It couldn't have been more awkward. Elze felt cold sweat running down her back. She couldn't figure out why these men were acting like this.
It's fun to watch two men engage in a heated war of nerves over a woman, but it's hell when you're actually involved.
This was especially true now that the banquet hall was overflowing with people. Everyone's eyes were already turned in this direction.
It was not uncommon for rumors to spread that she was the great seductress who shook up the two impregnable men of the Baluar society if she made a single mistake here.
It would have been better if only that kind of rumor had spread. The burning gaze of the young ladies who had their hearts set on Duke Seraph had already warmed her back. Elze, who was already full of unwanted bonuses due to the hostility of the young ladies who liked Shan, was enough.
And the awkwardness reached its peak when Duke Seraph spoke to Elze again.
“I hope everything has been fine, Ma’am.”
“...”
He gracefully extended his right hand to Elze, asking her to kiss his hand. It was a gesture often used to show respect to noblewomen, but no one would think that it was purely a greeting in this situation.
Should I accept this or not?
First of all, it was rude to refuse a kiss. She thought it would be better to just accept it and leave.
“Thanks to Your Excellency’s consideration...”
Elze held out her hand, observing Shan's expression. Duke Seraph took Elze's hand in his most polite manner.
His lips lightly touched the thin lace gloves. Was it Elze's imagination that she felt something slightly wet licking the tightly woven lace? However, before she could properly realize it, his lips parted.
Duke Seraph met Elze's gaze while holding her hand. A sweet voice was heard along with the eyes drawing arcs.
“If you have the chance, please come visit me, Countess.”
Elze flinched. She felt as if his words were too strong. She tried to pull her hand away in a hurry, but she couldn’t. It was because Duke Seraph was holding her tightly.
“...!”
The maids approached Cecilia cautiously. They led Cecilia to the resting room. Cecilia followed the maids with her head bowed. It was a shabby exit, unlike her grand entrance.
After Cecilia stepped aside, Raymond turned to Elze and said.
“I would like the Countess to take over Her Majesty’s interpretation duties.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
And Raymond looked at the Count of Epernon. The Count of Epernon already had a face that looked ten years older. Raymond glared at him and spoke slowly.
“...The Count of Epernon, please speak with me for a moment.”
And Raymond disappeared, leading the Count of Epernon, who had become thoughtful.
As soon as Raymond disappeared, the people in the banquet hall began to speak as if they had been waiting for it. During the banquet hall that had become noisy in an instant, Shan’s hand gently placed on Elze's shoulder and squeezed it gently.
“Erzenes...”
There was a deep sense of worry in the name he called. Elze smiled to reassure him that she was okay.
Shan looked like he had a lot to say. But instead of saying anything at length, he just said a few words.
“I wish I could come home early.”
There must be a lot of things to be curious about. She could see the future where Shan would be tormented by questions. At that moment, a leisurely voice was heard from Elze's side.
"What a fun country. Is that your husband?"
"Your Majesty...?"
How could she understand the common language? The Queen winked at the surprised Elze and said.
"I never said I couldn't speak the common language."
No, what is this situation? Elze looked around in confusion. However, Elze was the only one here who understood the Ryeo language. Everyone just looked at Elze with curious eyes, wondering what she was talking about with the Queen.
Among the information conveyed for the purpose of protocol was the Queen's ability to speak the official language. It was said that the only official language she could speak was simple greetings, and not enough to understand conversation.
A woman who seemed to be a courtier next to the Queen muttered in a low voice. It seemed that it was a secret that the Queen was fluent in the common language. The Queen smiled and added one more word.
"Ah, of course, the Ryeo language is more convenient. I don't feel like speaking the official language because it's inconvenient."
It felt like something had hit the back of her head, but it didn't feel like it. Elze was just blankly staring, and the Queen smiled and said to her.
"I trust you to keep my secret."
“...Yes, Your Majesty.”
Well, what can I do? After all, Elze's job was to make the Queen comfortable as a courtesy. If she didn't want to speak the common language, then she had to do it. The Queen, seeing Elze's cool nod, laughed out loud as if she was so happy about something.
"Okay. Help me enjoy my banquet."
The Queen happily walked around the banquet hall with Elze right next to her. And since anyone who wanted to talk to the Queen had to go through Elze, all the nobles in the hall clung to Elze.
Everyone was anxious and in a state of chaos. Thanks to everyone looking for Elze, Elze enjoyed unwanted popularity and worked hard as an interpreter.
It's fun to watch two men engage in a heated war of nerves over a woman, but it's hell when you're actually involved.
This was especially true now that the banquet hall was overflowing with people. Everyone's eyes were already turned in this direction.
It was not uncommon for rumors to spread that she was the great seductress who shook up the two impregnable men of the Baluar society if she made a single mistake here.
It would have been better if only that kind of rumor had spread. The burning gaze of the young ladies who had their hearts set on Duke Seraph had already warmed her back. Elze, who was already full of unwanted bonuses due to the hostility of the young ladies who liked Shan, was enough.
And the awkwardness reached its peak when Duke Seraph spoke to Elze again.
“I hope everything has been fine, Ma’am.”
“...”
He gracefully extended his right hand to Elze, asking her to kiss his hand. It was a gesture often used to show respect to noblewomen, but no one would think that it was purely a greeting in this situation.
