The King's face turned pale. However, Queen Gilsis did not seem to have the energy to examine his complexion. Even if she had, it was clear that she could no longer bear it.
What was in front of her was not King Jedercayer, but the dead Queen Emerea. Every time she saw his face, the shadow of Emerea, which she could not shake off, still loomed thickly. Every time she realized that fact, she hated herself for not being able to give up her love for him, but there was nothing she could do. Queen Gilsis thought she couldn't bear it, so she wanted to die, but she couldn't die.
“All your life, really all your life! Why did you marry me if you weren’t even going to treat me like a pretty ornament?”
A rough groan escaped King Jedercayer's lips. Blood was visible on his tightly clenched lips. He looked up at the Queen's face, which had darkened as if it had been poured with lead, and said nothing. No excuses, no rationalizations, and no anger were of any use now. He did not love her. But he pitied her and felt sorry for her.
No, no. He just didn't care. He didn't want to care what she did. It was too much to bear with his own sorrow. It was all his fault.
When he found out about her sin, he should have definitely held her accountable. He now knows that forgiving her half-heartedly and neglecting her because she owed him a debt he couldn't repay was actually poisonous to her. The King realized belatedly that he wanted her to hate him more.
The Queen, who had been swearing nonstop, finally gasped for breath as if her strength was exhausted. However, the strength in her clenched fists still did not leave. The Queen, whose shoulders were shaking, looked down at the King’s sick body with cold eyes. Her gaze was unexpectedly filled with sadness.
“So I thought. If Your Majesty is so sad that you do not value me at all, if you do not want to wake up in the shadow of the dead Emerea, then I will do so. I have decided to make you my ornament. The only precious ornament that no one dares to covet or touch.”
“...Gilsis.”
“When you knew that I had put you into an endless sleep, why didn’t you kill me? Even though I hated you so much, I couldn’t bring myself to kill you, but you could have killed me. But you didn’t. You kept me alive out of a useless pity that wasn’t worth a penny. That was your mistake. It’s all your fault.”
Silence descended. It was a vast, distant silence as if a great storm had suddenly swept over and stopped, with nothing but ruins visible. The two people who had been together, forced to touch each other, and yet endlessly lonely had finally come to an end. Now they could not face each other. Forever, until the moment of their death.
The Queen, with her long skirt and sleeves, gathered, turned around, and left the King's chamber as if she had no regrets. However, even as she turned around, her gaze remained fixed on King Jedercayer's face.
She wanted those eyes to look at her. She wanted to show them affectionate smiles and warmth. Dispersing the vain illusions that she could never achieve like smoke, the Queen left Magnus Palace with her face frozen like a mask. And then she spoke to the maid who followed her.
“Send a reply to Krald. Tell him that I will send him the supplies and men he needs. Also, find some useful soldiers guarding the gates and bring them to me.”
“Yes? Your Majesty, that is...”
“If you talk nonsense, I’ll tear out your tongue. If you want to live long, keep your mouth shut and act wisely.”
The blood drained from the maids' faces. They bowed their heads and exchanged anxious glances as they followed the Queen.
Franz shared most of the progress with Judith. As her belly began to grow, the fact that she was pregnant became more apparent, and he did not want to bring up the dangerous topic, but Judith seemed ready to take risks if he did not tell her, so he had no choice.
“It’s been a month since the King of Tien arrived in the south, but he hasn’t met with Krald yet. It seems Krald is refusing to meet with him.”
Judith, who had been listening to his explanation while biting into a small gingerbread, slowly moved her eyes as if thinking of something.
Just like his own older brother, Iland, Krald was not a very politically savvy or tactical person. If he had been refusing to meet Iland for a month, someone must have intervened. If there was anyone who could give Krald such advice, the candidate was obvious.
“It seems that the real power in the South is the Duke of Laetian. Krald is just using the Duke’s name to show his extreme incompetence.”
Franz nodded as if he agreed.
“The spies have brought us news many times, and there has also been news from the Count de Montfort. They say that Krald is holed up in the castle and rarely shows up.”
“Could this be the influence of the new government you mentioned?”
“That is quite possible. Her name is Saragan. She is not only beautiful but she was also raised by King Hibs as if she were his own daughter. She must be quite intelligent, considering that she traveled between powerful tribes and acted as a diplomat before the United Kingdom grew so much.”
