After a suffocating silence, Elena slowly lowered her longsword, the tip dripping Ivanov's blood like crimson dewdrops in the afterglow of the setting sun.
Everyone present, including Elena's lieutenant and subordinates, was stunned, as if time had frozen at that moment.
Their eyes were filled with shock and disbelief, as if they had just witnessed an incredible miracle.
The lieutenant stepped forward slowly, his steps heavy, as if each step was treading on the hearts of everyone present.
"General Elena, are you telling the truth? You really want to become the Princess of Zhenbei?"
His words carried a hint of disbelief, as if he were seeking an answer, hoping to hear a negative response from Elena.
However, Elena nodded slowly, her voice calm yet powerful, like the cold wind of winter, icy and piercing: "I have no way out. Ivanov died by my sword, and I have become the empire's greatest sinner."
Her words carried a hint of helplessness, as if she were telling of her fate, which she could not escape and could not turn back from.
As she spoke, Elena turned to look at Petrov, her eyes filled with undisguised murderous intent, like a drawn blade aimed straight at Petrov's heart.
Petrov felt a chill run down his spine, and a flicker of fear crossed his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by his arrogance.
"Elena, what are you trying to do? I am a member of the imperial family. If you dare to kill me, you will also die!"
His words carried a hint of threat, as if reminding Elena that his identity was not to be violated.
Petrov's face showed a hint of anger as he said again, "Elena, you are challenging the authority of the Empire! Don't you know that to be an enemy of the royal family is to be an enemy of the entire Empire?"
His words carried a hint of arrogance, as if he were mocking Elena's overestimation of her abilities.
Elena gave a cold smile, her expression one of indifference.
“I, Elena, have been an orphan since I was a child. I have no family. Your threats mean nothing to me.”
Her words carried a hint of determination, as if declaring her fearlessness.
"Petrov, where is the captain of the guard's sister?"
Her voice carried an undeniable authority, compelling Petrov to reveal the truth.
Petrov's face was ashen, his lips trembled, and his voice was filled with obvious panic and despair: "Elena, I can't tell you. If I tell you the truth now, you will kill me!"
His words were filled with fear, like a wild beast driven to the brink of despair, making its last struggle.
Upon hearing this, a cold glint flashed in Elena's eyes. Her movements were swift and decisive as she placed her sword directly on Petrov's shoulder.
The sword's edge was cold, reflecting the firelight inside the tent and highlighting the fear and despair on Petrov's face.
Her voice was firm and powerful, like the cold winter wind, icy and piercing: "Petrov, if you don't tell the truth, I'll kill you right now!"
Her words carried an undeniable resolve, proclaiming Petrov's fate.
Petrov felt the coldness of Elena's sword, and at the same time, the warmth of Ivanov's remaining blood, and he trembled with fear.
His eyes were filled with fear, as if he could see the Grim Reaper's scythe already at his neck.
His breathing was rapid, cold sweat dripped from his forehead, and his heart was filled with the fear of death.
Under Elena's coercion, Petrov took a deep breath and finally told the truth.
"The captain of the guard's sister is in Novgorod, in the military camp."
His words carried a hint of helplessness, as if he were succumbing to Elena's coercion.
Upon hearing this, Elena immediately sensed something was wrong. A flash of anger crossed her eyes as she glared at Petrov through gritted teeth.
"In the military camp? Did you force someone's sister into prostitution?"
Her words carried a chilling undertone, exposing Petrov's despicable actions.
Petrov's face grew even paler, and a hint of hesitation and fear flashed in his eyes, but under Elena's sharp gaze, he finally nodded.
His movements were slow and heavy, as if each movement had exhausted all his strength.
"Yes...yes."
Elena's face turned ashen instantly, her eyes filled with anger and disgust.
"Petrov, how could you do such a despicable and shameless thing? How can you still have the face to call yourself royalty?"
Petrov's head hung low, like a branch bent by a storm. He remained silent, afraid that any further words might anger Elena.
His breathing was shallow and rapid, and his eyes flickered with unease and fear, like a frightened bird ready to flee from impending disaster.
Elena slowly lowered her sword, the tip lightly touching the ground with a crisp sound.
She turned her head, her gaze sharp as lightning, sweeping over Chen Zhennan and Ai Zijun.
"I, Elena, do not wish to die, but from this day forward, I will become the Princess of Zhenbei. However, I have a few demands, Chen Zhennan and Ai Zijun, you must agree to them. Otherwise, even if it means death, I will settle this matter today!"
Chen Zhennan and Ai Zijun exchanged a glance, their eyes both conveying a sense of solemnity and agreement.
They all nodded, indicating that there was no problem.
Chen Zhennan smiled slightly: "General Elena, we have heard your request, and we will naturally not refuse reasonable conditions."
Elena slowly extended three fingers and said gently, "First, before I, Elena, die, the Northeast Army of the Great Yan is not allowed to launch an offensive against the Slavic Empire. Second, both sides shall bear the losses in this war themselves, and no retaliation is allowed. Third, Ai Zijun shall not have three wives and four concubines in the future, and shall only be allowed to have me as his queen."
Chen Zhennan chuckled upon hearing this, his smile carrying a hint of admiration and mockery: "General Elena, I agree to the first two conditions. As for the last one, that depends on Ai Zijun."
Ai Zijun hadn't expected things to develop so quickly; his eyes held a hint of surprise and uncertainty.
"Elena, I, Ai Zijun, have always been a devoted person and have never had any intention of taking a concubine. You can rest assured about that."
Ai Zijun's expression was serious, which Elena noticed. Although she didn't know what would happen in the future, Ai Zijun's eyes told her to trust.
"Okay, then I'll go with you tomorrow!"
After saying that, Elena turned around abruptly and slashed Petrov's throat with her sword, blood gushing out like a fountain.
Turning around again, Elena shouted and with a single sword stroke, severed the guard captain's neck.
The lieutenant was taken aback and quickly asked, "General, didn't you promise to spare his life?"
Elena slowly shook her head and explained helplessly, "Those who deserve to die must die! He is a sinner."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
