regrets.

No matter what death I face, live your life in happiness, not revenge.

This is what your father wishes.

Stay safe.]

Elena knew that she had never received a letter in her last life. To come across something so difficult, so heart wrenching, would have been seared into her soul. The contents of this letter was not confirmed until one lifetime later.

A single phrase stood out to her: Do not live life in revenge. Maybe it was because Elena once lived only for revenge against Paveluc. But that was not what Alphord really wanted. He just wanted her to live in happiness.

What would have happened if I had received this letter in my last life?

This may not have stopped her burning desire for vengeance against Paveluc, but at least she would know that Alphord prayed for Elenas happiness.

A tear spilled from Elenas cheek onto the paper.

It was certainly a letter written by Alphord. It was spa.r.s.e in phrasing, but she felt his heart reach through his words. She remembered how strict her father had been on her since childhood, but once she received this letter, she felt the sadness in her heart melt away like snow.

It was just Alphord. A stubborn and blunt father who expressed his affection in his own way. The scars he left on Elena couldnt be disguised as affection, but the feelings he had for her were of genuine love. When Elena realized it, she couldnt help but cry.

Really, youre too much, Father.

She hated that her father had suddenly gone off without a word to die for her sake. Her fathershe couldnt let him go yet. She still hadnt been recognized by him, and she never heard him share a word of warmth yet. However, this letter alone was not enough to satisfy her sorrow.

Elena hurriedly wiped her tears.

Tell me honestly. Where is my father now?

Thats

Martin flinched and avoided answering, and so Elena raised her hand in the air. At her gesture, the knights stopped their horses. Before it was too late, Elena wanted to tell Alphord the answer to his letter that she had never received in her previous life. She opened her mouth once again, her red eyes s.h.i.+ning.

I command you as Empress of the Ruford Empire. Where is Count Blaise now?

***

Alphord galloped fiercely in the opposite direction of Elena and led his men toward Pavelucs troops. Paveluc fell for the trick; because Alphord was Elenas father and the head of the Fourth Order of Knights, Paveluc a.s.sumed that Elena would be with him. Paveluc never imagined that Alphord would risk leaving her side.

Chaaang!

Thousands of soldiers surrounded Alphords men and drew their swords. Paveluc looked around for Elena, but when he saw that she was not there, he realized that he had been deceived. He frowned at first, but then he threw his head back to let out a bark of laughter. The very sight of it was an eerie display.

Oh dear. I never thought youd risk your life to deceive me. Why are there so many of you willing to die for the Ruford Empress?

Despite the hopelessness of the situation, Alphord lifted his sword with a calm face. As his last act, he had to buy as much time as possible for Elena.

Now you know. You lost Her Majesty forever.

Alphords provocation caused a cold smile to spread on Pavelucs face. He looked as if he were the devil of h.e.l.l.

Yes, I know. But youve also prepared for whats about to happen, yes? Nowyou wont go back alive.

At the same time, Paveluc pointed his finger at Alphords men.

Kill them all.