CHAPTER 439: DEATH KNELL

News from the frigid Northern Front could not reach the imperial capital in a single day, just as the howling cold winds outside Liya Tower Fortress could not penetrate the prosperous and affluent city of Post.

By late May, the imperial city’s temperature gradually shifted toward summer. Noble ladies obsessed with fashion began switching to lighter attire. Even amidst the capital’s increasingly tense atmosphere, these beautiful young girls, dressed in elaborate little dresses, legs sheathed in colorful sheer stockings, feet in exquisite high heels, remained the most dazzling sight on the streets.

Astrid sat by the window with one leg crossed over the other. Her figure was gently wrapped in an ornate night-sky-blue dress. Her silken, lustrous silver hair cascaded down her back, softly supported by two equally fair hands.

Behind her stood Elise, a raven-haired beauty in a black-and-white maid uniform, meticulously tending to the Imperial Princess’s hair with delicate movements.

Today was May 28th. It had been nearly a month since Hibbort last appeared before everyone, and it was also the day Lucas accepted Helen’s invitation to visit her suburban villa for flower viewing.

Feeling the gentle, precise touch behind her, Astrid relaxed, propping her elbow on the windowsill and resting her cheek on the back of her hand. Her cool red eyes gazed outside, her long legs, sheathed in fine black stockings, lightly crossed. Sunlight poured in, the soft silk of her stockings reflecting a warm luster on her thighs. Every inch of texture seemed to shimmer faintly, adding a hint of mystery and elegance.

"Miss, Prince Lucas departed his residence by carriage a quarter hour ago, heading toward the flower-viewing location he arranged with Miss Helen."

Elise continued brushing Astrid’s hair as she softly reported, her beautiful face bathed in morning light, enhancing the refined contours of her features.

"Accompanying him are the First Prince’s personal guard unit, six middle tier Master Knights, three early tier Magnus, and one peak tier Master Knight who just completed promotion earlier this year."

"This is the highest-scale royal guard detail, and the most complete in numbers. Knowing he’s leaving the capital, which is filled with sentry soldiers, Prince Lucas has been more alert than before."

Presumably, someone close warned Lucas, advising against venturing out during this critical period. But the lust-driven First Prince merely symbolically increased his escort and otherwise ignored the advice.

Still, this behavior was perfectly in line with Astrid’s impression of her older brother.

After suppressing his hedonistic nature for so long, a rare opportunity had finally presented itself, he naturally had to seize it.

Astrid gently rubbed her legs. The pointed tip of her pure black high heels gleamed brightly in the sunlight, revealing her foot’s arch not fully covered by the shoe. The subtle texture where silk met leather perfectly accentuated the softness of her instep, creating shadows and light that resembled a tempting black chocolate pudding.

"Can we continue tracking their movements?"

Leaving the urban area meant not only reduced security but also fewer means for monitoring Lucas. After all, no merchants would sell bread in the middle of the wilderness.

Upon hearing Astrid’s words, Elise continued her motions before replying.

"Reporting, Miss. At Count Roast’s estate, I’ve already planted an informant in advance."

After learning of Astrid’s suspicions regarding Helen’s identity, Elise had begun infiltration work, attempting to place eyes and ears.

High-level roles like butlers or security guards were difficult to infiltrate and attracted suspicion, so they were never Elise’s first choice. But minor roles like gardeners or groundskeepers were easier to manipulate, and within half a month, the job was done.

After all, such a vast estate, planted with so many tulips, required a large workforce.

"I see..." Astrid murmured, her beautiful eyes half-lidded, long lashes catching specks of light.

That was the downside of this otherworld, no internet, no transmission devices. No matter how thorough the surveillance, information transfer took significant time. By the time they obtained first-hand intelligence, whatever was supposed to happen would already have occurred.

But sending Astrid herself, or even Elise, to confirm the situation was absolutely impossible.

Who knew how dangerous Alistair’s trap might be? If he truly went mad, dragging another Imperial Princess into his suicide wasn’t out of the question, though rationally, such an act would only enrage the still-living Emperor and be harder to pull off. Yet who could predict the thoughts of a rabid dog?

