As My Husband Said, I Brought in a Lover – Chapter 197

Author: alyalia

“Ah, yes. Since they have similar builds and are both quite handsome, Lord Edward often used Ellisian’s name as a cover identity. Their features are different, but with a wig and a change in eye color, they look somewhat alike from a distance.”

“Considering that Ellisian has met many people and known Edward for quite a while, he seems like a suitable stand-in. What do you think?”

“Now that you mention it, you’re right. That’s a good idea.”

Ellisian, after hearing the rough explanation, gladly accepted their proposal. While he was getting ready, Luize and the group continued to devise a plan.

“If Edward was conscious, he would have sensed through the magic stone that we were in distress. Since he hasn’t contacted us first, it’s likely he’s unconscious.”

“…Is there no way for us to wake Lord Edward? Maybe we could come up with something if we bring the magic stone to a wizard.”

Maxion shook his head at Aiven’s suggestion.

“There’s not enough time to find a trustworthy wizard.”

“Wait a moment. Robin, Aiven, do you remember what happened at the temple? When we communicated using this magic stone.”

Robin suddenly lifted his head. “That’s right, we did. Should we try it now?”

“…Try sending a message to me.”

Robin nodded seriously at Aiven’s words. A few seconds of silence passed.

“Did you hear anything?”

“…No. It seems like our communication is blocked.”

“This is one of those times when Edward’s respect for the privacy of his team isn’t helpful…” Luize trailed off with a disappointed expression but then paused. “…It’s not that I don’t trust Edward. I do trust him.”

“Why would you suddenly say something so obvious?” Hendrik looked at Luize in confusion.

“It’s just that I have a feeling Edward might not have closed off the function of my magic stone. Of course, I’m not sure if it’s possible…”

Everyone was briefly surprised by Luize’s words but quickly understood.

“I think so too.”

“It’s probably still open.”

“Haha, it definitely seems likely.”

“Ppi.” [He’s the type who would do that.]

“…”

After Maxion, Robin, Hendrik, and Ren answered one by one, Aiven nodded.

“Shall we give it a try?”

“We’ve got nothing to lose.”

At Robin’s response, Luize resolutely nodded and pulled out the pendant from her necklace, holding it in her hand. This way, it felt like her voice would reach him a little better.

[Edward.]

[Edward? Can you hear me?]

There was no immediate response to her inner call. It was only after calling out to him a few more times that the long-awaited voice echoed in Luize’s mind.

[I’m in the underground prison in the north of the imperial palace. I need Robin and Aiven’s help. The path is…]

The joy of receiving a response was short-lived as the latter part of the message was unclear. Luize quickly replied.

[Edward, I’m sorry. I didn’t catch the details after you mentioned needing Robin.]

[Edward?]

[Edward, can you hear me?]

But that was the end of the reply.

When Luize shared what she had heard, Robin pointed to himself. “He said he needs me?”

“Yes, that’s right. And you were the first he mentioned.”

“Why? In terms of healing, Lady Luize, you’re more skilled in many ways.”

“I don’t know the reason. And since it’s related to dark magic, he also mentioned Aiven… The part I couldn’t hear was the problem. I’m not sure if he was trying to tell us the way or introduce a guide. Judging by the time it took for him to finish, it seems like the explanation was quite lengthy.”

Hendrik gazed seriously at the map of the imperial palace.

“Indeed, it sounds like we would need a guide. While most of the knights have a rough idea of the palace’s layout, I understand the emperor has expanded the buildings and roads in various places.”

“Getting inside is an immediate issue. Edward probably used magic, but that’s difficult for us. If it were just me, I might manage somehow, but getting everyone in will be much harder. And right before the coronation, with the VIP guests invited, the security will be much tighter.”

“That’s right. Raphaela, who has been officially designated as the next pope to support His Highness and her knight order are also scheduled to arrive soon. I believe they’re arriving at the palace today.”

“Ppii?” [Then why not enter with them?]

Hearing Ren’s suggestion, Maxion replied.

“It’s today, and we have no way to contact them.”

