The Queen Who Deserves To Be Tainted - Chapter 52.2
“But the masquerade is the only event where the conservative Machi social circle allows some degree of deviation. I’m not saying you should go and break all the rules, but…”
From her reaction, Elfreda could tell that Illene was eager to go to the ball.
“The strange atmosphere of not knowing who’s who isn’t so bad. Are you really not going?”
“Well… I guess I’ll go by myself, Illene.”
“I was hoping you might go, Your Majesty. The King doesn’t like masquerades, and this is a rare opportunity you won’t get every day.”
“Then, His Majesty won’t be going, I suppose?”
“Probably not. As far as I know, he’s never gone. So there’s no need to worry about running into him.”
“But… isn’t a masquerade usually for impure reasons?”
“Hey, not always. Some people go just to gossip about things they couldn’t talk about in polite society, or wear bold outfits they usually wouldn’t. There are many young ladies who go just for that reason.”
Despite hearing that, Elfreda still didn’t feel much interest. Sensing her indifference, Illene finally pulled out her hidden card.
“Actually, my wish has always been to attend a masquerade with you, Your Majesty…”
Illene, looking dejected, gave Elfreda a pitiful look. When the woman she admired most in Machi said it was her wish, Elfreda flinched.
“Could you… please go?”
Ah, now she can’t refuse.
* * *
“Oh, I should’ve placed a bet if I knew this was going to happen.”
That afternoon, Robert entered, clicking his tongue in disappointment. Ejnar narrowed his eyes.
“What are you talking about?”
“It’s the latest news from Illene.”
…No way?
“The Queen has decided to attend the ball tonight.”
“….”
“By the way, the chef has prepared your dinner for the evening…”
“No, no need to prepare anything.”
“Huh? Are you not eating?”
“I’ll eat at the ball.”
“Are you really going?”
Robert’s eyes widened in surprise.
“You’re not seriously going to follow the Queen around the entire ballroom, are you? Illene will stick to her, anyway.”
“I can’t just rely on Lady Haegan. In that kind of chaotic place, losing track of someone is easy.”
“But wouldn’t it be hard for you to find her as well?”
Robert, with an expression of total confusion, then realized something and gave him a teasing smile.
“You’ve secretly wanted to go all along, don’t you?”
“No.”
“Well, I’ll take your word for it. It’s my duty as a poor servant to believe you.”
“….”
Ejnar shot Robert a brief look, and Robert, as if to assure him, pounded his chest confidently.
“Don’t worry, Your Majesty. I’ve already gathered information about the Queen’s outfit from Illene.”
As he leaned closer to Ejnar’s ear and whispered something, His master’s expression immediately turned rigid.
“…The Queen is actually wearing that?”
“Yes. That’s what Illene said.”
“….”
“Well, it is a masquerade ball after all.”
The offhand remark from Robert set Ejnar’s heart aflame with anger.
* * *
As the sun set below the horizon, a crowd of masked figures entered the ballroom. There were people dressed in ridiculous costumes as if they were actors on stage, others who were casually dressed without any formalities, and some wearing tight, sensual dresses.
Among them, Elfreda, wearing a swan mask, entered the ballroom with an awkward expression, accompanied by Illene. People around them turned their heads and glanced their way.
Elfreda, feeling embarrassed, asked Illene in a soft voice.
“…Should we just leave now?”
“What are you saying? You’ve come this far!”
“Everyone is staring at me.”
Illene smiled slyly and whispered,
“That’s just proof of how beautiful Your Majesty is.”
‘…Ugh.’
“Let’s go over there.”
As she grabbed Illene’s hand and followed her, Illene smoothly led Elfreda toward a group of people.
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