“She is both beautiful and talented. It would be a shame for her to become Krald’s wife.”
Judith had no doubt that King Hibs would never wish to form a real alliance with Krald. It was obvious from the fact that the niece he had sent to ask to be accepted as his mistress along with the treasures of the desert was so capable. If Saragan was as clever as the rumors said, she knew that a dull man like Krald would not need much.
“King Hibs is probably planning to use Krd to his advantage and then target Rotair.”
Franz's hand, which had been reaching for the gingerbread, paused for a moment. He, who was watching the battle situation, was also thinking the same thing. Although the United Kingdom was currently maintaining friendly relations with Krald, it was clear as day that it would not last long.
“Krald wouldn’t think about that. But what about the Duke of Laetian..."
A faint smile appeared on Franz’s lips as he blinked. Judith, who had been lost in thought with her fingertips clasped together, made an awkward expression upon seeing Franz’s expression.
“I’m sorry, Your Highness. I’ve been talking too much.”
“No, it’s okay. I also learn a lot from listening to your story.”
The cookies were sweet and had a subtle ginger flavor, which made them delicious. Franz roughly brushed away the crumbs from his mouth and leaned his arms on the table with a somewhat serious expression.
“Even though he is being ignored by Krald, the King of Tien will not back down just like this. He will think that we have put in a word to Krald.”
“I wonder if we can get Duke Laetian out for a moment. Should we bring him to the capital?”
“That’s a good idea, but... there’s a risk that he’ll get wind of it first. I’m considering another method.”
“Another way? What kind of way?”
Franz shrugged his shoulders playfully and reached out to Judith. She smiled nonchalantly and carefully sat up, moving closer to him. The moment their round knees touched, Franz’s lips descended on the back of Judith’s hand.
Judith felt her heart sink as she looked into Franz’s eyes, which were staring intently at her face. It had been like that before, but lately, his gaze had become deeper and more complex, making it difficult to understand its meaning.
When she first met him, she couldn't believe how he had trembled with raw hatred and fear. At the same time, she couldn't help but feel proud. Judith felt a sense of satisfaction that she had accomplished something with her own hands.
“Eventually, an alliance will be formed between Krald, King Hibs, and Iland. Before that happens, we have to strike first.”
“Striking Tien is the top priority. There is already a person entangled between King Hibs and Krald, so my brother will not sit still while I devise a way to separate them.”
It was a statement made without a single moment of hesitation. Franz lowered his gaze and smiled, agreeing with her words.
“It will be up to someone else to get the Duke of Laetian away from Krald.”
“What kind of person is he? Is he from Rotair?”
“He is not a person of Rotaire, nor of the Grand Duke. He is not a person of Tien either.”
His voice sounded confident yet somewhat shy. Not Rotair, not the Grand Duke, not Tien's people? Who on earth would be an outsider to whom such a task could be entrusted?
“No way... Your Highness.”
A look of surprise appeared on Judith's face. Franz watched her reaction with some kind of amusement.
“Do you intend to involve the Empire in this matter?”
After hesitating for a while, Judith finally gave an answer. The hand she was holding, Franz’s, slowly tightened.
“Rogero mentioned the Duke of Laetian to me some time ago. When the Imperial delegation was staying in this castle, the Duke met with the head of the delegation and proposed negotiations regarding trade.”
“The majority of the trade shares with the Empire are held by the Duke of Vergy. It is understandable why the Duke of Laetian would want them.”
“Yes. He said that the request was so absurdly good that he refused it... If my guess is correct, Duke Laetian still hasn’t given up on his foolishness. If he’s not thinking of directly attacking Krald, then that’s probably the ultimate benefit he wants to enjoy.”
“So, are you saying that Your Highness will induce the Duke to come out of the Grand Duchy? But how?”
“The ship he’s on will arrive at Rotair in a few days. When Rogero sends a letter, we plan to drop a bait.”
After finishing speaking, Franz stood up while holding Judith's hand. Judith, who had gotten up without realizing it, looked up at him while covering her stomach. Franz said.
“Then let’s go now.”
“Where are you going?”
“The time has come for the Grand Duke of Melgan to arrive. You too should go and meet the Grand Duke.”
