"You are mistaken, Commander d'Amboise. Lady Estella is by no means attending the ceremony alone. She shall travel with Étoile's envoys and receive our troop's protection."

"His Majesty is correct, My Lord. There is no need to be concerned about my safety. I have confidence in the Étoile Empire's soldiers," Elaine concurred.

"There are dangerous situations even the Étoile's soldiers are ill-prepared for," Elias disagreed. "I'm certain we learned the lesson in the Insidious Forest, Your Majesty."

A deafening silence spread across the chamber as colors drained from the attendees' complexions. Since the unfortunate incident, topics related to the Insidious Forest had been taboo in Étoile's court. No servants or aristocrats dared to utter even a tiny whisper about the event. Yet currently, the Duke of Lévis' heir had referred to it directly in front of the Emperor. Some admonished his foolishness, while others admired his bravery.

"Are you implying my elite soldiers are inadequate?" The Emperor glowered. His eyes emitted an invisible pressure like a mountain crushing down on the audacious black-haired young man before him.

"It is not my intention," Elias replied, maintaining his composure. "I am merely assessing the situation based on previous experiences."

"Your Majesty, I agree with Commander d'Amboise's perspective." The Third Prince again stepped out. "I believe in Étoile's soldiers' capabilities, but we cannot be complacent to unanticipated complications. The Commander's assistance will guarantee the future Crown Princess a smooth journey to the Léonas Empire." Alexander's words reminded the Emperor that although Estella was not of royal blood, she was the future Crown Princess. While accepting that she could be imprisoned or assassinated at the ascension ceremony, traveling to Léonas was another matter. If mishaps happened during the journey, it would humiliate the troops and tarnish the Étoile Empire's formidable military reputation.

The tense atmosphere hung over the chamber while the Emperor slipped into a pensive silence. As the enthralling play climaxed, the captive audience awaited the finale.

"And what of your obligations, Commander d'Amboise?"

"I am not currently occupied with another expedition until next spring, Your Majesty."

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"I see." The Étoile Emperor's gaze switched to Elias' father. "Do you object to your son's decision?"

The Duke of Lévis gave a hearty laugh. "My son has made his choice. I am obliged to support him as his father."

"Very well." The Emperor sighed. "Commander d'Amboise, you are to protect Lady Estella on her journey to and from the Léonas Empire," he decreed.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The emergency gathering in Soleias ended in a twist no one expected. The new Léonas Emperor's ascension ceremony was an event everyone wanted to avoid because of the significant risk. Yet surprisingly, by the conclusion of the gathering, two individuals volunteered, both from the two most prominent noble Houses in Étoile.

Elaine peeked at the male protagonist before following Gerard outside the chamber. Despite his impermeable reasoning, she remained skeptical of his motive. Was it the simple desire to help her or a cover to monitor her movements? No matter her speculations, the fact remained that Elias would accompany Elaine to the Léonas Empire.

'I pray you will not regret your decision, Lady Estella.' Alexander's voice rang in her ears one last time before she crossed outside the chamber.

'Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I will not regret it,' she answered and exited.

More than an hour later, the Duke of Geris' entourage returned to the Croix estate. Instead of pivoting to Estella's manor, the Duke instructed Elaine's carriage to follow him. When they arrived at the main manor, Gerard marched to his study while she trailed after him.

After the study's door closed, he finally turned around. "It seems I have overindulged you these past few months." The Duke stood in front of Elaine. His cold, silver eyes were like icicles piercing hers. Gerard removed his right glove, and a booming sound echoed throughout the chamber.

Elaine's body collided with the floor. Her tongue tasted salty as a crimson liquid dripped from the corner of her lips. Elaine's fingers dug into the carpet while biting her lips, enduring the throbbing pain in her cheek. She had already mentally prepared for the consequences when she volunteered to attend the ascension ceremony without consulting Gerard.

Footsteps noises sounded from the hallway, and seconds later, Cecil's voice called to Elaine. "Milady, are you injured?"

"Sir Ascania, you do not have permission to enter," Yusef's voice followed.

Elaine wiped the blood from her lips and forced a collected tone. "I am fine, Sir Ascania. Return to your station," she commanded. Elaine did not want to involve Cecil. It would only deteriorate the situation further and invite Gerard's wrath to him.

"Milady—"

"Return to your station," she repeated—her voice stern.

The shuffling outside stopped, and after a momentary pause, the blond-haired young man finally replied, "As you wish, milady."

"Get up," the Duke ordered. "Have you forgotten where your loyalty lies? I will no longer tolerate your antics."

Elaine climbed to her feet. Her body trembled from the harsh impact, yet her expression stayed firm. "No, Father. I am a member of the House of Croix and always will be."

"Why did you offer to substitute for the Crown Prince?"

"I believe you already figured out the reason. Do we need to continue this charade?"

"You dare defy my wishes?" he growled, eyes narrowing. The temperature rapidly dropped around him.

The cold penetrated Elaine's skin like a thousand prickling needles. Gerard's ice elemental magic was much more dominant than Estella's. A slight whim from him could have effortlessly subdued or even killed her. However, Elaine was confident that he would not end her, at least not yet. She still had value as a pawn. Elaine's hands gripped her dress, forcing herself to withstand the debilitating frost. She lifted her head and faced the Duke with a steadfast gaze. "I am if it is for the House of Croix's and His Highness' future."