The royal palace's reception room was so impeccably clean that it almost felt unhealthy.
No matter where you looked, there wasn't a speck of dust, and the pristine white decorations adorning the room were flawless without even the tiniest blemish. The view outside the window was equally calculated—beyond the warm sunlight lay a lush green landscape, likely ticulously crafted by the palace gardener, causing to imagine the amount of headache he must have endured.
What was truly strange, however, was how cleanliness did not automatically equate to beauty. The reception room was so sterile that it created a landscape that lacked any aesthetic response, making it feel almost too dry to appreciate.
It was so unusual that, while I was still marveling at the surroundings, the man waiting by my side leaned in and whispered softly in my ear.
“The queen will be here soon.”
“Finally? Ha. Is it because she can’t think of anything but her own delusions? She really is busy.”
At my remark, the expressions of several courtiers who had been waiting in the reception room visibly cracked. It was a bit awkward. This wasn’t even much of an insult, yet they were already bothered by it.
If I started really speaking harshly, it seed like it would escalate to shouting.
But since Benedict was standing next to , it shouldn’t escalate to anything major.
“Heh, it’s beco a habit for . Even knowing I can’t handle everything, it’s hard to let go of the work.”
While I exhaled deeply in my mind, a voice ca from behind.
Surprised, I quickly stood up and saw the First Queen standing by the door, accompanied by her attendants.
Wait. When did she arrive!? I didn’t feel a thing!?
No, even if I didn’t notice, Benedict and even Grandfather didn’t feel her presence? That’s odd!
What could have happened with the First Queen?
“We greet the noble Queen of the kingdom.”
““We greet the noble Queen of the kingdom!””
Benedict bowed his head, and the others in the room followed suit with their greetings. But I couldn’t bring myself to do the sa.
“Lady Alrn.”
I noticed the elderly man behind the queen giving a warning glance, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t make my knee bend.
What should I do! I can’t do it even if I want to! The sugaki skill won’t allow to kneel!
“Lady!”
“Should I really greet soone who almost got killed due to their own incompetence? Should I bow to such a useless person?”
“How dare you!”
“Mind your manners!”
“Why are these old n making so much noise? They can’t even stretch their own genitals but are trying to act all spry.”
“W-What insolence!”
“Even if she’s the daughter of a hero, this is too much.”
“Enough. The lady already covered for my incompetence, so there’s no need for further words.”
The old n, their faces red with anger from hearing the sugaki’s insults, struggled to suppress their rage and stepped back.
“It’s been a while, Lady Alrn. It seems you’ve grown a little taller since last ti.”
“How would you know that? How creepy. It gives goosebumps.”
“You, Lady, are a talent who will lead the future of the kingdom. It wouldn’t do for to miss even the smallest changes.”
Ugh. I’m definitely marked by the First Queen now. Soone who doesn’t even bother to rember the nas of people they consider worthless is noticing all these tiny details.
I really hope it’s not for a bad reason. But considering what I said last ti, I can’t imagine it being good.
As I lanted silently, the First Queen, who had been staring at with sharp eyes, took a deep breath and surveyed the other courtiers around her.
“Hm. It would be a hindrance to talk with others around. Everyone, please step outside for a mont.”
“But, Your Majesty—”
“Benedict Alrn is here. Do you think sothing will happen?”
The elderly n, who had known Benedict from his days in battle, looked at his massive shoulders, and without another word, they vacated the room.
Now, only Benedict, the First Queen, and I remained in the reception room.
“Lord Alrn. You…”
“You don’t need to worry about . I’m here only as a guard for my daughter.”
“A knight of the greatest continent as a guard? Heh. How extravagant.”
The First Queen, who sat opposite , gave a sly smile as she spoke, her tone light.
Though her expression appeared full of goodwill, there was sothing about it that made feel an icy coldness. It was probably because, despite her smile, her eyes remained motionless, which gave a sense of unease.
“I have much to discuss, but since I’ve already wasted your precious ti, let get straight to the point.”
Oh? Really? I was just imagining myself being dragged to the guillotine after a bunch of small talk, but if she’s jumping straight into business, I’ll be grateful...
“Why do you distrust so much?”
...What?
“I have never said anything bad about you, Lady Alrn. Even when you were rude in the past, I let it slide. But why do you treat like an enemy?”
D-Did she catch on?!
She noticed that I was deliberately distancing myself!
Did I make it too obvious?! I thought the sugaki skill would hide it, but maybe it didn’t!?
