It took her much more time to recover properly. The damage to her body was simply that extreme. During this period of recuperation, she had talked with Princess Ming more and learned a lot. Though she initially ignored her, the princess was persistent. And even if she wanted to get up and leave, she could not! Elizabeth gradually learned about the situation in the Xingyuu Empire, particularly that of Minister Linshi and the Imperial Council. It was shocking to say the least! The Second Great Kingdom War was instigated by a single person and the princesses were working to stop it! How absurd did that sound?
Elizabeth frowned when she thought about it. The way Princess Ming was wording it was basically saying that the Xingyuu Empire was innocent. But were they really? After all they did? The cause might have been by a single person, but did the entire empire not propagate that falsehood? Were they not also at fault? Did Minister Linshi order the slaughter of New Havens? Did she force those soldiers to commit such atrocities? She did not! If the Xingyuu Empire was truly unwilling, then there would be no reason to create unnecessary suffering for her family. Yet they died in torment and anguish! Elizabeth could not forgive the Xingyuu Empire for what they did. She had to give her family peace!
Deep down, she wanted the Xingyuu Empire to pay for all they did. How many lives were destroyed? Hers was but one story in a sea of millions. Look at Benedict, Shirley, and Freon. They all had their share of grief as well. Could there really be reconciliation without a price to pay? In her mind, Ming was too hopeful, such that it was borderline suspicious. There was no evidence to back up her claims. At this point, the Xingyuu Empire knew that she was the heir apparent to the Alzar Kingdom. The Holy Reingolian Medallion hanging around her neck was proof enough. That meant, in time, her power and influence would grow to encompass nearly half of the known world! Elizabeth could imagine this was a plot to trick her, to make her help the Xingyuu Empire. Such an idea was obvious to her, even with her inexperience in politics.
She snorted inwardly while presenting a flat face. Although she wanted nothing more than to curse Ming out, she was not an idiot. Her life was entirely in their hands. By now, Elizabeth knew that the handsome boy who tended to her was Chang Jian! Besides being Princess Ming's Protector, he was also a very capable swordsman and a Perception Realm. Elizabeth could be killed before she knew it. Therefore, she treaded carefully while respectfully listening to the princesses.
Several days went by before she could walk. Her strength had yet to fully recover but walking and talking was no longer an issue. At the same time, Princess Ming informed her that her friends were here as well! Elizabeth was surprised to say the least. The last time she saw them was in the Yunyun Stronghold's underground prison days ago. As Ming explained, she helped them escape the stronghold to stage a rescue for Elizabeth! Consequently, their injuries were severe. Benedict and Shirley lost plenty of blood with injuries that did not pale to Elizabeth's own. It would take them a long time to recover, especially with the lack of proper treatment. Meanwhile, Freon was considerably worse off. World Energy injuries were not something physical. They could not be treated by treating the body. Furthermore, restoration Arcania was even rarer than barrier Arcania. There was no way to shortcut it!
Of the three, Shirley was the first to wake up and the two happily reunited. The two hugged but immediately recoiled in pain. Their bodies were covered in cuts and bruises. It hurt immensely just to touch each other!
Amidst happy teary eyes, Elizabeth murmured, "Is it really you, Shirley?"
"Of course, it is, silly. Who else could it be?" Shirley laughed slowly. "Are you okay? Did the soldiers do anything to you?"
"Besides this…" Elizabeth gestured to her wretched state. "But I guess this is bad enough!"
"The Xingyuu Empire is truly filled with vile villains! I can't believe they did such a thing to you!" Shirley fumed. "If I could, I would teach them a lesson right now!"
Elizabeth was happy to see Shirley's spirit had recovered. Back in the prison, Shirley was frightened to the point she was quivering in a corner, trapped in her own nightmare. Elizabeth asked, "Shirley, how did you get here? The princesses told me that they helped you escape the stronghold… Is that true?"
"They're not exactly lying…" Shirley said hesitatingly before explaining the entire chain of events that led up till now.
"So, the princesses have really rebelled against the Xingyuu Empire?" Elizabeth was flabbergasted.
A story was one thing, but actions were another. The truth was that Elizabeth's transport was attacked by the Imperial Princesses and Imperian Qiang. This was an undeniable fact! They had gone up against the Xingyuu Empire! Elizabeth fell into contemplation. She had no reason to think Shirley was lying, so she believed the story wholeheartedly. That meant that everything Ming said was true! That had humongous implications! From what Minister Linshi said, the Xingyuu Empire could accomplish two goals. The first was to deal with Elizabeth, which they failed in. The second was to kill Lord Korogin!
Elizabeth's heart shook. Her hatred towards Lord Korogin was fleeting. She realized how emotional she was back then. It was easy to let her judgement be clouded after everything she endured. That was not to say she had grown past her grief. One had to remember that since the destruction of New Havens, only around two and a half months had passed! Those memories were still fresh in her mind. However, she had grown to understand that she was not special! This world was suffering as much as her. She had resolved herself back in her cell! She would give it her all to help the Alzar Kingdom and this world!
She thought, If the Xingyuu Empire has targeted Lord Korogin, that would mean they have a plan to capture or kill him. But I don't see how they could sneak into Castle Reinhard to do so… Unless there is something else…
Castle Reinhard was the symbol and bastion of the Alzar Kingdom's Royal Family. Not only was it on the opposite side of the continent, far away from the warfront, it was also protected by a massive standing army. Setting aside giants such as Sir Winstin or Sir Sebastian, it was not an exaggeration to say nearly half of all the hundred Royal Guards were present in Algard! Just breaching the walls of Corasen to stage an attack on Algard was laughable! It was easily the most protected city in the entire continent!
Of course, it was possible to attempt an assassination. Such acts were not uncommon, but who stood by Korogin's side? It was Sir Winstin, the strongest knight in the Alzar Kingdom, and a Perception Realm master! The number of assassins that could rival Sir Winstin could be counted with a few fingers! It was a dream to kill Korogin so easily! Therefore, Elizabeth had a difficult time imagining how he might be in danger. Nevertheless, if Minister Linshi was to be trusted, then not everything would be as it seemed. Was it a lie or a truth? She could not tell!