The Queen Who Deserves To Be Tainted - Chapter 23.2

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Elfreda lay still, her face filled with despair.

She was terrified of getting up and starting her day. Even when she endured the grueling lessons to become a queen, mornings hadn’t been frightening. She had thought that any problem could be solved with effort.

But this was different.

This was a problem she couldn’t solve, and it was clear that the situation would only get worse with time. She had tried every possible solution over the past few days yet had continually hit dead ends. It was no longer something she could handle on her own.

‘…Even now.’

Elfreda arrived at her final thought.

‘Let’s be honest with His Majesty and ask for help.’

Of course, she didn’t think Ejnar was unaware of the situation. But speaking up and asking for help herself was a different matter. It would mean officially admitting her incompetence and inconveniencing him.

She wanted to avoid having him worry about the inner palace issues as much as possible, but it was better to act before the situation worsened further.

“Your Majesty, someone has come from the Central Palace.”

The maid’s voice startled Elfreda, making her get up from her seat. Her heart sank at the thought that Ejnar might have been unable to tolerate her incompetence any longer and had taken action.

Elfreda’s voice trembled as she spoke.

“What’s the matter…”

“Well, I’m not sure about that.”

The vague answer made her heart race anxiously.

Elfreda quickly stood, donned her dressing gown, and left the bedroom. As she approached the reception room, she saw a familiar figure.

‘Ah…’

Her heart, which had been pounding heavily, began to beat even faster. The woman, sensing her presence, turned around, and Elfreda gasped in surprise and relief.

“Ilenne.”

Unable to contain her joy, Elfreda hurried over to Ilenne and grabbed her hand.

“What’s going on? Have you been well?”

“Yes, Your Highness. But you…”

Ilenne’s brow furrowed slightly.

“You seem even thinner than before.”

“Oh… Is that so?”

Elfreda awkwardly scratched the back of her head as Ilenne looked at her with a touch of sympathy.

“But what brings you here? Is something wrong with His Majesty?”

“Oh.”

Ilenne stepped back a pace and formally bowed.

“I formally greet you, the mistress of the royal family. I’m Ilenne Haegan, and by His Majesty’s command, I will be serving you at the Solar Palace starting today.”

Elfreda’s expression visibly shifted to one of confusion. Seeing this, Ilenne felt disappointed inside when she saw her expression.

‘…I thought she’d be happy.’

As she recalled the time spent together in the Central Palace, she remembered that Elfreda seemed to have liked her quite a bit. She had apologized for any inconvenience and expressed gratitude for the kindness she had shown.

Ilenne was momentarily upset, wondering if it had all been empty words. Her feelings were evident in her voice.

“Are you not pleased that I’m here?”

“Of course, I’m pleased. But…”

Elfreda answered honestly, her face showing discomfort.

“Ilenne, I mean… I don’t think being here will be very good for your career.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, when it comes time for you to find a match…”

Elfreda continued carefully.

“Wouldn’t it be more beneficial for you to stay in the Central Palace rather than being here? If you were forced to come here by royal command…”

“It’s not like that. Of course, I did come on His Majesty’s orders,”

Ilenne responded seriously but with a clear smile.

“But I’m happy to be here serving you.”

“But…”

“If you’re not happy with me being here, just let me know. I can speak to His Majesty about it.”

She confessed, gazing directly into Elfreda’s eyes.

“That’s what’s most important to me. Your Highness’s feelings.”

“Of course, I like you…”

Elfreda answered honestly, though hesitantly. Ilenne’s expression brightened quickly.

“But…”

“Shh, don’t say more. Nothing else matters.”

Elfreda still seemed to want to say something, but Ilenne was quicker.

“I understand your concerns, but I want to assure you that you don’t need to worry. I’m originally from the Central Palace and was sent here. Even if you were to send me away, I have other places to go.”

As Elfreda’s expression relaxed a bit, Ilenne playfully asked with a hint of disbelief.