Elenas expression darkened after returning to Blaise mansion and receiving Redfields letter.

[Its a pity that youre too busy with wedding planning. Id like to help you a little, so how about I make you some time? If you refuse again, I have a feeling that things wont go as smoothly.

Please dont refuse this time. Redfield]

Elena crumpled the letter in her fist, and Michael looked on in shock. She ignored the butlers reaction and tossed the letter into the trash.

Ah, My Lady

The Second Prince must find it amusing to look down on me like this.

All the shops abruptly said they wouldnt be able to work, and the letter pointed to one thingIf she didnt accept the invitation right away, Redfield would sabotage the wedding. Elena was dumbfounded for how he dared pull off this insane stunt. This was not just about Elena. It was also the first wedding of Carlisle, the Crown Prince of the Ruford Empire. The Second Prince could not openly threaten them, but Redfield still seemed determined to make a demonstration if she chose to ignore him. Most of all, Elena was unhappy having to deal with these little games by Second Prince.

I cant even show this to the Emperor. No one while testify that it was the Second Prince that made them do this.

Redfield had the support of Empress Ophelia and the Anita family, and not even Emperor Sullivan could lay a finger on his son. Elena could not question a prince with evidence and witnesses.

If I tell Caril, he wont sit idly

She had been with Carlisle long enough to understand his personality. If he found out that Redfield tried to ruin wedding, he would use extreme means to punish his brother, but that wasnt an appealing thought to Elena either. Redfield only made a slight provocation to force her to attend the party. If Carlisle got involved, it would be an all-out war, and there was no telling what Redfield would do. It would not stop at childish play. If the wedding ceremony were to be further sabotaged, there would be little time to fix it and it would lead to trouble.

Why on earth is he inviting me, anyway?

A foreboding feeling shadowed her since she received the first invitation, but she didnt understand his strange behavior. Was it simply out of curiosity because she was marrying Carlisle? Or was it something else?

Michael looked at Elenas troubled expression and spoke up carefully.

What are you going to do, My Lady?

If he wants to see me so muchthen Ill have to accept.

Are you sure you want to attend? It seemed strange when the message was sent again.

Elenas jewel-like eyes flashed at his words.

I need to go. I need to know who he is.

If Carlisle were to take over the throne, Redfield would ultimately have to be cut out. Empress Ophelias and House Anitas influence were great, but without the fact that the Second Prince inherited imperial blood, they were only a little more powerful than the other families. Still, while Carlisle was crown prince, many nobles still believed that Redfield would overthrow him and become emperor. To remove the threat, they had to defeat the Anita family, overcome Empress Ophelia, and finally face Redfield.

Suddenly, Elena recalled the words Redfield said to her at the ball.

Dance with me next time. Im better than my brother.

Her lips curved in a smile. To her, Carlisle was already beyond Elenas expectations in every way. He was smart, bold and a skilled swordsman. Carlisle was indeed her chosen man.

How about I see this Second Prince?

Her red eyes fell upon the decorated mask sent by Redfield. He must have wanted her to wear it.

*

*

*

Elena secured a red handkerchief to the window. She didnt mean to tell Carlisle about the wedding incident with Redfield, but she wouldnt keep the party secret.

It was the middle of the night. As usual, Elena sat at her desk attempting to address the new complications regarding the wedding planning. She sensed someone enter the room, and she looked up from her work and noticed Kuhn.

Youre here?

Kuhns gray eyes gradually emerged from the dark.

As I sensed last time, you have very good hearing.

So I do.

Elena turned around. She could sense subtle Kuhns presence near her, which was difficult for any ordinary person to do. Since she had detected him in the past, it didnt make any different that he was caught now. Though mildly curious, Kuhn didnt pry any further.

Why did you call me?

I need to tell you something, and I thought a letter would take longer to arrive.

Please go on.

The Second Prince sent me an invitation to his party. I thought over it, and I decided to accept.

That does seem suspicious.

Elena nodded in agreement and continued.

I also mistrust the reasons for the invitation, but seeing as the Second Prince invited me himself, theres no reason to refuse.

That wasnt entirely true, but that was Elenas approach for now. To put it plainly, Carlisle wouldnt allow her to attend the party otherwise, and hostilities with Redfield could escalate. Although Carlisle and Elena decided to consult with each other on certain matters, she decided to take this on alone and discover what Redfield planned for her herself.

I cant always lean on Caril.

She would not be a crown princess that sat around obeyed Carlisles orders. He must remember that Elena was his sharpest sword that would cut down the enemies in his path.

Are you asking me to protect you at the party, My Lady?

Id appreciate that. The Second Prince officially invited me, so I dont think hell hurt mebut just in case.

There was not much that could directly harm Elena, but Carlisle would most definitely refuse if she didnt at least protect herself. She was Lady Elena now, not Len the guard, and so she couldnt simply run around with a sword.

I see. Ill report it to the General and obtain an answer on what to do.

Yes. Please do it as soon as possible.

Is something wrong?

Elena glanced at the mask sent by Redfield.

The party is very soon.

When?

Elena answered the question with a faint smile.

Its tomorrow.

She had already turned the invitation down once, so there was little time left. Kuhns expression quickly shifted when he heard Elenas words.