What was in front of her was not King Jedercayer, but the dead Queen Emerea. Every time she saw his face, the shadow of Emerea, which she could not shake off, still loomed thickly. Every time she realized that fact, she hated herself for not being able to give up her love for him, but there was nothing she could do. Queen Gilsis thought she couldn't bear it, so she wanted to die, but she couldn't die.
“All your life, really all your life! Why did you marry me if you weren’t even going to treat me like a pretty ornament?”
A rough groan escaped King Jedercayer's lips. Blood was visible on his tightly clenched lips. He looked up at the Queen's face, which had darkened as if it had been poured with lead, and said nothing. No excuses, no rationalizations, and no anger were of any use now. He did not love her. But he pitied her and felt sorry for her.
No, no. He just didn't care. He didn't want to care what she did. It was too much to bear with his own sorrow. It was all his fault.
When he found out about her sin, he should have definitely held her accountable. He now knows that forgiving her half-heartedly and neglecting her because she owed him a debt he couldn't repay was actually poisonous to her. The King realized belatedly that he wanted her to hate him more.
The Queen, who had been swearing nonstop, finally gasped for breath as if her strength was exhausted. However, the strength in her clenched fists still did not leave. The Queen, whose shoulders were shaking, looked down at the King’s sick body with cold eyes. Her gaze was unexpectedly filled with sadness.
“So I thought. If Your Majesty is so sad that you do not value me at all, if you do not want to wake up in the shadow of the dead Emerea, then I will do so. I have decided to make you my ornament. The only precious ornament that no one dares to covet or touch.”
“...Gilsis.”
“When you knew that I had put you into an endless sleep, why didn’t you kill me? Even though I hated you so much, I couldn’t bring myself to kill you, but you could have killed me. But you didn’t. You kept me alive out of a useless pity that wasn’t worth a penny. That was your mistake. It’s all your fault.”
Silence descended. It was a vast, distant silence as if a great storm had suddenly swept over and stopped, with nothing but ruins visible. The two people who had been together, forced to touch each other, and yet endlessly lonely had finally come to an end. Now they could not face each other. Forever, until the moment of their death.
The Queen, with her long skirt and sleeves, gathered, turned around, and left the King's chamber as if she had no regrets. However, even as she turned around, her gaze remained fixed on King Jedercayer's face.
She wanted those eyes to look at her. She wanted to show them affectionate smiles and warmth. Dispersing the vain illusions that she could never achieve like smoke, the Queen left Magnus Palace with her face frozen like a mask. And then she spoke to the maid who followed her.
“Send a reply to Krald. Tell him that I will send him the supplies and men he needs. Also, find some useful soldiers guarding the gates and bring them to me.”
“Yes? Your Majesty, that is...”
“If you talk nonsense, I’ll tear out your tongue. If you want to live long, keep your mouth shut and act wisely.”
The blood drained from the maids' faces. They bowed their heads and exchanged anxious glances as they followed the Queen.
***
Franz shared most of the progress with Judith. As her belly began to grow, the fact that she was pregnant became more apparent, and he did not want to bring up the dangerous topic, but Judith seemed ready to take risks if he did not tell her, so he had no choice.
“It’s been a month since the King of Tien arrived in the south, but he hasn’t met with Krald yet. It seems Krald is refusing to meet with him.”
Judith, who had been listening to his explanation while biting into a small gingerbread, slowly moved her eyes as if thinking of something.
Just like his own older brother, Iland, Krald was not a very politically savvy or tactical person. If he had been refusing to meet Iland for a month, someone must have intervened. If there was anyone who could give Krald such advice, the candidate was obvious.
“It seems that the real power in the South is the Duke of Laetian. Krald is just using the Duke’s name to show his extreme incompetence.”
Franz nodded as if he agreed.
“The spies have brought us news many times, and there has also been news from the Count de Montfort. They say that Krald is holed up in the castle and rarely shows up.”
“Could this be the influence of the new government you mentioned?”
“That is quite possible. Her name is Saragan. She is not only beautiful but she was also raised by King Hibs as if she were his own daughter. She must be quite intelligent, considering that she traveled between powerful tribes and acted as a diplomat before the United Kingdom grew so much.”
