The Queen Who Deserves To Be Tainted - Chapter 17.1

The envoy quickly responded.

“Then, the escort soldiers will be…”

“We’ll punish them here in Machi. It’s a crime that happened in Machi, after all. Additionally, we will provide ample financial compensation to the families of the victims. Those are my terms.”

These terms seemed almost too good to be true for Makaeri. When Ejnar added, the envoy’s face brightened, ready to nod in agreement.

“Oh, I forgot something.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Please, go ahead.”

“Princess Serina must apologize to us for her role in this incident.”

“…Excuse me?”

That single remark made the envoy’s previously bright expression crack. He looked as if he had misheard.

“Why should Princess Serina…?”

“It’s a crime that occurred under her silent consent, isn’t it? It’s only right that she apologizes.”

“…That’s.”

“Is that difficult?”

Ejnar stared intently at the uneasy envoy, who couldn’t breathe properly as he pressed for an answer.

Since entering the room and being alone with the king, the envoy had been intimidated by Ejnar’s overwhelming presence. Compared to Makaeri’s Emperor, Ejnar was far superior. He was not even slightly inferior to the legendary first Emperor, Gunnar, in terms of spirit.

His towering stature and height, not falling short of any Makaeri, contributed to the atmosphere. However, it was the charisma flowing from his deep emerald eyes that truly set him apart. The envoy found it unbearably difficult to say it was difficult in front of such an imposing figure.

But to easily agree would be…

‘There’s no way Princess Serina would ever apologize!’

An apology.

It seemed like the most unfitting word for Serina, known for her imperious behavior throughout the empire. Yet, there was no denying the validity of the demand.

The envoy’s face turned pale as if he might faint at any moment. As the stalemate continued, Ejnar let out a slow sigh of irritation. The sight was reminiscent of a lion’s breath before the hunt, sending shivers down the envoy’s spine.

Finally, the envoy stuttered out a response.

“Your Majesty, I regret to say, but could we possibly consider substituting that last condition with something else…?”

“….”

“Please propose another form of compensation, whatever it may be, so that Your Majesty does not remain offended over this incident.”

“I have no interest in profiting from the dead. Any compensation should rightfully go to the families of the deceased.”

“But that’s…”

The conditions were already set. This meant that there was no room for negotiation.

Caught in an awkward moment, the envoy’s gaze met Elfreda’s. It was as if he was seemingly pleading for agreement, as if to say, ‘You know the princess’s temperament, right?’ Although Elfreda agreed, this wasn’t something she could assist with.

Just as Elfreda attempted to subtly avoid the envoy’s gaze,

“Ah…”

Suddenly, Ejnar took Elfreda’s hand in his. His large hand enveloped Elfreda’s entirely. Startled, Elfreda looked up at him. Ejnar, still looking forward, explained,

“The princess nearly jeopardized the friendly relationship between Marche and Macaria with this incident. Moreover, she has complicated the position of the queen, who has only recently married into Machi.”

It was clearly a supportive statement for her. Elfreda paused a moment to look at him.

“In light of this, I hope for the princess to formally apologize to both my wife and me.”

As Ejnar and Elfreda’s eyes met, she felt her heart race, yet she didn’t look away. He concluded,

“There are no other conditions.”

Faced with his resolute attitude, the envoy reluctantly accepted,

“Please, give me some time. I will discuss this with the princess.”

“Of course.”

As Ejnar graciously nodded, the envoy, struggling to leave with trembling legs, bowed courteously.

Ejnar finally released Elfreda’s hand. She gently touched her hand, which was still warm from his touch. Alone now, the throne room was silent. She couldn’t bear the awkwardness and broke it.