Chapter: 536
The royal palace’s reception room was so pristine it felt almost sickly.
No matter where you looked, there wasn’t even a speck of dust. The white decorations throughout the room had no trace of imperfection, and the landscape visible outside the window seemed meticulously planned, with the lush greenery beyond the warm sunlight making one wonder how much the royal gardener must have struggled.
Strangely enough, ‘clean’ didn’t necessarily translate to ‘beautiful.’ The reception room was so dry that it created a scene that wouldn’t even stimulate the aesthetic sense.
Since this was my first time experiencing something like this, I was curious and absentmindedly gazing around, when the man waiting next to me whispered in my ear.
“The queen will be coming in soon.”
“Finally? Hah. Must really be busy, caught up in the delusion that no one else can do it.”
With my remark, cracks appeared in the expressions of some of the courtiers waiting in the reception room. Oops, that’s a little awkward. This is barely a provocation, but they’re already getting upset?
If we keep this up, things might get loud.
Luckily, with Benedict beside me, it shouldn’t escalate into a major problem.
“Hehe. It has become a habit for me. Even knowing I can’t handle everything, it’s hard to let go of my work.”
Sighing deeply to myself, I heard a voice from behind.
Startled, I stood up to see the First Queen and her attendants standing at the door.
Huh? When did they arrive!? I felt no presence at all!?
No, it’s strange that neither Benedict nor Grandpa sensed anything either!
What on earth has happened to the First Queen?
“We meet the esteemed Queen of the Kingdom.”
““We meet the esteemed Queen of the Kingdom!””
As Benedict bowed his head, everyone in the room greeted the First Queen, but I couldn’t do the same.
“Lady Allen.”
The old man behind the queen gave me a glance, but even that wouldn’t make my stiff knees bend.
What am I supposed to do!? Even if I wanted to, I can’t! My Mesugaki Skill doesn’t allow me to kneel!
“You!”
“I almost died thanks to someone trying to do everything alone and acting like a fool. Should I really bow to an incompetent person like that?”
“How dare you!”
“Have some manners!”
“Why are you old geezers causing such a ruckus when your life spans are so short? Acting all sprightly despite not being able to stretch like Holy Knights.”
“W-what blasphemy.”
“No matter how much of a hero’s daughter you are—”
“That’s enough. It is true that the Young Lady helped me resolve my incompetence.”
The old men, their faces turning red, forced their anger down while stepping back.
“It’s been a while, Lady Allen. You seem to have grown a bit since last time.”
“How much have you seen me for you to notice such a thing? That’s kind of creepy. Sending shivers down my spine.”
“You will lead the kingdom’s future, so you shouldn’t overlook even the smallest changes.”
Ahhh, it’s confirmed that I’ve caught the First Queen’s eye. It’s unsettling that someone who thinks I have no value remembers my name while being attentive to such small details.
I really hope it’s not for a bad reason, but considering what I said last time, it probably isn’t good.
As I lamented silently, the First Queen took a breath and looked around at her attendants.
“Hmm. With everyone present, it might disrupt our conversation, right? Everyone, please leave the room for a moment.”
“But, Your Majesty—”
“Do you think anything could happen with Benedict Allen beside me?”
The old men who had known Benedict from his days rampaging on the battlefield looked at his giant shoulders and silently exited the room.
With that, I was left alone in the reception room with Benedict and the First Queen.
“Benedict, you—”
“You needn’t pay me mind. I’m just here to guard my daughter this time.”
“The continent’s strongest knight is acting as a guard. That’s quite a luxury.”
With a light laugh, the First Queen, sitting across from me, smirked.
Although her outward expression was full of goodwill, I sensed an icy chill behind that smile.
It’s probably because while her face is smiling, her eyes are completely unmoving, feeding my discomfort.
“I have many things I want to discuss, but considering I’ve already wasted your precious time, let’s just get to the point.”
Huh? Seriously? I was worried about chatting too much and ending up on the guillotine, but if we go straight to the main topic, that would be great!…
“Why do you regard me with such caution?”
…Huh?
“I’ve never said anything disrespectful to you. I’ve even laughed it off during previous offenses. So why do you treat me like an enemy?”
D-detected?!
Did my open wariness show?
Did my cover get blown?! I thought it wouldn’t be noticed because of my Mesugaki Skill!
[Interesting. On the surface, you look like nothing more than a pompous brat.]
‘Grandpa! This isn’t the time for comments! What’s the backup plan!?’
