The Kind Older Sister Is No More

Chapter 308 - Trapped

"You're late, Duke, Madame."

Irene, who was lost in thought, turned in the direction of the voice. In the dark, footsteps approached the group, and soon the Crown Prince appeared out of the shadows.

"Sorry. Ascardo delayed me."

The Crown Prince frowned slightly at Noel's answer.

"Does that mean His Majesty has noticed the plan..."

"I don't know. Even if he caught on, wouldn't it have been too late?"

Noel said firmly.

That was correct. At the present time, the Imperial Army and the Grand Duke Knights were clashing with each other. So they didn't have to worry that much.

"Is His Majesty inside?" 

"He hasn't left his quarters since this morning. I've got a watchman in place, so that information is accurate."

"Irene, what are you going to do?"

Noel asked, looking at Irene.

Naturally, everyone looked at her.

Since long ago, the decision has already been made, but Noel still wanted to confirm Irene's decision.

"…" 

"I'll proceed as planned." 

"I will guide you."

As Irene made a decision, the Crown Prince, who was looking at the two strangely, started walking in front of them. Following him, Irene glanced at Noel.

Noel sensed Irene's gaze and looked down at her, startled, she avoided his eyes and said quietly.

"Thanks." 

"What for?" 

"Just for everything."

He believed in her and jumped into this tough battle, deciding to accompany her till the end. Irene was beyond grateful to Noel. Her gratitude couldn't even be described with words.

"I'm glad that you are my husband."

"Oh really? I am also grateful that you are my wife."

Having heard Noel's words, Irene regained her strength.

'By the way...'

Irene looked around while following the Prince's footsteps.

The palace was barren and eerily quiet. Just like the silence before the storm, there was barely anyone moving about. Even though most of the force was sent to the Grand Duke's residence, some groups were still supposed to be patrolling.

'Even far ahead, there seems to be no sign of movement.'

It was as if everyone had disappeared. Irene was quick to notice that strange stillness.

"This is the end of the hallway." 

"Your Highness, will you be joining us? If the plan fails, you may be in danger too."

In front of the Emperor's chambers, Irene asked the Crown Prince. The Prince was silent for a moment, but he replied in the end.

"His Majesty has already decided to forsake me."

"..." 

"Even if it is not discovered that I am behind this, it will be difficult for me to be safe. So I'd like to go with you and be of assistance." He was resolute.

After looking at him silently for a moment, Irene nodded and moved slowly.

"By the way... it's really quiet." 

"You're right. This silence is suspicious."

Noel answered in a murmur. The mercenary members also looked around in a state of alert. On their way, they were afraid that they would suffer from a sudden attack, but nothing happened, not even when they arrived in front of the Emperor's room.

"Your Highness, His Majesty is still inside."

When the party arrived at the door, the Crown Prince's watchman approached them and reported—hearing that, Irene swallowed and placed her hand on the door handle.

"I'll go in." 

"Okay."

Click. 

As she turned his handle, the sound of the door being unlocked echoed through the quiet hallway.

Gradually, the door opened, revealing what was inside. The room was very dark. A thick curtain had completely covered the window, not letting a single ray of light enter. In the darkness where they could not see an inch ahead, the members of the mercenary corps quickly drew their swords and gathered in front of Irene and Noel.

Suddenly, the lights turned on, and the room became bright.

"Welcome, Duke, Madame, and my son."

The calm voice of the Emperor echoed in the silent room. Irene looked up at him with wide eyes.

The room was full of bodyguards, and the Emperor sat in the safest seat in the innermost part of the room, smirking at Irene.

And above all…

"Father…" 

"Irene."

Count Chase was also sitting next to him.

It was difficult for Irene to hide her shock. She was also bewildered by the presence of armed forces in the room, but why was Count Chase here?

"...He noticed the plan."

At that moment, Noel spat out. Irene looked at the Emperor.

His face turned noticeably pale.

The situation seemed overwhelmingly unfavourable. The most elite knights were protecting the Emperor with him right at the back of their formation, and in order to reach him, they had to defeat them all.

Moreover, Count Chase was also standing by the Emperor's side.