Should I accept this or not?
It was difficult to do both. If she refused, it would be rejected, and if she accepted, it would create a bigger war of nerves between Seraph Duke and Shan.
Elze glanced at Crown Prince Raymond. He was the most appropriate person to stop the situation. However, Elze, who had tried to hold on to the rotten rope, had to give up right away. He was watching with a very amused expression.
That damned bastard... Elze muttered curses at him inwardly. Anyway, that damned Crown Prince was useless from start to finish.
Elze glanced at Crown Prince Raymond. He was the most appropriate person to stop the situation. However, Elze, who had tried to hold on to the rotten rope, had to give up right away. He was watching with a very amused expression.
That damned bastard... Elze muttered curses at him inwardly. Anyway, that damned Crown Prince was useless from start to finish.
First of all, it was rude to refuse a kiss. She thought it would be better to just accept it and leave.
“Thanks to Your Excellency’s consideration...”
Elze held out her hand, observing Shan's expression. Duke Seraph took Elze's hand in his most polite manner.
His lips lightly touched the thin lace gloves. Was it Elze's imagination that she felt something slightly wet licking the tightly woven lace? However, before she could properly realize it, his lips parted.
Duke Seraph met Elze's gaze while holding her hand. A sweet voice was heard along with the eyes drawing arcs.
“If you have the chance, please come visit me, Countess.”
Elze flinched. She felt as if his words were too strong. She tried to pull her hand away in a hurry, but she couldn’t. It was because Duke Seraph was holding her tightly.
“...!”
He released his grip only after he had held it as tight as he wanted. Duke Seraph smiled slowly as he watched Elze pull her hand away like a bird flapping its wings.
“To Madam...”
The slowly rising corners of the lips and the secretly shining blue-gray eyes brought about strange imaginations. A deep voice clung to my ear.
“There is so much I want to show you.”
...It was the first time that the phrase ‘what I want to show you’ sounded so sexually connoted.
Elze was helpless in the face of the onslaught of the sophisticated pervert. It would have been different if he had drawn his sword and fought with all his might, but this kind of attack was really poison to Elze. They say that beatings are the best medicine for perverts, but the thought of just beating them up over and over was stirring inside Elze.
As Duke Seraph was going back and forth between the lines, Shan, whose patience had reached rock bottom, finally couldn't hold it in any longer and stepped forward.
“Take it easy, Your Excellency.”
“Take it easy.”
Duke Seraph repeated Shan's words. There was a faint sarcasm in his tone. Shan narrowed his eyes and said.
“Because I tend to be a bit jealous.”
Shan took a step forward. The distance between Duke Seraph and Shan was less than a span. Shan spoke in a threatening manner, keeping a threatening distance.
“I can’t stand to see this sight.”
“...”
Duke Seraph laughed silently, and Shan laughed along with him. Then Shan asked in a soft voice.
“Are you curious about how I will act now...?”
No, I'm not curious at all...!
Elze wanted to tear him apart. If he went any further, Shan would be ready to throw his glove at Duke Seraph. And the moment Shan threw his glove and challenged him to a duel, today's banquet would go out of control.
The Queen of Ryeu, a state guest, had arrived, but no one was thinking about attending the banquet. The banquet was on the verge of ruin, but even Crown Prince Raymond, who should have stopped it, was happily watching.
Elze was considering just pretending to be crazy and dragging Shan out to go somewhere else when a trumpet sounded throughout the hall. With Crown Prince Raymond and other important guests already in, there was only one trumpet left to sound.
It was the trumpet sound announcing the Queen's appearance.
It was truly a boring and uninteresting country.
Queen of the Kingdom of Ryeo, Ryeo Hyeon, thought so. She had high expectations for the most powerful empire on the continent.
She had imagined the empire to be an advanced culture, but contrary to her expectations, the Baluar Empire was no different from any other country on the continent. Except for the exotic splendor that was a bit of a feast for the eyes, it was just a big, stupid place.
Of course, there might be something huge that Hyeon couldn't see. But at least not yet.
The way they looked down on women was the same as in other countries. The way they forced themselves into that mold and reduced themselves was the same, to the point where it was almost yawn-worthy.
The woman who had come forward for the ceremony, the Crown Princess, was so timid that she seemed like she would faint if Hyeon had shouted at her even once.
The same was true of the noble lady named Cecilia, who claimed to be able to speak the language of Ryeo and acted as an interpreter. Despite being a small child, she had high self-esteem. Perhaps because she was raised like that, she seemed unable to even think that she was inferior to someone. How well would she be able to conduct ceremonies with such an attitude?
Hyeon had already noticed the faint contempt mixed in Cecilia’s eyes as she looked at her. She might think she was hiding it well, but the inner strength of a noble lady who had only been in the social circles for a few years and Hyeon, the Queen who led a country, was completely different. Hyeon could easily find out the emotions she had hidden.
However, there was one thing she liked about her, and that was that she spoke the Ryeo language quite well. She stuttered a little and made mistakes, but it was not too much of a problem in communicating. When Cecilia had difficulty, her father, the Count of Epernon, helped her.
It was a relationship that would end if she was just used as an interpreter anyway. Hyeon didn't care how she viewed her. Wasting her emotions unnecessarily was just tiring.
"You must go to the banquet hall soon."