“She is both beautiful and talented. It would be a shame for her to become Krald’s wife.”
Judith had no doubt that King Hibs would never wish to form a real alliance with Krald. It was obvious from the fact that the niece he had sent to ask to be accepted as his mistress along with the treasures of the desert was so capable. If Saragan was as clever as the rumors said, she knew that a dull man like Krald would not need much.
“King Hibs is probably planning to use Krd to his advantage and then target Rotair.”
Franz's hand, which had been reaching for the gingerbread, paused for a moment. He, who was watching the battle situation, was also thinking the same thing. Although the United Kingdom was currently maintaining friendly relations with Krald, it was clear as day that it would not last long.
“Krald wouldn’t think about that. But what about the Duke of Laetian..."
A faint smile appeared on Franz’s lips as he blinked. Judith, who had been lost in thought with her fingertips clasped together, made an awkward expression upon seeing Franz’s expression.
“I’m sorry, Your Highness. I’ve been talking too much.”
“No, it’s okay. I also learn a lot from listening to your story.”
The cookies were sweet and had a subtle ginger flavor, which made them delicious. Franz roughly brushed away the crumbs from his mouth and leaned his arms on the table with a somewhat serious expression.
“Even though he is being ignored by Krald, the King of Tien will not back down just like this. He will think that we have put in a word to Krald.”
“I wonder if we can get Duke Laetian out for a moment. Should we bring him to the capital?”
“That’s a good idea, but... there’s a risk that he’ll get wind of it first. I’m considering another method.”
“Another way? What kind of way?”
Franz shrugged his shoulders playfully and reached out to Judith. She smiled nonchalantly and carefully sat up, moving closer to him. The moment their round knees touched, Franz’s lips descended on the back of Judith’s hand.
Judith felt her heart sink as she looked into Franz’s eyes, which were staring intently at her face. It had been like that before, but lately, his gaze had become deeper and more complex, making it difficult to understand its meaning.
When she first met him, she couldn't believe how he had trembled with raw hatred and fear. At the same time, she couldn't help but feel proud. Judith felt a sense of satisfaction that she had accomplished something with her own hands.
“Eventually, an alliance will be formed between Krald, King Hibs, and Iland. Before that happens, we have to strike first.”
“Striking Tien is the top priority. There is already a person entangled between King Hibs and Krald, so my brother will not sit still while I devise a way to separate them.”
It was a statement made without a single moment of hesitation. Franz lowered his gaze and smiled, agreeing with her words.
“It will be up to someone else to get the Duke of Laetian away from Krald.”
“What kind of person is he? Is he from Rotair?”
“He is not a person of Rotaire, nor of the Grand Duke. He is not a person of Tien either.”
His voice sounded confident yet somewhat shy. Not Rotair, not the Grand Duke, not Tien's people? Who on earth would be an outsider to whom such a task could be entrusted?
“No way... Your Highness.”
A look of surprise appeared on Judith's face. Franz watched her reaction with some kind of amusement.
“Do you intend to involve the Empire in this matter?”
After hesitating for a while, Judith finally gave an answer. The hand she was holding, Franz’s, slowly tightened.
“Rogero mentioned the Duke of Laetian to me some time ago. When the Imperial delegation was staying in this castle, the Duke met with the head of the delegation and proposed negotiations regarding trade.”
“The majority of the trade shares with the Empire are held by the Duke of Vergy. It is understandable why the Duke of Laetian would want them.”
“Yes. He said that the request was so absurdly good that he refused it... If my guess is correct, Duke Laetian still hasn’t given up on his foolishness. If he’s not thinking of directly attacking Krald, then that’s probably the ultimate benefit he wants to enjoy.”
“So, are you saying that Your Highness will induce the Duke to come out of the Grand Duchy? But how?”
“The ship he’s on will arrive at Rotair in a few days. When Rogero sends a letter, we plan to drop a bait.”
After finishing speaking, Franz stood up while holding Judith's hand. Judith, who had gotten up without realizing it, looked up at him while covering her stomach. Franz said.
“Then let’s go now.”
“Where are you going?”
“The time has come for the Grand Duke of Melgan to arrive. You too should go and meet the Grand Duke.”
Support Novellate!
Comments
Post a Comment