Semua Bab Substitute Queen's Revenge: Bab 171 - Bab 180

Being the king's secret guard was an opportunity countless people dreamed of. But Jane simply skipped over that option without hesitation.George scrutinized her."You're unwilling to serve me. Do you already have a master?"If she hadn't cured him, someone like her—an assassin sneaking into the palace—would have been executed long ago. He was giving her a chance to redeem herself.Jane shook her head."I'm just a wanderer. I have no master."George continued, "Then here's your second option—join the Northern Battalion and serve the nation.""I've heard about the Northern Battalion," Jane responded calmly. "They have a women's unit, don't they?"George lowered his chin slightly. "Yes." Seeing her interest in the women's unit, he coldly reminded her, "That unit was established by Stanley Morris. He's bad-tempered, and the camp's rules are strict. He won't go easy on you just because you're a woman."How could someone so accustomed to freedom endure such discipline?Unbeknownst

Helena's eyes brimmed with madness as she glared at Jane."You have no choice! You wretched woman, take me back to the palace! I must see the king!"Jane remained calm."I can, at most, get you out of this place.""I want to see the king!" Helena's tone was resolute."You know that's impossible," Jane responded calmly. "Letting you see the king would mean there's no way out for me."Helena scoffed, descending into despair as she let out a sinister laugh."Then let us all die! All of us—"She tried to feign indifference, but Jane saw through her act. Jane's gaze turned cold."You love the king so much—can you truly bear to see him die? But I can. Because I have no feelings for him. I don't care whether he lives or dies. I entered the palace solely for revenge."Once I capture that mysterious person, my purpose will be fulfilled. For that, I'm willing to feign obedience and kill the king first! So, you see, you and the king will die, while I will survive to the end."With that

After Richard arrived, George got straight to the point without any preamble."Do you have private relations with the queen?"The authority in George's tone made Richard bow respectfully."Your Majesty, I do not."George stood up, descended from his seat, and stood before Richard. His tall and imposing figure cast a large shadow."You are always measured in your dealings with women and rarely speak to them. That day in the royal forest, I noticed something unusual between you and the queen."If you had dismounted to guide her at an ordinary distance, the queen would not have been able to get close enough to you, even if she drew a blade. You could have simply retreated to ensure your safety."But what I saw was that you were no more than two steps apart. Unless the queen, after recognizing you, intentionally pursued you to strike again. How do you explain this?"George trusted Richard the most. When he noticed the irregularity that day, he had chosen not to expose it immediatel

The pavilion by the royal lake was embraced by a gentle breeze. Despite the serene beauty of the surroundings, it did little to ease the king's simmering anger.George stood with his back to Jane, facing the royal lake, hands clasped behind him. His voice was cold and heavy, carrying a chill like shards of ice."You're far too used to spouting nonsense. Perhaps you need a dip in the lake to clear your head."Jane responded earnestly, "I believe, Your Majesty, that you refused to compromise with Lady Teressa, unwilling to indulge Lady Rachel as she demanded. In desperation, you fabricated an explanation that would put the matter to rest once and for all."If I stand mistaken, I can immediately go to Lady Teressa and clarify that you are perfectly well—"George's gaze turned sharp and menacing.Perfectly well? He was never sick to begin with! If she went back now and stirred up trouble, it would only make things worse."Enough!"Though frustrated, George had to admit that Jane's

The weapon flew through the air at her without warning. Caught off guard, Jane instinctively dodged out of the way.The weapon fell into the water moments later. Then, a figure appeared."Your Majesty truly has remarkable reflexes."It was Richard—again.He stood beneath the shade of a tree, sunlight filtering through the leaves and casting dappled shadows across his handsome face.Jane's gaze turned icy. Without a word, her eyes focused on him, she made a swift movement and a sharp blade slid from her sleeve. Since she'd been exposed, she might as well...Richard's expression remained gentle, his voice calm as he spoke with a smile."Recently, someone has been sneaking into my residence, as if trying to investigate something. Your Majesty, are you aware of this?"Jane, of course, knew. Since she suspected Richard, she had naturally ordered an investigation into his residence. But for him to be so certain it was her, and to confront her here in the palace?Richard took a step