The Queen Who Deserves To Be Tainted - Chapter 3.1

Taken aback, Elfreda inadvertently stopped, causing Marchioness Magnum, who was walking ahead, to turn around.

“Is there a problem?”

She must have heard it, too. Elfreda was bewildered by her seemingly indifferent attitude.

“I’m sure you must have heard what the ladies-in-waiting said just now, Marchioness Magnum.”

“What are you talking about? I didn’t hear anything.”

Marchioness Magnum casually responded and then turned to the ladies-in-waiting behind.

“You guys, what did you say?”

The ladies-in-waiting, wearing expressions of injustice, shook their heads.

“We didn’t say anything, Chief lady-in-waiting.”

“Yes, maybe the princess misheard?”

“She must be tired from the long journey, so she might have misinterpreted some nonsense.”

As Marchioness Magnum explained with a sarcastic tone, her expression turned accusative. Elfreda looked around in astonishment, though all the ladies-in-waiting of Machi wore the same expression.

Elfreda, along with the ladies-in-waiting and guards accompanying her, was immediately separated under the pretext of a physical examination. There was no one to testify that she was not crazy hearing voices in this place.

At that suffocating feeling. At the same time, she remembered her father’s words before coming here.

‘No matter what happens, endure it as much as possible and behave properly from the start. If you become a pretext for war, it’ll be a headache.’

If her bloodthirsty and infamous grandfather, who was known as a war fanatic, were to hear of this, he would immediately burst out of his grave. Her father, on the pretext of being the only son of the late Emperor Gunnar, had ascended to the throne three years ago despite the opposition of the nobles and the concerns of the court.

The reasons for his opposition were that he was not as courageous or outstanding as Gunnar, his leadership was far below that of his father, and he wasn’t capable enough to continue the glory of Makaeri.

He was aware of the public’s disapproving eyes and tried to avoid anything that could harm the imperial authority. That was why he was reluctant to directly confront Machi, where the expedition was difficult, and victory was uncertain.

Unlike his father, he also did not wish to be seen as a coward for avoiding the fight.

It was a request understandable for him, who was absorbed in solidifying his rule by using the excuse of stopping the expedition. However,

‘Even without such a request, I wouldn’t have had any choice but to endure it.’

Elfreda took all the hostile gazes directed solely at her.

Although it was stated that Makaeri had apologized for the previous things that happened before this peace marriage, it was merely a formality. She didn’t expect the deep-seated grudge to be genuinely resolved.

Those who came from Makaeri together might use the excuse of the Queen adapting to return to their homeland, and such occurrences would likely continue in the future. That was precisely why it was not beneficial for her to vent her anger and assert her authority over the ladies-in-waiting right now.

They were the ones she would have to continue facing.

There were limits to replacing the ladies-in-waiting, and whoever the replacement would likely have the same attitude. It was uncertain whether the king of Machi would tolerate such demanding behavior.

Ultimately, whatever action she took to protect herself would end up in a lose-lose situation. So—

“Princess.”

—She has no choice but to live like dead.

Elfreda turned her head at Marchioness Magnum’s call. Her face showed a curious expression, wondering how it would turn out. Swallowing her dry saliva, she finally raised her head with a resigned feeling.

“When will I be able to see His Majesty?”

She redirected the conversation with a weary voice, causing a victorious smile to appear at the corners of the Marchioness Magnum’s mouth. She seemed to ponder for a moment before opening her mouth.

“Umm, I don’t know. He’s a busy man. Well, if you wait, you’ll probably get a response.”

Marchioness Magnum continued walking with a cheerful hum, her response extremely insincere.

Elfreda was struck by the fact that everyone in this country seemed to dislike her, regardless of their status.

She arrived at Tems Palace with a desolate feeling.

* * *

After finishing her bath and tidying up her meager belongings, Elfreda had nothing else to do.

She decided to go to bed early.

She would feel better after sleeping.

Hoping for that, she lay on the bed, but in the unfamiliar environment, she couldn’t easily fall asleep. After about an hour of restlessness, she considered getting up, but she decided to stay in bed, fearing that the ladies-in-waiting might notice her.

The surroundings were quiet because the Queen retired early.