The Queen Who Deserves To Be Tainted - Chapter 62.1

There were no empty seats.

Honestly, Elfreda had expected a few empty seats, but when she saw how full the room was, she was so touched that she almost shed a tear. At the same time, everyone in the room slightly bent their knees and showed their respect to her.

“It is an honor to meet the queen of the royal family. May the glory of Machi’s mother be abundant.”

“I’m so glad to meet you all.”

Elfreda offered her warm greeting and took a seat at the head of the table. To her right sat Rachela, and to her left was Countess Wyann, with several noble ladies in a row. Seeing the same sight as when she hosted the first tea party, her heart began to race with excitement.

She told herself to do well, to perform well today, Elfreda focused when her eyes suddenly landed on something unusual. All the other women were of a similar age, but there was one who appeared much younger, around the same age as Serina.

“But next to Countess Wyann…”

“Ah, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Your Majesty.”

The young lady, who had been pointed out, placed her hand over her chest and quickly spoke.

“I’m Harriet Wyann. Unfortunately, Countess Hirsch couldn’t make it today, so I begged my mother to let me come in her place.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t inform you beforehand, Your Majesty. It was a rather last-minute decision…”

“No, it’s alright, Countess Wyann. It’s not a formal gathering, so there’s no need to worry.”

Elfreda smiled kindly and shook her head.

“Thank you for coming, Lady Harriet. I hope you enjoy today’s gathering.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. Actually, I’ve been wanting to meet you.”

“Me?”

“Yes. I’ve heard that Your Majesty is quite the beauty. But it turns out all those rumors were false.”

At her bold words, Elfreda was momentarily taken aback, but Harriet quickly followed up with a smile.

“I meant, ‘quite beautiful’ isn’t enough to describe you. You are truly stunning.”

“Ah… thank you, Lady Harriet.”

“Harriet, be respectful to the Queen.”

Countess Wyann quickly scolded her daughter, and Harriet flashed a grin while Elfreda, seeing that she didn’t mean any harm, returned a smile.

“My apologies, Your Majesty. But truly, you are a beauty. I can see why His Majesty favors you.”

“…Ah.”

Elfreda suddenly didn’t know how to react. Countess Wyann, looking shocked by her daughter’s behavior, swiftly slapped the back of Harriet’s hand and hurriedly spoke.

“I’m sorry, Your Majesty. It’s just that my daughter recently made her debut and doesn’t always know how to behave properly. Please allow me to apologize for her.”

However, Elfreda wasn’t uncomfortable because of Harriet’s rude comment. It was just that the idea of the king ‘favoring’ her felt completely absurd.

‘Favor?’

Was that what the king felt toward her?

Favor meant to hold someone in a uniquely fond and loving way. She had never considered that the king might have such feelings for her, nor could she imagine it ever being true.

No, that wasn’t supposed to be the case. Elfreda honestly felt that she should correct her words.

“Your daughter is truly beautiful, Countess Wyann. She must be quite popular in society.”

“You’re too kind, Your Majesty.”

Harriet spoke to Elfreda first, and with Countess Wyann joining the conversation, the tea party naturally shifted to Elfreda taking the lead. Seizing the moment, Elfreda addressed the noble ladies.

“By the way, I’ve prepared a small something for today’s gathering.”

At Elfreda’s gesture, the ladies-in-waiting from Solar Palace began moving in perfect unison. The noble ladies looked puzzled as they received small boxes from them. Elfreda spoke with a slightly shy expression.

“It’s nothing much, but I thought it would be a good way to express my appreciation for this gathering.”

When the boxes were opened, they revealed three long, light pink scented candles and a silver candle holder shaped like a wine glass. Though small in size, the fragrance was elegant and refined, a scent that, despite being a matter of personal preference, no one would dislike.

The noble ladies, who already knew that the Queen had given tea cups at the first gathering, weren’t particularly surprised by the gift.