If You Conquer Me - Chapter 20
The shopkeeper, recognizing Limona, glanced around discreetly before leading the two women to the back door. Behind the shop was a storeroom.
When they made their way inside, a man with a hat pulled low over his face swiftly turned toward them as if sensing their presence.
The moment Ophelia recognized the soft lavender eyes hidden beneath the brim, her eyes immediately filled with tears.
“Christian!”
The only person she could truly rely on in this world. Christian, who had been her first friend when she turned seven, and later became both a knight and a teacher to her…
“….Princess.”
The gentle voice of the man who could never raise his voice for fear of others hearing. Yes, he had been her knight. Ophelia rushed toward him, her face lighting up with a bright smile.
“I’ve really, really missed you…”
* * *
A while later.
Ophelia had calmed down and began to explain everything. How she had fought her way through the deadly tournament, how she failed to assassinate Hugo, and how suddenly, Hugo had massacred all the nobles and knights in the banquet hall.
As she continued, Christian’s expression grew more and more serious…
“Huh? What are you saying?”
By the end of her story, when she explained how Hugo had proposed for her to become his mistress, Christian’s face turned stern.
“Are you telling me that you’ve accepted his proposal, Princess?”
Ophelia nodded firmly.
“Yes.”
“How could you, Princess?!”
Christian cried out in disbelief. But Ophelia’s expression remained calm.
“So, it looks like I’ll be leaving for Yerhalt soon.”
“How could you—”
Christian clenched his teeth tightly, unable to contain his emotions any longer, his voice rising once again.
“What reckless act is this? You of all people know that ‘The Children of Ascanior’ can’t continue without you!”
“Listen, Christian. In a way, this is an opportunity.”
“An opportunity?”
“Yes. A chance to be legally close to Grand Duke Morgana.”
“What…?”
Christian couldn’t hide his disbelief. But Ophelia’s expression remained unfazed.
“Grand Duke Morgana is one of Yerhalt’s highest-ranking nobles, with close ties to the imperial family. He’s also a high-ranking military official.”
Ophelia paused for a moment.
“The Yerhalt scions are quite interested in me, you see.”
“I wonder how the imperial family of Yerhalt would feel if your identity were ever revealed.”
Suddenly, Hugo’s sharp voice echoed in her mind. Christian, sensing her distraction, called out.
“Princess?”
“Oh, right. Sorry.”
Ophelia snapped back to the present and continued.
“Moreover, with the way Yerhalt’s army has been led, I’ll be in close contact with the military too.”
“That’s…”
“I’ll stay by the Grand Duke’s side and gather information.”
Her blue eyes sparkled with determination.
“You know how important information is, Christian.”
“….”
“Besides, it’s too late to back out now.”
Ophelia smiled bitterly.
“The only reason I’ve been able to stay alive is because I accepted his proposal.”
“Princess, I…”
Christian tried to speak, his lips moving a few times before he sighed and fell silent. Ophelia noticed his defeated expression, and it made her feel guilty. She spoke gently to reassure him.
“Don’t worry so much. You trust me, right?”
“…I do.”
“Christian, I know how hard you’ve been working. I trust you.”
Ophelia forced a bright smile.
At that moment, Christian realized it. Ophelia had considered every possibility and made her decision. And with that look on her face, there was no way he could change her mind.
“Then…”
Christian spoke in a deep voice.
