The Queen Who Deserves To Be Tainted - Chapter 59.2
Prince Moska was concerned that the situation had shifted because of his answer and quickly tried to ease the tension.
“I’m just a fool who knows nothing about politics. I hope you don’t mind my thoughtless remarks.”
Seeing the handsome prince humbly lower himself seemed to soften Serina’s mood a little. She responded, still with a proud and aloof expression.
“Well, what the prince said isn’t entirely wrong. If all the ethnic groups in Makaeri united against us, it could be a little dangerous.”
However, after saying this, Serina immediately let out a scoff.
“But do you really think that could happen? How would they ever coordinate the countless conflicting interests? Trying to suppress all the noise and form a united front is an idealistic idea. Even if there were a common enemy, the relationships between the tribes are hardly all rosy.”
“Let’s stop talking about other countries for now.”
Elfreda quickly intervened, trying to lighten the mood.
“I wonder how everyone felt about the banquet. Since so many countries are represented, I tried to prepare dishes that wouldn’t cause too much of a divide in tastes. Was there anything uncomfortable?”
“Oh, not at all. I didn’t realize the queen had prepared the banquet herself.”
“I wanted to make sure everything was perfect since it’s such an important event. I’m glad it worked out.”
Other delegates, noticing Elfreda’s effort, eagerly joined in, praising her for her understanding of cuisine and the excellent preparations. Thanks to this, the banquet ended smoothly without any further issues.
After the banquet, Elfreda quickly followed Serina who had left first, intending to offer a few comments. However, realizing it would likely not work, she held back.
Once the delegates had finished paying their respects to the king and departed, only Ejnar, his consort, and Prince Moska remained in the banquet hall.
As the host, Elfreda made sure to thank Prince Moska first, for adding so much energy to the evening’s festivities.
“I really enjoyed the fascinating stories you shared, Prince Moska. Thanks to you, the banquet became even more lively.”
“I’m glad my humble storytelling was of some help to the Queen.”
With that, Prince Moska smoothly took Elfreda’s hand and placed a kiss on it. Elfreda smiled calmly in response to the gesture, but Ejnar’s eyes narrowed as he watched them.
“Listening to the Prince’s stories about Makaeri satisfied a bit of nostalgia for my homeland. Thank you.”
Ejnar’s expression tightened further at her words.
“I’m glad I could ease your loneliness from living in a foreign land, even just a little.”
Prince Moska offered a gentle smile, but Ejnar was overwhelmed by the urge to spit out the food he’d just eaten.
“Someday, you should visit Lycen too. It’s a popular destination for rest, so I’m sure you wouldn’t be disappointed.”
“Indeed. I’d love to meet you in Lycen one day.”
“I look forward to that day, Your Majesty. Well then, I’ll take my leave.”
Prince Moska maintained his courteous demeanor as he bowed and departed. Elfreda asked Ejnar with a slight smile still on her lips.
“Have you ever been to Lycen?”
“Not much. It’s too hot for my liking.”
“I like warmth.”
Just as Ejnar was about to respond, saying that Machi was warm enough for him, Elfreda continued.
“That’s why I like Machi too.”
…It was a relief to hear that.
“Is it lonely living here?”
Ejnar asked, but quickly shook his head.
“Probably more so than in Makaeri. I shouldn’t have said that.”
“No, Your Majesty. I’m not lonely.”
“Even though this is a foreign land?”
“Why would it be foreign?”
Elfreda answered with wide eyes.
“My husband lives here.”
“…”
“And Illene is here too.”
The latter part wasn’t really necessary to add, but Ejnar couldn’t help but chuckle.
“You really like Lady Haegan?”
“She’s the person you sent for me. How could I not like her?”
“…”
Elfreda’s clear and joyful response made Ejnar’s smile fade slightly.
Just as he felt a lump form in his throat and prepared to deflect Elfreda’s questioning gaze with some excuse, someone suddenly approached.
“Your Majesty the Queen.”
Rachela appeared in front of them with a brisk step.
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