Ch. 207 A Storm Will Come Soon (2)
Elena nodded in acknowledgment. Harry’s words were not wrong.
“Indeed. Then please deliver the message to your grandfather.”
“He is too stubborn to listen, but it is true that I personally support you.”
Harry smiled and retrieved something from the inner pocket of his jacket. In his hand was a lily-shaped brooch studded with glittering jewels. Elena studied it curiously.
“This is…?”
“This is my gift to you. It’s not much, but if you show this brooch to any of the Krauss leadership, you can reach me anywhere.”
As he stated, it was not a particularly unique item, but that didn’t mean it was worthless. It was a symbol that he would be there for her in a moment of need. Elena could not hide her surprise as she accepted the flower brooch.
“I never expected a gift. Thank you.”
“Please think of it as a reward for answering my questions today.”
Although Harry was still softened by youth, Elena was grateful to build a close relationship with him, even if it was not necessarily a political one. She didn’t understand his sudden generosity, but she wouldn’t turn it away.
“I’ll never forget that you gave me this gift.”
If Carlisle became Emperor, Harry had Elena’s favor. And that was good enough for Harry.
There was a fierce battle now, and everyone wanted the support of the Krauss family. When the winner was decided, the family may have to change their position completely, which was why they couldn’t be defeated by anyone.
Harry spoke with a satisfied smile.
“I felt it from the beginning, but you and I are alike in many ways.”
*
*
*
After the meeting at the Crown Prince’s palace, Harry returned to his carriage. Elena had offered to see him at the door, but he refused on the basis of her injury.
Kkiigeu—
Harry stepped into the carriage and sat down comfortably.
“Did you get bored waiting? Let’s go now.”
Sitting opposite of Harry was another man. His name was Mikelo, a Ruford scholar in his mid-thirties who served as teacher to Harry.
Mikelo looked at the young man with a worried look.
“Did you really give the brooch to Her Highness?”
“Yes.”
“Your grandfather will yell at you if he finds out.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“Young Master…”
Harry chuckled over Mikelo’s needless worrying. The carriage started to move, and Harry murmured quietly as the palace gardens passed them by.
“You taught me that nothing will change unless one takes action.”
As a matter of fact, Harry did not intend to express his direct interest in Elena until just a short time ago. It was true that he liked her, but it could cause a political fight the moment he revealed it.
Then, he had come across some interesting news. Elena had been shot by an arrow, and the location of the injury piqued his interest. Curious, Harry deemed it possible that Elena had taken an arrow meant for Carlisle.
As he mulled over his thoughts, an involuntary shiver ran through his body. His grandfather Evans had taught him this: The Imperial Family were selfish people who understood nothing but their own self-preservation, and Harry should never let them talk their way out of anything.
But Elena was a different creature, a woman who risked her life for someone else.
‘I did what I could do. It’s not direct help, so it doesn’t matter if other powers know.’
The only danger to Harry was that Evans might scold him. His other problems could be blamed on the fact that he was still young and immature. He had made his careful calculations, and decided to hand the brooch to Elena.
Paveluc, Redfield and…Carlisle.
Everyone had to take a bit of gamble sometimes. There was no knowing which one of them would become emperor, but if Harry had to bet on someone, it would be on Elena.
‘Your Highness, today’s information and brooch was all I could offer. I hope you will survive, and that I may see you again when I return to the Ruford Empire.’
He understood why his grandfather Evans did not trust the Imperial Family, but he found himself gradually drawn to Elena without any ostensible reason. She may not realize it, but she was starting to be noticed by a growing number of people.
Harry looked up into the bright sky and murmured to himself.
“…A storm will come soon.”
The heavens were so clear that anyone would know his words had a different meaning.
It had been reported that after Elena was struck by an arrow, Carlisle had begun to gather troops from the battlefield. It was obvious where Carlisle’s anger would be headed, and Harry and his grandfather were leaving the empire under the pretext of Harry’s education. Soon, there may be a huge battle for the throne.
And whoever wins will become the emperor of the Ruford Empire with unlimited power.
