Elizabeth was forced to face her fate, whatever it may be. Her mood was heavy. Regret! It was the sole remaining feeling in her now. She regretted all her decisions, for everything she did to inconvenience others. If I had stayed with Lord Korogin, this might have never happened. Not only would Benedict, Shirley, and Freon still be living their lives, but the Alzar Kingdom's future would be safe. Back then, when she talked with Korogin, she detested the thought. She believed that Korogin was just twisting her for his own use, neglecting her wishes and will. In a sense, that was true. The necessity of having a queen was paramount to everything else.
However, was she not also selfish? To place herself above the lives of millions, was that not greed? Yes, she had grown to hate the world after her family died. That naturally extended to the Alzar Kingdom and the Xingyuu Empire. After all, if the Second Great Kingdom War never started, everything would have been fine! If she bore no hatred, then she could truly be called a saint! However, Elizabeth could say those words because she had no connection with the world of Sor. She knew no one, cared about no one, and loved no one. Like grass in a field or clouds in the sky, these people were but a background to her story. Whether they lived or died, it made no difference to her. That was what it meant to live in two separate worlds! The world of Sor and New Havens could not be more different.
After meeting Christina, Korogin, Tengon, Nassandra, Benedict, Shirley, Freon, and everyone else, she realized now. She was not the only one in this world who suffered! She was but one of many in this cruel world! It was easy to believe you were the only misfortunate one. Realizing you were not special was the hardest thing! She trusted her friends and believed in them. She felt connected for once in a long time. She did not want to let them down. If given the opportunity, Elizabeth would earnestly apologize to everyone. Elizabeth would give it her all to help the Alzar Kingdom!
The carriage pulled to a halt. Elizabeth looked outside and saw that dusk was approaching. The caravan began setting up camp along the roadside. Being the prisoner, she was forced to remain the same as always, chained up and immobile. The soldiers passed by and shot disgusted glances in her direction. They did not bother hiding their hatred. To be the heir of the enemy kingdom, the kingdom that assassinated Empress Mei, it was hard to restrain themselves. Some cursed her, others discreetly pelted her with things, or even spat on her! Since Elizabeth would eventually be transported to Yongtein, the Xingyuu Empire's capital, to face judgement and execution, they could not go overboard.
She heard a small commotion as a messenger on horseback arrived. Since she was close enough, she could vaguely make out what they were saying.
"An urgent message from the stronghold?" the commander frowned. He took the scroll and opened it. "What is this nonsense? Are you screwing with me?" he fumed.
"I dare not, commander!" the messenger quivered. "This was written directly by Minister Linshi of the Imperial Council! Her insignia is at the bottom!"
"This must be a joke! How could the Li Family…"
"I didn't believe myself either…"
The commander's face turned deathly pale. "If this is real, then this is serious. Has the capital been notified of this?"
"Word has been sent to Yongtein, Guanhuang, and the surrounding regions in advance. It took us until now to send a messenger to you."
"I see…" the commander murmured, burning the scroll in his hands. Turning to his adjutant, he ordered, "Expand the scouting range by two times and increase the number of patrols by three. I want reports to be made every thirty minutes. Tell them that if the Imperial Princesses or Imperian Qiang are found that they report directly to me. Do not engage without my orders!"
"Yes, commander!" the officer said, relaying the orders to the soldiers. In a matter of minutes, the entire camp descended into pandemonium. While the Imperial Princesses betraying the Xingyuu Empire was significant, the Li Family was far bigger! The storm would undoubtedly sweep across the empire!
Elizabeth was surprised to hear the Imperial Princesses landed themselves in trouble. She could tell how sincere Xiuying was when the princess spoke previously. It was like she was remorseful for everything the Xingyuu Empire had done. Of course, Elizabeth could not tell if Xiuying was genuine or not. Her interpersonal skills were truly underdeveloped in comparison. One had to remember that she mostly spent her life with her family. The people of New Havens ostracized her for her crimson red hair. But actions spoke louder than words. Just giving her that key was enough to create doubt.
As she continued thinking, the pangs of hunger and coldness continued to build up. The night was below freezing. Without walls or clothes to block the wind and keep her warm, she could feel her shivering grow more and more uncontrollable. Her thoughts started to slow down… Her eyelids turned unbearably heavy and her vision narrowed. Huh? What is going on? She wondered slowly. I need to get warm… Her breath was pure ice. Elizabeth could instinctively feel that this was dangerous, but a strange sense of lethargy assaulted her. Even if she could move, she did not have the energy! Maybe this is fine… As her nose, ears, fingers, and toes lost feeling, her tiredness peaked. The girl's head began bobbing up and down as her last wisps of resistance faded. She lost all consciousness!