The Queen Who Deserves To Be Tainted - Chapter 26.1

The next day, the Marchioness finally rolled up her sleeves. With a promise made to the King and the need to put an end to the blatant interference, it was time to act. She decided to reach out to a few younger noblewomen, deliberately leaving the more seasoned ones aside.

Having a handful of younger women attend the Queen’s tea party wouldn’t make much of a difference. Without the presence of the more experienced noblewomen, there were limits to what an inexperienced queen could achieve.

However, there was something the Marchioness overlooked.

“Thank you for coming, Marchioness Eugen.”

“If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have come, Illy.”

“Regardless, you’re here now. I’m truly happy.”

Marchioness Eugen, one of the key figures assisting the Queen in palace affairs, had attended. She had looked after Illene like a mother since Illene lost her own at a young age. She was also the mother of Robert, the King’s closest servant.

When the Marchioness stared at her in shock, Marchioness Eugen gestured toward Illene, conveying that it was unavoidable. The Marchioness was taken aback by the unexpected situation but realized there was nothing she could do.

“I appreciate everyone’s attendance.”

At last, during the first tea party, Elfreda spoke with heartfelt sincerity.

Although the turnout wasn’t excellent and mostly consisted of young noblewomen, it was a relief for Elfreda that the room was not completely empty as it had been before.

“I may be young and inexperienced, coming from Machi, but I will do my utmost not to bring disgrace to the royal family. I sincerely hope you will come often and help me learn.”

Her humble words were so self-deprecating that it was hard to believe they came from a queen.

Despite their presence, the gazes of the noblewomen gathered in the drawing room were far from kind. They were now expected to serve a barbarian—a princess from an enemy nation. While they had shown up, many secretly wished they could abandon their duties altogether.

An uncomfortable silence filled the spacious drawing room as no one responded.

Illene fidgeted nervously, glancing at Elfreda for guidance. However, Elfreda, having anticipated this reaction, continued to speak calmly without a hint of awkwardness.

“Countess Wilburn, I hear you’re helping with the upcoming inauguration of the ancient book library.”

Since the beginning of his reign, Ejnar had been collecting ancient texts from the Machi region as part of a cultural preservation initiative, achieving significant results over the years. As a result, Elfreda was to take full responsibility for the royal ancient book library’s inauguration, marking her first official event as queen.

“I will be relying on your support as we prepare for the inauguration. Thank you in advance.”

At her words, Countess Wilburn couldn’t help but scoff and mutter under her breath.

“I wonder if that ignorant barbarian can read even a line from the books there.”

It was a remark so rude it was unimaginable to say in front of the queen. However, Countess Wilburn had spoken in ancient Machi, a language that the nobility of Machi studied for culture. Having only recently learned modern Machi, she assumed Elfreda couldn’t possibly understand it.

While the noblewomen caught each other’s eyes and giggled, Marchioness Magnum’s expression quickly hardened.

And it was no wonder…

“I may be inexperienced, but I can read a few lines.”

Elfreda was fluent in ancient Machi, which shocked everyone.

Countess Wilburn’s face froze in embarrassment.

Seeing Elfreda effortlessly speak ancient Machi felt surreal, almost like watching a play. Ancient Machi was a complex language that even born nobles of Machi found difficult to master. The idea that Elfreda, who was not yet perfect in modern Machi, could speak ancient Machi was absurd.

As everyone, including Countess Wilburn, stared at Elfreda in disbelief, Elfreda awkwardly smiled and explained in modern Machi.

“Marchioness Magnum said that all Machi nobles should know ancient Machi.”

Everyone turned to the Marchioness with incredulous expressions at Elfreda’s exaggerated response. While many nobles in Machi learned ancient Machi for cultural refinement, it was primarily reserved for the upper nobility and was not mandatory.

It was rarely used in everyday life and was considered a matter of refinement, so it wasn’t something Elfreda would have prioritized in her queen training.