Translator: Nox

Chapter 23

Ilenne found herself questioning if a barbarian could truly be this fragile.

The people of Makaeri she had encountered previously were all sturdy and physically imposing. Elfreda was certainly tall, but her complexion possessed a sickly pallor, and her frame was so wasted away that she looked as though she might snap. Her recent brush with death in the water had clearly drained her, yet the extreme deviation from the typical Makaeri physique made a deep impact on Ilenne.

Since Ilenne was the sole handmaid stationed at the Central Palace, the responsibility for Elfreda’s recovery fell entirely on her shoulders.

Regardless of her personal feelings, the woman was destined to be the Queen. Because the King required this marriage to proceed, Ilenne dedicated herself fully to the girl’s rehabilitation.

“Help… somebody help me…”

Elfreda’s feverish state was filled with low moans and constant whimpering. The trauma of the pond seemed to haunt her sleep. At the start, Ilenne found the repetitive sounds grating, but as time passed, the sight of that tear-stained face began to evoke a sense of pity.

She wondered if her sympathy stemmed from seeing a future queen looking so malnourished she appeared never to have eaten a full meal. Or perhaps it was the realization that this girl was a total stranger in a land where she had no allies, having only just escaped a watery grave.

For whatever reason, the task became less burdensome than Ilenne had anticipated. The more time she spent by the bedside, the more her initial doubts began to fade.

It wasn’t merely the princess’s physical weakness or the pervasive sadness in her gaze that changed Ilenne’s mind.

“I am grateful, Ilenne. Your kindness means so much.”

“Please forgive me, Ilenne. I know I am a burden to you.”

Elfreda offered thanks and apologies for the most trivial matters. Ilenne noted how the girl seemed strangely timid, always watching for the reactions of those around her.

This behavior seemed entirely at odds with her reputation as the terrifying princess who had dominated the East and shaken the world. Even a minor noblewoman would usually show less deference to a servant. Her conduct was more reminiscent of a disgraced aristocrat than a conquering princess.

Ilenne had to admit that despite her high birth, Elfreda possessed a gentle spirit that seemed poorly suited for her station.

Slowly, the handmaid began to believe that the princess might not be the malicious monster she had first imagined. It felt almost cruel to maintain such a strict watch over someone who seemed so genuinely sweet.

Still, Ilenne worried she might be growing too soft. In the cutthroat environment of the Machi palace, such compassion could be a liability.

Nevertheless, even if her suspicions weren’t entirely gone, lowering her guard slightly felt right. This had transitioned from a matter of state security to a simple human connection. Within the borders of Machi, Elfreda was utterly alone and defenseless.

As long as there were no signs of treachery, there was no reason to remain so hostile. With that thought, Ilenne decided to treat the princess with more leniency.

“Is she truly someone who deserves such pity?”

The memory of the ethereal Queen at the royal wedding flashed through Ilenne’s mind, only to be interrupted by a voice full of skepticism.

It was Ejnar, sounding troubled.

“I am conflicted about placing you by the Queen’s side. I would hate for this to end in disappointment.”

“Not at all, Sire. Regardless of my personal feelings for her, you need not worry about my loyalty to Machi.”

Ilenne offered her reassurance with absolute conviction.

“Above all else, I remain your devoted servant and a child of this kingdom.”

Inwardly, Ilenne doubted Elfreda would ever betray her trust, though she didn’t voice this. She suspected the future held more intrigue than danger.

The King was acting out of character, and the Queen possessed a strange ability to shift even Ilenne’s hardened perspectives.

---

Elfreda sat in silence, her features heavy with hopelessness.

The prospect of facing a new day filled her with dread. Even back when she was suffering through the exhausting queenhood training, she hadn’t feared the sunrise. Back then, she believed hard work could fix any obstacle.

This situation was different.

This was a knot she couldn’t untie, and it was obvious that things would only deteriorate as the days passed. She had spent the last few days hunting for an answer, only to find every path blocked. This had grown beyond her ability to manage.

She finally reached a conclusion.

She would have to be transparent with His Majesty and beg for his assistance.

Elfreda suspected Ejnar likely already knew what was happening. However, admitting it out loud was a significant step. It would mean publicly acknowledging her own failures and becoming a nuisance to him.

She had hoped to keep the chaos of the inner palace away from him, but it was better to speak up now before a complete disaster occurred.

“Your Highness, a messenger has arrived from the Central Palace.”

The maid’s announcement made Elfreda jump. Her stomach churned at the thought that Ejnar had finally lost patience with her mistakes and was intervening.

“What is… what is it about?” Elfreda asked, her voice shaking.

“I wasn’t told, my lady.”

The lack of information sent her heart into a frantic rhythm.

Elfreda threw on her robe and hurried out of the sleeping quarters. As she entered the drawing room, she spotted a familiar silhouette.

Her pulse, already quick, surged even faster. When the woman turned around at the sound of her entry, Elfreda let out a sharp breath of pure relief.

“Ilenne!”

Overjoyed, Elfreda rushed forward and took the woman’s hands in hers.

“Why are you here? Have you been well?”

“I have, Your Highness. But look at you…”

Ilenne’s expression darkened with concern.

“You look even more frail than the last time I saw you.”

“Oh… do I?”

Elfreda rubbed the back of her head, feeling sheepish under Ilenne’s pitying gaze.

“But why are you here? Is the King alright?”

“Ah.”

Ilenne drew back and performed a formal curtsy.

“I offer my greetings to the matriarch of the crown. I am Ilenne Haegan, and by royal decree, I have been assigned to serve you here at the Solar Palace.”

Elfreda’s face fell into a mask of uncertainty. Watching this, Ilenne felt a pang of hurt at the Queen’s reaction.

She had assumed the news would bring her happiness. During their time at the Central Palace, she felt Elfreda had grown quite fond of her. The girl had always been so apologetic and thankful for everything.

Ilenne felt a momentary surge of resentment, wondering if all those kind words had been a lie. Her annoyance leaked into her tone.

“Does my presence here displease you?”

“No, I am very happy to see you. It’s just…”

Elfreda spoke with painful honesty, her face etched with worry.

“Ilenne, I don’t think being stationed here is good for your future.”

“I don’t follow.”

“When the time comes for you to marry…” Elfreda explained tentatively. “Surely staying at the Central Palace would be better for your reputation than being stuck here. If you were forced into this by the King…”

“That isn’t the case. While it is true I am here on His Majesty’s orders,” Ilenne said, her serious face breaking into a genuine smile, “I am genuinely glad to be in your service.”

“But still…”

“If my presence truly bothers you, tell me. I can take it up with the King myself.”

She looked straight into Elfreda’s eyes, her voice softening.

“The only thing that matters to me is how Your Highness feels about it.”

“Of course I want you here…” Elfreda admitted, though she still seemed hesitant. Ilenne’s mood brightened instantly.

“But—”

“No more ‘buts.’ Nothing else is important.”

Elfreda tried to continue her protest, but Ilenne cut her off.

“I appreciate your concern, but please stop worrying. I am a product of the Central Palace. Even if you decided you didn’t want me, I would still have a place to return to.”

As Elfreda finally began to relax, Ilenne gave her a playful, skeptical look.