The Queen Who Deserves To Be Tainted - Chapter 37.2
Most of the ladies-in-waiting, including Kasina and those close to Marchioness Magnum, had already left the palace.
Marchioness Magnum looked noticeably displeased, but since the decision was sanctioned by the king, and, as Ejnar had mentioned, the staffing of ladies-in-waiting fell under the queen’s authority, there was little she could say. Above all, Elfreda knew she couldn’t complain, aware of her own shortcomings.
“I actually prefer a more simple setup, so this works out better for me.”
“Still, sending away half seems a bit excessive.”
“Does it? I thought it would help save on the budget.”
“Looks like you’re more frugal than I expected.”
That was true. The budget assigned to the illegitimate princess was not large.
“But we shouldn’t let the king’s birthday celebration seem shabby.”
“Exactly. Diplomats from various countries will come to congratulate the king on his birthday.”
“I haven’t looked at the guest list yet. Which countries are they mostly coming from?”
“Of course, the Macaeri will send a delegate.”
“They should, indeed.”
Until last year, the two countries hadn’t had the kind of relationship that warranted such actions, but now they were officially connected through a peace marriage, regardless of the true sentiments behind it.
“Oh, and the Kingdom of Giver will also send a delegate.”
“Princess Rachela is probably coming again this year, right?”
But immediately after that comment, the atmosphere among the noblewomen shifted awkwardly.
Not understanding the reason, Elfreda remained silent as the conversation continued.
“Perhaps this year, someone else might come? Given the previous marriage discussions.”
Ah.
Elfreda finally grasped the source of the peculiar tension. Unsure of how to contribute, she stayed quiet, while the noblewomen began to chatter excitedly among themselves.
“Well, still, if the princess has come every year, it seems a bit odd to send someone else now.”
“That’s true. To prove that there are no issues in the relationship between the two countries, it wouldn’t look good.”
“The princess must be feeling the pressure too. She likely believed firmly that she would marry the King.”
As Elfreda remained silent, information she hadn’t wanted to hear kept pouring in. The noblewomen chatted away, oblivious to her reaction.
In short, Princess Rachela of the Giver Kingdom had been Ejnar’s childhood friend, and it was said that marriage between them had been discussed since they were young.
However, there had never been any concrete arrangements. The noblewomen explained that Princess Rachela had been waiting for Ejnar to stabilize his reign after he ascended the throne following his uncle’s sudden death, refraining from actively pursuing marriage.
Now, just as marriage plans were finally starting to take shape, the unexpected peace marriage between Machi and Makaeri had disrupted things.
While Machi received substantial compensation in the spice trade and an official apology for past grievances, many in Machi expressed disappointment over Ejnar’s choice to pursue a peace marriage with Makaeri instead of an alliance with Princess Rachela.
As Elfreda listened quietly to this new information, someone interrupted with a feigned worried tone.
“Everyone, stop it. The queen might feel uneasy.”
“Me?”
As Elfreda was taken aback by the unexpected mention, the noblewoman who spoke lowered her eyebrows and nodded.
“Surely, it’s not the most welcome news that a princess from a neighboring country who was a childhood friend will be coming.”
“Why would you think that? It would be unthinkable for the queen not to be happy about the Giver sending a delegation to celebrate the king’s birthday.”
Elfreda replied innocently, not understanding what the problem was.
“Moreover, if the princess of Giver is coming personally, it would be all the more gracious.”
“But that princess is the one who was in discussions of marriage with His Majesty the King.”
“What if His Majesty becomes swayed by a childhood friend?”
The surrounding noblewomen chimed in, fanning Elfreda’s anxiety, though she made an effort to maintain her composure.
“His Majesty isn’t the kind of person to waver. I believe he wouldn’t do anything to dishonor his choices.”
“…Of course, he shouldn’t.”
Everyone looked at Elfreda with expressions of disbelief. Nevertheless, she maintained her smile and shifted the topic.
“Who else is expected to attend?”
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