The Queen Who Deserves To Be Tainted - Chapter 25.1

“I thought Your Majesty would be avoiding the consummation of the marriage from the very first night.”

The true reason behind accepting Makaeri’s diplomatic marriage was known only to Robert and herself. Since no one else was aware of this secret, the Marchioness’s reaction wasn’t particularly surprising or offensive. If their roles had been reversed, she likely would have reacted the same way.

“The late queen did not raise me to be such a brutish king.”

The throne had always been his, and his uncle had served more as a regent.

That was why he had no ambition for the queen’s position—a role he had taken on by circumstance. He thought back to the late queen, who had raised him as her own. She had been so kind and benevolent that it almost seemed tragic if she had remained merely a princess consort.

“Of course, Marchioness Magnum, you didn’t teach me to be this way either.”

“….”

At the mention of his childhood, the Marchioness’s rigid face softened slightly. Ejnar understood her well. To the Marchioness, the late queen was more than just a master; she was her closest friend, her younger sister, and a motherly figure.

To Ejnar, too, the late queen had been like a mother. Such a figure had met a tragic end due to the actions of her grandfather.

He briefly closed his eyes.

“Why are you sending Lady Haegan to assist the queen?”

Marchioness Magnum asked in a somewhat softened voice. Ejnar opened his eyes and replied.

“As King, I hope the palace remains unaffected by personal emotions. I understand your feelings, but your current actions are excessive.”

“It is the wicked barbarian from Makaeri who has taken the place of the rightful mistress of the palace. Surely, you are aware of this?”

“If managing your emotions proves too difficult, it might not be a bad idea to step down from your position as head lady-in-waiting.”

“Your Majesty!”

“I’m speaking sincerely, Madam. It seems that this anger is consuming you.”

“It seems you do not understand that this anger is what keeps me alive.”

Marchioness Magnum retorted with a voice seething with anger.

“I thought Your Majesty was in a similar position.”

“A king consumed by rage will only blind himself and ruin the country.”

Ejnar pointedly replied, dismissing her comparison.

“If that happens, how will I face my family, who worked harder than anyone else to protect this country? At that point, my own anger will be the first to strike me down. Is that what you want, Madam?”

“….”

Realizing perhaps that her words had been excessive, Marchioness Magnum pressed her lips together. As she remained silent, Ejnar spoke in a soothing tone.

“If you cooperate sufficiently to allow the queen to fulfill her duties, Lady Haegan will return to the central palace. Otherwise, she will remain where she is.”

“Are you trying to sever ties with me in this manner?”

“Why would I want to estrange myself from Madam?”

Ejnar looked at Marchioness Magnum with a blank expression.

“You’re the only person who shares memories of the late queen with me.”

“….”

The King was being cruel. He knew better than anyone that it was her greatest vulnerability, and that’s why he kept mentioning it.

Marchioness Magnum took a brief breath and quickly composed herself before speaking.

“I understand Your Majesty’s words. I have been excessive.”

Her calm acknowledgment was followed by a firm resolution that rang clearly in the office.

“However, I cannot bring myself to recognize that barbarian woman as my queen. I’ll ensure that the palace operations run smoothly, but that is as far as I will go.”

Recognition couldn’t be forced—especially not from someone as unyielding as the Marchioness. Ejnar neither expected nor sought it from her. After all, he himself did not fully recognize Elfreda as his queen.

“I hope Your Majesty had other reasons for accepting the diplomatic marriage.”

The Marchioness said, her tone tinged with resignation.

With that, she withdrew, leaving Ejnar alone in the office once more.