The Queen Who Deserves To Be Tainted - Chapter 44.2

He spent his birthday as he had most others, beginning the day with early administrative duties in his office. As the morning passed, Robert came in with a bright expression.

“Your Majesty, happy birthday!”

“Thank you, Sir Robert.”

His reply was as dry as usual, but there was something subtly different about it. Robert quickly noticed that Ejnar’s mood wasn’t great and spoke in a more refined voice as he began listing the day’s schedule.

“…As you know, Your Majesty, there’s the birthday banquet. All the ambassadors, including those from Giver, are scheduled to attend.”

From experience over the past five years, Ejnar’s bad mood in the morning was usually due to a lack of sleep, often caused by dreams about his uncle’s family.

Robert, feeling sorry but not daring to show it, quietly stepped back.

By afternoon, Ejnar had stayed unmoving at his desk. As the time for the banquet drew closer, he finally began preparing. The preparations went quickly, but he still had personal matters to attend to before heading to the banquet hall.

Ejnar pulled a card from the back of a drawer. It was a little worn around the edges, and the ink on the inside had bled in places from water damage.

[ Happy birthday, Ejnar!

If you’re reading this, it means I still haven’t come back, right? Those d*mn Macaeri people!

For your next year’s birthday, I’ll make you a cake piled high with whipped cream again and throw it in your face… I was going to keep this a secret, but this year is special, so I’m telling you early. Consider it an honor.

This year may be a bit disappointing, but just eat it on your own. I’ll be back soon! Until we meet again, don’t catch a cold and take care of yourself, alright?

Your brave and healthy brother, Anders. ]

“Brave and healthy brother…”

Ejnar murmured the final signature softly as he closed his eyes. He had read this letter so many times that he could now recite it by heart.

It had been five years since Anders left, but reading this letter written in his familiar conversational tone made it feel as if his voice was echoing in his ears. Every birthday, this card came to mind, and before heading to the banquet, he always made sure to read it once more.

Anders never fulfilled his promise of ‘coming back soon.’

After sending this letter, almost half a year had passed before his head alone was returned. His body was never recovered amidst the chaos, and in the end, Anders’ funeral was held with only his head. His uncle was the same. The playful birthday greeting he had written became the last will of the young cousin.

Ejnar, who had been staring at the card for some time, silently placed it back in the drawer.

“Her Majesty the Queen is here.”

The timing was impeccable. Ejnar wondered what could bring her here. She rarely visited the Central Palace unless something urgent was happening.

The Queen.

The granddaughter of the man who had caused Anders’ death, Gunnar. And, in any case, now his wife… The contradictions in those descriptions swirled in his mind as he watched Elfreda enter the room.

She was dressed in a pure white dress with puffed sleeves and antique lace, a design that accentuated her figure. The deep neckline that plunged to her collarbones drew attention to her full chest, and small diamonds and pearls scattered across her chest sparkled like stars in the night sky.

Elfreda entered quietly, her steps barely making a sound with a face as cautious of her steps.

“The Queen is the one who came first.”

Ejnar said with an indifferent tone, breaking the silence.

“Anyone would think you were dragged here.”

As soon as he spoke, he realized exactly.

“Make that woman fall in love with Your Majesty.”

Every time those words crossed his mind, something stirred on his lower body. Whether it was anger, desire, or a mixture of both, there was no denying that this innocent-faced woman was the only one capable of unsettling him.