[You think discussing a backup plan will actually help you? Can you even implement it?]
‘…Uh. Well, it’s better than knowing nothing.’
[Just play along with what the other person says. They wouldn’t think you’re hostile, so why be so cautious?]
Because I know what this person is capable of doing to make the kingdom great!
If she’s willing to make her son a god all to regain the kingdom’s former glory, who else should I be wary of?!
No point in mentioning that—she wouldn’t believe me anyway—but I know everything she’s done and will possibly do, so I can never get close to her!
“Lucy has me on edge about the First Queen. Are you perhaps mistaken?”
“No. Benedict, you are currently on guard against me.”
What’s this? Why is she trying to read my expression like Karia?!
“I’m not saying anything specific. It’s just I can’t comprehend it.”
You saying that right after bringing it up is just as good as saying it!
You can’t not know your position, so you know you’re applying pressure!
Acting all naive! You’re a witch whose exterior seems intact but is rotten to the core!
“Could you tell me the reason?”
As I met the cold gaze of the First Queen, I was certain she wouldn’t let me go until she was satisfied.
What should I do? How do I make an excuse in this situation where my true thoughts have been uncovered?
[What are you worrying about? Just act shamelessly as you usually do.]
Ugh. Well, I guess I don’t have a choice.
Listening to Grandpa, I sighed internally, leaned back against my chair, crossed my legs, and gestured toward the First Queen.
“Is it too much to ask for a reason to not like a delusional psychopath lost in fantasy who can’t do anything right?”
“Is it just personal preference? If that’s the case, I’m relieved. I thought you had heard something from Karia.”
…Why is Karia being brought up here? I chewed my lips over a name I never expected to hear while Benedict spoke up beside me.
“Did you know?”
“Didn’t Karia publicly reveal her real name? It would be odd for me not to know.”
“Well.”
“Oh, don’t worry. As long as Karia works for Lady Allen, there’s no reason for me to exclude her.”
“Are you losing your mind? You want to get rid of an unmarried woman, and now you’re pretending to be friendly?”
If the First Queen was unaware of Karia’s existence, that was one thing. However, if she knew, then leaving her unchecked wouldn’t be ideal.
If Karia gets excluded by the First Queen now…
That would really, really twist my gut.
“Hahaha. Nonsense. I’d rather feel sorry for you for having become as ugly as yourself; that would be far more believable.”
With thoughts of turning this place upside down before heading towards the fairy forest, I glared at the First Queen, but not a flicker of emotion crossed her face.
“The reason I wanted to exclude Karia previously was that when she left the kingdom, there could be significant issues.”
A smile bloomed on the First Queen’s lips.
“However, as long as she is under Lady Allen, there’s no way Karia can threaten the kingdom, right?”
“Huh? You think so?”
“Of course. There’s no way someone who cherishes her friends would harm the kingdom. I know this all too well.”
The smile of a lunatic who would do anything for the kingdom, no, even for her own interests, was evident on her face.
“Thus, I hold no intention of being hostile towards either Karia or you. Why would I? There’s far too much to lose if I mess with you.”
“So the delusional Queen is afraid of this brat?”
“Yes. I’m terrified. What would happen if you stepped outside the kingdom?”
Of course, the First Queen nodded as if it were a given, smiling softly as she rested her hands on her thighs.
“So, don’t worry. As long as you belong to the kingdom, I have no intentions of harming you.”
For now, I could interpret it as her not planning to attack me directly.
Thank goodness. Thinking about the things that crazy lady might do later, we would likely be adversaries someday, but that’s a concern for another time.
“Huh. Well. Since the delusional Queen is pleading so desperately, I might as well nod my head for your sake.”
“Thank you, Lady Allen. Shall we get to the main point? About the reward you seek.”
Hoo. Here we go.
Alright. Let’s stick to what I prepared.
I’ll only say things that’ll make this kingdom-lover’s ears perk up.
Then, even if my tone is a bit disrespectful, she should let it slide to some extent!
“I need your help, delusional Queen. You’re too incompetent to handle things and endanger kids like me, but you still hold power, right?”
“What kind of help?”
“Help to expand the territory of this pathetic sloppy kingdom that’s smaller than your chest.”
I saw a fleeting glimpse of ecstasy in the First Queen’s eyes at my words.
My site has received a lot of DMCA notices, lol. From now on, I will update the MTL on https://darkmtl.com/.
The site is fast and lightweight because there are no ads yet. However, the theme is different from Cybor-TL, so take some time to familiarize yourself.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.