RETURN OF THE FEMALE KNIGHT

134. I Won't Miss This Time

Ophelia stiffened when she realized that Sullivan was dead, but then she exhaled a deep breath as she realized that she was the only one who knew. This could be a new opportunity for her to exploit.

'I must think calmly.'

Ophelia came to Gongyoo, intending to beg him to reinstate Mingyu's birthright, even if she had to give up her life. There was no guarantee he would allow it.

But now, Gongyoo was dead. And only Ophelia knew. A thrill of exhilaration ran down her spine.

'...This is a chance granted by the heavens.'

She quickly recovered, then approached Gongyoo's desk. On a sheet of paper she wrote "Restore Mingyu's right to succession", then marked it with the Emperor's seal. It had to appear as if the letter was written before he died.

She knew that would not be enough. Jungkook nor the Emperor's allies would not stand for it. There were still several charges against her and Mingyu, and punishment was not easily avoidable. Jungkook's evidence was too compelling, and the throne couldn't remain empty for long. There was only one way.

'Tonight, I will kill Jungkook.'

A cold glow glimmered in Ophelia's eyes when she made her decision. When Jungkook died, the next successor to the throne would be Mingyu, once the document was revealed. Once her son became emperor, he would be forever immune to any accusation of crime, and his and Ophelia's sins would be forever buried.

'...I must move quickly.'

A large number of troops were stationed around the Crown Prince's palace; Jungkook was untouchable there. For her plan to succeed, she had to draw him out from his walls. Ophelia did not have the power to summon him...but Gongyoo did.

She glanced back at the entrance where the Emperor's head butler was on watch. She deliberately shouted loud enough so he could hear her words through the door.

"Your Majesty! Please, forgive me just one time. I'm sure Mingyu is also reflecting on his actions."

She moved around the chairs and created noises to make it sound like Gongyoo was alive.

"If you wish to punish me, then I humbly accept it. Just save Mingyu's life."

Ophelia sharply pinched her thigh. As it turned black and blue, painful tears streamed down their eyes and she let out a sob.

Some time later, Ophelia opened the door. The butler looked surprised to see her tear-stained face.

"...Butler."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"His Majesty requests that you call the Crown Prince. I believe His Majesty wants to discuss the matter regarding Mingyu."

"Ah, really?"

He thought it strange that Ophelia, not Gongyoo, would deliver the order, but he found it difficult to speak against the crying woman.

Ophelia turned her glare towards him.

"What are you doing just standing there?"

"A-ah, yes."

"His Majesty says he'll go to the Northern Palace where it's quiet, so tell the Crown Prince to meet him there."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

It was not until the butler left that Ophelia breathed a sigh. Behind the Northern Palace was a high cliff. It was a relatively secluded area with spectacular scenery, but the reason she chose it was to prevent Jungkook from slipping through her grasp easily.