‘Grandfather! This is not the ti for comnts! What should I do!? How do I handle this?’
‘...Well, it’s better than nothing.’
Well, I know exactly what lengths this woman would go to in order to make the kingdom great again!
If she’s trying to make her son a god to restore the kingdom’s greatness, shouldn’t I be wary of soone like that!?
Anyway, even if I said it, she wouldn’t believe , so I won’t ntion it. But I know all about the things she’s done and plans to do, so there’s no way I can get along with her!
“Lady Lucy fears the First Queen? Could it be that you’re mistaken?”
“No. Lord Alrn. She’s still wary of .”
What’s this? Why is she trying to read my expression, just like Karia does?!
“I’m not saying anything specific. I just don’t understand.”
At that mont, it’s basically the sa as admitting that she’s pressuring on purpose, isn’t it?
She knows exactly who she’s dealing with, and yet she’s still trying to act innocent!
She’s playing dumb, but I can see through her ga! She’s like a rotten witch, pretending to be pure!
“May I ask why?”
Facing the cold gaze of the First Queen, I was certain she wouldn’t let off the hook until I explained.
What should I do now? What excuse should I co up with? How do I cover up the situation where she caught acting suspicious?
Ugh. I guess there’s no other choice.
I sighed internally, leaned back in my chair, crossed my legs, and gestured at the First Queen.
“Is it so hard to believe that I dislike delusional, ntally unstable people? Do I need a reason for that?”
“Is it a personal preference? If that’s the case, then I’m glad to hear it. I thought you must have heard sothing from Karia.”
...Why is Karia being ntioned here? I didn’t expect that na to co up, and as I chewed on my lips, Benedict spoke up.
“Did you know?”
“Isn’t it obvious? Karia hasn’t tried to hide anything. She’s been using her real na all along, so it would be strange if I didn’t know.”
“Then…”
“Ah. Don’t worry. As long as Karia is working for Lady Alrn, I have no reason to exclude her.”
“Are you out of your mind? You think I’d believe you after you tried to bury a single old maid, and now you’re pretending to be friendly?”
If the First Queen didn’t realize Karia’s existence, I’d understand, but if she knows about her, she shouldn’t just leave her alone.
If Karia gets excluded by the First Queen now...
Ugh.
I feel like my insides are going to twist.
“Ha. Nonsense. It’d be more believable if you just admitted you’re feeling sorry for yourself, seeing how pitiful you’ve beco.”
If the worst case cos true, I might just tear this place apart before heading to the Fairy Queen’s Forest. I glared at the First Queen, but her face didn’t show even the slightest sign of a reaction.
“The reason I tried to exclude Karia before was because there was a risk of major issues once she left the kingdom’s protection.”
A smile appeared at the corner of the First Queen’s lips.
“But as long as she’s under Lady Alrn’s protection, Karia won’t pose any threat to the kingdom, will she?”
“Do you think so?”
“Of course. Lady Alrn, who treasures her friends, will never harm the kingdom. I’m very sure of that.”
If it’s for the kingdom—or even for the kingdom—she’s the kind of madwoman who’d do anything to protect it, and her confidence in those words was chilling.
“So, I have no intention of antagonizing Karia or Lady Alrn. Why would I? There’s too much to lose if I ss with you.”
“Is the delusional queen scared of , a little brat?”
“Yes. I am scared. I wonder what would happen if you left the kingdom.”
As if it were natural, the First Queen nodded, resting her hands on her lap as she smiled and continued.
“So don’t worry. As long as you belong to the kingdom, I have no intention of harming you.”
For now, at least, it seems like she won’t do anything.
I’m relieved. Although I’ll probably end up opposing her sooner or later when she starts stirring up trouble, that can be dealt with later.
“Hmm. Well. If the delusional queen is so desperately clinging, I guess I’ll have to nod in pity for her.”
“Thank you, Lady Alrn. Now, shall we get to the main topic? About the reward you desire.”
Phew. Is it finally starting?
Alright. Let’s stick to the plan.
I’ll just say what this kingdom fanatic wants to hear.
Then even if my tone is a bit rude, I should be able to get away with it!
“What I want is the help of the delusional queen. You’re so incompetent that you put , a little kid, in danger, but at least you have power, right?”
“Help? What kind of help?”
“I want your help to expand the worthless little kingdom’s territory.”
For a mont, a gleam of excitent passed through the First Queen’s eyes at my words.
Reviews
All reviews (0)