The Queen Who Deserves To Be Tainted - Chapter 31.1

Ejnar gazed quietly at Elfreda, nestled in his arms.

Her stillness, with eyes closed and completely motionless, showed that she had fallen deeply asleep in an instant.

He often found himself in a similar state when exhaustion pushed him to his limits. Seeing his own familiar fatigue mirrored in Elfreda, Ejnar held her in silence for a while. Then, he carefully lifted her. As he did, a crease formed on his smooth forehead.

“…Is she eating something?”

She felt lighter than the last time he had lifted her. Elfreda seemed to be growing lighter each day. Ejnar lowered his head to closely observe the sleeping woman’s face.

Her long, platinum-white hair, resembling swan feathers, cascaded over her shoulders. He gently grasped a strand of her well-groomed, shiny hair with one hand. It felt incredibly soft, almost like real feathers.

‘She really is like a bird.’

For a moment, Ejnar entertained a foolish thought—that if she kept getting lighter, she might someday be able to fly like a bird. However, just like swans couldn’t leave the water, even if that were true, she would never be able to leave this palace.

Finding some amusement in this sudden fantasy, Ejnar smiled subtly without realizing it as he laid Elfreda down on the bed. As he turned to leave, the thought of her lying in the cold bothered him, so he returned and pulled the blanket up to her neck. Only then did a satisfied expression finally settle on his face.

“…What stubbornness.”

Yet, considering her situation in Machi, it wasn’t an unreasonable stubbornness.

However, as Ejnar imagined what would happen in a few days, his brow furrowed slightly. After thinking for a moment with Elfreda in front of him, he reached a conclusion before finally stepping outside.

* * *

Contrary to his worries that Countess Wilburn might harbor resentment over the incident at the first tea gathering, she was quite cooperative in preparing for the opening ceremony.

Thanks to this, Elfreda was able to focus on preparing her speech without an overwhelming workload. Illene, satisfied with Elfreda’s progress, diligently helped her, and soon, the day of the royal library’s opening ceremony arrived.

“Your expression looks quite poor, Your Majesty.”

Illene, helping Elfreda get ready, spoke worriedly. As she said, Elfreda’s face was pale and haggard from long nights of insomnia, looking like a sick person. Her naturally thin and fair skin made her look even more pale.

“Did you not sleep well last night either?”

“I was too nervous…”

At her awkward response, Illene looked at her with pity. She must have practiced her speech during that time… Illene hoped that many people would recognize her dedication today.

With that thought in mind, she carefully styled Elfreda’s hair.

“You’ll do well today. You’ve worked so hard in preparation.”

“Thank you, Illene. I just hope I don’t make any mistakes.”

“Mistakes are something only the unskilled make. You’re perfect, Your Majesty.”

Elfreda smiled softly at the flattering words, and Illene’s expression finally relaxed. She gently placed an elegant queen’s tiara on Elfreda’s neatly braided hair. The tiara, adorned with numerous diamonds of various sizes, was exceptionally dazzling and beautiful.

Draped in a red dress inspired by traditional Machi attire and wearing complementary accessories, Elfreda transformed into someone who seemed as though she had been born a Machi. She looked so fitting that even Marchioness Magnum, known for her sharp opinions, couldn’t contain herself and stepped outside in astonishment.

The other ladies-in-waiting felt the same way, though none dared to express it. Meanwhile, Illene clapped her hands in open delight.

“You look absolutely stunning, Your Majesty! I had no idea the traditional patterns would suit you so well!”

“Thank goodness. Is there anything odd about it?”

“Not at all. Even if there were, your beauty would fix it. Now, let’s go.”

With her heart racing, Elfreda climbed into the carriage bound for the Royal Library. Even during the journey, she quietly recited and memorized the speech she had prepared in advance.

When they finally arrived at the library, Marchioness Magnum spoke to Elfreda.

“Now, let me have that.”

With that, she snatched the speech from Elfreda’s hands.