The Queen Who Deserves To Be Tainted - Chapter 62.2

However, unlike the first tea party, where the Queen had been forced to bow and humble herself, this time she didn’t have to do that, so showing such thoughtfulness was a bit unexpected. Just as the ladies were about to express their formal thanks, a startled voice was heard.

“Oh my!”

Naturally, all eyes turned toward the source of the sound. The noble lady who had spoken seemed a little embarrassed, and she quickly explained.

“Look… look at the neck of the candle holder.”

At her words, everyone picked up the candle holders and examined the neck. Soon, a chorus of “Ah!” echoed as the realization spread.

Elfreda simply smiled as she watched the noble ladies gaze at her. Their surprised expressions showed clear signs of appreciation.

Unlike the first gathering, where time was too tight to prepare anything, Elfreda knew that giving an ordinary gift wouldn’t leave a lasting impression. So, after much thought, she decided to add a personal touch to the gift. She had engraved the names of the noble ladies on the neck of each candle holder.

“What a thoughtful gift, Your Majesty!”

Harriet, who had been glancing at her mother’s gift, couldn’t help but express her admiration. Elfreda responded with a slightly regretful tone.

“If I had known Lady Harriet would be attending, I would have prepared one for you as well. It’s a pity.”

“But my mother has already received a gift. How did you come up with this idea?”

“I thought a normal gift wouldn’t carry much meaning. But I’m not sure if you’ll like it.”

Elfreda then tried to make eye contact with the noble ladies seated around her. Naturally, a few of them exchanged awkward smiles and nodded when their gazes met. One of them, representing the group, spoke up.

“It’s truly a thoughtful gift, Your Majesty. We will accept it gratefully.”

“I’m glad you think so, though I’m sure it’s lacking since it was prepared in a hurry.”

Elfreda smiled warmly and, this time, aimed her words at a particular target.

“By the way, Madam Eksi.”

Madam Eksi, who had been suddenly called, widened her eyes and stared at Elfreda. Elfreda nodded with a smile.

“I heard that Madam Eksi’s daughter is feeling much better. How is she doing these days?”

“What? Oh, yes. Thankfully, the new doctor we’ve seen has been very skilled, and she’s showing steady improvement every day.”

“I’m relieved to hear that. I hope your daughter recovers completely soon.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Madam Eksi answered with a slightly flustered expression. She was surprised that Elfreda knew about her family situation. Moreover, her daughter’s illness wasn’t a recent issue, and it wasn’t something discussed frequently in society.

So, bringing it up in this gathering was a little unexpected. But Madam Eksi, touched by Elfreda’s concern, couldn’t help but feel grateful.

“By the way, Countess Servi, I heard your husband has applied for a patent for an interesting invention.”

“Oh my, how did you know?”

“I happened to find out, and I was so intrigued that I’d love to ask him about it if I have the chance to meet him.”

Elfreda skillfully brought up topics that, while not gossip-worthy in the society’s eyes, were deeply connected to the affairs of each household. Some ladies even heard information for the first time from Elfreda.

The noble ladies were surprised to learn that Elfreda, who had been somewhat of an outcast in society, was aware of not just trivial gossip, but important details about each family. This was the result of Elfreda’s diligent preparation beforehand.

Thanks to Elfreda’s efforts, the tea party went smoothly. On the surface, it was hard to believe that it was hosted by the much-despised barbarian queen.

Especially Harriet, who spoke to her without any animosity, continued the conversation like a noblewoman meeting her country’s queen with genuine respect.

“So, Your Majesty, what is your favorite flower?”

“I love lilies the most.”

“Of course, someone as graceful as you would favor such a pure flower. It suits your aura perfectly.”

“Ah, come to think of it, the late queen also loved lilies.”

At that moment, Rachela, who had been listening, brightly joined in, as if delighted to find a common ground.

“Lilies are lovely. To receive the love of such noble figures all in one flower.”