At Cecilia's words, Hyeon nodded leisurely and gestured to Ra-sun. Then Ra-sun spoke to Cecilia.
“Would you please step aside for a moment? Her Majesty would like to take a short rest and then step forward as chairman.”
Hyeon only made gestures without saying a word, but it was obvious. When Ra-sun understood like a ghost and chased away Cecilia and Count Epernon, Hyeon smiled happily. And as soon as the two were left alone, Ra-sun started nagging Hyeon.
“I’ve told you this many times, Your Majesty, for the sake of your health you need to lose weight. Please listen to my advice.”
But Hyeon didn't move despite Ra-sun's words. She said, lying leisurely in her chair.
“Who said that if you eat delicious food, you won’t gain weight. But why do I gain weight? Isn’t it really strange?”
Hyeon said that and laughed out loud. In front of her, Ra-sun just sighed deeply. Ra-sun muttered as if she was upset.
“But that naked woman...”
It seemed that Ra-sun had noticed that Cecilia was ignoring Hyeon. Hyeon was certainly an ugly woman by Baluar’s standards. More than anything, Ra-sun was upset that her master was being treated like this.
“Ra-sun.”
When Hyeon quietly called her name, Ra-sun lowered her head with a dejected expression. Hyeon continued to speak to Ra-sun in a soft voice.
“What does it matter what others think of me? Have I sinned against them?”
“...No.”
“I understand your frustration, but don’t go any further. That’s not for my good.”
“I am sorry, Your Majesty.”
As Ra-sun tried to kneel on the floor, Hyeon waved his hand. As Ra-sun sat up again, Hyeon spoke to her in a sly tone.
“You still lack mental training. Practice more diligently.”
“...”
Ra-sun felt somehow drawn into Hyeon. Hyeon smiled at Ra-sun and asked.
“By the way, did you say that woman is coming to the banquet too?”
“Is this what Erzenes said?”
“Yeah. I really like her. She has a different look in her eyes.”
Ra-sun answered indifferently to Hyeon, who was speaking with sparkling eyes.
“Unlike in Ryeo, married women are not allowed to move around freely in Baluar.”
“But the opponent is Shan Cirxus.”
“...”
Rasun couldn't refute the mention of Shan Cirxus. Shan Cirxus was one of the reasons why Hyeon came to the Baluar Empire. If it is confirmed that Shan Cirxus is 'him'...
Ra-sun, who had been lost in thought for a moment, came to his senses at Hyeon's subsequent words.
“I want to take her to the Kingdom of Ryeo.”
Ra-sun said, looking at Hyeon, who was already excited about taking Erzenes to the Kingdom of Ryeo.
“Isn’t it just a glance exchange? It is said that you can know the depth of ten feet of water, but not the heart of a one-foot person.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on her while I’m staying in Baluar.”
Hyeon said that and smiled. Ra-sun suddenly became anxious at her laughter. But before Ra-sun could say anything, Hyeon got up from her seat. The sleeves of her clothes, which were draped in a fluttering manner, fluttered elegantly. Hyeon said, straightening the sleeves.
“Let’s go to the banquet hall. There are a lot of people waiting for us.”
She declared, raising her head haughtily.
“Let’s give the Baluar country bumpkins a taste of Ryeo’s superiority.”
The sound of the trumpet echoing throughout the banquet hall immediately attracted everyone's attention.
Elze and Raymond, and even Shan and the Duke of Seraph, looked at the entrance to the hall. Elze let out a sigh of relief. Thanks to the Queen's appearance at the right time, it seemed that the destruction of the banquet hall had been prevented.
The first to appear was the Queen of Ryeo. She was wearing a dress of Ryeo made of silk.
The red cloth that dragged along the floor was adorned with gorgeous embroidery that was dazzling to the eye. The golden dragon that filled the hem had small gold decorations on each scale, so it shone dazzlingly whenever it caught the light. The sleeves were long and voluminous, and the curved beads attached to every corner of the clothes made a small sound as they clanked.
Behind the Queen, two lines of envoys from Ryeo followed. The splendor of the atmosphere, which was completely different from that of Baluar, was enough to captivate the nobles.
And Elze found Cecilia and Crown Princess Iarin next to the Queen. Cecilia had an arrogant expression on her face as if the pouring gazes were her own.
Iarin seemed to be running out of energy, and her face was a little pale. She walked quietly, and compared to Cecilla, her presence was noticeably lacking. Today, too, she was wearing a dress with her collar turned up, which looked stuffy.
The Queen first greeted Raymond, who could be called the host of the banquet hall. Cecilia, who was at the Queen's side, interpreted the greeting in Ryeo.
“Thank you for your hospitality, Your Highness.”
“Thank you for your hospitality, Your Highness.”
As she watched their conversation, Elze was sure that Ryeo was speaking Korean. It was a really strange feeling. Korean that she had encountered in a place she had never expected to see...
Elze, who had been feeling like a bystander in a dream, soon came to her senses. It was because the Queen was looking at Elze. Since Ryeo prioritized women, it was natural for her to talk to Elze, the woman standing next to him, after greeting Raymond.
"What is your name?"
Elze, who was about to answer the Queen's question naturally, closed her mouth in a huff. She didn't want to show off that she could speak Ryeo and have to suffer through the interpreter shuttle while the delegation was in Baluar. After thinking it over, Elze decided to make Cecilia suffer a little more and waited for the interpreter to come.
