Chapter 233: Highness

At the time Lize appeared in the Imperial Capital.

There was a room on the lower floor of the Imperial Sword Castle. There was nothing special about the room. In front of such a room that can be found anywhere in the castle, Zandra was standing in front of its door.

As expected of the Prime Minister huh. To think that he would hide two Rainbow Celestial Jewels inside such an ordinary room. He really is brilliant.

Saying so, Zandra touches the door.

However, two people stepped up to stop Zandra.

Please do not move, Your Highness Zandra.

Please remember your position and quietly allow yourself to be detained.

One of the men is in his early thirties. His hair is cut short and gives off the impression of a warrior.

The other man is still young. He seems to be in his late teens. He has light brown hair that reaches his back. His expression is blank and it is hard to guess what he is thinking.

Both are wearing a white cloak that shows that they are part of the Imperial Knight Order, same as Elna.

Hearing the voices of the two, Zandra slowly turned around.

How strange. I wonder why two of the esteemed Captains of the Imperial Knight Order are here? Just in case I did send soldiers to the dummy room you supposed to be protecting you know?

Their assault was strangely weak you see. We immediately realized that it was only a diversion. But I never thought that it would be you who sent them.

Ara? Is it so surprising? Captain Oliver of the Eighth Corp.

The name of the man in his early thirties is Oliver von Rolbach.

The captain of the Eighth Imperial Knight Corp.

He has been a member of the Imperial Knights Order since he was a teenager. He is an experienced captain and is highly trusted by the Emperor.

Naturally. I never thought that Your Highness would be involved in His Highness Gordons rebellion. Who would have thought that you two would join hands? You have been at each others throats for all this time after all.

It is only temporary. I am merely using Gordon.

The other side is probably thinking about the same thing as well. Lets get this over with, Oliver-san. She is only trying to buy time anyway.

Saying so the young man pulls out the sword from his scabbard.

The young mans name is Raphael Balent.

Captain of the Tenth Corp of the Imperial Knight Order.

He is 19 years old. A genius swordsman who was recruited as an Imperial Knight at the age of 13.

The youngest Imperial Knight on the record was Elna who was selected at the age of 11 so his record is a little overshadowed but unlike Elna who is of the Brave house of Amsberg, Raphael did not hail from any special bloodline.

Let alone being a noble, It is not even clear whether he was born in the Empire.

The current Emperor found Raphael as a baby on the battlefield.

If he left him there, he would definitely die. However, the Emperor could not take him in himself so he entrusted him to an orphanage run and funded by the Emperor himself.

A few years later, the Emperor who went to visit the orphanage found Raphael who brilliantly wielded a wooden stick despite not being taught any sword skill by anyone. He was convinced that he has the talent for the sword and decided to raise him as a swordsman.

The Emperors eyes were not wrong. Raphael soon became an Imperial Knight and eventually climbed to the rank of captain.

Elna is already decided to be the next Knight Commander but if there is no special case like her, Raphael was said to be so talented that he can take the position himself.

With the debt of gratitude, his loyalty toward the Emperor is strong and he is seen as a knight who will carry the future of the Empire together with Elna in the future.

Zandra smiled at that young man.

You are so impatient, Captain Raphael. Wont you talk to me a little while longer?

I am not good at talking to women. I am a man who only knows the sword after all.

Is that so? What a shame.

I do not think it is something I should feel bad about though. What should we do? Should we knock her out?

With that said, Raphael points his sword at Zandra.

On top of the fact that Zandra who wields forbidden magic can attack them at any time, the nature of her attack is unpredictable.

Raphael expresses his worry without a change in his expression.

Hearing that, Oliver tries to take Raphael down a notch.

Raphael, no matter how she is as a person, she is still a princess you know? I dont want to hurt her as much as possible.

She is a rebel who already participated in two rebellions. I dont think that His Majesty would treat her as a daughter anymore.

That will be up to His Majesty to decide. Listen here. Dont be too violent with her.

