The Queen Who Deserves To Be Tainted - Chapter 30.1
Ejnar dismissed the suggestion with a weary expression.
“The Queen is a foreigner. There’s no way she could be proficient in such a difficult language after just a few months of study.”
“My wife says the Queen is very bright and learns quickly.”
With the testimony of Elfreda’s ancient Machi teacher, the meeting room was filled with intrigued glances. Some were genuinely fascinated, while others likely already grasped the underlying motives of the situation.
“Besides, isn’t the Queen not particularly well-received by the Machi people?”
Of course, that included the nobility. Ejnar nodded as if encouraging further discussion.
“If you give the speech together, the people will see her differently. Mastering an ancient language isn’t an easy feat. It’s important for the citizens to see such efforts, Your Majesty.”
“That’s a good idea, Your Majesty. Negative opinions about the Queen will likely diminish.”
“Of course, if she performs well. I think everyone would acknowledge that, wouldn’t they?”
Someone chuckled, and soon, laughter spread through the room.
Ejnar found the sound somewhat irritating and remained expressionless. As a result, one person noticed and abruptly stopped laughing. One by one, the laughter died down, leading to a sudden silence in the meeting room.
In the midst of it, Ejnar quietly spoke.
“Are we not laughing anymore?”
“….”
“It seems everyone is having a good time in this sacred meeting room.”
The atmosphere grew so tense that even the sound of an ant crawling could be heard. With Ejnar’s silence, the stillness became so profound that even breathing seemed loud.
‘There’s really no reason to oppose it.’
After all, on the surface, it was a proposal aimed at supporting the Queen and promoting national unity. The only point of dissent was that the Queen’s mastery of ancient Machi wasn’t perfect, but whether that excuse would hold was another matter.
“I don’t think the Queen will perform very well.”
“If you’re worried, she can practice beforehand.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. The speech can be provided in advance.”
“Surely, reading it shouldn’t be too difficult for her.”
Exactly, in this manner…
Ejnar let out a short sigh. In the end, he had only one card left to play.
“Fine, then. We’ll decide based on the Queen’s willingness.”
* * *
“…The speech for the library opening?”
Elfreda listened in surprise as Marchioness Magnum shared the news with her. Marchioness Magnum nodded as if to reassure her.
“After all, they’ll be providing you with the speech in advance.”
“…Well, that makes it a bit better.”
“Then I’ll take my leave, knowing that you will proceed with it.”
After Marchioness Magnum exited, Illene cautiously asked.
“Are you going to be okay? If it feels too burdensome, you can refuse without any issues. Many born nobles find ancient Machi difficult to grasp.”
“That’s exactly why I want to do it, Illene.”
Illene’s expression turned puzzled at the unexpected response, then surprised as Elfreda continued.
“It’s the only way I can show the people here that I’m worth something.”
“Your Majesty…”
“Everyone dislikes me; I can’t pass up this opportunity.”
“Not everyone hates Your Majesty.”
Illene immediately countered, her cheeks slightly flushed. She tightly grasped Elfreda’s hand and confessed.
“I like you, Your Majesty. So hearing that makes me a bit sad.”
Once again, Illene was right. There was no pretense in her expression as she spoke those words. At least one person likes her. That realization brought Elfreda considerable comfort, and her expression softened.
With genuine appreciation, she said to Illene.
“Thank you, Illene. You have no idea how much your words mean to me.”
“What’s so special about this….”
Illene, shyly touching her nose, spoke kindly.
“Anyway, since Your Majesty wants to do it, I’ll help you with all my might.”
“Yes. I’m not great at memorizing, but I’ll do my best.”
“Memorizing? You don’t need to memorize the speech.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. You just need to know how to pronounce it. Don’t worry, you’re sharp, and you’ll do well!”
Illene cheerfully encouraged Elfreda. Watching her, Elfreda smiled faintly.
‘At least Illene is by my side.’
It seemed like she could manage.
* * *
…But just a few days later, that confidence began to waver.
“This is quite long.”
Elfreda couldn’t hide her bewilderment as she received the speech from Marchioness Magnum. It was only two pages long, but the writing was so tiny it resembled ants.
The densely packed letters made her feel dizzy.
“The Machi Professor who wrote the speech has high expectations for the library opening.”
Marchioness Magnum shrugged.
“But, well, you just need to know how to pronounce it.”
“That’s true…”
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