“The Queen...”
But Cecilia stopped trying to interpret. She hesitated with a very troubled expression on her face and then blurted out something that was like a bolt from the blue.
“The madam acted rudely...”
What the hell are you talking about? Elze was dumbfounded.
However, unlike Elze who understood everything, the people around her who knew that Cecilia's words were true were in an uproar. Raymond, who was flustered, tried to handle the situation first.
“My lady has been rude... It seems the Queen has misunderstood.”
“Let me explain it to you better.”
Cecilia bowed politely to Raymond, but instead of explaining, she went even further and started spouting nonsense at the Queen.
“The Countess seems embarrassed. She is a shy person by nature...”
Not only was it an attempt to sow discord between the Queen and Elze, but it was also an attempt to properly humiliate Elze in front of the Crown Prince, his wife, and other nobles. From Elze's perspective, it was something that would drive her crazy and make her jump for joy.
The face of the Count of Epernon, who was watching from the side, seemed to have turned pale. The Count, who knew the language, seemed to know that his foolish daughter was doing something that might cause a diplomatic conflict.
During everyone’s commotion, Shan grabbed Elze's hand. Feeling the warmth of his hand, her sad heart felt a little better. Elze sighed inwardly as she held Shan’s hand. It seemed that being an interpreter shuttle would be better than being a poor Countess who had been caught by the Queen.
Elze let go of Shan's hand and took a small step forward.
"Your Majesty the Queen."
Looking at the black eyes looking at her, Elze opened her mouth calmly.
"It seems that Lady Cecilia misunderstood. I am not embarrassed, nor am I shy."
Then she grabbed the hem of her dress, slightly bent her knees, and bowed.
"My name is Erzenes Targayel. It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty."
The room fell silent as Elze's fluent language flowed from her mouth. Everyone was looking at Elze.
Elze was taken aback when she realized that the gazes directed at her were more than just a surprise. It was a much stronger reaction than she had expected. Elze had never thought that her ability to speak the Ryeo language would be such a big deal. She had just thought that she was good at the Ryeo language and that it would be passed over.
In fact, there was one thing that Elze was mistaken about. The Ryeo language, which Elze had regarded as just another foreign language, was considered the most difficult language for the people of the continent.
Because it was completely different from the continental language, from pronunciation to grammar and spelling, it required much more time and effort than learning most foreign languages.
Crucially, the Ryeo language was a language that had no way to be learned.
Unlike luxury goods like porcelain that could be imported and brought in, language was not something that could be learned with just a few books. To learn how to read and write, as well as how to listen and speak, a citizen of the kingdom of Ryeo was needed to teach him the language of Ryeo.
However, because the Kingdom of Ryeo was so closed off, it was not easy to even meet them. Even the Count of Epernon, who had some ongoing exchanges with the Kingdom of Ryeo, had to learn the Ryeo language after much hardship.
But now, Elze was speaking the Ryeo language very fluently. It was nothing special for Elze, who had memories of her past life since the Ryeo language was identical to Korean, but it was a huge deal for others.
“...”
Cecilia looked at Elze with a pale face. Her eyes were wide open and she was stiff, looking as if she might collapse at any moment.
And there was another man who was on the verge of collapse, the Count of Epernon. He knew that Cecilia had lied, but since there was no one here who could speak Ryeo, he thought it was something he could ask.
But out of nowhere, Elze understood the language and told the Queen the truth. Not only was Cecilia hated by the Queen, but if Elze had just smiled here, the entire Epernon would have been in danger.
As an interpreter for an important state guest, Cecilia lied out of personal feelings. Not only was it an act that could cause diplomatic problems, but it was also something that could lead to the Epernon family being accused of treason.
This was especially true because he knew how much effort Crown Prince Raymond had put into welcoming this delegation. The Count of Epernon was panting, barely able to breathe. He looked at Elze with an earnest, almost pleading expression.
Even if it wasn't Cecilia and the Count of Epernon, everyone was surprised with various expressions. During everyone's deathly silence, the Queen smiled brightly. She spoke in a joyful voice.
“This is impossible... I never thought I would hear such a fluent Ryeo language in Baluar.”
Unlike Cecilla, who had some awkwardness, Elze's pronunciation was straight and precise, and anyone who heard it would think it was perfect. The Queen was very pleased, praising Elze's skills.
"Can I call you Erzenes?"
"Of course, Your Majesty."
Anyone could see that the atmosphere between the two was warm. It was difficult to believe Cecilla's words that the Queen had pointed out that Elze was rude.
As the mood became strange, his eyes turned suspiciously toward Cecilia, who had interpreted it with a negative nuance.
Rumors were common in high society that Cecilia was obsessed with Shan Cirxus and that she had thrown a tantrum when she heard he was getting married. Rumors were rife that she had done it on purpose.
"Ah..."
Cecilla was not unaware of the atmosphere. Tears were already welling up in her eyes as she looked around in confusion. However, knowing that if she spoke wrongly here, the situation would get worse, Cecilia could not even make an excuse.
“...Ahem.”
Raymond coughed briefly. His face was hard. Judging from the tightly furrowed brows, he was quick-witted and had already guessed the general context. Raymond was about to question Cecilia.
"Your Highness."
