The Queen Who Deserves To Be Tainted - Chapter 7.2

“…So, it doesn’t snow much in Machi. Sometimes, if it snows in the current year, it’s considered a sign that the next year’s harvest will be good. That’s why we urgently hold festivals, even on short notice.”

During the days of her stay, Ilene treated her very kindly. She was even kinder and more affectionate than she had initially thought. Elfreda suddenly felt sorry for taking up her busy time. Therefore, she cautiously but honestly expressed her feelings.

“You don’t have to be this kind to me, Ilene. It’s okay if you just bring me a meal once a day.”

In response, Ilene replied in bewilderment.

“Then, you’ll collapse. You should eat twice a day.”

“I mean… Why are you so kind towards me?”

“What I mean is… Why are you so affectionate towards me?”

Ilene responded in more bewilderment.

“You will become the queen. You shouldn’t act cold.”

“But…”

“You seem to be a good person.”

Elfreda paused for a moment at her words. It was absurd, but it seemed like she wasn’t describing her. She was the princess of Makaeri. So because of that, she stared at Ilene puzzledly.

Surprisingly, Ilene smiled shyly as if expressing her sincerity.

“Queen. Even if it’s presumptuous, I think so.”

In the following words, Elfreda’s expression completely blanked. Misunderstanding her reaction, Ilene asked again.

“Are you offended because I treat you kindly?”

Elfreda, faced with a question she had never received before, was momentarily speechless. However, she quickly opened her mouth to explain.

“…There’s no way that’s true.”

Then, Ilene smiled widely, seemingly relieved. Elfreda felt a strange sensation in her chest. It was troublesome. She no longer wanted to return to Tems Palace. Yet, to take this child with her was a petty act.

Elfreda just smiled bitterly at the thought.

* * *

Anyway, her time to leave had come.

Ilene reluctantly saw her off, and Elfreda, though feeling even more regret than Ilene, didn’t show it. She returned to Tems Palace with heavy feet as if there were weight on her feet.

Naturally, no one greeted her. Even Marchioness Magnum warned her sharply when she saw her.

“From now on, don’t walk around recklessly at night.”

As soon as she returned… Elfreda, feeling puzzled, eventually uttered a sarcastic remark.

“You’re really kind to someone who came back from the dead, Missus.”

“It’s just a word of concern for the princess’s safety.”

Her safety.

Elfreda pondered Marchioness Magnum’s words. Actually, it wasn’t entirely incorrect. If she hadn’t walked around that night, she wouldn’t have met him, and then the haunting image from that day wouldn’t exist.

…Up until now.

Elfreda murmured with a bitter smile.

“Thank you for your concern, Missus.”