"It seems in this game of chess, we’re destined to remain mere spectators."

If events unfolded exactly as in the original story, Lucas should survive this encounter, but lose half his life and all reproductive functions, cutting off the royal bloodline.

Once the nobles discovered this truth, he would likely lose his succession rights. In the original story, Lucas concealed his infertility until death, only briefly attaining the throne.

Before the final truth was revealed, many nobles believed Lucas had simply matured, becoming reserved and composed.

On the other hand, if events deviated from the original, and Alistair succeeded in killing Lucas, the leaderless faction of the First Prince would have no choice but to rely on the secondary figure, the Third Princess. Then, Astrid could naturally inherit his political legacy, purge those responsible for the prince’s assassination, and pave the way for Amalia’s rise.

The least likely scenario was Alistair’s failed assassination, leaving Lucas unharmed and using the incident to completely eliminate the Second Prince’s chance of ascending. That was precisely the outcome Astrid wished to avoid the most.

It would mean she’d have to confront the First Prince at full strength, with him in the open and the Fourth Princess in the shadows. Lucas’s political support could surpass historical levels, easily influencing Hibbort’s final decision.

At this thought, Astrid silently prayed that this Second Prince, with whom she’d had no real interaction, would exert more effort for the throne and eliminate her last obstacle.

After finishing her grooming, Astrid left her bedroom and walked to Amalia’s room, gently knocking on the door.

Perhaps recognizing the familiar sound of high heels, the moment Astrid’s hand touched the door, it opened inward.

"Good morning, Sister."

A black-haired, white-dressed, cold-looking little girl stood at the door, her vivid red eyes reflecting Astrid’s face.

The next second, the girl took Astrid’s hand. Her milky-white dress swayed like lotus leaves.

Even though they woke at the same time, the girl had dressed much faster.

Astrid lightly touched Amalia’s cheek with the back of her other hand. The girl, in response, snuggled close, affectionately rubbing against her like a well-behaved kitten.

"It’s time for breakfast," Astrid said.

Amalia placed a soft kiss on the back of Astrid’s hand, her white-stockinged legs stepping lightly.

"Yes, Sister."

................

Meanwhile, inside the carriage, Lucas watched the scenery blur past outside the window, a faint heat rising in his chest.

Helen’s message, delivered through her servant, didn’t merely invite him to view flowers, it also asked him to stay overnight at the estate, so they could talk through the night.

A man and a woman alone together, viewing flowers and conversing late into the night, the subtext was obvious. As the playboy of the capital, Lucas naturally understood Helen’s unspoken invitation.

That was why he rejected the steward’s advice to remain in the capital and insisted on going to Count Roast’s estate.

Day after day, surrounded by noble ladies, soaked in perfume, yet restrained by so many rules, unable to release his desires, Lucas, by nature a hedonist, had long grown restless.

Now, with opportunity within reach and political rivals faltering, he was riding a wave of confidence. Unable to resist the temptation, Lucas saw no reason to refuse.

Moderately releasing desire wasn’t a bad thing.

As the carriage passed through the woods outside the city, several vehicles tightly surrounded Lucas’s. The blond man impatiently tapped his leg, completely unlike the composed royal heir he was supposed to be.

Time passed minute by minute. After an unknown duration, the carriage halted before the estate. Helen, dressed in a flowing white silk gown and elegantly adorned, stood waiting at the entrance.

"Prince Lucas, you shine today like the sun itself."

As Lucas stepped down, Helen courteously bowed. Behind her, a maid promptly lowered an umbrella, shielding the young lady from direct sunlight.

"Miss Helen flatters me," Lucas replied. Before others, he was nothing like his private self, graceful and polite, he extended his hand for Helen to take and rise.

"Miss Helen’s attire is truly radiant. I daresay no flower could rival the beauty before me."

His gaze didn’t wander. He focused solely on the noble lady before him, and withdrew his hand cleanly and swiftly.

When it came to surface appearances, Lucas was a master.

"Prince Lucas is teasing again."

Helen smiled gently, signaling her maids to lead the way.

