Return of the Female Knight

“Sister…”

“Hmm?”

“Do you remember asking me if I wanted to study abroad in the Freegrand Kingdom?”

“Of course I remember.”

“I…I want to go.”

“Really?”

Elena was surprised by Mirabelle’s decision. Meanwhile, Mirabelle continued on determinedly.

“I thought to myself, ‘There’s nothing left for me to lose if I throw away my nobility and family fortune.’“

Mirabelle thought she could do so for the sake of Kuhn’s love. She realized, however, with nothing she was helpless. She believed she could start over from the beginning, but she needed financial income. While her feelings towards Kuhn were genuine, she realized that she was not prepared to support a relationship.

“You may not say it, but…I don’t know many things about the world.”

“No, Mirabelle! That’s not true!”

Elena raised her voice in protest. It was not Mirabelle’s fault that she was born sickly. Elena had always done her best to protect Mirabelle, as there were many terrible people in the world that would use her innocence and kindness to their advantage. It was because of Mirabelle’s pure soul that Elena was saved whenever she strayed off the path alone.

A faint smile crossed Mirabelle’s lips.

“I thought you would say that. Thank you…but I want to be someone who proudly does my part.”

She wanted to decide her own path, and take responsibility for her own mind and choices.

“To do that, I need to be recognized for my own ability, even if I don’t have the title or fortune of the Blaise family.”

“…Very well. If that is what you wish, then the next year or so—”

“No, I want to leave the Ruford Empire as soon as possible.”

“…What? So soon?”

“Yes. I’ve already made up my mind, and I’m just wasting time here. I just need to get Father’s and brother’s permission.”

“But if you go abroad and then fall sick…”

“At this point, I’m afraid that I’ll never leave Blaise mansion.”

Even more so, Mirabelle might try to find Kuhn again if she didn’t leave soon. She wanted distance between them, so if there was any chance that she missed him, she couldn’t go to him easily.

“I’ll talk to Father when I return to Blaise mansion tomorrow. I hope you can help me get his permission.”

Elena looked at Mirabelle with a pang in her chest. Her little sister had matured incredibly in one day. In any case, she hoped that Mirabelle would nurture her talents and go to the Freegrand Kingdom to study. Elena finally gave a nod.

“Alright. I’ll help you get father’s permission. I know someone from the Freegrand kingdom, so I can arrange a meeting.”

Elena had met Log Ashmore at the wedding reception, and could introduce the delegate to Mirabelle.

“Thank you, sister. In fact…I didn’t think you would say yes so easily, but I truly appreciate your understanding.”

“I feel strongly about this. I will support you in any way possible so you can walk your path.”

Mirabelle felt tears prick her eyes, and she scrubbed them with the back of her hand. Kuhn wasn’t around, but she had her dear Elena to comfort her.

“And because I’m bold enough, I have to ask you for just one more thing.”

“You can say anything, Mirabelle.”

“Don’t hate Kuhn.”

“…!”

Elena blinked in surprise. Although she harbored some dislike towards Kuhn for hurting her sister’s heart, she didn’t expect that Mirabelle would act the complete opposite. Elena looked at Mirabelle with confusion on her face.

“Why do you ask me that?”

“He’s the man I love.”

Mirabelle’s voice was thick with emotion, and Elena couldn’t help but smile at the conviction in her tone.

“…Alright, I understand.”

Mirabelle smiled with embarrassment through her tear-filled eyes.

“Thank you. I know you’ve always had to carry a heavy burden for me. I’ll try to pay you back.”

“What are you talking about? You’re like a gift to me.”

Elena sacrificed immensely for Mirabelle, but the pure happy memories far outweighed the dark ones. Mirabelle felt like the tears would burst from her again, and she quickly embraced Elena to hide them.

“…I will write to you often, sister.”

“Of course. I will write to you every day, too.”

They smiled at each other as they made their promises. It had been a long day, but at least, at this moment, they could hold each other. They finally fell asleep in the warmth of each other’s bodies.

*

*

*

At the same moment, Redfield was the host of another secretive, sin-filled party. As always, only those with exclusive invitations could attend.

The splendid hall was filled with a haze of white smoke, as a result of various exotic plants being burned. The effects varied depending on the combination of ingredients. The one floating around the room was a powerful stimulant that would take guests to paradise in the shortest amount of time. With the addition of strong alcohol, everyone at the party was in a highly drugged state.

“Look at Lady Serena over there. She received an invitation and came.”

Redfield turned his gaze towards the young woman. His eyes raked over the curves of her body and her innocent appearance, which made only made her a more appealing target for him.

“Of course. What bitch ever refuse my invitation?”

At Redfield’s arrogant tone, the nobles seated next to him began to agree quickly.

“You’re right.”

“I’m already excited. First, the Second Prince will enjoy her, and then pass her on to us.”

It was a common form of entertainment among Redfield’s group of friends. He would invite a young woman who had been pointed out to him, and he and his group would take turns violating her.

The aftermath didn’t concern Redfield—the victim was usually scared and covered up the incident herself, but if she tried to reveal the truth, he could simply use his family name. While all those present were children of powerful members of society, no one was more powerful than the one backed by Empress Ophelia. As such, invitations from Redfield were coveted by those young nobles who wanted power, and because of this, secrets usually didn’t leak out.

Redfield tipped his mouth upward in a grin.

“You know I don’t sleep with the same woman twice anyway. I’ll throw her over to you after.”

“Yes!”

At that moment, Serena stood up, stumbling like she was drunk. The white smoke in the air was also affecting her as well.

Redfield, sensing that it was showtime, stood up with a leery smile.

“Let’s go, then.”

Redfield narrowed his distance to Serena with a confident gait, when—

Belkeog!

The door to the hallway burst open. To the shock of the guests, dozens of knights poured through the entrance and began to surround the room. Redfield let out a scream of rage.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?! How dare you come here!”

His question was answered by the last man who entered through the doorway. He had black hair and cold blue eyes, and the perfect noble features that captured everyone’s attention.

“What is this? Is this your filthy lair?”

It was Carlisle.