Chapter 289 - Common Enemy

Of course, Max had no intention of blaming her for being sloppy. The fact that Beatrice shared a close relationship with Jubelian would have already reached the emperor’s ears. The only thing Max was worried about was Jubelian getting involved in the emperor’s scheme. He did not know what Mikhail and the emperor were planning, but he was sure it had something to do with the princess.

‘Given that brat’s personality, however… she wouldn’t hover around Jubelian for her sake…’ Just then, Max was reminded of what the lady had said.

“…I want you to take care of Bea tomorrow.” Max still trembled in anger when he thought of the empress. But apart from her, Beatrice was…

‘I no longer hate her.’

Max turned to Victor and opened his mouth. “Victor, risk your life to protect the princess and her friends.” No matter how dimwitted Victor was, when he heard the mention of the princess’ friends, he could vaguely guess the Handkerchief Lady’s identity. Victor swallowed dryly.

‘If the Handkerchief Lady is Lady Floyen, His Highness will not look past this.’

Just then, Victor was engulfed in fear.

“I believe in you.” The crown prince added to the knight’s guilt. Victor was now thoroughly distressed.

* * *

‘I don’t know what kind of gift I should give her.’ Beatrice contemplated on what to get for Jubelian’s coming-of-age gift. She soon frowned. ‘Mikhail and the emperor are plotting against me. Should I stay away from Jubelian?’ She had decided on staying away from her in the first place, and she had even asked one of Maximilian’s knights to protect the lady. Still, Beatrice couldn’t help but feel bitter.

‘There is no one to protect me… I will have to protect myself.’ Her mother, the empress, was no longer giving Beatrice any attention. To make matters worse, most of the princess’ aides were her mother’s people. There was no one she could trust, but she did not despair.

‘It’s fine. I will be needed in the emperor and Mikhail’s plan. They won’t try to get rid of me so soon.’

As Beatrice reassured herself, someone interrupted her thoughts.

“Your Royal Ladyship, His Highness the Crown Prince has come to see you.”

Beatrice sighed once she heard her maid’s voice from outside the door. ‘I guess he came to warn me not to get near her.’ As soon as she opened the door, she was greeted by a man in familiar armor. ‘It mustn’t be that stupid knight called Victor, right?’

The man took off his helmet. This time, it was Maximilian. His expression was serious, and he spoke in a low tone. “I have something to tell you.”

Beatrice nodded. “I know. I won’t go near Jubelian during the hunting contest—”

“No.” Max cut her off. Looking into her eyes, he continued, “Stay close to Jubelian.”

‘Why?’ Beatrice frowned, unable to understand why he was saying such things.

“I will send a knight to escort you tomorrow.”

“An escort?”

Max nodded “Yes. The emperor and empress won’t find it strange. It would be a ceremonial thing, as this is an official event.”

Beatrice understood what he was saying and nodded. ‘I see. The escort is not for me but Jubelian.’ Bea had been worried about getting the lady involved in this scheme. However, she was relieved now that Max had found an escort for her. ‘I don’t want anything to go wrong, so I’ll have to explain what happened with Victor.’ Whatever the reason, Bea believed she had done wrong threatening one of her brother’s subordinates.

Beatrice was about to reveal the truth and apologize to Max when he said, “Don’t worry. Both you and she will be safe.”

Her eyes trembling, Beatrice looked up at her brother in disbelief.