My situation? Is he talking about before or…

  The portal creatures had forcibly tangled Elaine with them in various places and situations—from featureless children with blood-red mouths stretching too wide for their faces to hideous monsters discarding barracks of corpses in their rampage and, currently, impersonators of voices and manipulators of emotions, luring brainwashed victims to their doom. With their ceaseless metamorphosis and evolving stratagems, the malevolent entities taunted Elaine. Leaving her in perpetual bewilderment and despair with no clear path to combat them. Her body tensed, trembling hands joined and squeezed tightly together as she waited patiently for the black-haired young man to elaborate.

  "My blood," Elias stated. His steadied gaze locked with hers as the words escaped his lips.

  Elaine stiffened, and the palpitations in her chest momentarily halted. "My apologies, milord. I may have misheard you," she stalled, unable to respond to the disclosed information. His solution was too surreal for Elaine to digest.

  "You did not mishear, milady," Elias confirmed. "The blood coursing in my vein possesses unique properties that can repel the portal creatures."

  "But to spill your blood…" Although she realized their conversation would not leak outside the sound barrier, her eyes instinctively darted around the room, checking for eavesdroppers. "I am grateful for your kindness, Sir d'Amboise. However, with deep regret, I must decline your generous offer." Elaine sighed. Fully aware of their acrimonious future, she could not, in good conscience, permit herself to receive such a disproportionate favor from the male protagonist. The guilt would prevent her from fulfilling Estella's role as the Crown Princess and her subsequent morally reprehensible actions in the original story.

  The black-haired young man's expression preserved its composure as though he had already foreseen her response. "Rather than a favor, perhaps a mutual exchange would be more agreeable to your inclination?"

  If it is a trade, then it may be possible.

  She contemplated his proposal. "Pray tell, milord, what would you consider a suitable exchange between us? Though I implore you to refrain from futile efforts, for no amount of persuasion shall compel me to betray His Grace." Despite her overwhelming interest, Elaine set limitations before negotiating with the male protagonist. She did not wish to be involved with him for more than an arm-length relationship. Destiny had carved their inevitable paths, and Elaine would rather continue suffering under the portal creatures’ tyranny than sabotage its course.

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  An amused smile tugged at Elias' lips. "Worry not, milady. I would not impose on you an implausible task. We shall exchange my blood for a request."

  "A request?"

  "Yes. When times come, I may make a request of you. Naturally, should you deem it unreasonable, you are at liberty to decline."

  A future favor could be small or untenable. However, the male protagonist appended a condition that she could refuse his request based on her judgment. "I accept," she said. Though uncertainty remained regarding the favor Elias would seek from an enemy's daughter, enough restrictions were placed on the proposal to placate Elaine's concerns.

  "Then the agreement is complete." The black-haired young man stood up. "Let us resume our conversation at another time, for the wandering eyes have increased substantially since we started." His eyes panned the room.

  Elaine followed his gaze and realized the dining areas were more crowded than earlier. Everyone was eating or conversing, yet once in a while, their fleeting gazes would trace back to her location. "I understand."

  "I shall send Clara to deliver the goods later today."

  Elias' swift departure left Elaine at the table by herself. The sound barrier disintegrated, and a plethora of noises again stormed her hearing. Cecil and Mariam approached Elaine and waited behind her. "Let us also depart," she directed, rising from her seat.

  "As you wish, milady." They bowed, then heeled Elaine back to her chamber.

  For the rest of the morning, Elaine mused about the information she gained from Elias. Despite his detailed explanation, new questions emerged, piling up on the unanswered ones. One matter that triumphed over others was his connection with the Ruinas. If the male protagonist's claim were accurate, then his bloodline must be connected to the ancient beings. She suspected the link could be traced to his mother's ancestors—the Wandering Wisemen. No, I only need it for the protection. Elaine rubbed her temples and warned herself not to delve deeper into unrelated affairs. It might backfire into situations she could not handle.

  Three light knocks garnered Elaine's attention. "Milady, Miss Clara seeks an audience with you," Mariam notified her from behind the door.

  "Let her in."

  The raven-haired young girl cautiously entered and inclined her body before Elaine.

  "Welcome, Miss Clara," she greeted the young girl with an amiable smile. "What item have you brought me?"

  Clara pulled a tiny crimson vial from her sleeve. "The Commander has requested me to deliver this to you." She carefully placed the vial on both palms like a precious treasure and presented it to Elaine.

  Elaine accepted the object and tucked it away without an examination. "Send my appreciation to Sir d'Amboise."

  "Yes, Lady Estella." Clara bowed and turned on her heels.

  However, before the raven-haired young girl traversed the threshold, Elaine caught her furtive gaze, peeking back at the location storing the vial. Reflected in the depth of the girl's amethyst eyes were traces of disinclination and regret. Her figure then disappeared behind the door.

  Elaine creased her brows, perplexed by Clara's expression. Did the blood contain significances unknown to her? When she was alone again, Elaine extracted the crimson liquid-filled object from storage and held it under the luminous sunlight.