I Was Told 'No One Would Miss You,' So I Became the Empress of Another Country - Episode 35

Finally, Lydia brought us a crucial piece of information.

Leon and Flora planned to sneak into the palace tonight—bringing gunpowder, hiring an assassination team, and making their final move under the cover of darkness.

I rushed to Logan’s office and told him everything I had learned from Lydia.

Several captains of the royal guards were already gathered there, a map spread out in front of them as they waited.

“It’s happening tonight. There’s evidence that Flora bought a large amount of gunpowder from a black market dealer, and Leon has been gathering his men. We still don’t know which part of the palace they will target, but the secret passage seems the most likely entry point.”

As I reported this, Logan nodded firmly and gave orders to his men.

“Good. We’ve already positioned our troops for an ambush. As soon as Flora and Leon break in, surround them immediately. Be extra cautious with the gunpowder—we can’t risk chaos.”

“Understood. We’ll secure the gunpowder the moment we find it.”

As night fell, the palace lights were dimmed to a minimum. We held our breath, waiting for the battle to begin.

The royal guards hid in the hallways, in the shadows of the garden, and in every possible hiding place.

Logan, now wearing armor over his formal attire, stood by my side, ready.

“Are you alright, Celestia? If you’re scared, you don’t have to stand at the front.”

“No. I won’t run away anymore. This time, I want to end this. I want to face them and tell them, ‘Never touch me again.'”

Hearing my words, Logan gave a small smile.

“Alright. But if it gets dangerous, my men and I will step in immediately. Don’t push yourself too hard.”

“I understand.”

The darkness deepened, and past midnight, we finally received the signal from the guards near the secret passage.

A few suspicious figures were moving quietly without torches.

Among them were Leon and Flora.

We adjusted our positions, waiting near the exit of the passage.

If they attempted to start a fire, we would stop them immediately, and the surrounding soldiers would strike all at once.

Then, emerging from the shadows, Leon and Flora came into view.

They had several subordinates with them, carefully pushing barrels of gunpowder forward.

“So this is the passage leading to the emperor’s chambers? If we cause a commotion with explosives, we can take out Logan in the chaos… That’s the best plan.”

“Yes. And I’ll make Celestia regret everything. I’ll never forgive the humiliation of being betrayed by her!”

Flora’s cold voice sent a shiver down my spine.

She was so full of hatred for me.

But I couldn’t let fear control me any longer.

At the signal, the guards raised their lanterns, instantly flooding the area with light.

“That’s enough! Leon! Flora!”

Logan’s voice echoed through the hallway, and their subordinates flinched in shock.

We emerged from both sides of the passage, forming a complete blockade around them.

The guards quickly moved to secure the gunpowder barrels as Flora gritted her teeth and tried to resist.

“Damn it…! How did they know?!”

“Lydia uncovered your plans. Did you really think you could keep using the same tricks?”

I glared at Flora as I spoke, and she returned my gaze with pure hatred.

Leon drew his sword, attempting to charge at Logan, but the soldiers immediately blocked his path.

“Get out of my way!”

But the odds were against him.

Realizing they were outnumbered, Leon’s subordinates tried to retreat, but most of their escape routes were already sealed.

“Flora, burn it! If we have to, we’ll set everything on fire—!”

“Are you insane?! If we do that, we’ll burn to death too!”

Their voices were filled with panic, and the scene quickly descended into chaos.

In her desperation, Flora recklessly swung a torch, almost igniting the gunpowder.

The royal guards lunged at her just in time, preventing the fire from spreading.

“Let go of me! If this place catches fire, you won’t get away unharmed either!”

“Enough. We won’t let you do as you please anymore.”

I stepped in front of Leon.

The moment he swung his sword at me, I dodged and struck his wrist with my short staff.

Leon winced in pain, nearly dropping his sword, but he stubbornly tried to keep fighting.

“Celestia… You dare defy me?!”

“Never touch me again. You have no right to take anything from me!”

At my words, Leon froze for a moment.

That brief hesitation was all the royal guards needed.

They tackled him at once.

Flora was also restrained, her fierce resistance ultimately in vain.

“Let go of me! Let go!”

She screamed with fiery eyes, but the guards had already secured her tightly.

Leon had lost his sword, and there was no escape left for him.

At last, the two of them were completely surrounded and would be taken to the empire’s prison.

“Hah… It’s finally over.”

I let out a deep breath, but my knees trembled.

Logan gently supported me, his voice firm as he took control of the situation.

“Everyone, stay calm! Secure the gunpowder and detain the rest of their men!”

A small flame had started, but the guards quickly put it out, ensuring the palace suffered minimal damage.

Thus, the midnight battle came to an end.

Leon and Flora had nowhere left to run and were finally captured.

Tears welled up in my eyes.

Relief, frustration, and the long-awaited feeling of victory all mixed together, leaving me speechless.

Logan, still holding me gently, whispered into my ear.

“It’s over. You’re free now. They can’t threaten you anymore.”

Like a ray of light piercing through the darkness, his words filled my heart with peace.