He turned around at Elze's call. Elze bowed her head slightly to him and said.
“There was confusion in the interpretation.”
"...That."
“Fortunately, it was resolved well, so you don’t have to worry.”
He stared at Elze. He tried to say something but then closed his mouth. Elze felt a prickle on her scalp under Raymond’s gaze.
She knew why he was looking at her like that. It must have been because he was wondering why she was trying to just let it go without condemning Cecilla, who had put her in such a difficult situation with such a ridiculous accusation.
Of course, she would have liked to grab Cecilia by the hair. Elze wasn't such a kind person. She wasn't generous enough to forgive Cecilia for what she had done.
But some things take priority over personal feelings. This was a banquet hall with many people watching, and it was a place to welcome state guests.
Exposing Cecilia's faults here may feel good in the short term, but in the end, it was Crown Princess Iarin who would have to take all the blame.
It was a ceremony she had overseen. Just like the system of guilt by association, Cecilia's sins would become Iarin's sins and would be talked about for a long time. Iarin had a narrow social standing to begin with. She didn't want to see people look down on her and belittle her because of something like this.
Friend... Iarin became Elze’s friend.
In Baluar, Elze had no friends she could confide in. Elijah was like family to her, and Shan, who she thought was the closest thing to a friend, had become her husband. Elze wanted to be good to her only friend, Iarin, and she was able to make this kind of decision for her.
“...Okay, then.”
Crown Prince Raymond did not ask any further questions, perhaps because he understood Elze's intentions. Elze gave a brief thank you and raised her head. Then, her eyes met Cecilia’s.
“...”
Cecilia had a complex expression on her face, and when their eyes met, she quickly turned her head away. Elze saw her biting her lower lip as if it was going to burst. It seemed like she was more concerned about her own pride being hurt than about being grateful to Elze.
Anyway, you annoying bitch. You should know that you survived thanks to Iarin.
Elze thought that to herself and then stopped. It was for Iarin anyway, and she didn't expect anything from Cecilia.
Raymond gestured to the maids, and then without even looking at Cecilia he gave them orders.
“It seems that Lady Cecilia is very tired, so guide her to the break room.”
“To Madam...”
The slowly rising corners of the lips and the secretly shining blue-gray eyes brought about strange imaginations. A deep voice clung to my ear.
“There is so much I want to show you.”
...It was the first time that the phrase ‘what I want to show you’ sounded so sexually connoted.
Elze was helpless in the face of the onslaught of the sophisticated pervert. It would have been different if he had drawn his sword and fought with all his might, but this kind of attack was really poison to Elze. They say that beatings are the best medicine for perverts, but the thought of just beating them up over and over was stirring inside Elze.
As Duke Seraph was going back and forth between the lines, Shan, whose patience had reached rock bottom, finally couldn't hold it in any longer and stepped forward.
“Take it easy, Your Excellency.”
“Take it easy.”
Duke Seraph repeated Shan's words. There was a faint sarcasm in his tone. Shan narrowed his eyes and said.
“Because I tend to be a bit jealous.”
Shan took a step forward. The distance between Duke Seraph and Shan was less than a span. Shan spoke in a threatening manner, keeping a threatening distance.
“I can’t stand to see this sight.”
“...”
Duke Seraph laughed silently, and Shan laughed along with him. Then Shan asked in a soft voice.
“Are you curious about how I will act now...?”
No, I'm not curious at all...!
Elze wanted to tear him apart. If he went any further, Shan would be ready to throw his glove at Duke Seraph. And the moment Shan threw his glove and challenged him to a duel, today's banquet would go out of control.
The Queen of Ryeu, a state guest, had arrived, but no one was thinking about attending the banquet. The banquet was on the verge of ruin, but even Crown Prince Raymond, who should have stopped it, was happily watching.
Elze was considering just pretending to be crazy and dragging Shan out to go somewhere else when a trumpet sounded throughout the hall. With Crown Prince Raymond and other important guests already in, there was only one trumpet left to sound.
It was the trumpet sound announcing the Queen's appearance.
***
It was truly a boring and uninteresting country.
Queen of the Kingdom of Ryeo, Ryeo Hyeon, thought so. She had high expectations for the most powerful empire on the continent.
She had imagined the empire to be an advanced culture, but contrary to her expectations, the Baluar Empire was no different from any other country on the continent. Except for the exotic splendor that was a bit of a feast for the eyes, it was just a big, stupid place.
Of course, there might be something huge that Hyeon couldn't see. But at least not yet.
The way they looked down on women was the same as in other countries. The way they forced themselves into that mold and reduced themselves was the same, to the point where it was almost yawn-worthy.
The woman who had come forward for the ceremony, the Crown Princess, was so timid that she seemed like she would faint if Hyeon had shouted at her even once.
The same was true of the noble lady named Cecilia, who claimed to be able to speak the language of Ryeo and acted as an interpreter. Despite being a small child, she had high self-esteem. Perhaps because she was raised like that, she seemed unable to even think that she was inferior to someone. How well would she be able to conduct ceremonies with such an attitude?
Hyeon had already noticed the faint contempt mixed in Cecilia’s eyes as she looked at her. She might think she was hiding it well, but the inner strength of a noble lady who had only been in the social circles for a few years and Hyeon, the Queen who led a country, was completely different. Hyeon could easily find out the emotions she had hidden.
