The Queen Who Deserves To Be Tainted - Chapter 16.2

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Being advised to stay cautious by Marchioness Magnum wasn’t entirely wrong. Elfreda spent most of her time confined to Solar Palace, only venturing out for occasional walks.

Despite her relatively similar life at the palace, the tension and anxiety only deepened day by day as she didn’t know when the potential conflict with Makaeri would come.

With Makaeri’s response pending, Serina’s departure was temporarily banned.

Rumors circulated that she indignantly questioned why killing a few commoners was so significant, increasing the palace people’s scorn towards her.

Elfreda, while appalled, refrained from confronting Serina to avoid the perception that she was still part of Makaeri. After all, if there was a war, Makaeri was unlikely to come to her rescue, so any effort on her part would be futile.

She was almost desperate, waiting for news from Makaeri.

“An envoy from Makaeri has just arrived at the palace.”

Elfreda asked Marchioness Magnum nervously.

“How was the atmosphere?”

“Well.”

Understanding that Marchioness Magnum was evasive, she quickly shifted her focus. She didn’t expect a meaningful answer in the first place.

From the information, she thought that it might not be as grim. Had Makaeri intended to address the issue with aggression, they likely would have delayed sending an envoy to prepare for a military response.

“You look anxious. Would you like some tea?”

Marchioness Magnum offered insincerely, just as Elfreda chose to ignore her completely. Suddenly, a maid whispered something to Marchioness Magnum. When Elfreda wondered what it was, the Marchioness’s expression became stiff.

“What’s the matter?”

“…Well.”

“Your Majesty.”

At that moment, a man entered the room. With short, neatly cut auburn hair, he had the attire of Central Palace. He respectfully bowed and conveyed his message.

“I am a Central Palace attendant, Robert. His Majesty summons you to the throne room.”

“…Me?”

Elfreda asked with a puzzled face.

“What for…?”

“Um…”

After a moment to choose his words, Robert explained.

“It seems it’s about welcoming the diplomatic envoys. Whatever the situation.”

Although taken aback, Elfreda nodded. She followed Robert, leaving Marchioness Magnum with a sour expression behind.

Why would he call her to this, considering he said she had no involvement? Elfreda pondered this all the way. When she arrived at the throne room and saw Ejnar’s half-smile, she began to guess the reason.

“Welcome, Queen.”

A hostage, then.

After all, he was still unaware of her origins. Even if she had no direct involvement, it was a favorable move for him. Having a princess from the country in question present wouldn’t allow the delegate to spout nonsense.

Elfreda felt a bitter taste in her mouth but managed a slight smile.

“…Greetings, Your Majesty.”

“Come, sit beside me.”

Elfreda complied silently. The sight of the Makaeri-clad envoy, likely harboring similar thoughts, made her expression become more determined. It only added to the weight of the diplomatic setting.

Despite feeling suffocated, she kept her composure.

“So.”

Once the room settled, Ejnar slowly began,

“What stance does the Emperor of Makaeri take on this incident?”

“The Emperor of Makaeri deeply regrets this unfortunate incident.”

The Makaeri envoy uttered with a grave tone.

“He is concerned that the harmonious relationship between the two countries built through the marriage alliance might be jeopardized by this incident.”

“It sounds like you’re saying you are willing to pay a proper price for this incident.”

“While it is wrong for a warrior of Makaeri to kill a civilian of Machi, which is regrettable…”

The delegate cautiously expressed his difficulty.

“Requesting an apology from our Emperor would be too much. It’s an excessive demand.”

“Of course, it’s not the Emperor who committed the wrong. We have no intention of demanding an apology from him.”

Ejnar’s smile twisted as he got to the point.

“Apologies should come from those who are guilty.”