"Please come inside the mansion for a gathering. Have some tea to ease the discomfort of the journey. Later, we’ll head to the garden for flower viewing."

Lucas gave a slight nod, responding with perfect gentlemanly manners.

"I sincerely thank Miss Helen for your generous hospitality."

With that, he gave a glance to his guard captain, who directed the others to disembark and follow at a respectful distance.

Helen said nothing, merely continuing to accompany Lucas into the estate.

Along the way, several middle-aged gardeners in gray-brown uniforms bent over, carefully trimming plants with shears. Sunlight fell on them, highlighting glistening beads of sweat on their necks.

Seeing the sharp iron tools in their hands, occasionally snapping with a "click-click" sound, Lucas’s gaze lingered briefly on the sharp metal blades. His skin inexplicably prickled with a faint sting.

As if... he was too close to them, so close that a misstep might make contact...

Yet they were still some distance from the flower beds.

After a brief daze, the shears continued working, cutting unruly shrub branches into neat shapes, like shaving away excess beard.

Listening to the soft sound of high heels nearby, Lucas suppressed his unease and kept following Helen.

Leaving the open area, they entered the mansion where magical devices hummed. Lucas felt a cool breeze wash over him, mixed with the scent of flowers.

At the smell of these refreshing, complex aromas, Lucas couldn’t help but think of that silver-haired, red-eyed beautiful younger sister. Through her unique blending techniques, she monopolized the entire Empire’s spice processing industry, whether perfumes, bath products, or the incense now wafting in the mansion, they were most likely crafted by Astrid.

He wondered... if the scent on her body was even more intoxicating...

Patience. The day he could finally get close to her was drawing near.

Accepting tea from a maid, Lucas politely folded his hands on the table.

"I remember my last meeting with Miss Helen was at the capital’s public hall..."

"I was deeply captivated by your beauty and eloquence upon first sight. I never expected we’d meet again so soon."

Warm tea rose into a faint white mist between them. Helen smiled softly at his words.

"It’s my honor to share tea with Prince Lucas."

"I’ve heard many noble ladies wish for an audience with you."

A clear flattery, yet also true. Coming from Helen’s lips, it pleased Lucas immensely.

"Even so, Miss Helen stands out uniquely among them."

"Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here."

Helen laughed. "Prince Lucas is too good at charming young ladies."

Exchanging polite flattery, speaking the required noble courtesies, they finished one round of tea and began another.

Aside from the two at the central tea room, the guards accompanying the First Prince had settled into the reception hall. They kept their distance, avoiding pressure on the conversation, while still tightly controlling all exits and entrances, ensuring no assassin could pass unnoticed.

Meanwhile, in another building of the mansion, directly opposite the reception hall, a small white villa, Alistair stood wearing a hood, his blue eyes scanning the carriages parked at the estate’s entrance.

Three days ago, he had left a decoy who closely resembled him active in the Second Prince’s mansion to mislead observers, while he himself slipped out and infiltrated Roast Count’s private suburban estate ahead of time.

No carriage. No transportation. Relying solely on his current Arcanist level mana, he flew by manipulating wind magic.

This way, he could move without a trace, completing the final phase of his plan without anyone’s knowledge.

Using himself as insurance, ensuring the successful assassination of Lucas Valeria.

Though Alistair didn’t want to personally stain his hands with royal blood, to guarantee absolute success, he had to prepare for every possibility.

He lowered the frequency of his mana output, completely masking his presence. Hidden in the shadows, he stared coldly at the mansion.

Lucas, your death knell has already rung.

As thoughts passed through his mind, Alistair sensed something flicker within his mana detection field, but upon closer inspection, he found no source.

"..."

Must be an illusion.

At his current level, evading mana detection required either a peak tier Master Knight specialized in stealth techniques, or a mage stronger than himself.

Alistair knew of only one peak tier Master Knight skilled in stealth, Elise, who should currently be with Astrid and couldn’t possibly be here.

As for a stronger mage... their strength would have to approach middle tier Arcanist Mage...

Lucas couldn’t possibly have someone like that as his personal bodyguard.