RETURN OF THE FEMALE KNIGHT

136. Die Together

The next day, everyone in the Crown Prince's palace was confined to the place. Everyone had been excited by the prospect of Jungkook becoming emperor, but the mood had taken a sudden turn. Taehyung, who had belatedly found out about the Empress' soldiers, attempted to resolve the situation, but was faced with only threats when he tried to leave. His expression turned grave, and he murmured to himself.

"Where the hell is he?"

Jungkook and Lalisa had disappeared overnight. A maid had confirmed to him that they both went to see Gongyoo, but there had been no news of them since. Furthermore, all the entrances to the Crown Prince's palace were completely blocked, and no outside information was available. Taehyung stared at Jimin in frustration before opening his mouth to speak.

"How do we get out? We need to know where His Highness is."

"...It will be difficult."

Although Jimin could move by stealth, there was no means of escape when soldiers surrounded the entirety of the grounds and watched every conceivable exit. Anyone leaving would become a pincushion of arrows from the archers stationed around the place. A deep frown crossed Taehyung's brow.

"Damn it. We may have no choice but to wait."

Without Jungkook to give them orders, it was impossible to conduct a counterassault, and the palace remained in a state of confusion. As they waited, however, they did not realize that Ophelia was slowly seizing control of the palace.

Outside, the death of Emperor Gongyoo was officially announced to the empire. With his last will, Mingyu's succession to the throne was restored. The noble families allied with the emperor were deeply suspicious of sabotage, but without Jungkook, there was nothing they could do.

Ophelia planned to make Mingyu emperor as soon as possible. The balance of power within the palace was changing rapidly.

***

Inside another room in the Imperial Palace.

Namgil had not yet returned to the Duchy of Lunen after the tournament, choosing instead to remain in the capital. He had quickly learned what happened at the National Founding council, and knew that Jungkook was the final victor.

But in the space of one night...the victory was overturned.

Jungkook and Lalisa had suddenly disappeared, and Mingyu's succession, which was once considered a dead hope, was revived.

'...What an amusing turn of events.'

His eyes gleamed brightly and a grin spread below his beard. The servant before him continued to relay his report.

"It is possible that Crown Prince Jungkook has fallen by the Empress' hand. Woobin may have more information, but the Crown Prince's palace is completely blocked."

"Yes. Well, if the Empress still hasn't released Jungkook's body, it's likely that she hasn't confirmed his death for herself."

"Yes. I also have a request from the Empress that you provide support troops for her. How will you respond?"

"I refuse. Tell her that I only brought a few soldiers to the capital with me. That's excuse enough."

Although Ophelia was the dominant chess master in this game, it didn't mean that Namgil would bow so easily to her will.

"I expect that the Empress will elevate Redfield to the throne, but we must not relax until Jungkook's body is found."

"I understand, My Lord."