The Queen Who Deserves To Be Tainted - Chapter 20.1

‘How long have you been married that you’re already playing the devoted husband? How absurd.’

Of course, for Makaeri, it was beneficial for Elfreda to receive Ejnar’s favor. However, this should not have translated into having to make direct apologies to a mere illegitimate child. She, a princess of the great Makaeri, apologized to a worthless illegitimate child? In broad daylight, how did that make any sense?

“If you keep hesitating, the King will start to think it’s strange. Please, Your Highness—!”

“Shut up! I’ll, I’ll do it!”

Serina growled softly and, after taking a deep breath, looked straight at Elfreda. Then, she quickly said, without even taking a breath,

“I’m sorry, Sister, for causing you trouble with this incident. I truly regret it.”

Elfreda was unsure what expression to make after receiving this apology, which didn’t seem to have any sincerity. Serina’s tone felt more like a declaration of war than an apology.

Hoping to end the situation quickly, she awkwardly smiled and nodded.

‘…To think I’d ever receive an apology from Serina.’

Of course, the attitude was like that, and it lacked sincerity. But still, the fact that she had formally apologized was surprising in itself. To Elfreda, it felt like the world had turned upside down.

Serina looked at Ejnar as if asking if it was enough, and the envoy from Makaeri quickly spoke up.

“I only hope that this incident does not damage the friendly relations between our two countries, Your Majesty.”

“Of course, it must not.”

Ejnar looked back at Elfreda once more with a languid smile.

“The Emperor of Makaeri has given me such a beautiful wife.”

His lips smiled, but his eyes didn’t.

Elfreda smiled back at him, but it was so awkward that had Serina and the envoy been any closer, they would have easily noticed.

“….”

Ejnar stared at her intently for a few seconds before turning his head away.

* * *

After making her apology, Serina returned straight to Makaeri. She probably thought she’d never have to apologize to someone like Elfreda in her lifetime. She clearly didn’t want to stay there any longer than necessary, regardless of the reasons.

After all, she had broken her own principles by apologizing.

The guards responsible for the civilian’s death were executed according to national law, and the victims’ families were compensated appropriately. Once it became known that Serina had personally apologized to the King and Queen, the turbulent public opinion gradually calmed.

Thus, Makaeri had done all that could be reasonably expected, so they would have to wait and see how things would develop.

Meanwhile, Elfreda had regained the official duties that had been taken from her by Marchioness Magnum. Despite the incident having been resolved well, the Marchioness seemed displeased.

Elfreda watched her for a moment before opening her mouth.

“It would have been nice if I had been deposed during this opportunity.”

“Excuse me?”

“…Is the expression I saw on your face, Marchioness Magnum.”

She hadn’t expected Elfreda to be so blunt. The Marchioness’s face crumpled slightly, and Elfreda smiled.

“Just kidding. Shouldn’t we reschedule the tea parties that were put on hold?”

“…Yes, I suppose.”

The Marchioness replied, her lips twitching slightly.

“I’ll set it for next week. Is that all right with you?”

“Of course.”

Inside, the Marchioness scoffed at Elfreda’s soft reply.

‘She thinks she’s truly the queen of Machi just because this situation was resolved peacefully. How presumptuous. I plan to make her feel the painful reality of her mistake.’

* * *

It was the first tea party Elfreda hosted as queen, and she invited noble ladies. She had spent the past week preparing meticulously. She decorated the reception room beautifully and chose the refreshments with great care, all to make a good first impression on her guests.

But…

“…This.”

The effort would only have meaning if there were attendees. Elfreda couldn’t hide her dismay at the sight of the empty reception room.

“Not a single person has come.”