However, there was one thing she liked about her, and that was that she spoke the Ryeo language quite well. She stuttered a little and made mistakes, but it was not too much of a problem in communicating. When Cecilia had difficulty, her father, the Count of Epernon, helped her.
It was a relationship that would end if she was just used as an interpreter anyway. Hyeon didn't care how she viewed her. Wasting her emotions unnecessarily was just tiring.
"You must go to the banquet hall soon."
At Cecilia's words, Hyeon nodded leisurely and gestured to Ra-sun. Then Ra-sun spoke to Cecilia.
“Would you please step aside for a moment? Her Majesty would like to take a short rest and then step forward as chairman.”
Hyeon only made gestures without saying a word, but it was obvious. When Ra-sun understood like a ghost and chased away Cecilia and Count Epernon, Hyeon smiled happily. And as soon as the two were left alone, Ra-sun started nagging Hyeon.
“I’ve told you this many times, Your Majesty, for the sake of your health you need to lose weight. Please listen to my advice.”
But Hyeon didn't move despite Ra-sun's words. She said, lying leisurely in her chair.
“Who said that if you eat delicious food, you won’t gain weight. But why do I gain weight? Isn’t it really strange?”
Hyeon said that and laughed out loud. In front of her, Ra-sun just sighed deeply. Ra-sun muttered as if she was upset.
“But that naked woman...”
It seemed that Ra-sun had noticed that Cecilia was ignoring Hyeon. Hyeon was certainly an ugly woman by Baluar’s standards. More than anything, Ra-sun was upset that her master was being treated like this.
“Ra-sun.”
When Hyeon quietly called her name, Ra-sun lowered her head with a dejected expression. Hyeon continued to speak to Ra-sun in a soft voice.
“What does it matter what others think of me? Have I sinned against them?”
“...No.”
“I understand your frustration, but don’t go any further. That’s not for my good.”
“I am sorry, Your Majesty.”
As Ra-sun tried to kneel on the floor, Hyeon waved his hand. As Ra-sun sat up again, Hyeon spoke to her in a sly tone.
“You still lack mental training. Practice more diligently.”
“...”
Ra-sun felt somehow drawn into Hyeon. Hyeon smiled at Ra-sun and asked.
“By the way, did you say that woman is coming to the banquet too?”
“Is this what Erzenes said?”
“Yeah. I really like her. She has a different look in her eyes.”
Ra-sun answered indifferently to Hyeon, who was speaking with sparkling eyes.
“Unlike in Ryeo, married women are not allowed to move around freely in Baluar.”
“But the opponent is Shan Cirxus.”
“...”
Rasun couldn't refute the mention of Shan Cirxus. Shan Cirxus was one of the reasons why Hyeon came to the Baluar Empire. If it is confirmed that Shan Cirxus is 'him'...
Ra-sun, who had been lost in thought for a moment, came to his senses at Hyeon's subsequent words.
“I want to take her to the Kingdom of Ryeo.”
Ra-sun said, looking at Hyeon, who was already excited about taking Erzenes to the Kingdom of Ryeo.
“Isn’t it just a glance exchange? It is said that you can know the depth of ten feet of water, but not the heart of a one-foot person.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on her while I’m staying in Baluar.”
Hyeon said that and smiled. Ra-sun suddenly became anxious at her laughter. But before Ra-sun could say anything, Hyeon got up from her seat. The sleeves of her clothes, which were draped in a fluttering manner, fluttered elegantly. Hyeon said, straightening the sleeves.
“Let’s go to the banquet hall. There are a lot of people waiting for us.”
She declared, raising her head haughtily.
“Let’s give the Baluar country bumpkins a taste of Ryeo’s superiority.”
***
The sound of the trumpet echoing throughout the banquet hall immediately attracted everyone's attention.
Elze and Raymond, and even Shan and the Duke of Seraph, looked at the entrance to the hall. Elze let out a sigh of relief. Thanks to the Queen's appearance at the right time, it seemed that the destruction of the banquet hall had been prevented.
The first to appear was the Queen of Ryeo. She was wearing a dress of Ryeo made of silk.
The red cloth that dragged along the floor was adorned with gorgeous embroidery that was dazzling to the eye. The golden dragon that filled the hem had small gold decorations on each scale, so it shone dazzlingly whenever it caught the light. The sleeves were long and voluminous, and the curved beads attached to every corner of the clothes made a small sound as they clanked.
Behind the Queen, two lines of envoys from Ryeo followed. The splendor of the atmosphere, which was completely different from that of Baluar, was enough to captivate the nobles.
And Elze found Cecilia and Crown Princess Iarin next to the Queen. Cecilia had an arrogant expression on her face as if the pouring gazes were her own.
Iarin seemed to be running out of energy, and her face was a little pale. She walked quietly, and compared to Cecilla, her presence was noticeably lacking. Today, too, she was wearing a dress with her collar turned up, which looked stuffy.
The Queen first greeted Raymond, who could be called the host of the banquet hall. Cecilia, who was at the Queen's side, interpreted the greeting in Ryeo.
“Thank you for your hospitality, Your Highness.”
“Thank you for your hospitality, Your Highness.”
As she watched their conversation, Elze was sure that Ryeo was speaking Korean. It was a really strange feeling. Korean that she had encountered in a place she had never expected to see...
