Two-Faced Princess

“I understand.” Apollonia said, meeting Adrian’s gaze as if making a pledge. Apollonia was anxious, but it wasn’t because she had lost her reason due to love or concern for Caelion. “But Adrian, if the two are not there, I’ll be in even greater danger.” Apollonia was sincere. Caelion was the foundation of her accumulated power, and Uriel was her sword that ensured her safety. Without these two people, Apollonia might have lived in a precarious state, unable to regain her imperial position, and her life could have been in danger with just a word from the Emperor and Petra. “Of course, I’m not saying I will personally participate in the battle. I don’t have that ability. I only want to offer some help.”

Adrian’s lips trembled slightly. Her concern wasn’t only limited to direct danger. Even if they were successful, Apollonia’s actions would undoubtedly attract the Emperor’s attention.

“I know what you’re worried about. But if we can succeed in the rescue… I have a plan.” Apollonia reassured her once again. Adrian nodded reluctantly with an uncertain expression. Apollonia took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and then opened them. Her pupils, which couldn’t hide the shock from earlier, regained their usual cold composure. “Adrian, bring Princess Evangeline immediately.” She spoke in a lower voice. The person who could find the two people the fastest and most accurately was inside the palace.

“Yes, Your Highness. But that person…” Adrian, preparing to leave the room, spoke with a worried tone. Apollonia understood her intentions. Evangeline had been helpful in small tasks, but when it came to moments requiring unconditional cooperation, she would step back and demand a price. In other words, her attitude was somewhat rigid. Although she claimed to love Caelion, it was hard to imagine whether she would demand ownership of him as a price for rescuing him. Until now, Apollonia hadn’t considered it a problem. Seeking voluntary cooperation, and consideration for the captive princess, those things were important. However, now she didn’t have the luxury of such negotiations. Apollonia added with a cold expression. “It’s very urgent. If she puts conditions on us this time, our deal is over. I will personally start killing each of those animals she cherished.”Adrian nodded and opened the door.

“Go… Oh!”

As soon as the door opened, a person passed by Apollonia, bowing deeply, and rushed towards her. Behind them, a bewildered guard stood with an awkward expression. Apollonia raised her eyebrows as she recognized the face of the person who had rushed in.

“Princess?”

It was Evangeline. From the main palace to the separate palace, and even from the separate palace to Apollonia’s room, she had come running without hesitation, drenched in sweat.

“Close the door.”

Apollonia gave a short command, and the guard left the three of them in the room and closed the door.

“Princess————”

“Please help, Your Highness.”

Before Apollonia could speak, Evangeline took a step forward towards the chair where Apollonia was sitting. She still kept her head bowed.

“Your Highness.” Evangeline called Apollonia’s name again with a trembling voice and then did something no one could have imagined.

*THUMP*

She kneeled down at Apollonia’s feet. Both Apollonia and Adrian widened their eyes in silence.

“Please help.”

When Evangeline raised her head, her face was revealed. Her forehead was still sweaty, and tear stains were evident on her cheeks.

“Are you asking me for help, princess?” Apollonia asked again, and Evangeline nodded quickly.

A small voice seeped out from her trembling lips. “The Duke… Caelion is in great, great danger. He encountered something terrible.”

As Evangeline started speaking, a few tears streamed down her cheeks once again. She raised her head, seemingly unaffected, and looked at Apollonia.

“I can’t think of anyone other than you, Your Highness, who can help. I can’t do anything alone.” Evangeline spoke shakily. Apollonia was momentarily speechless. It was an unexpected sight from a free-spirited princess. Only then did Apollonia sense a change in Evangeline’s emotions. Did she realize something due to the sudden crisis? No, perhaps she had simply been unable to express her true feelings properly.

“I don’t ask for anything in return. I just want him to survive.” Evangeline pleaded. Her gestures, her voice, and her eyes all conveyed a profound sincerity. “It is difficult to rescue him immediately. But…”

“Princess——

“I love him.”

It was a phrase that Apollonia had already heard from the princess multiple times. However, it was the first time she fully felt the weight behind those words. “Please save him. If you do, then…”

Although her love was said to be accompanied by possessiveness, she was now engaging in actions that contradicted her words. Evangeline lowered her head again, pleading. “I will give you the ‘Eyes of Milon’ completely, Your Highness. I won’t think of myself or Rajan. I will only use it for you, Your Highness.”

The words that she would never expect to hear no matter how much they were shaken came out of Evangeline’s mouth.

“Please… Please stand up.” Apollonia spoke, and Evangeline wiped away her tears as she heard those words. “Is there a way to find the exact location of Caelion and Uriel? How long will it take?”Apollonia asked. Evangeline slowly lifted her eyes and looked at Apollonia. Gradually, her face brightened with hope. She understood that Apollonia had accepted her plea.

“You’re really, really going to do it?”

“They are not only missing and both Caelion and Uriel are my people.”