The Queen Who Deserves To Be Tainted - Chapter 51.1

Before long, his gaze shifted to the teddy bear sitting quietly on one side.

How long had she held the needle in her hands to make such a large bear? How much blood must have been shed on her fingertips? How long had she thought of him?

In those thoughts, it wasn’t just a simple desire to seduce the king and have a child. That bear was too large and carefully crafted for it to be so simple. It reflected her earnestness. She could have had Illene do it, but she hadn’t, which made his chest tighten with frustration.

‘Why go this far?’

Was it simply because she liked him? Or did she have some ulterior motive to win his heart and have a child? Either way, it was clear that she longed for his affection, but why had this foolish woman lied? Making the bear was an attempt to earn his recognition and affection, wasn’t it?

Yet, why had she intentionally belittled it by claiming she had bought it through a maid?

It didn’t make sense, no matter how much he thought about it. He wanted to wake her up immediately and ask, but seeing her sound asleep, he couldn’t bring himself to do it.

Even if he did, he doubted she would answer truthfully.

‘Elfreda.’

Ejnar repeated the sleeping woman’s name softly.

His queen, filled with many mysteries, was giving him a headache. She had come to this country to use him to devour Machi, yet, despite that, she dared to harbor feelings for him and even tried to hide her emotions…

Ejnar squeezed his eyes shut, then reopened them and gently put the gloves back on her left hand. He covered her up to her neck with the blanket, then took the bear out with him.

When he stepped out, Illene greeted him with a smile.

Not only Illene but also those who happened to pass by glanced at Ejnar and struggled to suppress their laughter. Indeed, a large man holding a teddy bear that seemed to fit perfectly into his arms created an awkward image.

Illene spoke in a teasing tone.

“It’s a doll that suits Your Majesty quite well.”

…Was she mocking him?

“Do I really look that foolish?”

“Well, it’s just cute.”

She shrugged and shared something Ejnar had already known.

“Her Majesty worked hard to make that. She wanted it kept a secret from you, but I thought you should know.”

“Why did she want to keep it a secret?”

“Yes?”

“If she wants affection from me, she should have been honest about it.”

Honestly, Illene, who had been asked by the queen to keep it a secret, didn’t really understand why.

Given the shy nature of the queen, Illene thought it was likely that she didn’t want to draw attention by seeming boastful. However, seeing Ejnar’s serious expression, she felt compelled to give a more thoughtful answer.

Reflecting on what she had observed of Elfreda, she cautiously offered her opinion.

“This is just my opinion, but she seems like someone who doesn’t want to make a show of her feelings.”

“Is that what you would call showing off? It’s just the truth.”

“Well, you’re right.”

And that was why she couldn’t help but reveal the secret.

Still, Ejnar didn’t seem to understand. He still looked perplexed as he began walking with the teddy bear in hand. The servants behind him offered to carry it, but he refused, using the excuse that he needed to focus on his thoughts.

With each step he took, the teddy bear’s faint scent, which reminded him of Elfreda, lingered in the air. How long had she held it, keeping the scent inside? He continued to ponder her thoughts throughout his way.

But he still couldn’t come up with an answer.

* * *

“Ah, Your Majesty! You’ve arrived… Kuhp!”

As soon as he returned to the room, Robert noticed him and struggled to suppress a laugh. Ejnar shot him a look and spoke dryly.

“Why don’t you just laugh openly?”