Elze, who had been feeling like a bystander in a dream, soon came to her senses. It was because the Queen was looking at Elze. Since Ryeo prioritized women, it was natural for her to talk to Elze, the woman standing next to him, after greeting Raymond.
"What is your name?"
Elze, who was about to answer the Queen's question naturally, closed her mouth in a huff. She didn't want to show off that she could speak Ryeo and have to suffer through the interpreter shuttle while the delegation was in Baluar. After thinking it over, Elze decided to make Cecilia suffer a little more and waited for the interpreter to come.
“The Queen...”
But Cecilia stopped trying to interpret. She hesitated with a very troubled expression on her face and then blurted out something that was like a bolt from the blue.
“The madam acted rudely...”
What the hell are you talking about? Elze was dumbfounded.
However, unlike Elze who understood everything, the people around her who knew that Cecilia's words were true were in an uproar. Raymond, who was flustered, tried to handle the situation first.
“My lady has been rude... It seems the Queen has misunderstood.”
“Let me explain it to you better.”
Cecilia bowed politely to Raymond, but instead of explaining, she went even further and started spouting nonsense at the Queen.
“The Countess seems embarrassed. She is a shy person by nature...”
Not only was it an attempt to sow discord between the Queen and Elze, but it was also an attempt to properly humiliate Elze in front of the Crown Prince, his wife, and other nobles. From Elze's perspective, it was something that would drive her crazy and make her jump for joy.
The face of the Count of Epernon, who was watching from the side, seemed to have turned pale. The Count, who knew the language, seemed to know that his foolish daughter was doing something that might cause a diplomatic conflict.
During everyone’s commotion, Shan grabbed Elze's hand. Feeling the warmth of his hand, her sad heart felt a little better. Elze sighed inwardly as she held Shan’s hand. It seemed that being an interpreter shuttle would be better than being a poor Countess who had been caught by the Queen.
Elze let go of Shan's hand and took a small step forward.
"Your Majesty the Queen."
Looking at the black eyes looking at her, Elze opened her mouth calmly.
"It seems that Lady Cecilia misunderstood. I am not embarrassed, nor am I shy."
Then she grabbed the hem of her dress, slightly bent her knees, and bowed.
"My name is Erzenes Targayel. It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty."
The room fell silent as Elze's fluent language flowed from her mouth. Everyone was looking at Elze.
Elze was taken aback when she realized that the gazes directed at her were more than just a surprise. It was a much stronger reaction than she had expected. Elze had never thought that her ability to speak the Ryeo language would be such a big deal. She had just thought that she was good at the Ryeo language and that it would be passed over.
In fact, there was one thing that Elze was mistaken about. The Ryeo language, which Elze had regarded as just another foreign language, was considered the most difficult language for the people of the continent.
Because it was completely different from the continental language, from pronunciation to grammar and spelling, it required much more time and effort than learning most foreign languages.
Crucially, the Ryeo language was a language that had no way to be learned.
Unlike luxury goods like porcelain that could be imported and brought in, language was not something that could be learned with just a few books. To learn how to read and write, as well as how to listen and speak, a citizen of the kingdom of Ryeo was needed to teach him the language of Ryeo.
However, because the Kingdom of Ryeo was so closed off, it was not easy to even meet them. Even the Count of Epernon, who had some ongoing exchanges with the Kingdom of Ryeo, had to learn the Ryeo language after much hardship.
But now, Elze was speaking the Ryeo language very fluently. It was nothing special for Elze, who had memories of her past life since the Ryeo language was identical to Korean, but it was a huge deal for others.
“...”
Cecilia looked at Elze with a pale face. Her eyes were wide open and she was stiff, looking as if she might collapse at any moment.
And there was another man who was on the verge of collapse, the Count of Epernon. He knew that Cecilia had lied, but since there was no one here who could speak Ryeo, he thought it was something he could ask.
But out of nowhere, Elze understood the language and told the Queen the truth. Not only was Cecilia hated by the Queen, but if Elze had just smiled here, the entire Epernon would have been in danger.
As an interpreter for an important state guest, Cecilia lied out of personal feelings. Not only was it an act that could cause diplomatic problems, but it was also something that could lead to the Epernon family being accused of treason.
This was especially true because he knew how much effort Crown Prince Raymond had put into welcoming this delegation. The Count of Epernon was panting, barely able to breathe. He looked at Elze with an earnest, almost pleading expression.
Even if it wasn't Cecilia and the Count of Epernon, everyone was surprised with various expressions. During everyone's deathly silence, the Queen smiled brightly. She spoke in a joyful voice.
“This is impossible... I never thought I would hear such a fluent Ryeo language in Baluar.”
Unlike Cecilla, who had some awkwardness, Elze's pronunciation was straight and precise, and anyone who heard it would think it was perfect. The Queen was very pleased, praising Elze's skills.
"Can I call you Erzenes?"
"Of course, Your Majesty."
Anyone could see that the atmosphere between the two was warm. It was difficult to believe Cecilla's words that the Queen had pointed out that Elze was rude.
As the mood became strange, his eyes turned suspiciously toward Cecilia, who had interpreted it with a negative nuance.
Rumors were common in high society that Cecilia was obsessed with Shan Cirxus and that she had thrown a tantrum when she heard he was getting married. Rumors were rife that she had done it on purpose.
