The Queen Who Deserves To Be Tainted - Chapter 24.1
“Are you going to kick me out?”
“No, of course not!”
Elfreda quickly waved her hands, looking surprised, and confessed.
“I’m really glad you’re here, Ilenne. Truly…”
Although Ilenne was from the Central Palace, it seemed she hadn’t been won over by Marchioness Magnum.
It felt as though Ilenne was the first person to treat her kindly after arriving at the palace. So, in this vast palace, it was possible to at least make one person truly on her side—someone she could trust and open up to, even a little.
As these thoughts crossed her mind, Elfreda’s eyes grew warm with a sudden surge of emotion. It was relief, peace, and hope. The thought that she might be able to live even a little bit like a human within this palace.
“I’m really relieved.”
Seeing her like this, Ilenne quietly hugged her without saying a word.
Elfreda blinked rapidly, holding back tears, as she found herself in Ilenne’s arms, which were smaller than her own. It felt like tears might come any moment. As if understanding her feelings, Ilenne spoke softly.
“I’ll serve you with all my heart, even if I’m lacking. His Majesty sent me here for that purpose.”
Elfreda’s expression grew peculiar at Ilenne’s final words.
‘His Majesty…’
Naturally, she thought of the previous night.
He had been so forceful, driving her to the edge, and Elfreda had lost her composure. It was only natural that he wasn’t beside her when she opened her eyes again. The memory of him lying next to her and waiting until she fell asleep felt like a dream.
These days, everything was so difficult that even the most obvious actions from Ejnar hurt her anew, and she felt ashamed of herself. And now, he was issuing such a royal command the very next morning.
Elfreda took a short breath and murmured.
“Such kindness.”
“…Hmm, is that so? I’m not sure about that.”
Ilenne replied with an awkward expression.
“In any case, if there’s anything I can help with, just let me know.”
“It’s a bit embarrassing, but Ilenne, I’m actually in quite a difficult situation right now.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Please, tell me.”
Elfreda honestly shared everything that had been happening. When she finished, Ilenne had to work hard to hide her astonishment.
Marchioness Magnum was far worse than Ilenne had imagined—she was downright malicious and deceitful. The same went for her maids. What kind of lies could she tell about her supposed relationship with her mother and childhood friend?
‘No matter how inexperienced the Queen is in high society, this is too much!’
The exclusion of such crucial details from the Queen’s lessons was entirely the Marchioness’s doing. Ilenne found it repugnant how someone with the esteemed position of the Queen’s lady-in-waiting could act so lowly.
Ilenne spoke with determination in her voice.
“Don’t worry, Your Majesty. I know a few of the invited ladies.”
“Is that really true?”
“Yes. I’ll visit them and try to persuade them.”
Of course, there was no guarantee that all of them would be persuaded. After all, Marchioness Magnum had firmly established her influence in society since the previous Queen’s time. It was incomparable to Ilenne’s experience of losing her mother early.
‘…But I can’t just sit idly by.’
“Ilenne, is there anything I can do?”
“I can only bring them to this reception room. From there, it’s entirely up to Your Majesty.”
Ilenne held Elfreda’s hand tightly and spoke.
“Leave it to me for now. I’ll do my best.”
“Thank you so much, Ilenne.”
Elfreda’s face finally relaxed into a look of relief.
Just seeing that made Ilenne understand how much she had been suffering over the past few days, and she gently patted her in sympathy.
* * *
At the same time, in the Central Palace.
“…Why do you look so miserable first thing in the morning?”
Ejnar looked at Robert with visible irritation. Robert, as if expecting the question, quickly responded.
“Me? Why?”
“If you’re going to deny it, you should at least check yourself in a mirror.”
“What’s wrong with my face?”
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