Chapter 294 Thats Not What Its For (1)

Elena wasnt the only one that noticed the fire and activity around the Blood Assassins headquarters. Paveluc was the first person to receive the report that Carlisles army had managed to sneak into Lunen and launch an attack in the middle of the night, and the Grand Duke was able to reasonably infer that their goal was to save Elena. There would be no reason to attack the Blood Assassin headquarters otherwise. If anyone wanted to inflict damage on Paveluc before the war, it would be most effective to attack the castle or a military location, not the Blood Assassins.

How surprising.

It was an unexpected move by Carlisle. Paveluc had prepared for this situation of course, but he never thought it was much of a probability. When he stayed at the Imperial Palace, he witnessed and heard rumors about Carlisles and Elenas relationship. It was why he had not yet killed Elena; as a hostage, she was far more valuable. But Paveluc didnt realize Carlisles attachment to her would be to this degree.

I thought politics would be mixed in their relationshipbut perhaps he really does care about the Empress.

It was already clear that the Ruford Empire and the state of Lunen would soon go to war. Carlisle moved quickly to save Elena before a full-scale battle broke out, which meant that she was an extraordinarily precious person to him. A smug, satisfied smile spread across Pavelucs mouth.

Did I catch a bigger fish than I realized?

In fact, when his assassination attempt on Carlisle failed, he was so furious that he intended to kill Elena. Once Paveluc saw her determined red eyes glaring at him, however, he became intrigued and eventually changed his mind. No one had shown such a commanding presence in front of him. Even the proudest, most arrogant noble would grovel for their lives, such as Ophelia and Redfield did. But Elenashe was different. It was providence that he decided to keep her alive.

Men tended to think highly of themselves. For Paveluc, women were merely tools to support stronger men, and he had believed that Carlisle thought the same as well. There were other men who were humiliated at the thought of being lesser than a woman. Paveluc wasnt sure what category Carlisle fell in, but

A funny idea flashed across his mind.

If Carlisle were to choose between the Ruford Empire or the woman Elenawhat would he choose?

Carlisle couldnt be foolish enough to choose Elena, but Paveluc wondered how the emperor would react when the moment came. Paveluc spoke to a servant.

Update on the Empress?

Yes. I sent the men as you ordered, and they will cut off one of the Empress arms and bring it back.

Good. Im looking to see how Carlisle will respond.

Carlisle had invaded his territory, and Paveluc intended to repay him generously. Paveluc ordered Elena to be moved to a secret place where she could not be found, and ordered his men to cut off one of her arms. Then hell send Carlisle a little present

He smirked and stroked his bard as he imagined Carlisles reaction.

Beolkeog!

A soldier burst into the room with a harried look on his face.

My Lord, were in trouble!

Whats going on?

Pavelucs brows furrowed at the soldier, who wheezed his report without even taking a moment to breathe.

Theres another army coming from the border, led by Emperor Ruford.

Wh-what?

Paveluc jumped up from his seat. He knew that the enemys soldiers had been gathering at the border as of late, but he didnt expect Carlisle to launch a preemptive strike so quickly.

I cant behe must be launching an attack inside and outside at the same time to save the Empress.

Paveluc had shown little interest in the soldiers at the border. No matter how many of Carlisles men infiltrated Lunen, it would be difficult for the Ruford Empire to mount an extended campaign, and Paveluc could take them at any moment.

If war was imminent, however, Pavelucs troops would be spread too thin. At the moment, it was more urgent to stop the large army moving through the border, rather than the smaller one that had already infiltrated Lunen. Paveluc ground his teeth.

Carlisle.

Paveluc could not let this go any further. Carlisle seemed so desperate to rescue Elenabut Paveluc would never surrender her. He took a few short strides and put on his armor.

Hurry up and bring me the Empress arm. I will go directly to the border.

Yes, My Lord!

The soldiers around him bowed in unison.