Saying so, Oliver unsheathed his sword.

He then turned to his back.

There, a brown hair maid, Xiao-Mei was standing.

Would you please kindly step away from Her Highness Zandra, my lord?

She dressed like a maid but I can feel intense killing intent from her. Judging from how you handle yourself, are you an assassin?

I will leave that to your imagination.

I see. Then I will hear you out after I defeated you!

Saying so, Oliver clenched his sword with both hands.

On the other hand, Xiao-Mei also took out her dagger and prepared to fight.

Thinking that the maid is intending to take him head-on, Oliver grinned.

Looked down on me huh!

There are all kinds of Imperial Knight Captains. I dont know about Elna von Amsberg but if it is only someone at your level, I can take you on.

Then come and try!!

Saying so, Oliver and Xiao-Mei rushed at each other and collided.

The time when they exchanged blows was only a moment.

Xiao-Mei was immediately blown away by Oliver and stuck against the wall.

Guh..

Enduring the pain, Xiao-Mei tries to stand up.

On her face is a smile.

Because at the end of her line of sight, a sword protruded from Olivers stomach.

Why.

I dont hate you. Oliver-san.

Why..do you betray usRaphael?

Raphael swings the sword that he stuck inside Olivers stomach out sideways.

Oliver whose stomach was half torn spit out blood and crumbled to his knee on the spot.

The word why is still rampaging in his head.

He started thinking about the possibility.

The reason why Zandra managed to find the room where the Prime Minister secretly hid the Rainbow Celestial Jewels was probably that someone leaked the information. There are only a few who know about this room.

But he never thought that it would be Raphael.

Raphaels loyalty to the current Emperor was that strong.

If I give you my reason, will you forgive me?

probably not

Seeing that he cant stop his blood, he calmly analyzed the situation and realized that he doesnt have long to live.

A swordsman of Raphaels caliber would never miss a vital spot when he got the opportunity to attack from behind. Moreover, he used the chance to tore out his stomach.

His injury is so serious that his internal organs would spill out if he doesnt hold it back with his hand.

Still, Oliver did not let go of his sword.

Then.

the traitor.must be purged!!

Oliver threw his sword with all his might.

Raphael boringly swatted it away.

However, using that time, Oliver jumped out the nearby window

When Xiao Mei looked out the window, Oliver was already gone.

It seems that he re-entered the castle through a nearby window.

Chase him! We cant let him escape!

He will die anyway you know. He will probably try to inform the Knight Commander but he wouldnt be able to reach the throne room in that condition.

We cant leave it to chance!

Hearing Zandras hysterical voice, Raphaels face was slightly distorted.

However, he immediately put the sword back in his scabbard and started walking away.

Seeing that, Zandra entered the room.

As expected of a captain of the Imperial Knight OrderI do not think that I will be able to move for a while.

Is that so. Thank you for your hard work. Please take care of that person. I will be going after Oliver-san.

Please be careful. He is a captain of the Imperial Knight Order who resorted to throwing his sword away to escape. He will not choose his means.

I understand. It was because I was wary of him that I asked you to help create an opening. I wont let my guard down.

Saying so, Raphael leisurely walked away.

However, he suddenly stopped and looked back at Xiao-Mei.

Thats right. Please relay my message to [Highness], that I have performed the job as instructed.

which [Highness] should I relay that message to?

The [Highness] that you serve.

Certainly. I will make sure to relay your message later.

After that exchange, Raphael starts walking again.

After that, Zandra brought the two Rainbow Celestial Jewels from the room along with the one Gordon prepared to the Ceremonial Hall called the [Hall of the Celestial Sky] located in the middle of the castle and set the three jewels on the pedestal at the center of the room.

Then as a final touch, she used her blood to activate the Celestial Sphere.

AhHaHaHa!! Now you can not escape! Father! I will never forgive you for locking me and Mother away!!

Zandras cruel smile floated up as she continues to laugh maniacally.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep