Saving The Abandoned Empress

48 “Annual Banquet” (1)

Eleanora’s pov ~

As the founding day of the empire and the annual banquet was approaching, the capital city of Valentino became crowded with incoming nobles.

Where the dukes and knights were busy in the border inception and relief distribution.

The boutiques specializing in dresses for nobles were booming, and the commoner people were also satisfied with the emperor, thanks to the release of the massive reserve grains.

Some of the nobles balked at the luxurious ceremony at a time when the empire was suffering from famine, but the emperor was determined to have the banquet to proceed in a splendid manner as always, even if the imperial family was financially strained because of the poor crops.

Nobles usually attend the banquets with an intension to find a suitable marriage partner. So, they won’t miss this opportunity where all the nobles familly attend.

Everyone was in a cheerful mood, but i couldn’t be. Because of the last annual banquet, that i attended in my previous life.

I kept remembering the events of that day, The starter day of my hell. How he happily announced his mistress as a queen. How i was treated after that day.

As the day was coming nearer day by day, i was getting more and more nervous.

.....

“Please eat a little more, young lady. You have to go through a big event tomorrow...”

“I can’t eat anymore. Let me stop here. By the way, Maria, have you heard anything from my father?”

“No, not yet. Don’t worry too much, lady. He will be in touch with you soon.”

“... Got it.”

I lay on my bed and thought about it. What happened? Although those officials dispatched to the border returned to the capital one by one, I haven’t heard anything from him.

‘Did something bad happen to him? What if he never comes back?’

I kept sending letters but i didn’t got any letter from him in the last four months.

He sent only three letters in whole one and half a year.

When I came to think of the day of possible farewell to him, my heart sank. I couldn’t stand it. I need my father, Without him, i can’t escape.

“Let’s not think that way, Eleanora.”

I murmured to myself, holding the doll he gave me when i was three. Probably he forgot to send me a letter because he had to go on a long journey.

In terms of swordsmanship, he was the best and strongest man in the empire. So, there is no possibility that somebody could harm him.

Besides, he didn’t go to the battlefield, but the border area for regular inspection.

I curled up and pulled the blanket over me. I was exhausted because I had to prepare for the ceremony for the past several days, but I was still lucid.

While tossing and turning on the bed because of endless idle thoughts, I opened my eyes at the noise coming from outside.

‘What’s going on?’

Shortly afterwards, Jennie came in and asked carefully.

“My lady, Lennie wants to see you immediately. What should I do?”

“Really? Please let her in. I would rather move to another place to talk with her, but I’m too weak to do so.”

“Okay, my lady..”

I slowly raised my body and sat, leaning against the pillow. What the heck is going on? Why did she came alone to visit me?

“May i come in, Princess?” I heard Liana’s voice, she uses honorifics when we are outside because of our status.

“Yeah, Come in.” I replied and the door opened up.

Liana is still wearing her priestess clothes, where i can only see her eyes.

“It’s been a while, Ele. I was going to ask if you were keeping well, but you don’t look good.”

“Well, i think so too.”

“Why do you look so pale? Should i use my healing powers a bit?”

Looking a bit tired, Liana approached my bed and kneeled beside it.

Beside Ain, i also got close to Liana and brother Dominic in the past year.

I often hang out with Liana and Dominic in my free times.

Liana held my shaking hands, “I’ve come here to tell you something, but you look too tired. Should I leave?”

“Oh, no. I’m a little tired, but I can talk with you.”

“Are you really okay?”

“Yes, don’t worry.” When I smiled feebly, she felt sympathetic.

“So, are you prepared now to tell me? Ana?”

“Yes, sort of.”

“I’m sure you must have been distressed as your father was away.”

“Well, a little.”

I could say I was very distressed, but I didn’t as i had Ain beside me to keep me accompany.

Liana looked at me anxiously, she gently patted my hands and comforted me. Maybe she used a bit of her holy powers, and i felt my strength coming back a little.

But i wondered why i was still so weak when i had more divine holy powers? Maybe i should study a bit about this.

I smiled gently, feeling her warmth when she touched my hands.

There was silence for a long time. She said she came here to tell me something, but she kept hesitating, as usual.

What was she trying to tell me? The moment I tried to ask because I couldn’t wait anymore, Liana said with a determined expression,

“You know, Ele...Actually, while I was talking with my sister, I came to hear about your condition until now.”

“I can’t tell you everything, but can you please trust my words and do as i ask you to do?”

I was a bit surprised at her words. Just exactly what she can’t spoke off? What is she afraid of and what is she trying to do?

“Let me hear it first, i can only tell my answer to you then.” I spoke with a gentle manner, i knew Lennie would never ask for something that i can’t do or inappropriate.

“Please, Don’t let the crown prince drink anything that the maids serves tomorrow at the banquet.”

Liana said with a lot of hesitation and i just stare at her.

“Why?” The words just came out of my mouth.

“I can’t tell you, but once he drinks it; everything will start to change again...”

“If you can, then try to take him out of the palace for a few days...”

I could sense the fear in her voice, when she spoke. Something is wrong. Is it related to my past?

Will the future change and i will be saved if i do this? But why can’t Liana tell this to me?

“Ana, Let me ask you this way as you can’t answer. Someone will mix something that is harmful for his health, and even if they fails, they will attempt for another chance. This is why i need to take him out of the palace, Right?”

Liana didn’t answered and kept silent. But the way she sighed in relief, told me that i was right.

“Ana, you know i collapse and tremble, everytime i see him. I don’t know how i am about to do this, but... i will try my best.”

“Thank you for trusting me, Ele. I will really tell you everything once i can. Thank you so much for trusting me.”

Liana jumped up in happiness and hugged me tightly. I hugged her back but It felt like, she wasn’t just trying to save him, someone else too.

But who?