RETURN OF THE FEMALE KNIGHT

114. Not Yet

The tournament was hosted in the capital every four years, and was a large event for the Imperial Family. The interest and love the subjects had for the monarchy was enormous, and the knight who would win the competition was an enormous draw as well. There was a large festival where not only knights from various families and regions participated, but numerous prospective knights who wanted to make a name for themselves as well.

As the day of the tournament grew closer, the capital city of the Ruford Empire began to flood with crowds. The number of knights from each province and those who came to see them was beyond imagination. Among them was Namgil, who came from the Duchy of Lunen to observe the matches.

"Make way for Grand Duke Lunen's arrival!"

Namgil's procession was magnificent in scale. He was at the head atop his horse, followed by an impressive train of knights. They were elites experienced in war, and had an atmosphere as sharp as a well-forged blade. The people of the Ruford Empire welcomed him like a war hero and bowed to him deeply. He had been expected to succeed the throne since a young age, and his image was far more revered than that of the other Imperial Family members.

Upon arriving in the capital, Namgil headed for the palace. The palace had readied itself to welcome him after receiving the message of his arrival.

Emperor Gongyoo was seated at the head of the dining room, with Empress Ophelia placed next to him. On a lesser seat sat Second Prince Mingyu, and on the left side of the Emperor were Jungkook and Lalisa.

"cough, cough."

Gongyoo's face was pale as he coughed hoarsely.

Suddenly, the entrance door opened and Namgil strode into the dining room. He knelt before Gongyoo with a broad smile.

"Hail to His Majesty the Emperor. Eternal glory to the Ruford Empire."

While Namgil was the elder of the two brothers, he immediately was subservient when Gongyoo rose to the throne. It was the natural order for the ruler and ruled. Gongyoo was the emperor, and Namgil was the servant.

Gongyoo smiled gently as he spoke to Namgil.

"Your greetings are too much. It must have been a difficult journey to the capital."

"Not at all, Your Majesty. I brought you a little something on the way from Lunen."

Namgil gave a glance backwards, and several servants waiting outside came carrying a wealth of treasure that exceeded the tributes of other kingdoms. A look of surprise crossed Sullivan's face.

"cough, why did you bring so much?"

"Consider it my sincerest honor. I hope you'll be happy to accept it."

Namgil bowed deeply as he expressed his gratitude to Emperor Gongyoo. Lalisa couldn't help but admire Namgil inwardly as she watched the scene. Because Namgil hid his claws, Gongyoo had no reason to expel him.

That didn't mean Gongyoo did not have suspicions about his brother, however. Although the emperor appeared to smile, he was extremely wary about his brother's arrival at the capital. Namgil hid his ambition, and while Gongyoo and the rest of the Imperial Family welcomed him, the court was not a place to judge someone by their outward appearance.

Now that Lalisa was part of the Imperial Family, she clenched her teeth and she forced herself to remain calm at Namgil's appearance.

'...Not yet.'

Unlike in her previous life, he was not the only enemy she had to face now. Her red eyes flickered towards Ophelia and Mingyu sitting across from her. Jungkook hadn't said anything to her yet, but she knew it was likely that the Empress planned the ambush on them.