The Queen Who Deserves To Be Tainted - Chapter 56.1

“Ahh…”

Elfreda groaned softly as she opened her eyes. As her familiar ceiling came into view, she had a dazed expression for a moment, struggling to piece together the events of last night.

Her cheeks immediately turned bright red. Ejnar had been particularly relentless with her, and by the fifth round, Elfreda had passed out from exhaustion.

‘…At least I woke up in my own room.’

If she had woken up somewhere else, the embarrassment would have been unbearable. Ejnar must have carried her all the way back to her room at Solar Palace. Elfreda lay there, appreciating his kindness.

“Your Majesty, have you woken up?”

Illene approached with an awkward smile. It had been a while since Elfreda had seen her, and she couldn’t help but feel a little strange at the sight. As Elfreda attempted to sit up, a sharp pain shot through her back, and her expression immediately twisted in discomfort.

“Ack…”

“Oh my, please just lie down.”

Illene’s face immediately filled with concern as she gently helped Elfreda back down onto the bed.

“I’ll put a hot stone on your back. It works pretty well for back pain.”

“Thank you, Illene. What time is it?”

“It’s noon.”

“Really?”

Elfreda was taken aback. She hadn’t slept in this late since she first arrived at the palace. Her face turned red with embarrassment.

“Why didn’t you wake me? How could I sleep this late…!”

“You were sleeping so soundly, and you’ve been so tired preparing for the birthday celebration.”

“But still…”

“It’s fine. There’s no schedule for today anyway.”

In consideration of the delegates who had enjoyed the two-day banquet, the royal dinner with the king was scheduled for the following day.

“His Majesty specifically asked you not to be woken up first. Anyway, please wait here for a moment.”

As Illene left, Elfreda sighed softly and covered her face with both hands. The more time passed, the clearer last night’s memories became.

‘How could he be lacking in strength, huh…’

There was no way someone so vigorous could be ‘seedless’ (to borrow Serina’s words). If there was a problem, it was because he had too many seeds… No, that wasn’t it.

‘Anyway, it’s a good thing I lost that medicine.’

Even without it, she felt like she had reached heaven’s doorstep. If she had, she might have literally gone straight to heaven.

* * *

Meanwhile, unlike Elfreda, who woke up around noon, Ejnar had risen early and was handling state affairs when Illene arrived to report.

“…So, Her Majesty woke up around noon and is now resting due to back pain.”

“Do I need to call for a physician?”

“I’ll assess the situation and take action accordingly.”

“Yes, I’m sure you’ll handle it.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll take my leave now.”

“Oh, and for the time being, there’s no need to report to me.”

Illene, while quietly backing away, froze at his unexpected words. She looked at him with a puzzled expression. He gave her a meaningful look as he spoke.

“Just as I said. Anyway, the major matters are being reported by Marchioness Magnum. You don’t need to come here for a while. Just take some rest.”

“Oh. Yes. Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Illene held back the urge to cheer and left Ejnar’s office quietly. She looked around carefully, then quickly positioned herself to make a dash.

‘Alright, if I can just make it to the Solar Palace…!’

“Illene.”

Oh no.

Illene’s face scrunched up in frustration before she quickly turned around, putting on a calm smile. She found herself face to face with her childhood friend, Robert Eugen.

“Oh, Robert. Long time no see.”

“Long time? Has it really been that long?”

“Well… I guess it has, in a way?”

Illene gave an awkward smile in response. Before Robert could say anything, she blurted out, almost incoherently.

“Ah, I really must go. Her Majesty is waiting. See you later, Robert!”

With a hasty farewell, Illene hurried away. Her movements were frantic as if she was running away from a wild animal. Robert, who was going to stop her, gave a short laugh and let her go.

Running away.

Anyway, Illene had to come to the central palace regularly for reports, so there was no need for him to chase her now. Robert masked his annoyance and entered Ejnar’s office.

“I’ve received a report from Relbert, Your Majesty. The Hagatha and Darin tribes have successfully formed an alliance.”

“Good news first thing in the morning.”