RETURN OF THE FEMALE KNIGHT

131. The Trap (2)

Those who had been gossiping about Mingyu's alleged drug use now turned their sights to Jungkook. Despite the worsening opinion, Jungkook remained unyielding. No one could get Mingyu out of the Crown Prince's palace against his will, not even Empress Ophelia with her many soldiers. And so, Mingyu remained trapped in the palace. After several days, the National Founding Day arrived.

Lalisa was meticulously tying Jungkook'scravat as usual. The situation so far didn't seem favorable to him, but she never asked him a single question about it. That was the extent of how much she trusted in his judgment. He had said he would blow the doors open at the National Founding Day, and she could only guess what would happen.

Upon seeing Lalisa's serious expression, Jungkook gave a soft smile in attempt to lighten the mood.

"What are you thinking so hard about with such a cute face? Are you worried about what will happen today?"

"..."

"Well, many things may change depending on today's outcome."

She glanced upwards at his face, and he continued on in a softer voice.

"What will you do if something terrible happens to me?"

Despite his question, his gaze was confident. After ruminating on it for a moment, Lalisa replied in a casual voice.

"I don't know. Perhaps I shall cut off the neck of the Second Prince? Then he wouldn't be able to take the throne."

Jungkook gave a low chuckle at her words. He lowered his eyes and stared at her with a penetrating gaze.

"That's just like you. But if you do that, the Empress will place many charges against us and have us both executed."

Killing the Second Prince, who had not even been formally convicted, would be a great risk to Jungkook, and an all-out war against Ophelia may force him to step down. Overthrowing the Imperial family by military force meant scorched earth tactics—he would not only have to remove Mingyu, but Emperor Gongyoo as well. If Jungkook tried to have Mingyu killed in a half-hearted manner, he would only be further from the throne. Lalisa was aware of that as well.

"That doesn't mean I can't do anything for you."

Jungkook's blue eyes trembled slightly at her unexpected show of support. He smiled faintly and brushed his fingers against her pale cheek.

"Don't worry. There won't be trouble. If this goes to plan, then soon you'll hold your side of the contract you made a long time ago."

"The contract..."

The memory suddenly came to her head.

— When you become empress as you desire, live only as my wife.

It was one of their agreements when they made their contract marriage. They wouldn't sleep together until she became empress, which meant that the moment Jungkook took the throne, the pair would truly be coupled.

Lalisa's heart pounded in her chest. She didn't know why, but there was always a lingering heat in his eyes whenever he backed away from kissing her. She didn't understand why he only came into their bedroom only when he was exhausted—it was all because he was doing his best to keep his word with her.

"On my coronation day, I'm thinking of burning the couch first."

Elena's cheeks turned pink. Since the wedding, Elena slept on the bed, while Carlisle took the couch. She understood his implication.

"Do what you want. At that time...you won't need a couch anyway."

Lalisa suddenly felt embarrassed at the words that left her mouth, and her ears burned. Jungkook wasn't the only one hoping for such a moment. More than anyone else, she hoped for the days when Jungkook would become emperor and she could keep her family safe. She hadn't given the contract details much consideration...but when everything was finished, she would live just as Jungkook's woman.