“Ppi, ppiiii ppiippi.” [We do have a way. Quirrel is with their captain right now.]

“…!”

When Maxion translated, Luize immediately wrote a letter and handed it to Ren, who sent it to Quirrel. Soon, as Ren waited patiently, it suddenly opened its eyes wide.

“Ppiii. Ppiippippi? Ppiiii.” [They’ve already left but haven’t entered the palace yet. They suggested we join them on the outskirts of the capital? It seems they can also introduce someone who can help inside the palace.]

Thanks to this, Luize and her group’s plan to infiltrate the palace was quickly finalized.

As Robin packed the medical supplies, he muttered. “If we had just waited a few days, we could have entered legally. Who would have thought His Highness would be kidnapped at this time?”

“…Indeed.” Luize nodded in agreement. “It’s hard to believe Edward was kidnapped. I hope he didn’t let his guard down and enter the palace by himself only to fall into a trap.”

“Surely His Highness wouldn’t have entered the enemy’s base alone without bringing any of us with him. What are you thinking? It must have been the empress dowager’s cunning scheme that led to his kidnapping.”

“It seems someone with exceptional skills snuck into the estate without us noticing. I’ll have to increase the training time. From now on, I’ll do my best to ensure I can protect Edward with the highest level of skill.”

Luize’s words made the other two nods gravely.

* * *

As promised, Raphaela and the second order of holy knights waited for them on the outskirts of the capital. Quirrel, sitting on Matthias’s shoulder, waved cheerfully when he spotted Luize.

“Jjijik!”

“Quirrel, it’s been a while.” Luize briefly shared her joy at reuniting with Quirrel.

“It’s good to see you again.”

“You look well. Soon, we’ll have to call you Her Holiness, I suppose? It’ll be harder to talk casually to you then.”

“I hope you’ll treat me the same. Even a pope needs a close friend to share memories with.”

After exchanging greetings, Luize and her group immediately listened to Matthias’s plan. As expected of a knight captain, Matthias had excellent problem-solving skills.

“You’re suggesting we wear the paladins’ uniforms?”

“Yes. Since we don’t have any extra uniforms, this seems like the best option.”

“Will just wearing the paladins’ uniforms be enough to sneak in?”

“The imperial family only has a headcount, so they won’t notice. Not all knights have golden eyes, so you won’t need to change your eye color. The knights who changed into casual clothes will be instructed to wait at a nearby inn.”

“That’s a good idea. By the way, who will you introduce as our guide within the imperial palace?”

“My younger brother works in the palace. Many knights from my family are stationed there, so if you’re with him, there won’t be much suspicion. I was planning to greet him during this visit to the palace.”

Matthias was the eldest son of the prestigious Marquis Edvin, a former captain of the White Lion of the first imperial knight order. Even after his retirement, the marquis continued to train many young knights. He still worked as a swordsmanship instructor, moving between the family estate and the palace. Despite stepping down from the captain position due to an injury, he remained a sharp sword for the imperial family.

“I see. Will he help us?”

“I believe so. He’s still lacking in skill and has a strong sense of pride, but he’s not a bad kid.”

“Well, he is Captain Edvin’s younger brother, so we can trust him.”

Thanks to the collaboration with the paladins, the infiltration of the palace went smoothly. Disguised as paladins, they were each assigned rooms, and as dinner time approached, they waited in their rooms to avoid being recognized.

Knock, knock. Matthias visited the room where Luize and her group were staying.

“He has agreed to help. Please, greet him.”

As Matthias stepped aside, a tall knight in the first imperial knight order’s uniform entered the room.

“Greetings. My name is Rante di Edvin of the first imperial knight order! It’s an honor to meet you!”

Robin and Aiven greeted him calmly.

“Nice to meet you. Thank you for your help.”

“…Hello.”

Normally, Luize would have been the first to respond, but she was frozen in place, stiffly standing. Everyone’s attention turned to her.

Noticing their gazes, Luize quickly greeted him. “Ah, yes… Hello.”

“Yes. Nice to meet… you?”

At the sound of Luize’s voice, Rante’s expression stiffened slightly.

That person…