The Queen Who Deserves To Be Tainted - Chapter 43.1
In any case, watching her chirp like a lark wasn’t that bad.
As he quietly observed, Ejnar thought to himself.
It was clear that Elfreda didn’t know that Princess Rachela had just visited the Central Palace earlier. If she did know, there was no way she would be talking so innocently and happily about a woman who had almost married her husband.
…Or maybe she didn’t care at all?
Was it all he was for her?
A wave of unpleasant thoughts briefly crossed Ejnar’s mind, but he quickly dismissed them.
This woman was simply too naïve when it came to kind and gentle people. It was the same as with Illenne.
Thinking about how sweetly Rachela must’ve been acting, Ejnar hesitated for a moment about whether or not to mention her visit. However, he decided to hold off since he could always bring it up after hearing her response.
“Do you like Princess Rachela?”
“She’s been kind and polite to me.”
‘So, if they’re kind and polite, will she fall for any other man who treats her that way?’
Just with that one comment, his frown deepened.
‘…So, I shouldn’t keep kind and polite men around?’
Fortunately, Robert was neither kind nor polite. Ejnar felt a bit of relief and reflected on Elfreda’s response. If she liked kind and polite people… then it was likely she would fall in love with such people. He decided to try being that way for once.
While it wasn’t his nature, he could certainly pretend.
“I’m glad to hear you like the princess.”
Ejnar smiled faintly and added,
“I was worried you might be uncomfortable.”
“Ah, me with Princess Rachela?”
“Yes.”
With that short answer, he implied a question with his tone, and Elfreda swallowed nervously. However, Illenne had said that the two were simply childhood friends, not lovers… There was no reason to show insecurity now. She tried her best to respond calmly.
“Why would I be uncomfortable? She’s such a kind and polite person.”
“…Really? You’re not the least bit uncomfortable?”
“No.”
“So, I guess it’s because of the political marriage, huh? You’re quite magnanimous.”
“…Well, after all, I’m the queen now.”
Elfreda added in a slightly quieter voice.
“There’s no need to be jealous of the princess over something that didn’t happen.”
That was true.
Elfreda’s attitude was indeed exemplary and admirable. Yet, for some reason, Ejnar couldn’t shake the feeling that something felt off. No, now that he thought about it, he understood. How could she act so composed around a woman who almost married her husband? He couldn’t imagine himself being so calm.
From his perspective, it was absolutely incomprehensible, which made him feel even more strange.
“I want to get along well.”
When those words came out, he suddenly felt defensive. He quickly forgot his earlier resolve to be kind and polite toward Elfreda.
“The queen would probably say the same if I brought in a mistress, wouldn’t she?”
“…Pardon?”
“You’re very generous.”
Ejnar said sarcastically.
“Isn’t it?”
“Ah…”
Elfreda’s face quickly turned pale, as she hadn’t meant to react that way. Realizing his mistake, Ejnar immediately regretted his words.
‘What the hell are you saying, you crazy bast*rd? Is this the same thing?’
He quickly corrected himself.
“Just a joke.”
His insincere attempt at sorting it out didn’t work well. Elfreda awkwardly smiled, but her expression looked like she might cry, and Ejnar cursed himself once again. D*mn it, even the love that was on its way would likely run away now.
“If you were to take in a mistress, well…”
In the midst of this, Elfreda hesitated but offered another exemplary answer.
“I shouldn’t cause any conflict or worry for Your Majesty. Even if we can’t get along well, at least…”
“….”
‘I’m going crazy.’
Ejnar let out a long sigh, which made Elfreda look at him anxiously. Sitting on the bed, he gestured for her to come closer.
“Come here.”
Elfreda quietly walked toward him.
Seeing her hesitant steps, he felt like sighing, but he swallowed it and, after having her sit next to him, leaned her gently on his shoulder. She flinched and seemed awkward, but he kept his arm around her, preventing her from pulling away.
He decided not to mention Rachela’s visit. Elfreda was the type of woman who would outwardly seem unaffected but would feel troubled inside. It wouldn’t be appropriate to visit the king without first greeting the queen. That was all just a simple courtesy.