The Web of Knightspur-Chapter 162

Princess Eleanor did not remember how she had entered the room, but the Crown Prince’s words were still ringing clearly in her head.

Princess Eleanor was not angry that the Crown Prince knew about her Uncle. After all, anyone would find out with a little investigation that she blamed her Uncle for her family’s death. After all, he was the one who had pushed her aside and took over the kingdom when she was still grieving.

Princess Eleanor took a deep breath as she closed her eyes and sat on her bed. The Crown Prince’s words were not completely wrong, and Princess Eleanor knew that. If she was in the Empress’ position, who would blame her if she wanted to take revenge on her Uncle? He would not be in a position to do so, but Princess Eleanor also knew that it would be hard even for one with the title of Empress.

’War is an Empire’s decision and no one, in particular, could take it. Even though the order had to be given by the Emperor or the Empress, nobles had to agree,’ Princess Eleanor thought as she took a deep breath. She looked up at the ceiling as she sighed, ’But the Crown Prince said that he would help me. Can he really? Will it be such an easy task?’

Princess Eleanor did not know what to think about it. The offer was not bad, but Princess Eleanor could not figure out the cost of it. Who knows how much it would cost her in the future?

Soon Princess Eleanor heard a knock on her door and her mind returned to reality. She shook the heavy thoughts away as she called out, "Come in,"

Princess Eleanor thought that it must be Nia. It could not be anyone else who would come to her room at this time of night. But to her surprise, it was not her lady in waiting, but someone totally unexpected.

"Lady Gisella," Princess Eleanor got up gracefully from the bed as she saw Lady Gisella bow to her from her position at the door. "Please raise your head."

Lady Gisella looked at the Princess after raising her head. "Princess, how are you?" Lady Gisella moved towards the Princess as she smiled. Both of them soon sat on the chair as Princess Eleanor felt peaceful and relaxed.

"Well, what I can say apart from Doctor Raul’s medicine is working? But I did not expect to meet Lady Gisella today though..."

Lady Gisella looked down at her folded hands in her lap as she sighed, "I wanted to visit the Princess earlier, but I had to complete the remaining work. That is why I could only come here now. But Princess," Lady Gisella narrowed her gaze as she continued, "you somehow look a little lost? Is something bothering you?"

Princess Eleanor paused for a moment before nodding her head. She knew that the matter in her mind could not be solved so easily. She had a myriad of thoughts that she needed to get through and come to a conclusion soon.

Princess Eleanor knew that she and Lady Gisella had their differences but they have sorted them out now. Thus, it was a good time to clear her doubts as the Princess believed that Lady Gisella would tell her the truth.

"Can an Empress really do whatever she wants?" Princess Eleanor asked candidly, as she looked at Lady Gisella with anticipation.

Princess Eleanor wanted an answer but she still did not want to share the whole truth with the other party.

"Well, if the Princess is asking such a question, it clearly indicates that someone has told you this?" Lady Gisella smiled, but it did not reach her eyes. And when she saw Princess Eleanor nodding, Lady Gisella’s gaze sharpened. "I will not lie to you, Princess. If you become the Empress, you will have the power but that doesn’t mean that you will be able to do whatever you want. The scope of the Empress’ power is limited and the one who holds the ultimate power or the final say in the Empire is still the Emperor. So even if an Empress wants to do something, she still needs permission from the Emperor."

Princess Eleanor was silent. But she then nodded her head, acknowledging Lady Gisella’s comment. "If she wants to destroy some royal family of a Kingdom, can she do it?" Princess Eleanor asked in a soft voice before she added, "Well of course, if the Emperor is on her side as well." 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Lady Gisella could somewhat understand what the Princess was getting at. She had been to the Angevin Kingdom and had seen the Princess’ condition. It was not hard to determine who she was referring to.

Lady Gisella sighed as she asked, "Did you meet the Crown Prince?" Lady Gisella was well aware that the Crown Prince was here and with the timing and the questions that the Princess was asking, it was not difficult to understand the situation at all.

"Well, the Crown Prince met me," Princess ELenaotr was in no mood to hide it as she replied, "But I want to know if that is really possible?"

Lady Gisella looked at the innocent face of Princess Eleanor. Although the Princess was mature and intelligent for her age, she was someone who wanted to be careful before she took any steps. Lady Gisella had known it long ago, but seeing this again, she could not help but feel sad. After all, a young Princess had to leave her youth behind and enter the grown-up world too soon and Princess Eleanor’s behavior proved it. She had long entered the grown-up world.

"Well, the political situation of the Empire is a little different. Usually, in the Kingdom, the King has the right to declare wars and control almost every aspect of the Kingdom. But not in the Empire." Lady Gisella looked at Princess Eleanor whose eyes were glowing, "Here in the Empire, the Emperor holds the power as long as the temple or the God still believes in him. Still, all decisions cannot be made by him alone. Roulux Empire’s foundation had been carved by the prophecy but that is not the founding stone. The nobles are, so important decisions are usually decided on by the council. Especially when it comes to matters of war."

"So even if one is an Empress, she still needs permission from the council to attack some kingdom?" Princess Eleanor asked in a low voice. Her eyes blinked nervously.

Lady Gisella nodded her head, "But one has to understand that even if you have words from the Crown Prince, it cannot be believed completely." Lady Gisella saw the questionable gaze of Princess Eleanor as she continued, "Well, to be honest, there had been a lot of rumors surrounding the Prince who had drowned. But there is still something that rumors have failed to catch. And that is his biggest strength. The Crown Prince has a way with his words. He is a man who can make you believe whatever he wants, but in the end, he still does whatever he wishes. He is a manipulator who should not be underestimated."

Princess Eleanor nodded her head as her eyes turned sharp. "I understand. But sometimes, the offer is not something you can resist."

"Yes, it might be hard. But Princess, can you tell me if you will be happy with the Crown Prince? I can see that he is trying to convince you to actively become the Crown Princess, otherwise, he would not even be here. But Princess, being in power and being happy are two very different things." Lady Gisella leaned forward as she gently touched Princess Eleanor’s hand, "As an Empress, you might be able to achieve her dreams. But what will happen after that? Will you be happy staying with a man you do not love?"

"But love is not..."

"I know. But one should at least have a good impression of their life partner, should you not?" Lady Gisella cut through Princess Eleanor’s words. Her hold on the Princess’ hand tightened as she continued, "I hope the Princess has not forgotten. The Crown Princess will be selected as per the prophecy and once selected, the Crown Princess will have no place to escape the situation. She will forever be bound to the position of Empress not only by the temple and the Royal family, but also by the expectations of the people as well."

"So what is Lady Gisella saying?" Princess Eleanor asked. Her breathing quickened as she looked at Lady Gisella, waiting for her to explain.

"Princess, I will be honest. I think you have all the qualifications to be the future Empress. But do you really want Crown Prince Richard as the Emperor?"

Princess Eleanor’s eyes widened at Lady Gisella’s words. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. "What you mean is..."

"I think the prophecy says it all, Princess. Think about it." Lady Gisella smiled as she stood up. "I have known you for quite some time and I think we have cultivated a deep bond. I know the Princess will understand what I am saying. I just want you to know that whatever you decide, I will be there as your support. So make wise decisions, Princess."

Lady Gisella left the room after saying what she had come to say, leaving Princess Eleanor alone, deep in thought.