"Ah..."
Cecilla was not unaware of the atmosphere. Tears were already welling up in her eyes as she looked around in confusion. However, knowing that if she spoke wrongly here, the situation would get worse, Cecilia could not even make an excuse.
“...Ahem.”
Raymond coughed briefly. His face was hard. Judging from the tightly furrowed brows, he was quick-witted and had already guessed the general context. Raymond was about to question Cecilia.
"Your Highness."
He turned around at Elze's call. Elze bowed her head slightly to him and said.
“There was confusion in the interpretation.”
"...That."
“Fortunately, it was resolved well, so you don’t have to worry.”
He stared at Elze. He tried to say something but then closed his mouth. Elze felt a prickle on her scalp under Raymond’s gaze.
She knew why he was looking at her like that. It must have been because he was wondering why she was trying to just let it go without condemning Cecilla, who had put her in such a difficult situation with such a ridiculous accusation.
Of course, she would have liked to grab Cecilia by the hair. Elze wasn't such a kind person. She wasn't generous enough to forgive Cecilia for what she had done.
But some things take priority over personal feelings. This was a banquet hall with many people watching, and it was a place to welcome state guests.
Exposing Cecilia's faults here may feel good in the short term, but in the end, it was Crown Princess Iarin who would have to take all the blame.
It was a ceremony she had overseen. Just like the system of guilt by association, Cecilia's sins would become Iarin's sins and would be talked about for a long time. Iarin had a narrow social standing to begin with. She didn't want to see people look down on her and belittle her because of something like this.
Friend... Iarin became Elze’s friend.
In Baluar, Elze had no friends she could confide in. Elijah was like family to her, and Shan, who she thought was the closest thing to a friend, had become her husband. Elze wanted to be good to her only friend, Iarin, and she was able to make this kind of decision for her.
“...Okay, then.”
Crown Prince Raymond did not ask any further questions, perhaps because he understood Elze's intentions. Elze gave a brief thank you and raised her head. Then, her eyes met Cecilia’s.
“...”
Cecilia had a complex expression on her face, and when their eyes met, she quickly turned her head away. Elze saw her biting her lower lip as if it was going to burst. It seemed like she was more concerned about her own pride being hurt than about being grateful to Elze.
Anyway, you annoying bitch. You should know that you survived thanks to Iarin.
Elze thought that to herself and then stopped. It was for Iarin anyway, and she didn't expect anything from Cecilia.
Raymond gestured to the maids, and then without even looking at Cecilia he gave them orders.
“It seems that Lady Cecilia is very tired, so guide her to the break room.”
The maids approached Cecilia cautiously. They led Cecilia to the resting room. Cecilia followed the maids with her head bowed. It was a shabby exit, unlike her grand entrance.
After Cecilia stepped aside, Raymond turned to Elze and said.
“I would like the Countess to take over Her Majesty’s interpretation duties.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
And Raymond looked at the Count of Epernon. The Count of Epernon already had a face that looked ten years older. Raymond glared at him and spoke slowly.
“...The Count of Epernon, please speak with me for a moment.”
And Raymond disappeared, leading the Count of Epernon, who had become thoughtful.
As soon as Raymond disappeared, the people in the banquet hall began to speak as if they had been waiting for it. During the banquet hall that had become noisy in an instant, Shan’s hand gently placed on Elze's shoulder and squeezed it gently.
“Erzenes...”
There was a deep sense of worry in the name he called. Elze smiled to reassure him that she was okay.
Shan looked like he had a lot to say. But instead of saying anything at length, he just said a few words.
“I wish I could come home early.”
There must be a lot of things to be curious about. She could see the future where Shan would be tormented by questions. At that moment, a leisurely voice was heard from Elze's side.
"What a fun country. Is that your husband?"
"Your Majesty...?"
How could she understand the common language? The Queen winked at the surprised Elze and said.
"I never said I couldn't speak the common language."
No, what is this situation? Elze looked around in confusion. However, Elze was the only one here who understood the Ryeo language. Everyone just looked at Elze with curious eyes, wondering what she was talking about with the Queen.
Among the information conveyed for the purpose of protocol was the Queen's ability to speak the official language. It was said that the only official language she could speak was simple greetings, and not enough to understand conversation.
A woman who seemed to be a courtier next to the Queen muttered in a low voice. It seemed that it was a secret that the Queen was fluent in the common language. The Queen smiled and added one more word.
"Ah, of course, the Ryeo language is more convenient. I don't feel like speaking the official language because it's inconvenient."
It felt like something had hit the back of her head, but it didn't feel like it. Elze was just blankly staring, and the Queen smiled and said to her.
"I trust you to keep my secret."
“...Yes, Your Majesty.”
Well, what can I do? After all, Elze's job was to make the Queen comfortable as a courtesy. If she didn't want to speak the common language, then she had to do it. The Queen, seeing Elze's cool nod, laughed out loud as if she was so happy about something.
"Okay. Help me enjoy my banquet."
The Queen happily walked around the banquet hall with Elze right next to her. And since anyone who wanted to talk to the Queen had to go through Elze, all the nobles in the hall clung to Elze.
Everyone was anxious and in a state of chaos. Thanks to everyone looking for Elze, Elze enjoyed unwanted popularity and worked hard as an interpreter.
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