RETURN OF THE FEMALE KNIGHT

107. The Dragon's Orb

"Yes, you should."

Lalisa tried to speak optimistically, but she knew from her last life that Gongyoo had died from a long-term illness. For a while she hoped that his death might be changed since Jungkook was now alive. Unfortunately, Gongyoo's illness only seemed to continue its destructive progression.

"Are you feeling better?"

"Yes, Father. I am much better now, so you don't have to worry."

Her arrow wound hadn't healed yet, but she didn't want to cause unnecessary anxiety to her already sick father-in-law.

Gongyoo nodded contentedly at the news, then reached out his hand to her.

"Sweetheart, help me up."

"Yes, Father."

Lalisa took his hand and carefully helped him out of bed. With her help, Gongyoo managed to stand and limp towards a wall. He leaned himself against a nearby table as the meager task took its toll on him.

"Do not forget what I'm about to tell you."

"Yes, Father."

"Turn the picture frame three times to the left and four times to the right."

"...?"

She looked at the picture he was indicating, a framed painting of a black dragon ascending to the sky. Because of the empire's founding myth, there were many emblems and artworks of dragons found around the Ruford Imperial Palace. She wondered at Gongyoo's order, but for now she did what she was told without a word.

The frame moved as he requested, but nothing changed. She glanced back at him, and he gave her the next instruction.

"Finally, turn the candlestick on the wall to the left."

Lalisa turned the antique candlestick. It was then.

There was a clunking sound, and an imperceptible seam in the wall split open and separated from each other. Without his guidance, Lalisa never would have guessed there was a secret space hidden in the Emperor's room.

A smile played on the Emperor's face as he looked at her stunned expression.

"Not even the Empress knows about this."

"...It's incredible."

She suspected there may be secret passages in the Imperial Palace, but this was more sophisticated than she expected. For her to enter one that was connected to the Emperor's room was even more remarkable.

"Normally, I would only tell the son who would inherit the throne. Jungkook detests this kind of thing, however. I'm afraid he will try to close this if he finds out about it."

"Then is this a place only you know, Father?"

"No. I cannot be sure, but perhaps Archduke Lunen also knows. I know that my father, the former emperor, taught him several things with the intention of handing the throne over to him."

"...I see."

Namgil now ruled the Duchy of Lunen. That meant he knew the secret of the imperial family for a long time.

Lalisa's heart pounded as she realized that that secret now lie before her.

"Father, what is the purpose of this room?"

Lalisa was well aware of Jungkook's character. He was stubborn, but never thoughtless. If Gongyoo tried to hide this from his own son, it must be for a good reason.

However, Gongyoo only smiled, his pale face glowing in the dark.

"Let's go in and I'll tell you."

"...Yes, Father."